Episodes
-
DoDMERB Series 4: Vision, Hearing, and Dental Standards
LTC Kirkland and Dr. (COL) Cajigal break down the head and neck medical standards from DoDI 6130.03 that generate the most anxiety for ROTC families. This episode covers eyes and vision, refractive error cutoffs, the spherical equivalent calculation, LASIK and PRK timing, keratoconus, color…
more -
DoDMERB Series 3: Mr. Larry Mullen's Memo on DoDMERB Sucess
If your family is navigating DoDMERB for an ROTC scholarship, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is working the process the wrong way. In this episode, LTC (Ret.) Rob Kirkland and COL (Ret.) Dr. Arthur Cajigal break down Mr. Larry Mullen’s well-known Applicant Reference Guide—the practical...
-
DoDMERB Series 2: Waivers Explained for ROTC Scholarships (2026)
If DoDMERB says "Disqualified," it can feel like the door just slammed shut. But for many competitive ROTC scholarship applicants, that DQ is the start of the waiver review, not the end. In this episode, LTC (Ret.) Rob Kirkland and COL (Ret.) Dr. Arthur Cajigal (former DoDMERB staff and Army ROTC...
-
DoDMERB Series 1: The Truth About DoDMERB (Former DoDMERB Doc Explains)
If your student sees “Disqualified” on DoDMERB, that doesn’t automatically mean the ROTC dream is over. In this episode, Former DoDMERB Physician Dr. Arthur Cajigal breaks down what DoDMERB actually does, who makes decisions, and what happens next when a candidate is marked Qualified, Remedial…
more -
The Real Test of Integrity in the Military (It’s Not What You Think)
Military values like honor, integrity, and courage don’t matter much when everything is calm, supervised, and low-risk. They matter when you’re tired, frustrated, authority is real, and nobody’s watching. Today LTC Kirkland breaks down why military values only hold under pressure if they’ve been...
-
October 2025 ROTC Scholarship Board Trends
The first ROTC scholarship boards (Army, Navy, Air Force) were extremely competitive this cycle, and many strong candidates did not get picked up early. In this episode, we break down what we’re seeing from board results, what profiles were most successful, and what applicants should do right now...
-
ROTC Scholarship Updates for the 2025 Government Shutdown
Concerned about the ROTC scholarship process with this year's government shutdown? Here’s the truth. ROTC programs are strained but operational. Cadre are backfilling furloughed civilian roles, Army slid its October board about two weeks, Navy is pushing candidates to later boards, and Air Force…
more -
Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0
"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate...
-
How the ROTC Scholarship board views Athletics - Scholar, Athlete, Leader Series
Are you a varsity athlete who assumes you have the "Athlete" portion of the ROTC scholarship application locked down? That assumption could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. For ROTC scholarships, being "athletic" isn't just about being on a team—it's about quantifiable leadership and proven...
-
Army ROTC Rebalance and Optimization and Its Impacts
U.S. Army Cadet Command is implementing a strategic rebalance and optimization of the Senior ROTC program. This is a significant change for Army ROTC. The hosts looks at the impacts of these changes and what it means for cadets, parents, and the programs and universities. Press Release
-
Army ROTC - 40-50% of cadets commission into the Guard or Reserve each year!
In this episode of the podcast, Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland discusses options for commissioning into the Army. He explains how ROTC prepares cadets for various service options including active duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve. The discussion highlights the differences between Army ROTC and...
-
Air Force ROTC: Why This Year Was So Tough (and What That Means for You)
Want to become an Air Force Officer? This episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders features LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach discussing the current state of Air Force ROTC, including the challenging scholarship environment and the surprisingly low field training selection rate. Discover the key...
-
Changes to the AFROTC Scholarship for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle
In this episode, we discuss significant updates to the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) for the application year 2024-2025. Key changes include: Reintroduction of the Type 2 Scholarship: After a period of offering only the Type 1 scholarship, the Air Force ROTC has…
more -
Examples of Excellent Navy ROTC Interview Answers
Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Navy ROTC interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Navy ROTC Battalion.
-
Grading Air Force ROTC Interviews
The AFROTC interview, worth upwards of 40% of the AFROTC scholarship score, can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good...
