Tips for Incoming ROTC Cadets :)

emmarose

emmarose

Em
Joined
Nov 27, 2020
Messages
104
Hello! I’m a freshman AROTC Cadet who was on here last year often. I was so excited to do ROTC, and love it now. However, I was clueless last year and wanted guidance. Hopefully I can be that guidance for any new cadets who want to read this. I’ve compiled a few tips and pieces of advice from my experience and they are as follows. I can answer questions as well.

  1. Work hard and be involved (if you have the time to). I was contributing a lot to my battalion, helping out at events, volunteering and taking advantage of opportunities. So the PMS gave me his challenge coin and the cadre all know my by name. Hard work does pay off.
  2. Don’t make the army your life. Rotc should not your personality. It can be a great thing but is not everything. Learn to have a balance.
  3. Learn ranks and mannerisms. Watch youtube videos or feel free to ask me. I thought it was only a movie thing to call certain NCOs “Sergeant.” Well I learned quickly….
  4. Make enlisted friends:)! they are knowledgeable and can help you out.
  5. Get in shape. The new ACFT is online but train for “the mission” as well as the test.
  6. Focus on GPA. It is important for your degree and branching.
  7. Take advantage of opportunities! I just got back from Kansas for Ranger Buddy Challenge. Daniel A, Dailey, a green beret, and many other officers/NCOs I got the opportunity to talk to were there. I met some other cadets and learned a lot, it was an amazing experience.
  8. Invest into a 25lb weighted plate-which is for rucking.
  9. You can buy boots now and break them in to prevent blisters, pain and calluses. Otherwise you should get a free pair in the fall (so personal preference).
  10. Ask the ROO if you can be mentored by one of the current cadets at your school, or at least get in contact with one.
  11. As an MS 1 (Military science one, what freshman cadets called), you will be eased into the program, so ask questions and learn a lot. Cadre and cadets will be understanding of your mistakes and will help you, rather than criticize you for your mistakes.
Welcome to the program!!
 
Finishing my MS2 year right now. To add onto this, there are a good few little things you can buy which will make your life way better.

Good socks will do a lot to save your feet. Baby powder, tent stakes, a woobie (poncho liner) is essential if you are in a cold region along with decent gloves. Bring snacks to FTX. Bring sugar to any lengthy event like a ruck or FTX (skittles are my favorite).

The internet is your friend. I learned a LOT from just looking stuff up. MS3's and 4's are NOT always correct. Cadre is usually always right. If anyone tells you something, look it up later to both verify and learn more.
 
emmarose said:
Hello! I’m a freshman AROTC Cadet who was on here last year often. I was so excited to do ROTC, and love it now. However, I was clueless last year and wanted guidance. Hopefully I can be that guidance for any new cadets who want to read this. I’ve compiled a few tips and pieces of advice from my experience and they are as follows. I can answer questions as well.

  1. Work hard and be involved (if you have the time to). I was contributing a lot to my battalion, helping out at events, volunteering and taking advantage of opportunities. So the PMS gave me his challenge coin and the cadre all know my by name. Hard work does pay off.
  2. Don’t make the army your life. Rotc should not your personality. It can be a great thing but is not everything. Learn to have a balance.
  3. Learn ranks and mannerisms. Watch youtube videos or feel free to ask me. I thought it was only a movie thing to call certain NCOs “Sergeant.” Well I learned quickly….
  4. Make enlisted friends:)! they are knowledgeable and can help you out.
  5. Get in shape. The new ACFT is online but train for “the mission” as well as the test.
  6. Focus on GPA. It is important for your degree and branching.
  7. Take advantage of opportunities! I just got back from Kansas for Ranger Buddy Challenge. Daniel A, Dailey, a green beret, and many other officers/NCOs I got the opportunity to talk to were there. I met some other cadets and learned a lot, it was an amazing experience.
  8. Invest into a 25lb weighted plate-which is for rucking.
  9. You can buy boots now and break them in to prevent blisters, pain and calluses. Otherwise you should get a free pair in the fall (so personal preference).
  10. Ask the ROO if you can be mentored by one of the current cadets at your school, or at least get in contact with one.
  11. As an MS 1 (Military science one, what freshman cadets called), you will be eased into the program, so ask questions and learn a lot. Cadre and cadets will be understanding of your mistakes and will help you, rather than criticize you for your mistakes.
Welcome to the program!
Click to expand...
Number 8:

Summer 2021 :

Me: Hey DS you should go to the PX and look at the Nike Boots.
DS: The battalion issues boots.
Me: Ok

Winter Break:

DS: Mom can I still order those Nike boots?
 
