Elusive ROTC Interview

Yeah, I forgot to mention that each school has limited spaces. However, last year the schools also got extra slots for additional applicants as late as July due to the increase in demand for comissioned officers. The PMSs I spoke with are, however, unsure if that will be the case. The new procedures are a bit grey, so they don't know if there will be extra slots.
 
I spoke with the O6-PMS at one school last week and while he is still a little fuzzy on how the Army will be handling scholarships this year, He believes that the number of scholarships this year will be much like last year when they had a very large number to offer to qualified candidates. His feeling was that with a centralized board your interview will be especially important in the decision process. Again- I would strongly urge you to spend time practicing and rehearsing for your interview- dress appropriately (to put a number on this- think of it as basically applying for a $30k/yr job so dress the part- business casual would be my suggestion); and sell yourself as a young person with leadership potential who wants to be and will be an asset to the Army 4 years down the road. Be positive and be confident but not cocky- and relax! If you have prepared thoroughly- you will do fine!:thumb:



Yeah, I forgot to mention that each school has limited spaces. However, last year the schools also got extra slots for additional applicants as late as July due to the increase in demand for comissioned officers. The PMSs I spoke with are, however, unsure if that will be the case. The new procedures are a bit grey, so they don't know if there will be extra slots.
 
When I went to my interview, I wore just Khaki shorts and a polo, but the 2LT did not care as we did the APFT once I arrived. They did not want me to change for the face-to-face part of the interview. The officers spoke with me while I was sweating in PT cloths.

The best advise I would give is to ask the PMS personally. Ask what will come first. The APFT or the Face-to-Face part? Very formal? Etc.
 
just_a_mom, wondering if you could answer a few questions for me..
i recently joined rotc but im not very knowledgable about the whole process...is the interview and the dodmerb only required if you're looking to recieve a scholarship?...
what exactly happened with your daughters waiver due to her history of asthma?...
i also have a history of asthma....but i recently went to my own physician who said i've pretty much grown out of it..ive done sports all my life and ive never had an attack and havent even used an inhaler in years..nd its only reactive after i've been sick my doc says now....would this still be a dq?...waiver a possibility?...is this not something i should mention, as you said u told ur daughter, unless the dr brings it up at dodmerb?..would love any feedback!!
 
just wanted to add, im really not looking for a scholarship yet..im very interested in the army rotc program, but i joined rotc mid semester (my first semester in college, about a month ago) and i want to get a taste for it before i jump into a scholarship...so do i need to have an interview and dodmerb, or is that just something they're trying to push for?
 
You only need a Dodmerb (physical) and an interview if you are applying for a scholarship or contracting (applying for a commission) with the Army. My understanding of non-scholarship ROTC cadets is not the best, but I don't think you have to commit until after your sophomore year. You can (without obligation) take the first two years of ROTC classes until then.
 
thanks aglages, ur response is appreciated....applying and then accepting a scholarship would make you commited right?..you are obligated to stay in the ROTC program and then serve?..or is there a leeway period with scholarships at all?..
 
For four year scholarships, there is a one year leeway period where you could leave if you did not feel it was the right fit. However, I do not know what the exact requirements are for doing that.

If you're not sure if you will like ROTC, try it out as a class w/o a scholarship. Then contract later if you find it beneficial.

I believe that after the first scholarship year, you are obligated to serve as enlisted if you do not complete ROTC.
 
thanks aglages, ur response is appreciated....applying and then accepting a scholarship would make you commited right?..you are obligated to stay in the ROTC program and then serve?..or is there a leeway period with scholarships at all?..

No you are not committed until the start of your sophomore year. Essentially your first year is a leeway year at the end of which you can decide not to contract and will owe them nothing.
 
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For four year scholarships, there is a one year leeway period where you could leave if you did not feel it was the right fit. However, I do not know what the exact requirements are for doing that.
The "trial" period is your freshman year. If you choose to leave the ROTC program you must advise them BEFORE beginning your sophomore year, otherwise you are obligated to the 8 years of service.

I believe that after the first scholarship year, you are obligated to serve as enlisted if you do not complete ROTC.
Actually it is up to the Army. They can decide:
1. To make you serve as an enlisted man in whatever military specialty they choose
2. Not require you to serve, but make you pay back ALL the money with interest
3. Let you walk away without paying back the money or serving

I would definitely not count on the third option. I believe that may be for medical reasons or some serious hardship issue beyond your control.....like dieing.
 
I realize that this thread is not service-specific, but I am not able to figure out which ROTC program various people are talking about (other than people who have specified in their posts).

NROTC site says this:

Minimum of two years active enlisted service or recoupment of all tuition dollars paid may be required for midshipmen who disenroll or are disenrolled from NROTC Scholarship Program for academic or personal reasons after the first day of their sophomore year


Edit: Oops I just saw way back in the beginning where someone said AROTC..my apologies.
 
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IEdit: Oops I just saw way back in the beginning where someone said AROTC..my apologies.
You are forgiven. Go forth and sin no more. :thumb:

BTW - Thanks for the information on the Navy. I always "assumed" that the enlistment for all branches would be for the same term as ROTC (4+4). Does anyone know if there is a difference in required enlisted terms between the branches if you leave the program after the beginning of your Sophomore year?
God forbid any of us (or our children) actually needs this information.
 
just_a_mom, wondering if you could answer a few questions for me..
i recently joined rotc but im not very knowledgable about the whole process...is the interview and the dodmerb only required if you're looking to recieve a scholarship?...
what exactly happened with your daughters waiver due to her history of asthma?...
i also have a history of asthma....but i recently went to my own physician who said i've pretty much grown out of it..ive done sports all my life and ive never had an attack and havent even used an inhaler in years..nd its only reactive after i've been sick my doc says now....would this still be a dq?...waiver a possibility?...is this not something i should mention, as you said u told ur daughter, unless the dr brings it up at dodmerb?..would love any feedback!!
Some of your questions were answered -
my daughter did get a medical waiver. you will have to complete a medical history when you do dodmerb and you will need to be honest.

If you are trying out rotc - that is terrific! You can try it out for two years, when you are a junior to participate you will need to contract.
I urge you to make an appointment with your PMS, enrollment officer or other ROTC staff member and discuss your options!

BTW - if you accept a 2 or 3 year scholarship - there is no "grace" period, you are committed to the Army. They only offer the grace period for 4 year scholarship winners.
 
You are forgiven. Go forth and sin no more. :thumb:

BTW - Thanks for the information on the Navy. I always "assumed" that the enlistment for all branches would be for the same term as ROTC (4+4). Does anyone know if there is a difference in required enlisted terms between the branches if you leave the program after the beginning of your Sophomore year?
God forbid any of us (or our children) actually needs this information.

it is the same. for 2 years AD there would be 6 years of reserve or IRR.

disenrollment happens. Last year I heard of a young lady who was NROTC and failed her physics class and was disenrolled. She was at a very expensive school and the Navy would not accept her enlistment. They wanted the payback. She actually was able to switch to Army ROTC and transfer her commitment to the Army.
In the end - the service chooses.
 
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