JROTC???

label.xyz

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My school is starting a JROTC program and was planning on joining but since this is my senior year my parents are wondering how much good it will do and suggest I take another AP class instead. Questions, comments, interesting viewpoints?
 
I'm taking it for my 4th year in high school and I recommend you do.

Although it won't help you out much money wise unless you have years or more 2 years+ because you get rank in enlisted you learn how to march which gives you an advantage over others if you do get into the academies.

Edit : Since your unit is just opening that means there is no distinguished unit therefore you cannot get a nomination from your instructors to the academies :(

But...you do lots of community service in there and it does count as an extra curricular activity too which helps.

And its fun! If its another AP class or this, I would personally take JROTC. You will see how great it is and some of the stuff from JROTC you might see to a more heightened degree at any academy.
 
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I'd do the AP. I did JROTC for four years, but if I were in your situation, I'd definitely take the AP. You may or may not have a lot of EC or community service opportunities with the unit. I certainly did, but that's because I was in a very long-established unit with great instructor backing, and everything was stable. A new unit will not be stable, none of the cadets will have experience, and it will likely be led by instructors for the first few years while the youngest cadets (new freshmen) mature. "Ownership" of the unit will be gradually left to the cadets over time (several years).
It will be more conducive with your attempt at securing an appointment to the AFA to take the AP. Sure, your JROTC unit, like I said, might offer you EC/comm. serv. opportunities, but nothing you couldn't do on your own with an organization like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
JROTC units don't just spring up and BAM they're doing what they're supposed to. They take time to develop. Being a one-year cadet in a new unit before you graduate won't do more for you, in my opinion, than the AP course will.
Do the AP, and at the same time, keep up with your ECs you're already doing, as well as the comm. serv. you're already doing.
 
I agree with SCcandidate2015. I did AFJROTC for four years and I loved it, but the biggest thing it gave me as far as applications go is leadership experience. You will not get that in one year.
 
besides agreeing that another that another AP class would be more valuable than a first year at JrROTC, I would also ask what your other extra-curricular activities and leadership experience is.

1. Are you already doing varsity level sports?
2. Are you already a leader in any of your extra activities?
3. Are you already volunteering time helping those in need?

A lot of people think that JrROTC and scouting somehow give you this automatic advantage when applying to the academies. Must be because they all wear uniforms.3+ years of JrROTC definitely helps you with your academy application. Just like 3+ years of being a member of and a leader in FBLA and 4H does. Being this is your senior year, and your application has to be completed basically by the end of the 1st semester, having 4 months of experience in JrROTC and expecting it to have any impact on your academy application, is basically a waste of your time.

However, if you have a strong passion to do it, then you should. You have a big promising life ahead of you. The academy should not be your goal in life; simply one of many ways at reaching your goals. That's why you need to also be applying to at least 4-5 other colleges and universities. Take the classes, sports, activities, leadership roles, volunteering time, etc... that you WANT to do, because it's what you WANT TO DO. Don't do any of it because you think it will fill some square on your academy application. Do the things and classes that you like. If they happen to be in line with the type of student the academy is looking for, then that will become apparent. If not, you'll realize that too, and maybe what you want and certain expectations happen to be two different things.

But if the academy is truly something you want, and not just another option for post high-school, then spend your time on academics, increased leadership opportunities, sports, volunteering your time, and having a lot of FUN!!! This is your senior year in high school. You won't get it back. Live for today. Best of luck to you. mike....
 
I agree with SCcandidate2015. I did AFJROTC for four years and I loved it, but the biggest thing it gave me as far as applications go is leadership experience. You will not get that in one year.

You have to remember this is a new unit and as far as I know, when there is a senior in a AS1 class that person is the flight commander.
 
Heed CC's advice.

Are you short on EC's and have a ton of AP's, than it is probably wise to do it. However, if you are long on EC's (BSA, NHS VP, FB, LAX, etc.), but will only have 2 APs, it is probably wise to take another AP.

AFA is also known as that Little Engineering School in the Rockies. Academics will be a key component of your life there. Having a strong academic foundation will help you as a C4C.

They want the Whole Candidate.
 
You have to remember this is a new unit and as far as I know, when there is a senior in a AS1 class that person is the flight commander.
And I must let you know that the number of the ways in which JROTC units are run is about as high as the number of JROTC units out there.

JROTC units are basically autonomous. Instructors have HUGE leeway. They can pretty much do what they want. So, that might be true at some schools, but at others it will not be. And, I'm willing to bet that, just because there are so many possibilities as to what the SASI could do, that this will not be the case at the OP's school. Maybe, maybe not. But even if he is made the flight commander, the leadership experience he will gain in that position in a new unit will be negligible compared to the academic rewards he will reap by taking the AP course.
 