TBVADAD said:
Number 8:

Summer 2021 :

Me: Hey DS you should go to the PX and look at the Nike Boots.
DS: The battalion issues boots.
Me: Ok

Winter Break:

DS: Mom can I still order those Nike boots?
Click to expand...
Must've discovered the bricks......I mean Standard-issue boots. : )
 
@emmarose, what a thoughtful and thorough summary! Great leaders think of those who come after. Great leaders share the things they learned, so that others may be that much better. Check and check.

DS is an MS1 who has been thriving and enjoying. Though he’s no newbie, I’m going to share your post nonetheless.
 
emmarose said:
Hello! I’m a freshman AROTC Cadet who was on here last year often. I was so excited to do ROTC, and love it now. However, I was clueless last year and wanted guidance. Hopefully I can be that guidance for any new cadets who want to read this. I’ve compiled a few tips and pieces of advice from my experience and they are as follows. I can answer questions as well.

  1. Work hard and be involved (if you have the time to). I was contributing a lot to my battalion, helping out at events, volunteering and taking advantage of opportunities. So the PMS gave me his challenge coin and the cadre all know my by name. Hard work does pay off.
  2. Don’t make the army your life. Rotc should not your personality. It can be a great thing but is not everything. Learn to have a balance.
  3. Learn ranks and mannerisms. Watch youtube videos or feel free to ask me. I thought it was only a movie thing to call certain NCOs “Sergeant.” Well I learned quickly….
  4. Make enlisted friends:)! they are knowledgeable and can help you out.
  5. Get in shape. The new ACFT is online but train for “the mission” as well as the test.
  6. Focus on GPA. It is important for your degree and branching.
  7. Take advantage of opportunities! I just got back from Kansas for Ranger Buddy Challenge. Daniel A, Dailey, a green beret, and many other officers/NCOs I got the opportunity to talk to were there. I met some other cadets and learned a lot, it was an amazing experience.
  8. Invest into a 25lb weighted plate-which is for rucking.
  9. You can buy boots now and break them in to prevent blisters, pain and calluses. Otherwise you should get a free pair in the fall (so personal preference).
  10. Ask the ROO if you can be mentored by one of the current cadets at your school, or at least get in contact with one.
  11. As an MS 1 (Military science one, what freshman cadets called), you will be eased into the program, so ask questions and learn a lot. Cadre and cadets will be understanding of your mistakes and will help you, rather than criticize you for your mistakes.
Welcome to the program!!
Click to expand...
So glad to hear you are doing well. Great post and spot on with your advice. Hope you continue to thrive!
 
TBVADAD said:
Number 8:

Summer 2021 :

Me: Hey DS you should go to the PX and look at the Nike Boots.
DS: The battalion issues boots.
Me: Ok

Winter Break:

DS: Mom can I still order those Nike boots?
Click to expand...
Which boots (and other equipment) are recommended to be CV purchased prior to the beginning of the school year?
Thanks
 
MidCakePa said:
@emmarose, what a thoughtful and thorough summary! Great leaders think of those who come after. Great leaders share the things they learned, so that others may be that much better. Check and check.

DS is an MS1 who has been thriving and enjoying. Though he’s no newbie, I’m going to share your post nonetheless.
Click to expand...
Awee thank you! Yes, hopefully it is helpful. The MSII that commented above mentioned eating sugar while rucking, I had been buying those extremely expensive energy honey waffles, skittles is much cheaper and convenient. So maybe your DS can find one piece of advice. :)
 
Thank you so much for the advice! I will pass this to my DS. He will start AFROTC this fall :)
 
JChrisL said:
Which boots (and other equipment) are recommended to be CV purchased prior to the beginning of the school year?
Thanks
Click to expand...
I think its a personal choice. I asked my son and he said the Nike's were great for class and around campus stuff.

