wearing JROTC uniform

navy2016

5-Year Member
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I know this is a debatable topic but my senator's personal has told me either the SD or suit and tie are both appropriate.
If I do choose to wear my AF JROTC Uniform, should I memorize every little thing on there? I realize trying to memorize the ribbons for each achievement might be kind of hard.
 
I know this is a debatable topic but my senator's personal has told me either the SD or suit and tie are both appropriate.
If I do choose to wear my AF JROTC Uniform, should I memorize every little thing on there? I realize trying to memorize the ribbons for each achievement might be kind of hard.

i wouldn't wear the uniform.

but if you choose to wear it, yes you should know everything about it. how embarrassing would it be for someone to ask you what your ribbons mean and you dont know?

Just a side note: It would be a very bad idea to wear your jrotc uniform or anything related to jrotc if/when you go to a CVW (or the equivalent for the other academies).

IMHO, it really is best to stay away from the jrotc uniforms in these situations.
 
I have always advised my candidates to NOT wear things like CAP or JrROTC uniforms.

Why?

The true reason is they really don't tell me anything about you. I know that you're in JrROTC...I see that on the resume and in the candidate file (I also chair my MOC's USAFA nomination panel). The uniform isn't going to impress me, it's probably going to distract either me or one of the panel members because we do NOT know what your badges, ribbons, etc., are. In fact, as the other respondent said: there's a HIGH likelihood that you'll be asked "what is XXX badge or ribbon?" because of the curiosity factor.

Nope...I'd dress conservatively...a suit if you have one; but don't go broke buying one. A nice jacket, shirt with tie, slacks...that's fine IMHO.

Look GOOD (think professional); that's the key.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I am not wearing mine. I think your application and conduct is more important than what you wear, you will do well if you prepare, do what you feel is best.
 
Alll depends on,

Personally, I like to an applicant wearing uniform for an interview (I am on my MOC nomination panel).

I like to see how an applicant looks in an uniform. I never paid attention to ribbons on JROTC uniform as my perception is, right or wrong, you get ribbons for just showing up. I am sidetracking, but for less than 4 years of JROTC having rows of ribbons tells me it's not hard to get ribbons in JROTC.

You should be proud of your JROTC participation.

How about if a member of MOC nomination panel asks you why you didn't wear uniform what would you say? Hope your answer is not going to be because I was afraid one of you might ask me what one of my ribbons is and I didn't know. Worst case scenario your answer could be "I can't remember what that specific ribbon was for, but we are awarded different ribbons for various reasons, such as academic accomplishment, good attendance, membrship to different organization within JROTC, leadership awards, and etc."
 
I actually had a similar question. I am in NROTC at college and I am reapplying to USAFA. Would it be appropriate to show up to nomination interviews in uniform? If so, would khakis be the best uniform to wear?
 
How about if a member of MOC nomination panel asks you why you didn't wear uniform what would you say?
I thought this suit was more appropriate dress.
 
You should be proud of your JROTC participation.
So should the band member wear his band uniform or should the track star wear his track uniform? I'm sure they are just as proud of their accomplishments and both activities probably are as much a part of their high school career as JROTC.
 
I'm in the "just say no" camp for JROTC uniforms. Wear a jacket and tie, have a haircut, shave, and look sharp.
 
So should the band member wear his band uniform or should the track star wear his track uniform? I'm sure they are just as proud of their accomplishments and both activities probably are as much a part of their high school career as JROTC.

Okay, that one made me laugh :yllol:. I got a visual of my daughter walking into her interview in full marching regalia.

My WP cadet didn't wear her AFROTC to any of her interviews.
 
My DS did not wear his NJROTC uniform to his MOC interview. When we parked the car in the parking lot (Yes, I stayed in the parking lot and did not go into the building) there was a couple of jrotc kids getting into their uniforms. ribbons, braids, etc etc etc etc... I asked my son what he thought about that and he said "It's not about the show."

He got the nom and the appointment. And he was right. It's not about the show, it's about him.
 
So should the band member wear his band uniform or should the track star wear his track uniform? I'm sure they are just as proud of their accomplishments and both activities probably are as much a part of their high school career as JROTC.

That is probably the best point I have seen anywhere.
 
I have to agree Mongo that comment was not only spot on, but hysterical.

I wonder how many now who go to the interviews look at them and envision them in the Marching Band or Cheerleading and just not giggle to themselves, because let's be honest 95% of these kids do athletics.

It has taken the old cliche if you are nervous speaking in front of people, just picture them in underwear to a whole new level.

I also agree with Singapore's DS...it is not about the show. Ask yourself, are you wearing this over a suit/dress because you think it will earn you more points? If so, than you are saying it is about the show.

I may have felt differently if it was the same branch, but the OP is in AF JROTC and wants to go Navy. He has no background in the Navy via JROTC, just AF.

What exactly would that uniform say to them? If I sat on the board it would open up a lot of questions...such as:

I see you are wearing an AFJROTC uniform, but this is for the USNA, are you applying for AFA too?

