wearing JROTC uniform

[navy2016]

SA admissions is based on the whole person. Different academies have different acronyms, WCS, WPM, etc., but the intentions are clear, be the best all-around candidate that you can be. Sports is important. Volunteering is important. Extracurriculars are important. Academics is, of course, very important. Wearing a uniform detracts from the portrayal of that multifacetedness. Instead of saying, “Look at me, the well rounded individual”, it says simply, ”Look at me, the ROTC member”. It says, “Look at me. Ask me questions about my ROTC experiences. It is obviously what I want to talk about.” As a BGO, when I meet a candidate at his front door in his ROTC uniform, when I conduct my interview, I will precede every appropriate question with “Other than ROTC, tell me about…….” It totally unnerves the vast majority. Consciously or subconsciously they had rehearsed every anticipated question with a ROTC answer. ROTC was what they wanted and were prepared to talk about. They become totally unnerved. What they don’t realize is that I have been talking to their ROTC instructors throughout their entire high school careers, working through these instructors with recommendations, answering questions, etc. I know as much about their ROTC accomplishments as they do. I want to know about everything else.

In our local school systems, we are on the semester system. Only four class periods of one and a half hours each per day. ROTC can be taken each and every semester. One fourth of the candidate’s high school career can be comprised of ROTC. It can replace valuable academic coursework. After school ROTC activities can preclude participation in sports. ROTC is not as rigorous as AP Calculus and Chemistry. It is basically a free period. If this is the image you are attempting to portray, go for it.

I went with regular suit and tie. In my area, the points you mentioned above are probably over 80 percent true. I am the first person in my unit to be given some type of acceptance to a service academy (my untit has been around for decades). While visiting USNA, some mids have told me that mid that had JROTC in hs enter the academy thinking they knew more aobut hte military. I did not want to give that impression at my interview. The interviewers hardly menitoned/asked about my JROTC accomplisments. They were more interested in my scouting experiences (me-Eagle and Vigil
Honor recipient).

 

[AF6872]

Son noticed immediately "Corfam" on Uniformed Applicant with more rows of fruit salad than Douglass MacArthur or Audie Murphy. He has to polish his own so it was something he noticed. Don't think the Board recognized it or took it into consideration. He left his uniform at school and interviewed with Business attire. Was a good choice. Mongo does have some great input on this and always remember there are many military on the selection committees.

 

[flieger83]

...always remember there are many military on the selection committees.

On my MOC's USAFA board...there are three of us; ALL USAFA grads, one left after initial commitment, one retired 0-5, and me.

The makeup of the USMA and USNA boards are VERY similar with "grads" on both.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[FAL]

I plan on doing a year at Mass Maritime if I don't get a nom. this year, which I probably won't in all likelihood, my grades have improved considerably but I don't think that will make up for poor ones in the past, although I do have a lot of ECs and leadership experience. I plan on doing AROTC at MMA, becuase there is no NROTC. All cadets wear Navy style uniforms, even Army ROTC, there is only a small Army ROTC pin. I plan on reapplying to USMA, USNA and USCGA. USMMA is in my initial application but I would not reapply to it, as it would seem like another first year at Mass Maritime. I expect to get a few questions about the uniform if I do wear it when I reapply.

 

[AF6872]

Don't forget the SIP pin. You can always take a commission in any service through the SIP Program. They also have opportunity for Platoon Leaders Class. Wearing of the school uniform or any junior ROTC for an interview is your choice.

 

[Triple111]

I am wearing my SDB to my interview tomorrow. My friend who went last week said he saw a fair amount of interviewees in uniform.

Also, I have a friend who got a nomination from both a Senator and his Representative last year and attended the Coast Guard academy, and he wore his uniform to every interview.

 

[nuensis]

After some thinking, I honestly don't think it matters that much.

If you're an exceptional candidate, wearing a JROTC uniform is not going to break you, even if someone on the board does not fancy it.

If you're full of crap, wearing a JROTC uniform is not going to get you anywhere, even if someone on the board loves your lovely little uniform.

Does an otherwise outstanding applicant lose the nomination because he chose to wear a JROTC uniform? Would an LOA recipient lose the nomination solely because he walked in with SDBs on? I'd understand the obvious arrogance, ignorance, and lackadaisical carelessness involved in walking into an interview with jeans and a T-shirt, or a track suit and trainers, but Service Dress Blue?

