Potential Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 69

SCHOLARSHIPS There are 52 different types of scholarship opportunities to assist those who display the leadership qualities we look for in our future officers: STUDENT COMMANDER NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS Available to high school students across the country and abroad. Apply the summer prior to senior year, starting the second week of June and is found at www.goarmy.com. It only takes a few minutes to register, and a few documents need to be uploaded. Three and four year scholarships are awarded. If a student is awarded a three year scholarship, there is still plenty of possibility to get an upgrade to a 3 ½ year depending on your fall semester grades and the recommendations of the ROTC command. CAMPUS BASED SCHOLARSHIPS These scholarships are given based off on an OML (Order of Merit List) that the cadre puts together based on performance during the first year in the program, such as coming to all classes, interjecting opinions in classroom discussions, coming to all ROTC physical fitness training sessions in the mornings, and energy in all areas that we expect from future Army officers. Recommendations are given by the ROTC Battalion Commander for a contract, which then are up for discussion with Recruitment Operations Officer, or ROO, for either scholarship contract or non-scholarship contract. Each require different service obligations. ARMY RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD SCHOLARSHIPS These scholarships are available to those currently serving in the Reserve, National Guard, and those thinking about joining. These are Guaranteed Reserve Force Duty (GRFD) and Minuteman Scholarships, which are available to those wanting to serve on a part-time status while working full-time in their career field as a civilian. SHOULD I TAKE JROTC? MSgt Larry D. Smith from the Prattville High JROTC answers your questions: Should teens who aren’t certain about a future in the military join JROTC? “It will provide them with a lot of information about the different branches of the military and how each branch operates. In our program, the cadets have opportunities to visit the bases of the four major branches of service (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines). JROTC answers a lot of questions students have about the military.” Do participants typically enlist? “Probably 1/3 of our senior cadets enter directly into the military.” What are the benefits of JROTC for both teens who are planning to go to college after or go straight into the military? “Discipline, leadership skills, responsibility, teamwork and self-confidence, cadets gain a better understanding of how the military operates.” This can be a great advantage for a teen who thinks they may like the military lifestyle but wants to be sure before committing. Jacory Kirksey (Commander) Prattville High School Air Force Junior ROTC “I have had a great three plus years in the Prattville High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Corp. One of the main things I’ve gained from being in JROTC is discipline. Being a part of the Prattville team has taught me to be more respectful, resourceful and definitely a more responsible young man. JROTC has given me numerous opportunities to lead cadets which really helped to enhance my leadership skills. I feel that experience will help me as I plan to enter the military upon graduation. Being a leader in JROTC has also improved my interpersonal skills because I had to do a lot of interacting with not only cadets from my unit but cadets from other units. Finally, being a part of this organization has given me a real sense of pride.” And of course there is the financial aspect: “Cadets going to college have a good chance to obtain scholarships entering directly into the senior ROTC program at the college level.” Cadets entering directly into the military obtain higher rank for each year they are in JROTC up to the pay grade of E-3.” [Which is $1847/month plus benefits.] www.potentialmagazine.com Winter 2016 | 37