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Well i'm not much of a talker, but currently as you all know i'm a private first class, and currently
waiting for my money for school. I'm thinking about trying out for Rotc. I got alot of friend saying that the road from cadet to officer is long and hard, But i'm gonna try to make it through.
Any tips for me? I'm going to UH downtown Houston Battalion.
waiting for my money for school. I'm thinking about trying out for Rotc. I got alot of friend saying that the road from cadet to officer is long and hard, But i'm gonna try to make it through.
Any tips for me? I'm going to UH downtown Houston Battalion.
Posted in these groups: 
ROTC
ROTC
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 30
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I am glad that you are considering becoming an Army officer. I work as a Recruiting Operations Officer for an ROTC program in Iowa and it always makes my job easier when someone comes in wanting to start the process. My first recommendation is that you meet with whomever is my counterpart there so you can understand the requirements for the program. Second, if you decide that you want to become an officer, remember you are a student first so academics needs to be foremost in your mind. Third, would say that you should get involved in ROTC so that the cadre knows who you are. The Lieutenant Colonel who is in charge of the program will have to recommend you to contract to be an officer so the cadre will always be looking at your performance both with classes and ROTC. Good luck on your endeavor and if you have any direct questions, hit me up.
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First, go check out the ROTC unit of the campus where you'll be going to school. Call ahead for an appointment. Make sure to disclose who you are and why you're contacting them. They should be able to put you in contact with the "Freshman Advisor" --or some, similarly titled staff member. I'm not sure what the education coffer looks like for the Army. But, there's a possibility that you could get financial assistance (a 2/3-yr scholarship) directly from the unit. But that, of course, will be determined by your academic performance while YOU are funding your education. Hopefully, your campus has a Veterans' Affairs Office as well. I'm sure they could be of some help too.
Great to hear of another young, hard-charger going to secure a degree! Best of luck to you!
Great to hear of another young, hard-charger going to secure a degree! Best of luck to you!
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Capt Mark Strobl
That will time period is usually four years --"average" time to complete a degree. It can be shortened with summer school and heavier class loads. Haven't seen any stats to back this up. But, you most are taking 4 1/2 - 5 years to complete a degree program. I've known some to shorten it down to three years. If you have any credits (military or other schools), make sure to bring transcripts to the admissions office. Depending on the discipline you choose, your school may count your military experience in lieu of "elective" courses.
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1LT William Clardy
PFC Tuan Trang, the pacing item on your commission date will be the date you enter the Advanced ROTC program. That starts a 2-year clock ticking with your ROTC advanced camp taking place during the inter-year summer.
Technically, your "prior service" status can exempt you from the Basic ROTC requirements (the freshman and sophomore years), but I wouldn't recommend it. My experience is definitely dated, but I never found any military leadership classes (nor military history one) to be a waste of time -- I'd rate one ROTC leadership class (not the leadership lab) to be equivalent to at least a couple of upper-level business management courses in terms of usefulness.
Technically, your "prior service" status can exempt you from the Basic ROTC requirements (the freshman and sophomore years), but I wouldn't recommend it. My experience is definitely dated, but I never found any military leadership classes (nor military history one) to be a waste of time -- I'd rate one ROTC leadership class (not the leadership lab) to be equivalent to at least a couple of upper-level business management courses in terms of usefulness.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Just a clarification the 01E pay is not for enlisted service it is for four years of active duty service likely a PFC will not have 4 years of service and would just be a 01 like everybody else with the exception of years in service. I'd also look into the SMP Simultaneous Membership Program it's a joint reserve or guard ROTC assignment where you trail a LT at weekend BA's. It will give you a good experience of the reserve component and basic LT jobs all while continuing your years in service. You can go that route even if you want an active commission. Basically you'll be more informed and paid for 4 more years in service than if you just did ROTC alone. Win win for you and the Army just for 2 days of paid training a month. (typically you won't go to AT due to ROTC requirements)
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Having just commissioned out of ROTC, my tips are to remember that you're a student and then a cadet, and then anything social. Grades play a huge role in ROTC accessions and you're always a Cadet, 24/7, always representing the US Army and your school's BN. Also, keep an open mind; the experiences you bring with you from BCT, AIT, or drill with your unit are great but don't be so stuck in them you're not receptive to working with other Cadets and learning WITH and FROM them, regardless if they have prior service time or not. Everyone leads a little differently and just because someone has no experience coming into ROTC doesn't mean their way won't work.
But most of all, try and enjoy it. Like MAJ Petrarca said, it's difficult, but at the end of the day, only as hard as you make it. And I agree with 2LT Reppert as well; ROTC was one of the best things that happened to me. It made me an Army Officer yes, my crowning achievement thus far, but it also made me a better, more well rounded person.
But most of all, try and enjoy it. Like MAJ Petrarca said, it's difficult, but at the end of the day, only as hard as you make it. And I agree with 2LT Reppert as well; ROTC was one of the best things that happened to me. It made me an Army Officer yes, my crowning achievement thus far, but it also made me a better, more well rounded person.
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