-
Navy ROTC-- Interview with a former Professor of Naval Science
We are pleased to announce that former Auburn University Professor of Naval Science, Captain (U.S. Navy, Retired) Matthew Roberts, will be joining our team as our Navy and Marine Corps ROTC expert. In this episode, we introduce Captain Roberts and obtain his insight on Navy ROTC and the…
more -
Pass or Fail? Feedback on Army ROTC interview answers from Real Candidates
In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from Army ROTC cadets.
-
Sea Cadets: Build an ROTC Leadership Profile
In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested…
more -
Allergies & DoDMERB: Perspective from a Retired Air Force Allergist for ROTC Candidates
In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications. Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most…
more -
Improving your SAT Math with Vinny Madera
Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting…
more -
ACT Math with Specialist Tony Miglio: Preparing for your ROTC Scholarship Application
In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student eyeing an ROTC…
more -
Do the SAT & ACT Still Matter for ROTC Scholarships?
In this episode, we tackle the question of how important standardized testing is for ROTC scholarship applicants, along with Service Academy applicants.
-
The SAT versus the ACT
In this episode, we break down the differences between the SAT and ACT and discuss how they impact your ROTC scholarship.
-
How to Prepare for an ROTC Scholarship as a 9th or 10th Grader
9th and 10th grade students who aspire to win an ROTC Scholarship can start preparing themselves early by focusing on academics, sports, leadership, and character development. By studying hard, joining sports teams, participating in scouting programs or other local clubs, volunteering in…
more -
The Whole Person Concept
The Whole Person Concept is a holistic approach to evaluating candidates for ROTC scholarships. It means that scholarship boards take into consideration not just a candidate’s academic achievements and physical abilities, but also their character, leadership potential, and overall fit for…
more -
DODMERB Disqualification and the Waiver Process
One of the more stressful aspects of qualifying for a ROTC Scholarship or Service Academy appointment is clearing the medical qualification process. In this episode, we talk about why candidates are disqualified from DODMERB and the steps you can take to obtain a waiver. DODMERB Medical History...
-
Lessons Learned from Application Year 2021-2022
LTC Kirkland talks about the lessons he learned from guiding ROTC scholarship candidates through their applications over the past year (2021-2022). The Citadel Tuition and Room and Board Scholarships Texas A&M Room and Board Scholarships
-
The Air Force ROTC Cadre Member and Air Liaison Officer (ALO)
In this episode, the hosts interview an Air Force ROTC cadre member and an Air Liaison Officer (ALO). She gives insights into both roles and provides helpful advice to Air Force ROTC scholarship and well as Air Force Academy applicants.
-
U.S. Space Force and ROTC
The United States Space Force is a separate and distinct branch of the armed services, organized under the Department of the Air Force in a manner very similar to how the Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy. In this episode, the hosts talk to an Air Force Academy graduate…
more -
Interview Preparation Services
The interview preparation services provided by ROTC Scholarship Consulting can make the difference in winning a scholarship. LTC Kirkland in this short episode talks about the importance of the interview and provides an overview of these services.
-
Late in the Year? It‘s not too late to apply for an ROTC scholarship!
High school students and their parents often believe that if they don't start an ROTC application by October that the chances of a scholarship are low. However, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Most ROTC scholarships are awarded after the first of the year and applying later in November...
-
ROTC Program Visits
In this podcast episode, LTC Kirkland gives tips and advice on why ROTC program visits are important before a candidate's ROTC scholarship interview. He also gives advice on how to prepare and put your best foot forward during these visits. Questions to Ask and Not to Ask at an ROTC Interview
-
Premium Podcast Episode Announcement
We are excited to announce our new premium podcast episodes. We have taken the best bits from our previous podcasts and consolidated them--adding additional material that we am sure will be of interest to you. The areas we cover on our premium podcast episodes include interview preparation, the...
-
Air Force ROTC Update June 2021
2020-2021 was not a good year for Air Force ROTC--either with their scholarship process or their management of AS200 (second year) cadets. This episode looks at what happened and the impact it had on both these groups and the subsequent erosion of confidence in Air Force ROTC processes.…
more -
The Military Officer Ethos
Many people know what the words Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor and Integrity mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? Military officers must embody these values in order to succeed and be the best leaders for their subordinates. Those who read your essays or...
-
ROTC to Special Operations & ROTC and participation in Intercollegiate Athletics
In this episode, we will tackle two topics: 1. The likelihood of having a Special Operations assignment after ROTC and the whether such a goal should be mentioned in your ROTC interview. 2. ROTC and participation in Intercollegiate athletics. Whether this is an obtainable objective or not.
