I really couldn't find a definitive answer about this. Next year I will be participating in army ROTC and SMP. I know that their is a large time commitment to both these programs,but I just wanted to get some feedback on this being a plausible idea of being in a fraternity with these commitments. I could live without being in one, but I believe it will enhance my college experience. If anyone could give me there opinion or tell me about their experience I would greatly appreciate it.
Greek life and ROTC
- Thread starter ZAROTCZ33
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ROTC and a frat, yes. Difficult but doable. There have been threads on this in the past and that seems to be the consensus. However, SMP as well? IMHO that's a bridge too far. YMMV.
EDelahanty
10-Year Member
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You asked about fraternities two months ago. You couldn't find a definitive answer then because there is none. Since every school is different, why not wait until you get on campus to pursue your inquiry? Surely there are older cadets in your battalion participating in Greek life who can give you the skinny.
Both my sons were in AROTC and Fraternities, actually the same one. My older son graduated last year and the younger will be a Junior next year. Both were able to balance ROTC and the fraterity just fine.
As far as time commitment goes, it all depends on how well you manage your time. During his sophomore year my younger son held a position in the fraternity and was a Student Body Senator while still participating in ROTC, it did not hurt him in the battalion at all, he finished this year #1 on the OML, Superior Cadet, and will be CO next year. I wouldn't advise having this type of schedule your junior year since you will be spending more time preparing for LDAC.
A lot will depend on the Fraternity and how your Greek System works. Select a house that has good grades and a good reputation on campus, make sure they understand that ROTC will come first, they shouldn't have an issue with that or it is not the right house for you.
Personally the Fraternity was great for my older son and younger one as well. The school was out of state and it gave both of them another way to make some very close friends besides ROTC. A fraternity can be a good way of getting your community service and athletics for ROTC.
You always hear horror stories about fraternities, it all depends on how much you research and how you select the house that's right for you. Sure there is more partying then you might get in a dorm, you just need to be smart and know when to pass on certain events, like when you need to get up for PT or get ready for a Lab.
Use your time well and a Fraternity can be a great experience.
EDIT: I guess I should have done a search, probably gave you the same answer back then.
If you decide to pledge, I would suggest only doing so with a fraternity that has already had brothers who were also in ROTC. They will be used to you always being the designated driver, not getting drunk at parties, etc. and not give you too much grief about it. Peer pressure at age 18 is almost an overwhelming force. And you don't want to get drunk, or even be found drinking on campus or at an off-campus party that gets busted, cuz you will probably get separated from ROTC... don't know how Guard would handle it.
omfsmthefsm
5-Year Member
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- Jun 20, 2013
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NROTC Mid here.
It's doable- it's a big time commitment though, especially during pledging. I'm not in a frat, but a bunch of my friends are. It's all about time balance.
It's doable- it's a big time commitment though, especially during pledging. I'm not in a frat, but a bunch of my friends are. It's all about time balance.
I was in both ROTC and in a Fraternity. To me the more I had to do the better I managed my time, and the better grades I made. But I was a little older because I had been prior enlisted. Being in both I made friends that I still talk weekly to after 25 years. Many of my friends in ROTC were in Frats. I know the two went very well together back then as I am sure they do now.
Enjoy your four years, they go by fast.
Enjoy your four years, they go by fast.