Out in the field he doesn't like them.

Maybe some others on the boards have their choices.
 
emmarose said:
Hello! I’m a freshman AROTC Cadet who was on here last year often. I was so excited to do ROTC, and love it now. However, I was clueless last year and wanted guidance. Hopefully I can be that guidance for any new cadets who want to read this. I’ve compiled a few tips and pieces of advice from my experience and they are as follows. I can answer questions as well.

  1. Work hard and be involved (if you have the time to). I was contributing a lot to my battalion, helping out at events, volunteering and taking advantage of opportunities. So the PMS gave me his challenge coin and the cadre all know my by name. Hard work does pay off.
  2. Don’t make the army your life. Rotc should not your personality. It can be a great thing but is not everything. Learn to have a balance.
  3. Learn ranks and mannerisms. Watch youtube videos or feel free to ask me. I thought it was only a movie thing to call certain NCOs “Sergeant.” Well I learned quickly….
  4. Make enlisted friends:)! they are knowledgeable and can help you out.
  5. Get in shape. The new ACFT is online but train for “the mission” as well as the test.
  6. Focus on GPA. It is important for your degree and branching.
  7. Take advantage of opportunities! I just got back from Kansas for Ranger Buddy Challenge. Daniel A, Dailey, a green beret, and many other officers/NCOs I got the opportunity to talk to were there. I met some other cadets and learned a lot, it was an amazing experience.
  8. Invest into a 25lb weighted plate-which is for rucking.
  9. You can buy boots now and break them in to prevent blisters, pain and calluses. Otherwise you should get a free pair in the fall (so personal preference).
  10. Ask the ROO if you can be mentored by one of the current cadets at your school, or at least get in contact with one.
  11. As an MS 1 (Military science one, what freshman cadets called), you will be eased into the program, so ask questions and learn a lot. Cadre and cadets will be understanding of your mistakes and will help you, rather than criticize you for your mistakes.
Welcome to the program!!
Click to expand...
Do you know, when will a 3Y ROTC cadet take the first fitness test and will it be the ACFT?
 
Cmac154 said:
Do you know, when will a 3Y ROTC cadet take the first fitness test and will it be the ACFT?
Click to expand...
So one for the first times we did Pt, we did the 1-1-1. one mile and one min of sit ups and push ups. that was just for diagnostics. Noncontracted cadets could volunteer to do the ACFT if there is enough help (so it depends on your chosen school). I took it and recommended doing so because it shows you where to improve on. The scores do not affect anything at all though until the start of your sophomore year.
 
Last edited:
Cmac154 said:
Do you know, when will a 3Y ROTC cadet take the first fitness test and will it be the ACFT?
Click to expand...
Check with your Cadre too. Some are using old test some are using new. My DS checked with his awarded schools just after 2nd board and got different answers from each.
 
Cmac154 said:
Do you know, when will a 3Y ROTC cadet take the first fitness test and will it be the ACFT?
Click to expand...
The ACFT will be the test of record for the Army starting 01 OCT 2022. Most cadets will take a PT test within the first couple weeks of school starting, and the OPAT has filled in as the test of record for Cadet Command while the ACFT is being implemented.
 
Our battalion has been doing the ACFT twice a semester, for all cadets (contracted & uncontracted), and has been using it for record. Might be up to each battalion for what they do. I have never taken the APFT/OPAT.
 
School 1 reply....As of today, it is the 1-1-1. I think it is likely that it may change this fall to something that is either the OPAT or the ACFT....
School 2 reply No. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. The current Army Cadet Command Directive is the CCFA for contracting.
....So I still oversee contracting and the fitness requirement hasn’t changed. If it does, we’ll get that info out there ASAP.
School 3 reply...You're correct, the PT test is different; we do a modern version called the Army Combat Fitness Test.
Whatever the test spend the summer staying fit and ready.
 
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