My son and I are travelling from Edmond, Oklahoma this coming Thursday to attend SDWC on Friday. Since I was not in the Corps myself, I'm not a very good resource for him on everything the Corps has to offer and want to make the most of our trip. We will be getting into town around midday on Thursday and I was wondering if there are any suggestions as to anyone we may want to try and visit with that afternoon before the program on Friday.

He knows he wants to join the band. He also knows that he wants to receive a commission upon graduating so we'll be very interested in finding out as much as we can about ROTC scholarships. However, he is kind of wavering a bit about which branch to pursue, what types of jobs are available in each branch, and even what to major in.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Call Col. Hawes in the Office of the Commandant. http://corps.tamu.edu/staff/hawes/

I suspect he can answer every one of your questions, and provide the additional information you didn't know you needed.

I hope your son elects to join. Whether he takes a commission or not, membership in the Corps is an invaluable benefit.

Also address admissions as soon as possible. Particularly get all materials into the Office of Admissions with all due speed and follow up/follow up/verify with Admissions. Seriously identify the top three degree plans desired. -- Case in point - a graduating HS senior was having difficulties completing his admission package because someone had miscoded a document. By the time the issue was resolved, it was far into the admissions window. While he was admitted, his desired degree plan had filled. More unfortunately, when he had applied, he thought it humorous to list undesired alternatives (College of Engineering v. Liberal Arts). When admitted, he was put into the 2nd choice degree plan, with almost no hope of transferring in to Engineering.

Just finished up my four years in the band (B-Battery drummer), taking a little victory lap before graduation. Best experience I ever had. If it's possible, have your son participate in the spend the night program this coming fall and stay with a band outfit. He'll get to experience what a normal morning band rehearsal will be like. Best of luck to him!