I agree to “what” it is. I am just saying I have never heard of anyone (and I probably know 10-12 off hand) who have ever referred to it as a “scholarship.” It was always “an appointment” whereas “ROTC scholarships” were always referred as such.
Its the terminology that I am speaking of, not the content of the appointment. It simply is not how someone who has gone through the grueling process of applying would describe its culmination.
It’s matter of terms. ROTC scholarships have many of the same requirements that are put upon an academy cadet with hardly any of the perks. There still a minimum of four years commitment to service as well as maintaining scholarship and moral/ethical standards. The bottom line is that is still a scholarship or reimbursement in kind for services rendered and standards maintained. Just a difference in terms used. As far as the grueling process goes, I knew students who applied in high school. It did involve a lot of paperwork, amassing of recommendations and proof of both scholarship and above board personal traits.
Applying for scholarships can be just as demanding for a full-ride with similar demands to maintain standing and reevaluation on a yearly basis.
My appointment offer, on the other hand, involved the same types of demands that had to be shown over a period of months or years.