I’m a contracted cadet struggling with mental health issues. Won’t I get kicked out of ROTC if I get treatment or go to therapy? Will I need to pay back my scholarship if I’m disenrolled for a mental health condition?

There is a great deal of fear among ROTC cadets facing mental health challenges, but it is important to seek professional help. Know that the military is perfectly aware that some cadets will develop disqualifying medical conditions after enrolling in ROTC.

Also, it is possible for contracted cadets or midshipmen who are medically disenrolled from ROTC to avoid incurring debt. Psychiatric and behavioral health conditions are considered medical conditions.

If fear of removal from ROTC is keeping you from disclosing a mental health condition or seeking treatment, know that it is often far less risky to report in accordance with your ROTC contract and program policy than it is to hide it.

ROTC medical disenrollment

ROTC contracts establish a service obligation in return for a scholarship. As a contracted cadet who is unable to complete ROTC, this leaves two basic options: Completing the service obligation by enlisting for two to four years, or repaying the scholarship money.

Enlisting is not an option if you developed a medical or mental health condition that disqualifies you from military enrollment (see DODI 6130.03, Vol. 1). Fortunately, it may be possible to avoid incurring debt. Cadets and midshipmen who develop a disqualifying medical condition while enrolled in ROTC may be medically disenrolled without an obligation to pay back their scholarship.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN STARS AND STRIPES

Tully Rinckey attorneys understand that ROTC policies and procedures can quickly overwhelm Cadets and their families. They will handle your matter with the attention and tact it deserves. If you have additional questions about navigating mental health or financial concerns with ROTC, our team of attorneys is available to assist you today. Please call 8885294543 to schedule a consultation, or schedule a consultation online.

Heather Tenney, Esq., LL.M. is a Partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s military law, federal employment, and national security law practice groups. She currently serves as the primary attorney for consultation in these areas. Heather brought her skills as an advocate and negotiator to Tully Rinckey after honorably serving with the US Army’s JAG Corps, and the results speak for themselves. At the firm, she focuses on military law; federal employment, EEO and discrimination litigation; disciplinary investigation and MSPB litigation, disability retirement, and national security clearance representation. Heather’s representation in national security and security clearance cases range from high-level military officers to covert operation officers of the CIA, NRO, FBI, DIA and a range of other intelligence agencies. Heather currently serves as Treasurer for the National Security Lawyers Association (NSLA).
This article is for informational purposes only. Its content is not intended to constitute endorsement or legal advice, nor does it establish a client-lawyer relationship with Tully Rinckey PLLC or any of its affiliates.