Interview parents?

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brovol

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My sons AROTC interview is Tuesday. I know for his usma and usna interviews they asked to speak with my wife and me. Do they do that during ROTC interviews as well? Should we go with him, and if so, should we dress nice?
 
I've never seen parents interviewed for AROTC scholarships before. I have seen where parents were asked to come to a NROTC scholarship interview if they were planning to award the kid an ISR, as the parents have to sign that paperwork.
 
We didn't go with out kid. At best Mom drove him and I'm not even sure we did that.
 
USMAROTCFamily said:
I've never seen parents interviewed for AROTC scholarships before. I have seen where parents were asked to come to a NROTC scholarship interview if they were planning to award the kid an ISR, as the parents have to sign that paperwork.
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OK. That's what I thought. Thank you.
 
During my DD interview for AROTC 2 years ago, he wanted us in his office also and asked us questions. Afterwards we asked why and he stated he wanted to see if were supportive of her choice to enter the Army. He was a West Point Grad and MI Officer.
 
For the AROTC interview I was not interviewed w/ DS. However, I dropped him off for AFROTC and I was in sweatpants and a ponytail thinking I would just sit in the car. My DS called five minutes after I dropped him and PMS wanted to talk to me, so I guess you never know. I only drove him because it was downtown otherwise I was not even going to go w/ him. I might error on the side of caution.
 
DS had his AROTC and NROTC interviews this week. I dropped him off at both and had a brief chat with the PMS at each Battalion. With NROTC, I talked to the XO for 20 minutes while he was in his interview. With AROTC, I was invited to talk with the PMS and our son to answer questions at the end of his interview. We both talked with the ROO at each place. I was able to ask some other questions that DS did not cover.
 
I took DS for his AFROTC scholarship interview at the closest Detachment. Since he was 18 and the age of majority, I didn't think I would be needed and dressed accordingly. Shortly after dropping him off, he came back for me. The Colonel wanted to ask me if I or any relatives had served and if so, what branch. He also gave me the opportunity to ask him questions. I got the impression that his mission was twofold: he wanted to ascertain the family's overall level of comfort with the military and he wanted to meet one of the parents and gauge my understanding of the potential obligations if awarded the scholarship. I would go ready to meet and have a question or two ready.
 
So my DS' birthday is late in the year and he was still 16 at the time of interview. I drove him up and walked in with him. The Major came out, took him in in, and when the interview was over he asked me if I had questions. He then had some soft questions to gauge our commitment. So, be prepared and at least wear a collared shirt.
 
I drove my son to his and waited in the car. I actually brought my work laptop and was working in the parking lot. When he was done the interviewer came out with him and introduced himself and made some small talk and said DS was a great candidate and he enjoyed speaking with him.
 
Take caution. If you dont think it will go wrong and do nothing to prevent it from going wrong, it will go wrong.
 
My DS drove himself to the interview. It was a 4 hour drive. However, when we visited the school on different occasions, I talked to the ROO. I had many questions regarding housing options and my DS had questions about national guard and graduating early since he went in with 30 hours. We wanted to understand the process and I am a huge planner. I would suggest getting all questions answered by the battalion that you need to know because you want to set your kid up for success. You need to know what the best dorm option is. You need to know what everything is going to cost and when (uniforms, etc) so you can plan accordingly. Most parents seem somewhat oblivious to the details and don't plan accordingly.
 
My son interviewed at a school that he originally ranked first(University of Michigan) . (he switched ranking later and got into his new first choice)

We had to do an overnight visit because of the distance.

I did not go into the interview, I sat in the lobby when my son interviewed. (I dressed in casual dress pants and dress shirt) The PMS (University of Michigan) came out to the lobby at the end to see if I had any questions. I asked about % non-contracted cadets ending up with a contract. She answered. I didnt have any other questions. It was a great program and great school-I appreciated the fact that the PMS took the time to see if I had questions.
 
I think it will vary from between battalions and the PMS. When my older son went for his interview they asked ahead of time that at least one of us come with him. The APMS that did my son's interview had me come into her office with my son, she talked about the program and answered questions, I left the office so she could continue the interview. The PMS then asked me to his office, he explained the ROTC process in great detail and again answered questions, it was a great and informative meeting.

I'm sure every situation will be different, I would just be ready for however they decide to proceed.
 
It's going to vary, but if you have questions or would like more information you should feel free to accompany your applicant. You probably won't be in the room when the interview is conducted, but you will most likely have the opportunity to speak with the PMS or ROO during the visit. As was stated earlier, your presence and interest will be indicators of your support of your applicants decision. Here at Clarkson I will entertain parents while the PMS does his interview and then he will bring the applicant into my office after he's done and answer any questions the parents have.
 
Update: my sons interview went very well and my wife and I were not asked to participate at all. We actually weren't even around, but son said he was never asked about us.
 
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