Here's the problem with internet forums like this....we all come from different areas.
For example,
Florida is a very casual state compared to a state like NJ.
NC residents from Wilmington are more casual than their peers from No Virginia
~ Our Sunday best at Goldsboro AF base chapel was khakis, polos and rainbows. Our church in town in No. VA would look at them twice! Even the outfit with boat decks would be rare. Sunday best is more formal. Heck, in. NCwe would wear jeans to Saturday night mass. Not here...No way....no how! Bullet and I now as empty nesters have gone to 7 a.m. and I wear a dress.it is just what is the norm here.
The point is it is wrong IMPO to paint this with a broad brush stroke. Don't get me wrong, I don't think a polo and boat decks are appropriate, but I also don't feel that candidates should feel OMG, I was planning to wear khakis and dress shoes, but you guys are saying DON'T!
Bullet wears khakis, dress khakis, not cargo style, every Friday to the Pentagon. He briefs 1/2/3/4 stars. However, he wears it with a white button down shirt, tie and blazer. That is casual Friday for him.
Just saying, if it was me or my child I would not go to St. Vincent. I would go to JCPenneys. Buy a nice pair of dress khakis, a white button down shirt and borrow a tie from Dad. I would also buy a pair of black loafers if I can't fit in Dads shoes.
Here are the reasons why.
1. The suit is great for a nomination interview, but many candidates also apply for a ROTC scholarship. A suit impo is overdressed for a PMS interview.
~ That means another outlay of money for those interviews
2. Come graduation, most schools require a dress code for graduation. Our DS was told black pants, white collared shirt and tie
~ That means again another outlay of money, whereas, had you gone to JcPenneys now, it is done!
3. A suit can make them feel more uncomfortable, see my last thread.
4. I think you are selling the candidate short and the committee short.
~ I get it, but the assumption being made, even with me that they have the 25 bucks to spare. Yet, there are candidates that know the folks are doing everything to keep a roof over their head. That McDonalds is a splurge. The idea of asking the folks to spend even 20 bucks is not in their wheelhouse. The fact that posters are placing an emphasis on dress code perceptions can make them walk in with it is all over! I couldn't afford to dress the part, hence those that can will get the nomination.
~~ Some JROTC cadets may opt to wear the uniform because financially they can't afford the money to but a suit.
With all that being said, I truly believe that the committee can weed out regardless of their attire. Heck, my DS not only wore khakis, but he also had curly hair past his ears! NC kid! He was what we called well groomed. His hair style was common for HS students. His khakis didn't look like he pulled them out of the dryer. He was clean shaven, and nails were clean. IOWS he looked like an average 17 year old kid that was showing respect by wearing Sunday best. He didn't look like a cadet at any SA.
~ FWIW, there was a poster here at that time that wore his JROTC uniform.
Guess who didn't get the nom? It wasn't my kid!
Like i stated in a previous post this is always a heated debate.
PS I know I am hard to figure out because just when you thought I would go right, I go left. I like to say that I am the devils advocate. If you can defend your position of why you chose the decision, than you will do great. However, if I give you even an ounce of introspection than you need to ask yourself why you are questioning yourself.