AROTC what to bring

ahaase14

5-Year Member
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Jan 7, 2014
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I have been told boots, running shoes, good watch and knife are good things to bring to school right away! Are there any other things I should get to be adequately prepared for ROTC?
 
Eh ... you really don't need the knife. Only reason why people say to bring that is to show off to other cadets. I have never seen anyone need (ROTC-wise) one ... for anything. More of a "cool guy" thing (from my observation).

If you want some metal that will actually serve a purpose, get a multi-tool. Gerber makes them; Leatherman makes them; etc etc.

Honestly, you really shouldn't need much else outside of that. Army should provide you with everything - especially if you are contracted. Out of everything you could possibly "bring" good physical fitness would reign at the top of that list. (And also keeping an open mind, being willing to do things the "Army" way.) Now granted there are things that you could pick up as the school year goes on that makes things easier to do/more enjoyable - but these are things you don't absolutely need. (ie: good pair of boots)

I'm not sure what school you are going to, moreover what the winter weather is like. But you might also consider looking into a good pair of winter gloves (black, no distinguishable logos). The Army standard issued pair is, well, standard issue ... which isn't bad, but it's not the greatest.

Bottom line is, don't show up with everything you could possible own, making you look like that tacticool guy ... because no one likes them.

Most importantly have fun, try to be involved with your Battalion as much as you can. You'll get to know people much quicker/better (especially at bigger Battalions). Check out what clubs are offered. Can't say what, since each Battalion is different.

Your in for an awesome time come fall.

Best of luck.
 
Good socks for PT. DS goes through a lot of socks. First aid kit for blisters, etc.
 
Two of the most useful items I had in AROTC were a plastic G-Shock wrist watch and a simple "Camper" Swiss Army knife.
 
Since schools don't allow weapons on campus, how is it that ROTC cadets are able to have Swiss Army knives, Leatherman tools, etc.?
 
Since schools don't allow weapons on campus, how is it that ROTC cadets are able to have Swiss Army knives, Leatherman tools, etc.?
That's not necessarily true. Some schools do allow weapons on campus - they just have to be stored at the school's police department.

Regarding knives - I can't speak for all, but will use PSU as an example. Here's Penn State's ordinance on this:
[Illegal to own on campus:] "Any knife with a blade larger than that of a folding pocket knife; dagger; razor or other cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise."

Like you said knives aren't allowed unless; however if the blade does not exceed 4 inches (I called to inquire about the length specifically), than it is perfectly legal to own one on campus.
 
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That's not necessarily true. Some schools do allow weapons on campus - they just have to be stored at the school's police department.

Regarding knives - I can't speak for all, but will use PSU as an example. Here's Penn State's ordinance on this:
[Illegal to own on campus:] "Any knife with a blade larger than that of a folding pocket knife; dagger; razor or other cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise."

Like you said knives aren't allowed unless; however if the blade does not exceed 4 inches (I called to inquire about the length specifically), than it is perfectly legal to own one on campus.

Thanks for the input. I'll have DS add that to his growing list of questions.
 
What Not to Bring to School

Leave the video games and console at home.

40% of the AROTC Order of Merit List score is based on the Academic Program (GPA). 60% is based on the Leadership Program (25% of which is physical).

Another 66% is based on successful time management.
 
Leave the video games and console at home.

40% of the AROTC Order of Merit List score is based on the Academic Program (GPA). 60% is based on the Leadership Program (25% of which is physical).

Another 66% is based on successful time management.

LOL! You're a laugh riot! Excellent point, and yet I'm sure there are some applicants out there puzzling over the math here! :biggrin:
 
LOL! You're a laugh riot! Excellent point, and yet I'm sure there are some applicants out there puzzling over the math here! :biggrin:

Anyone thinking giving 110% is enough clearly hasn't done the math... :yllol:
 
If the army thinks you need something, they will issue it to you. That being said, you will be issued boots, acu, pt gear, a couple pairs of boot socks, service uniform and whatever other equipment you need. All you need are your personal belongings, sufficient underwear, sufficient socks that are not ankle socks, good pair of running shoes, and yourself.
 
If the Army believes you need a girlfriend, they will issue you one.

If the Army believes you need a wife, they will issue you one.

Kids.....you get those at the PX.

Welcome to the Army.

Kidding aside, just wait and see what other cadets have purchased and then decide what you need. Don't waste a lot of money on what seems cool at the time, after a while you'll know what a good purchase is to make.

A good pair of running shoes are a good idea, remember, running shoes wear out after about 300 miles, even if they still look good.
 
You don't NEED a knife for AROTC, but having one simply helps with daily life. You obviously don't need to bring a $200 benchmade knife. A simple $10 to $20 knife is good enough for pretty much everything you'll do. You could even buy a pack of $1 knives and those would work too. Plus there's a chance you'll lose stuff during night time land nav so cheap is usually better.
 
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