The interviews are very important, but IMPO, don't over think it. Chances are the CoC is an O5 (40 yo), and they probably have teenage kids, some might even has a child your age.
They get it, you are nervous, and a kid.
They are not expecting you to know what AFROTC or ADAF is all about. AFROTC exists to train. To this day with our DS(O1) at UPT, he beats himself up if he had a bad flight in his mind. I remind him that he is a student, if he knew it all already he wouldn't be at UPT, you'd be in an operational squadron. You are a student!
Another example is the old joke about making O3 (rail road tracks) People will tell you with O1/O2 bars sheaaat rolls off, but with O3, sheaat gets stuck in between the bars. The same will be true in AFROTC. They expect C100/200's to make mistakes as a GMC, but when you become a POC their tolerance is low if you mess up.
Interview tips everyone gives are:
1. Sunday dress. Khaki's and a button collared shirt with boat decks are fine. Skirt and blouse for girls.
~~~~ No jeans, no flip flops, no skirts that are shorter than your finger tips. You don't need to buy a suit.
2. Hair should look professional. Our DS had what I consider long hair...did not touch his shirt collar, but close enough for me. However he didn't look like he rolled out of bed either.
3. Little things matter too.
Hygene
~~~ Girls 2 inch finger nails will be a distraction. Guys, dirt under your nails is also a distraction. You might not look at hands, but people in their late 30's/early 40's do, especially when they shake hands....it is one of the 1st of the 1st impressions.
~~~ Guys shave.
~~~ Pop in a breath mint before you go in. Stop for lunch before the interview and have a tuna salad sandwich will not be appeasing when you are 2 feet apart shaking hands. Same with drinking an ice coffee. Just me, but tunafish makes me gag, if I smelled it on your breath, that would be something that will mentally connect you...OH yeah, that's the candidate that had tuna breath! Not the way you want to be remembered.
Wrinkled clothes
~~~ They get a long car drive and creases behind the knees or in the hips, but iron the clothes before you leave.
~~~ DO NOT spritz yourself with perfume or cologne last minute. It can be overpowering, and for all you know the CoC could be allergic.
4. Bring a resume
~~~ They will probably have a copy of your application on hand, but if they don't, you are covered.
5. Ask the parents to meet you somewhere on campus (student union is a great place) in an hr or so.
~~~ Parents tend to be as excited as you, and can commandeer the conversation. The CoC wants to get to know you, not your folks!
~~~ Meeting later also allows you to walk the campus alone, something that you will do a yr from now. It gives you a glimpse/feel of what it would be like to be there by yourself. College students will treat you differently that way compared to if you were with the folks. With the folks is a blaring signal you are a HS kid.
6. Parents DON'T DRILL YOUR CHILD on possible questions during the drive unless they ask for it. It is one of the hardest things to not ask how are you feeling, have you thought about if they ask XYZ? You have to curb your needs/desire from a parental perspective that just wants them to get their dream/goal.
~~~ Our DS competed state/national level for TKD. He would place in his earbuds and listen to his Ipod prior to a match. It was his way to zone.
Most importantly for parents here. Right now your child is 17, but when they turn 18, legally you will be locked out regarding information. They cannot inform you of any status change without your child's consent because they are no longer a minor.
I say this to drive home the point that they need to be in control of this process. ROTC is 4 yrs. If you are making sure by double checking now regarding paperwork, it will not be pretty next yr. Not only will ROTC lock you out, but most colleges will not release anything to you unless the student (your child) has officially informed the school that you have the right to access their account.
~~~ My biggest pet peeve! The school can see I am paying the bill from my checking account, but will not let me access to pay the bill or see their grades without my kids setting up an account for me!
We have 3 kids. None attend/attended the same college. Our eldest graduated in 12, our youngest is class of 16. 3 kids, 3 colleges and they all have the same rule.
~~~You will not be with them next yr at college, best to cut that one apron string now so both you and them can get accustomed to working it out on their own. Just my 0.019854 cents.