Uniform at Interview?

hmx512

5-Year Member
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Nov 1, 2010
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I have an Air Force ROTC interview this week and though I've been to a few interviews for academies, congressman and ROTC already I have a question about what to wear. I'm a Cadet Captain in Civil Air Patrol and quite a few people have recommended wearing the dress blues to these types of interviews. I know this is good, but, unfortunately, I don't have a service coat or hat, just the normal short sleeve blues uniform with no tie. (The full uniform is way more than I could ever spend on CAP.) I still put ribbons and awards and everything on it, and I'll make it look perfect, I'm just wondering if it's not worth it without the full deal. Would I be better off just in a suit? Thanks:thumb:
 
That is a personal decision. For example, nothing is more disconcerting when conducting an interview, than watching them adjust their clothing, due to the fact that they are uncomfortable in what they are wearing.

The uniform is not going to get you that scholarship. Your record will. Our DS was not in AFJROTC, but he has an AF scholarship.

The AFROTC board is not going to take into account what you wore to your interview.

There are 2 trains of thought re: the uniform for interviews

1. Shows that you have been committed for a long time.
2. Or are you just doing it for an edge.

Your CAP or JROTC will be in your profile, along with any and all awards.

If you are more comfortable in the uniform, wear the uniform. If you are more comfortable in the suit wear the suit.

ALO's and Regional's understand that not every 17/18 yr owns a suit, nor is every 17/18 yr old in CAP. The most important part regarding the 1st impression, is that you don't walk in with wrinkled pants and shirt that looks like you pulled them out of your dirty laundry basket 15 mins before you were to leave for the interview.

This is for all intents and purposes a job interview. The AF has limited scholarships to give, if you you address it in that manner you will do just fine.

Good luck, and thank you for your willingness to defend this country.
 
I read on this Board somewhere among the hundreds of posts one about wearing a JROTC uniform.

That post indicated that a JROTC member is generally expected to wear his uniform to the interview. I know nothing about this, just reporting what I read by someone who seemed to be knowledgable.
 
I read on this Board somewhere among the hundreds of posts one about wearing a JROTC uniform.

That post indicated that a JROTC member is generally expected to wear his uniform to the interview. I know nothing about this, just reporting what I read by someone who seemed to be knowledgable.



Technically you are not supposed to wear your JROTC uniform for anything not authorized by the school. Personally I think its really lame and cheesy to wear it for an interview. But horses for courses I presume.
 
You can ask your CO if it's alright to wear it to the interview which I would be more than certain in saying he would allow it.

As for whether to wear it or not, wearing the uniform is not only showing what youve done, but also your respect for the person interviewing you. I made the mistake of not wearing my uniform to Senator interviews and they called me on it. It could always turn out that they don't care but why risk it?

I wore mine for my Marine Option interview and it turns out that the Sergeant Major there used to be in the same program I'm in. He joined in on the interview with the Captain and I and it turned out really well.

I'd say wear it. I dont think anyone will look at you and wonder why you wore it.
 
Notice we have 2 different opinions going right now, which is common when it comes to this question.

Here's the thing...

If you only wear a suit for weddings, funerals or Christmas, and will be tugging at your neck over the tie....WEAR the CAP.

If you are comfortable in both...WEAR EITHER.

You are not going to get a scholarship based solely on the fact that you are in CAP and wore the uniform. You are not going to lose out on a scholarship based solely on the fact that you are in CAP and didn't wear it.

Boards go on Whole Candidate Score. That score includes things like GPA, Course rigor, EC, PFA, etc. The interview is a small part and these are grown adults, adults who can determine the value of a candidate regardless of the garb that they are wearing.

The most important thing here is to be comfortable in your own skin, so when they slam you with a question of why this branch, you will be able to answer without hearing the tiny voice in your cranium saying this collar is choking me. Being in CAP with a less impressive resume, will not get you the scholarship.
 
I read on this Board somewhere among the hundreds of posts one about wearing a JROTC uniform.

That post indicated that a JROTC member is generally expected to wear his uniform to the interview. I know nothing about this, just reporting what I read by someone who seemed to be knowledgable.

My son wore his full JROTC uniform, jacket and tie included to his ROTC Interview. The PMS he was interviewing with actually requested from us that he wear it if it was possible.

As he interviewed before his senior year started, he actually got his uniform early. It was easy as he was the Battalion Commander and they were required to work in the school for the two weeks prior helping at the school. His SAI had no issues with giving him the uniform nor with him wearing it to something that had nothing to do with school.

He also wore the uniform to his MOC interviews and that was suggested by someone we know who has served on the nominating committees (though for Air Force) in Florida more than once. They must not have minded the uniform nor held it against him as he received a nomination from both our Congressman and one of our Senators.

As far as not being allowed to wear it outside of school functions, there were many kids waiting to be interviewed that were in their ROTC uniforms and the majority of kids were wearing them at the West Point Founder's Day dinner so it obviously is allowed under certain circumstances.

To each his own, but I must say that I find nothing lame or cheesy about anyone being proud enough of being in JROTC wearing their uniforms with pride to anything. But that is my opinion and not shared by everyone.

Will it help in the interview? Only as much as the fact that you are in a clean, pressed outfit and hopefully comfortable in what you wear. Just make sure you wear something that is clean and pressed. Hold your head up high and be comfortable in what you wear. That is what will make a top impression.
 
I'm sure the interviewer will be familiar with CAP. It's common knowledge that CAP is strapped for cash usually. Personally, my AFROTC interview letter specifically requested that I wear my AFJROTC uniform and bring a copy of my SASI's letter of recommendation to the interview.
 
...Just don't wear it if you go to one of the SA's for an overnight program. One kid did that last semester and everyone thought it was dorky.
 
OH that's another good point!!

I'm not sure what other branches do, but for Marine Option NROTC, they do take a picture of you and put it on the front of your packet.

The Captain was telling me that this is one of the first things they see. First impressions.
 
You are who you are, and they will see that no matter what you are wearing. A few ribbons or metals you received for wearing your uniform right or being a suck-up to the instructors won't play into your interview. You're not a suck-up, but generally those are the ones who excel in JROTC. Just be who you are, with or without the uniform.

My JROTC instructors wanted me to wear my uniform to my Senator's academy nomination interview, and I flat out told them I didn't want to appear to be a show-off.
 
My son asked his JROTC Colonel's advice before going for his interviews, and he advised against it. Its worth pointing out prior to retiring he was extremely high up at the AROTC CC.

I mean where do you draw the line? Do you wear an Army JROTC uniform for a Navy or AF interview. That could work out very badly for you in the eyes of some interviewers. How about wearing you Scout uniform, is that acceptable. :eek:

At the end of the day wear what YOU feel comfortable in. As long as you are smart it will have no real bearing on any scholarship decision.
 
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