One small correction you only need distinguished unit if the academy you’re applying to is a different branch than your JROTC (i.e. applying to the AFA and your JROTC is Army). So if you’re AFJROTC and applying to the AFA you qualify for the ROTC Nom but keep in mind since this is a new unit you SASI may not even know what the process is to even submit the paper work for you. On top of that there are only 20 slots a year for that and it’s not just other JRTOC cadets that fall into this nom, it’s also ROTC (e.g. College ROTC) people that can get this nom. So in my opinion DON’T do it for a nom source.

Listen to CC and PIMA but if I had to chose on what you’ve posted so far I’d say go with the AP class and this coming from a guy that’s a HUGE advocate of JROTC/Scouts/CAP programs.
 
One small correction you only need distinguished unit if the academy you’re applying to is a different branch than your JROTC (i.e. applying to the AFA and your JROTC is Army). So if you’re AFJROTC and applying to the AFA you qualify for the ROTC Nom but keep in mind since this is a new unit you SASI may not even know what the process is to even submit the paper work for you. On top of that there are only 20 slots a year for that and it’s not just other JRTOC cadets that fall into this nom, it’s also ROTC (e.g. College ROTC) people that can get this nom. So in my opinion DON’T do it for a nom source.

Listen to CC and PIMA but if I had to chose on what you’ve posted so far I’d say go with the AP class and this coming from a guy that’s a HUGE advocate of JROTC/Scouts/CAP programs.
Edit: I read it up. If you get honors with the distinguished unit, you can be nominated to any branch while no honors will get you what you core is.

Without

AFJROTC = AFA
NJROTC = NA

With

AFJROTC = Any
NJROTC = Any
 
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Correct. AFJROTC: Distinguished Unit gets you a nom for the AFA; Distinguished Unit with Merit gets you a nom for ANY service academy.
Note: I think the process is that EVERYONE who applies for a JROTC nom GETS the nom, but only 20 can be appointed WITH that nom.
 
That's the thing do not look at JROTC as the way in from a nom perspective. Only 20 can get this appointment. As many ALOs/BGOs have stated it is not something to bank on.

It is sim. to the Presidential or VP scenario (from what I understand). Anyone who qualifies will receive the nom., but only 20 will be charged.

In yrs past the Presidential has had close to 500 noms, yet only 100 will ever be charged.

They will look at the slate and the highest WCS wins the appointment.

I am not sure, but I believe JROTC noms are bulked in with ROTC noms. In other words, the re-applying club that are in ROTC at college would be competing for that same apptmt charged to ROTC as the kid in HS. It is not just for HS kids.

And yes apply for that ROTC nom., because it means you have one more source. As a military dependent you could land up with 6 noms. Pres. VP, 3 MOC's and ROTC. That would be 6 slates you could compete on before going into the national pool.
 
Hey Matt and SC I’m a bit confused about what you said about the JROTC nom and Distinguished Unit… I don’t want to highjack the OP thread so I created a new one under the nomination section. It would be cool if you go and read what I put and help me understand what I got wrong and help me find what you info you got. I just don’t want to give wrong info so if you can set me straight I’d appreciate it.

Link to the new thread I started.

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=21247
 
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OBTW, let's also place into the equation of the competitiveness of your state.

IF you are from N.D. it will not be as competitive as TX, CO, NY, VA. FL.

The EC of JROTC is a smaller % for the WCS than PAR which is 60%.

For a candidate that is from a highly competitive state and has at least some EC's. AP will help them more IMPO because they have a more rigorous course load than the candidate that took JROTC.

The boards look at the rigor and the school profile. AP courses are weighted, JROTC is not. Thus, your class rank would rise with an AP course over JROTC. That will equate into a higher PAR for your WCS.

Before I take:tank::rocket::guns6::rant2: understand my premise is the OP has EC's.

If they have no EC's at all taking 1 yr in JROTC with every AP available will not help them a lot for the WCS, but it will help.

If they have a ton of EC's JROTC for 1 yr will not help them a lot either since they are risking their gpa/rank.

Finally, every poster who has been through this process will say have a PLAN B. Plan B is not another SA. It is a traditional college with ROTC, hopefully scholarship.

People missed what Marist stated

AFA is on par with the Ivies, and unless you feel HYSPPM are matches, you need to have a Plan B. If they are a low reach, than you should be prepared to work both sides of the fence...AFA and AFROTC scholarship.

AFA superscores SAT/ACT. AFROTC DOES NOT! In other words you can have a 1400 for AFA, but according to AFROTC you have a 1320.
AFA does not care about your major, AFROTC does. @80-85% Type 1 and 2 go to tech.
AFA is geographically centered at 1st. (unless Pres). AFROTC is national, they don't care if you are from Talkeetna AK or McKinney TX. Highest score is highest score.

Good luck. We are here to support you. The more you understand the process the more you will be able to compete.