If so, why should we give you the nom instead of giving it to a candidate that only wants Navy?

Why are you applying to both, and if you get noms to both which would you choose?

JMPO, but wearing a JROTC uniform that is not the SA you are applying to, opens you up to more questions and could hurt you more than it could ever help.
 
I have a different perspective. My DS, now plebe, wore his JROTC uniform proudly. And, btw, you do not just get ribbons for showing up. He earned everyone of them. Yes, being in JROTC was on his application. And, yes, if we are all honest here, it is about the show. IF it wasn't, folks would just wear jeans and a t shirt--as that is probably closer to who these young adults really are.
We were given the same advice about not wearing his uniform. My DS said it was a matter of pride in wearing a uniform and attention to detail, making sure everything was in proper alignment, nails trimmed, regulation hair cut etc. At all three of his interviews, he received positive comments in regards to wearing his uniform and wearing it proudly. (And yes, he did have a lot of medals on his uniform) He also received three nominations and an appointment.
If you are not comfortable in uniform, then I would say don't wear it! For those that think it is "show boating" , let's face it, that is why these young people are there--to accentuate their own deeds and personalities.
Bottom line, as always, be yourself and wear what you are comfortable wearing. IF that does end up being your track uniform...wear it with pride and I bet they do remember you when the interview board meets to hand out nominations. :biggrin:
 
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.
 
So should the band member wear his band uniform or should the track star wear his track uniform? I'm sure they are just as proud of their accomplishments and both activities probably are as much a part of their high school career as JROTC.

I don't think a band member or a track star should not wear their uniform to a nomination interview. However, they should wear their uniforms for band or track related events repectively.

This is a simple difference in opinion. Yes, I did have a case of JROTC kid with everything about JROTC and nothing else or at a college fair a JROTC kid asking me since I am my JROTC battalion commander would I get some sort of special treatement if I went to West Point. Going back to the whole person concept, a JROTC kid coming to a nomination interview with or without uniform makes a statement - good or bad.

My opinion is that a good JROTC kid will be better of wearing the uniform if he or she was getting interview by me.
 
What exactly would that uniform say to them? If I sat on the board it would open up a lot of questions...such as:

I see you are wearing an AFJROTC uniform, but this is for the USNA, are you applying for AFA too?

If so, why should we give you the nom instead of giving it to a candidate that only wants Navy?

Why are you applying to both, and if you get noms to both which would you choose?

JMPO, but wearing a JROTC uniform that is not the SA you are applying to, opens you up to more questions and could hurt you more than it could ever help.

Hope you are not implying that nomination board members don't read nomination application file :smile:. With or without uniform, nomination board members should know if an applicant is participating in JROTC or not (I am reasonable sure all applicants will disclose their JROTC participation)

Ran into questions you have -

My school only offers AFJROTC. Doing to JROTC for discipline, gain more knowledge about military, and etc.I want to attend Navy for XYX reasons (this is where most applicants don't a good job in my Congressional District).

I am applying to all SAs because SAs are great and I want to serve my country as a military officer. If I am fortunate enough to get nominations and appointments to multiple SAs, my choices are X, than Y, than X, because ABC. (Of course I don't hear this often)

Again, all goes back to the individuals. My opinion if a kid can't answer questions like you asked, he or she might not be deserving of a nomination/appointment.
 
Not to make this an argument about the merits of JROTC and all other worthy extracurriculars, as this is not what the intention is here--but rather it is about presenting a well rounded candidate! NO doubtthat academics and athletics are very important. (DS had all of the above, academics with all AP classes along with JROTC of which he held multiple leadership roles including CO, athletics with being captain of soccer team, volunteer community service etc), in other words, a well rounded kid who was able to answer all questions thrown at him. That is the whole point is it not, that you present your best self, your whole self. It is the interviewing board's job to find out about the real you,the whole you, if you will. A uniform is not going to make or break the deal--just as a pair of nice khakis and a shirt and tie or a dress with the wrong pair of shoes is not going to make or break the deal. It is what comes out of your mouth, how well you present yourself that will truly be remembered at your interview. Actions speak louder than words. Relax, be confident, not arrogant, and be yourself. Look your interviewers in the eyes and offer a firm handshake. I am sure that the interview board is well versed in spotting a seasoned "BS" er if you will.
Best of luck to all this season! :smile::thumb:
 
I actually had a similar question. I am in NROTC at college and I am reapplying to USAFA. Would it be appropriate to show up to nomination interviews in uniform? If so, would khakis be the best uniform to wear?

If you are considering wearing your NROTC uniform, I would recommend your SDBs, not khakis (if you have SDBs). It's essentially a suit.

No matter what you wear, make sure you look sharp. Get a fresh haircut, make sure all gig lines are straight, make sure your clothes are freshly pressed, make sure your hands are clean (including fingernails), etc.

If you do wear your uniform, be prepared to answer questions about why you are in NROTC but reapplying for USAFA, not USNA.
 
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