-
Five Best Things You can do to be Ready for ROTC in the Fall
The time between getting an ROTC scholarship and starting your program in the fall should be used productively to get off to a good start when you arrive on campus. Make the best use of your time now before you come onto campus in the fall to be the best ROTC cadet or midshipman you can be. This...
-
Navy ROTC Teacher Evaluations and Recommendations
Navy ROTC, Navy ROTC Nurse Option, and Navy ROTC Marine Corps Option scholarship applications require letters of evaluation and recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. In this episode, we discuss how you can best set yourself up for outstanding evaluations from these...
-
College Major and the Scholarship
A scholarship candidate's choice of major can greatly influence the chances of getting selected for an ROTC scholarship. This episode will cover not just how to fashion the selection of major to maximize scholarship chances, but also how the choice of major impacts the time in ROTC as well as...
-
Medical School and ROTC
ROTC is an excellent avenue to eventually become a doctor in the military. An ROTC scholarship, combined with a medical school scholarship or loan forgiveness, can potentially mean zero out of pocket expenses after the conclusion of medical school. The routes are different for each military…
more -
Law School and ROTC
ROTC and Army ROTC in particular is an excellent avenue to eventually become a lawyer in the military. This episode will address how to navigate the route of attending law school immediately following an undergraduate program and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army or Air Force.
-
Which College ROTC Programs are the ”Best?”
Often when we advise candidates and their parents on ROTC programs, we are asked the question if a particular ROTC is “good” or not? Will one particular ROTC program be a better place to be a cadet or midshipman than another school? This episode will attempt to answer this question.
-
You‘ve won an ROTC Scholarship! Now what?
Congratulations on winning an ROTC scholarship! Now what do you do? After you have received notice of the award, there are number of considerations or actions a candidate must weigh (or take) after notification. In this podcast, we look at actionable steps in order to reach your specific goals.
-
Athlete and Leader Activities
The three pillars of a successful ROTC applicant is to have strong Scholar, Athlete, and Leader credentials. In this episode, we talk about the Athlete and Leader activities that will make you stand out to ROTC and help you win a scholarship.
-
Room and Board Match to the ROTC Scholarship and other Incentives
Individual schools who sponsor ROTC on their campuses often give additional monetary incentives for students who are on an ROTC scholarship. This episode will discuss these incentives which include room and board, first-year tuition waivers, and in state recognition for out of state students.…
more -
ROTC Program Visits and Field Trips
Visiting ROTC programs and planning informational "field trips" to National Guard or Reserve military units can help applicants build their knowledge of both ROTC and the military. This episode is an interview with a parent whose son won an Army ROTC and Navy ROTC-Marine Corps option scholarship....
-
The Army Early Commissioning Program (ECP)
In this episode LTC Kirkland talks about the Army Early Commissioning Program (ECP) with former Army Captain John Vandivere, who attended Wentworth Military Academy as an ECP cadet. Rob talks to John about his perspective on the ECP and advice he would give those who are considering the ECP route...
-
The Army ROTC Nursing Program and the Public/Private School Question
This podcast discusses two different topics. The first being Army ROTC Nursing and nursing scholarships. LTC Kirkland talks to a current Army ROTC nursing cadet to get her background and perspective on this program. The final 15 minutes addresses the public versus private college choice and the...
-
ROTC Scholarships and the U.S. Service Academies
There are similarities and differences between ROTC scholarship applications and the process of applying to the U.S. Service Academies. Lisa Hillhouse of Hillhouse College Advising discusses with the host how you can successfully navigate both processes and receive an ROTC scholarship as well as…
more -
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program provides youth from ages 12 and up with training in aerospace education, leadership and physical fitness. The experience in Civil Air Patrol enhances ones "propensity for the military" and can help applicants obtain an ROTC scholarship as well as better prepare...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does ROTC Scholarships have?
ROTC Scholarships currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is ROTC Scholarships about?
ROTC Scholarships
How often does ROTC Scholarships release new episodes?
ROTC Scholarships has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to ROTC Scholarships?
You can listen to ROTC Scholarships on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts ROTC Scholarships?
ROTC Scholarships is created and hosted by Robert Kirkland.
URL copied to clipboard!