Correct me if I am wrong sir but when any of the ROTC or asks for the GPA its only until your Junior year therefore taking JROTC the senior year will not hurt or help your GPA in any way since grades only count until your Junior year because all the academies ask for the Freshman - Junior transcript. I know the classes you take counts but GPA wise, its locked in isn't it? What GPA you have now is what is going to the academies.

And another biggie people forgot. You get ALOT of awards in JROTC compared to Art club or Beta club.

In my 3 years in I have like gotten 20 + awards in all. (Leadership camps, awards for JROTC, etc.)

My friend is not in JROTC no more and and is in Art Club. His leadership ranking is equivalent of mine pretty much however he has only gotten 3 or 4 awards compared to my 20+ awards.

If you are low on honors or leadership or awards, take JROTC. It will help in that.

You get ribbons remember that you could add to your resume. Of course they are minor however you could score big with the purple heart or outstanding cadet or Tuskegee which shows you have great leadership/teamwork/academics.
 
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Correct me if I am wrong sir but when any of the ROTC or asks for the GPA its only until your Junior year therefore taking JROTC the senior year will not hurt or help your GPA in any way since grades only count until your Junior year. I know the classes you take counts.

First off, I am not a sir. I had to chuckle at that. No offense to you, just funny to me.

Secondly, the statement/question is not coherent to me.

Are we discussing ROTC? Where is the "or" come into place?

If we are discussing AFA, fall semester SR yr., it does matter since the school must submit transcripts, and your 7th semester is a part of that. The AFA does not close out until March 1. The AP will show up. Mass mailing for appointments are March/April.

Additionally, the GC from your school must supply info, and thus, that AP class will be acknowledge through them.

It would hurt because the rigor would be less if you took JROTC and not an AP.

Now if we are talking AFROTC, you are probably correct theoretically because the 1st of the scholarships go out in Dec. However, candidates get re-boarded, and many times it is due to academic reasons, not ECs. Hence, it will show up because they are looking for that 7th semester report card.

JMPO.

OBTW, your friend is no longer in JROTC is he applying for an SA or ROTC? Apples to Apples.

Additionally, ribbons are ribbons. The AF hands them out like CANDY! Believe it or not I am sure CC and Flieger can tell you of "I was alive in 1991" ribbon on their uniform or I made it through an assignment ribbon. Board members understand awards and the levity of each award.

Honors is not an EC for most. Honors for the majority mean academic(Honors/AP), hence taking AP will help you.

I am not trying to slam JROTC at all. I am saying that as a rising SR being in ROTC for the 1st time it is probably not going to help in the WCS.
 
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I have to assume, or at least HOPE, that whatever extra curricular activity you're involved in, you have a passion for. Whether it's the Art Club, Young Republicans, FBLA, JrROTC, Marching Band, etc... That is why you should be in these activities. Because you like them. Hopefully it's not because of some award or ribbon that you might get. I was in scouts from the time I was old enough. Cubs, webelos, and boy scouts. I only made it to life scout because I got bumped up in grades and graduated really young, 17yo, and went off to the air force. I was also in band from 1st grade through 12th. Same with sports and many other activities. But I did all of these because I liked them and had a passion. I didn't do them because of the badges or ribbons I would get. I didn't do it for the varsity letter. I didn't do it for the musical badge I could put on my letter jacket.

When the time comes to do your application and put in all your accomplishments, those badges, ribbons, awards, etc... are something that basically should take up 1 line entry. E.g. "received 4 awards ..." In other words, you're not going to have a separate line entry for each and every award or ribbon. That will actually be seen as a negative. As if you're simply trying to find "FILLER" for your application.

Not dogging any activity out there. This is your life. You need to be involved in the activities that you have a passion for. Not because it gives awards; not because it's going to fill some imaginary block on your academy application; etc... Whatever activities you get involved in, do your best at it and try and advance in it as far as you can. That shows success. You don't get more points because you have 10 awards from JrROTC compared to the local chapter officer of the FBLA who received 3 awards.

As for the original poster, you're only going to have 4-5 months of time in JrROTC if you go that route. That isn't significant. Only get involved with them if you truly want to do it. Don't do it for the academy application. If you are involved in other activities, excel in those. Improve on your grades. Improve on your test scores. Advance in leadership roles in your other interests. Best of luck to you. mike....
 
Christcorp said:
As for the original poster, you're only going to have 4-5 months of time in JrROTC if you go that route. That isn't significant. Only get involved with them if you truly want to do it. Don't do it for the academy application. If you are involved in other activities, excel in those. Improve on your grades. Improve on your test scores. Advance in leadership roles in your other interests. Best of luck to you. mike....

Enough said!

Matt,

I hope you read
Chistcorp said:
When the time comes to do your application and put in all your accomplishments, those badges, ribbons, awards, etc... are something that basically should take up 1 line entry. E.g. "received 4 awards ..." In other words, you're not going to have a separate line entry for each and every award or ribbon. That will actually be seen as a negative. As if you're simply trying to find "FILLER" for your application.

Listen to him.
 
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