Cadets in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) or any of the military Academies may be disenrolled from their program for numerous reasons including but not limited to misconduct, poor academic performance, honor code violations, and medical issues.  

The disenrollment procedure varies among the different military branches and departments involved, but in all instances, the cadet is subject to investigation. At the end of the investigation, the cadet will have the opportunity to dispute disenrollment charges through limited hearing procedures.

The consequences for an involuntary ROTC or Academy disenrollment can be financially tolling as well as preclude a cadet from serving as a commissioned officer later in life. Former ROTC cadets may be required to reimburse the government all financial scholarships they received. Academy cadets may be required to reimburse the government for tuition assistance and/or grants. The amount of money varies from cadet to cadet, but can range from $15,000 to well over $100,000.

In some instances, ROTC and Academy cadets may no longer wish to be enrolled in their program and petition for disenrollment. In these instances, cadets will be required to repay any scholarships/tuition grants or perform two years of active duty as enlisted rank in lieu of repayment. Actual requirements may vary based on the facts and circumstances of each case as well as the recommendations of a cadet’s commanding officer.

In all disenrollment instances, it is important to have an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney at your side to ensure the government properly handles your disenrollment proceedings. The attorneys at Tully Rinckey PLLC are well-versed in ROTC and Academy disenrollment law and have successfully handled disenrollment cases in the past. Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully and Managing Partner and Military attorney Greg Rinckey are both ROTC graduates and possess a comprehensive understanding of the ROTC system. Call Tully Rinckey PLLC at 202.787.1900 to discuss your options.