Some interviewers do like the JROTC program, and will wonder why you chose not to wear your uniform. Some interviewers don't. Some interviewers don't care either way. I've met all three reactions before. But if you're a candidate worthy of a nomination, you'll get it (at least, isn't that how it's supposed to work?). A normal suit-and-tie is formal clothing. SDBs are formal clothing. SDBs aren't ceremonial uniforms or anything ridiculous, they can work in an interview (certainly, when my school was interviewing officers for a Naval Science Instructor position, those officers were dressed in Service Dress Blue). They both look nice enough, they both show that you have prepared for the interview, they both show that you are taking the interview seriously, and they both are a better choice than jeans and a T-shirt or otherwise casual attire.

My two cents. I'm only a candidate; I've yet to complete my nomination interviews myself, so please take it as you will.

 

[Pima]

Son noticed immediately "Corfam" on Uniformed Applicant with more rows of fruit salad than Douglass MacArthur or Audie Murphy. He has to polish his own so it was something he noticed. Don't think the Board recognized it or took it into consideration.

If they were AD AF sitting on the board more likely than naught they wear corframs, so I agree they didn't care or saw it as being lazy. Bullet in his 20 yrs AD + AFROTC wore corframs, until he was sent to the Pentagon. He didn't switch to the leather because of any other reason that corframs are plastic and feet tend to sweat in them after long periods wearing them. (15 hr days make it uncomfortable). It was personal comfort that made him switch.

I bet if I looked in Flieger's closet, he has corframs since as a flyer you only wear them with your blues (rare) or mess dress (rarer). Polishing them is a beaach. Windex is so much easier. Than again since he went to AFA, and flying he might still have his original shoes. Like I said if Bullet didn't go to the Pentagon for 3 yrs, he would have retired with the pair he bought as a Jr. in college.

Sad to think that they changed the flight suit 3 x, and the blues 2x, the mess dress changed (no more white dinner jacket), insignias have changed, but at the same time( 1/4 of a century) a pr of shoes has remained the same. Heck even flight boot have changed...sorry I still like the black over the new green. I also recall you used to be able to wear black cowboy boot types too (that ended in the early 90's) in addition to the traditional black. Off to buy stock in corfram! It is sure fire way to guarantee that the style will change!

Back on topic. Wear what you are comfortable in. If it is the JROTC uniform wear it. The worse thing for an interview is to see a kid squirming in clothing they are uncomfortable with. You need to be comfortable. If wearing the uniform is it, than do it. Psychologically you do not need to be sitting there answering questions and debating in your mind the selection of your clothing attire.

As others have stated, groomed and properly dressed is important, but it will not get you a nom over another candidate because you are in JROTC. What is on your resume will.

 

[FromRVa15]

How about a prep school's service uniform (Army Service Uniform equivalent)?

 

[LFry94]

As others have stated, groomed and properly dressed is important, but it will not get you a nom over another candidate because you are in JROTC. What is on your resume will.

It's your resume and how you present yourself in your attitude and demeanor. At my last interview, the board really appreciated my ability to treat the interview as an inquisitive conversation rather than a prying interrogation.

How about a prep school's service uniform (Army Service Uniform equivalent)?

My personal advice would be to wear a suit and tie. You can never go wrong with a suit and tie.

 

[Triple111]

Hey guys, just got back from my interviews and wanted to share my experience.

From the people there, I'd say about 50% were in uniform. When I asked for feedback after the interviews, both boards gave me VERY favorable comments because of it and said they were very impressed with my appearance. (I wore my navy SDB)

This was for NJ by the way.

 

[FlyBoy1993]

Our son had his interview yesterday and was in his JROTC uniform while performing the color guard for the opening ceremony. He then changed into a suit for the interview.

The opening question of the interview was concerning why he thought it was important to change from his uniform. His answer, " Because today it is about each of us as candidates. There is a time when the uniform has value, but not for the purpose of this interview."

So much talent was in that building with all of the candidates( around 40 young men and women.) It must just be incredibly tough narrowing down the choices. It was quite motivating to see our future leaders, though.

 

[flieger83]

Our son had his interview yesterday and was in his JROTC uniform while performing the color guard for the opening ceremony. He then changed into a suit for the interview.

The opening question of the interview was concerning why he thought it was important to change from his uniform. His answer, " Because today it is about each of us as candidates. There is a time when the uniform has value, but not for the purpose of this interview."

So much talent was in that building with all of the candidates( around 40 young men and women.) It must just be incredibly tough narrowing down the choices. It was quite motivating to see our future leaders, though.

That is about the BEST answer I've heard!!

