Will I have to get clothes/gear etc?

trevrock

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Messages
17
I am joining my school's Army ROTC platoon next semester. Will I have to get clothes, uniform, gear, etc?

I know cadets have specific clothing for PT and they wear uniforms on certain days.

Will I get a uniform(s) for next semester? Do they give me the clothing for PT? Do I pay for it, or does the ROTC program pay for it?

These are just some things I am wondering about...

Thanks in advance.
 
You be issued the uniforms that you need.
Many schools have a list of what/how to wear like this LINK
 
Typically(at least in my case), all the new cadets were issued their clothing gear etc at one of the first ROTC class labs of the new semester. Also to answer your question you don't have to pay a single penny(unless you lose or damage something). However, unless you are contracted you will most likely have to return everything at the end of the semester or if you decide to end participation in the program
 
You get it. It's free! But you will probably find there are a few things you want that you aren't issued. (Black Ducktape, ranger beads, knee pads if you're in the cold weather.) Don't worry about that stuff yet. You'll get what you need and then be able to add onto as you go on the in the program. :thumb:
 
Trev,

Have you spoken to anyone at your School's ROTC "Platoon"?? What did they tell you about uniforms and equipment??? As much as I love this discussion board, and it entertains me immensely, I would suggest you ask this question of them. We love to help folks with these questions, but if you are going to be a cadet you need to start working with your "chain of command". They are there to help.

Good luck
 
ClarksonArmy,

Yes, I have spoken to them and I will be calling tomorrow. The reason why I ask these questions here is because I don't want to be a thorn in their side, I guess.

One thing that does bother me though is that I have sent two emails, with legitimate questions, that were not responded to at all. The most recent email was asking who I should speak with regarding which class I need to register for in the spring. I sent the email over a week ago but I will to call tomorrow because registration is approaching soon.

I just don't want to seem like a pain in the ass by asking them these insignificant questions which is why I come here. Maybe I would be better off going straight to the source. But then again, I have sent two emails which were never responded to.
 
ClarksonArmy,

Yes, I have spoken to them and I will be calling tomorrow. The reason why I ask these questions here is because I don't want to be a thorn in their side, I guess.

One thing that does bother me though is that I have sent two emails, with legitimate questions, that were not responded to at all. The most recent email was asking who I should speak with regarding which class I need to register for in the spring. I sent the email over a week ago but I will to call tomorrow because registration is approaching soon.

I just don't want to seem like a pain in the ass by asking them these insignificant questions which is why I come here. Maybe I would be better off going straight to the source. But then again, I have sent two emails which were never responded to.

I understand your curiosity about the equipment/uniform situation, but in the bigger scheme of things, it is information that is not necessary to make the bigger decision (where will I go to school, which unit will I accept an offer from if one comes through, etc.) and so these questions should probably wait until you are through the big decisions and are in the process of preparing to attend.

While your excitement about the opportunity is commendable, prioritizing your questions to the unit, asking things about the actual unit experience is more important to the decisions you will have to make first. If the availability of uniforms is a deciding factor right now, you've either asked every other question imaginable or you've missed a few.

That being said, the data point of 1 that is goaliegirl received everything she needed to participate, although I think we are going to evaluate getting her better boots this summer on our own dime. Other items that she seems to have a frequent use for and appreciates better quality in may also fall into that category. We'll take stock in the spring and do some shopping during the summer.
 
Goaliedad,

That is my point. The big decisions have already been made, or there are less to make compared to a senior in high school. I am already attending college so no decision to make there and an "offer" won't really "come through" for me.

Most of the bigger aspect questions have been asked of the ROTC personnel and this was just a curiosity of mine. I think it would be rather ridiculous to call them up and ask, "So do I get a uniform, or no?" which is why I ask here.

I am just really excited and wish I had realized my desire to do ROTC when I was still in high school so I didn't miss out on a year and a half - oh well. With that said, I am just hoping everything works out in the end.
 
Goaliedad,

That is my point. The big decisions have already been made, or there are less to make compared to a senior in high school. I am already attending college so no decision to make there and an "offer" won't really "come through" for me.

Most of the bigger aspect questions have been asked of the ROTC personnel and this was just a curiosity of mine. I think it would be rather ridiculous to call them up and ask, "So do I get a uniform, or no?" which is why I ask here.

I am just really excited and wish I had realized my desire to do ROTC when I was still in high school so I didn't miss out on a year and a half - oh well. With that said, I am just hoping everything works out in the end.

My bad for not reading your posting history.

I think for this type of detail question, it is best to do it on a personal basis as opposed to email. I'd recommend asking for a cadet leader's email and then finding a day to have lunch with him/her. One of the more enlightening meetings we had during the interview tour was a lunch with a couple of MS4s. Plus you get a real feel for the personality types that the unit tends to attract. You will want to have a feel for this as well to make your decision more certain.
 
Thanks for the tip goaliedad.

I didn't mean to come off in a bad way. I am just a little frustrated at this point - that's all. Everytime I call I speak to the same 2LT in the office and he seems uninviting and like he doesn't want to help - or he expects that I know everything already.
 
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