mombee

From my Post # 9:
US Code Title 10 is very specific as to nomination sources. That to which the school would be referring is that they are able to nominate three candidates annually through the ROTC route. While this is true, only a total of 20 candidates nationwide from all units combined, both high school and college, can be offered appointments from this source. As with all other nomination sources, many more are nominated than are offered appointments. However, in this case, a true needle in a haystack.

NROTC must complete the same DoDMERB medical examination as service academy candidates. It has been a long while since I had the opportunity to examine the DoDMERB candidate questionnaire but there are questions in reference to academic skill deficiencies/learning disabilities.

For enlisted, this is from the Army disqualification standards. The other services are similiar.

As with the Academy standards, perhaps they are waiverable and would have to be approached on a case-by-case basis.

Again from my first post. Apply but have a plan B.

rangelady

Re-reading this entire thread takes me back to the initial question "Is this a shoo-in?"

No. Not with the SAT/ACT scores you predict. There will be many kids applying with comparable activities and leadership with way higher test scores. The dyslexia is troubling as well, not sure where that will come out in DoDMERB etc.

Maybe his school gets to nominate three candidates? Of course, there will be many, many noms from ROTC nationwide.

JustAMomOf4

This is asked on the medical history q.71:
Have you ever or do you now have - Learning disabilities or speech problems?

When checked yes, you must provide a detailed explanation. The physicians at DODMERB will then review the LD and make a determination.
The DQ would be D231.90 Academic skills defect

https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/docs/dd2492.pdf
https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/Misc...squalcodes.asp

18 Delta

He really wants to be in the service. Is he doomed to be only eligible to the uncommisioned non-officer route, i.e. the enlisted "grunt" or sailor route?

Do you really think that the NCO's were "doomed" in their career choices? Maybe you should tell that to some of my E-7's

beachmom

Enlisting in the military provides plenty of leadership opportunities. My husband is a senior officer who spent the first 10+ years of his career in the enlisted ranks. He was commissioned through the LDO (limited duty officer) program.

The important thing to remember: there are many ways to serve. Best of luck to your friend.

bioeng

Sorry, 18 Delta. Bad choice of words on my part. Mostly out of disappointment for my friend.
Please accept my apology.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

DunninLA

My nephew is a current 3rd year midshipman at the Naval Academy, and doing very well, somewhere in the top 15% of the class. Based on reports from my brother, I second the observation that EFFICIENT studying is paramount. Just as in combat. Midshipmen are running full speed from pre-dawn to lights out. He reports it is exhausting just to watch.

There are many rewarding careers in the military outside the commissioned officer corps. Commissioned officers are expected to be very, very smart, quick on their feet, possess good snap judgement, creative -- all attributes needed to make command decisions in the heat of combat, and affecting the well being and lives of hundreds of good men and women -- and also not coincidentally, required attributes to get As in school and high scores on the SAT/ACT.

I wish the best for this young man. Just as a back-door admittance to a Top 20 university would not be a good fit for such a challenged learner, admittance to the Naval Academy would not be a good fit either. Not fair to the young man! Nobody wants to be in pressure situations without the inborn skills necessary to succeed!