Had he been before my MOC committee...BIG POINTS!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[Hurricane12]

The opening question of the interview was concerning why he thought it was important to change from his uniform. His answer, " Because today it is about each of us as candidates. There is a time when the uniform has value, but not for the purpose of this interview."

Fact.

My JADM (just a dumb MIDN) opinion is against wearing the JROTC uniform. Obviously I've never been on a selection or interview committee (and never interviewed for my nomination anyway), but it would stick out to me as a bad idea for several reason:

-Even if there's other people wearing the uniform, you'll stick out in peoples' minds as "JROTC kid," not for something that you've accomplished.

-It's JROTC. I liked the comparison to wearing a sports uniform. It's something you do, not who you are (at least it shouldn't be...). JROTC is probably already on your activities sheet. Bring it up in the interview, but shouldn't JROTC be part of your package, not the entire thing?

-To me, it feels like using the uniform to your own personal advantage. Even though it's just JROTC, this doesn't really sit well with me. I mean, why would you wear it vice a suit? Because you're proud of the hard work you've put into JROTC, obviously, but to me it's a little show-offy.


Also, I noticed a post earlier about kids going on CVWs/other SA equivalent in JROTC uniform. I've never seen it, but...do people actually do that?

 

[buff81]

Wearing a JROTC uniform to any interview, IMPO, could appear as if you are trying to get brownie points. Why take that chance?

Also, I noticed a post earlier about kids going on CVWs/other SA equivalent in JROTC uniform. I've never seen it, but...do people actually do that?

To any of you going on a CVW or any kind of official visit - do NOT wear your letter jacket.

 

[usna1985]

To any of you going on a CVW or any kind of official visit - do NOT wear your letter jacket.

Second that!

As for your JROTC uniform, consider why you're wearing it. It it's to impress the MOC's committee . . . forget it. There are other/better ways to go about doing that.

I'm sure there are some valid reasons for wearing it but there's at least a 50/50 chance it will rub someone the wrong way. IOW, if you wear it, be prepared to answer the first question I would ask, "Why are you wearing your uniform today?" If you have a good answer, go for it. But be sure you have a good answer.

 

[briguy22]

A lot of great points have been made on this post, however, last week I had 2 nomination interviews from both of my Senators. Of the 4 interviewers (2 per interview), 3 of them said they would have loved to see me in my ROTC uniform (NOT JROTC!!). The interviews still went phenomenally well. I have 1 more interview tomorrow with my Congressman. Based off of the input I received last week I am highly considering wearing my NROTC Service Dress Blues. Again, I am in ROTC, not JROTC. Sounds like the general consensus is not to wear a uniform. Does anybodies opinion differ in this situation??

 

[SCcandidate2015]

I did not wear mine, but at one interview, I was asked why. With that said, I don't think any interviewer worth two cents would recommend you a nomination on you wearing your JROTC uniform.

 

[hawk]

Again, I am in ROTC, not JROTC. Sounds like the general consensus is not to wear a uniform. Does anybodies opinion differ in this situation??

ROTC & Prior service (current service) are different situations than JROTC.

You'll get different opinions. All I can say is I've never met or heard of anyone who got negative feedback for not wearing their JROTC uniform. I have heard of people (and comments) who got negative vibes from JROTC.

But all of that appears to be more related to the attitude & vibe the candidate puts out. If there's even a hint of entitlement or "I have military experience" it can backfire.

And does every year outside of the nomination process at Academy days, SLS, NASS, CVW, overnights, etc. And to a certain extent, in BEAST for a week or so. I personally have seen it at academy days, admissions briefings, and even a CVW briefing.

If you have JROTC experience / leadership that is great. You should get credit and high marks from your resume....

I think the one comment summed it up well: You would not expect band members or eagle scouts to wear their uniform. Active duty and college ROTC are a different situation, they are *in* the military.

It will also vary by your board. In our area Senate noms are stacked with senior officers of the branch you listed as 1st choice. (Capt-LTG on one)

 

[hawk]

To any of you going on a CVW or any kind of official visit - do NOT wear your letter jacket.

This could probably be extended to include any swag from the school you are visiting. ("So you think you are a cadet???") And absolutely none from a competitor school. You'd think that would be obvious, but it's not.

I saw kids arrive at CVW in HS jerseys with sleeves cut out, athletic shorts, and nasty tennis shoes.

Neutral, non-log dress removes any risk. Though at USMA overnight one candidate wore his SLS shirt and no one hassled him.

But on R-day, that rule applies 10X!!!!