IntervieUniform

Jun0602

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2014
Messages
33
Hi all,

I'm having trouble deciding what to wear for my interview with ALO. My NJROTC instructor recommended I wear the NJROTC uniform. In fact, I know most of previous candidates from my school wore the uniform. Many were offered appointment (well not because of the uniform but just throwing it out there)

But I'm seeing mixed views on the forum. Many, including former ALOs, don't recommend it.

now... should I wear NJROTC uniform? Why and why not?

PS interview is tomorrow
 
Agreed, but wear it well too... Make sure you are totally squared away and exhibit perfect uniform standards.

Nothing worse than wearing a uniform badly to sabatoge the impression of yourself as future officer!
 
ALO interviews typically are more casual. It is to get to know the cadet. I would not stress over this meeting. Most posters have a set opinion on the uniform issue regarding the MOC nom. interview.

You earned it, but as MedB stated if you are not squared away including shoes, than you take a risk of being dinged.

The ALOs I know personally care more about your presentation, answering questions, and the WCS factors for nominations and AFA than the fact that you wore a uniform. There will be non-JROTC candidates that have your ALO. If you weren't in JROTC, had stronger cgpa, more rigorous academics, higher SATs, more sports/ECs would you want an ALO to rank the JROTC candidate higher than you? I doubt it.
~ What I am trying to say is don't rely too much on the uniform to give you an edge if that is your intention.

Now if your intention is to show long term commitment than wear it.
 
My DS did not wear his JROTC uniform to any of his interviews. He was the Group Commander his senior year and had 25 ribbons and JROTC Honor society pin and the rocketry pin (which he started since they didn’t have a program for this prior). You know what? The AOL already knew all that she had his application with his accomplishments and she knows his JROTC Instructors.

Wearing the uniform opens you up to a certain level scrutiny. I have been out of the military for many years and I only served 6 years and still to this day when I see someone in uniform I instantly see if something is out of place. So image an AOL who more than likely has worn the uniform for good amount of time what they see. Not that I think they would hold it against you but they’ll see it.

There is an old post from a candidate that posted colors prior to the interview and he went and changed out of his JROTC uniform. When ask why he did that “….there is a time and place to wear the uniform…” nothing says it better.

Also if you do wear the uniform be prepared to answer questions about what you’re wearing. If your interviewer points to a ribbon and ask what’s that for you better be prepared to not only say the name and what the ribbon is for but what you did specifically to earn that ribbon.

For full disclosure my son did not get a direct appointment to the USAFA due to lack of nomination but he is in the USAFA Prep School as of two days ago and no he is not a D1 athlete, in fact he didn’t play any sports in HS (I personally think this is why he didn't get a nomination), and we live in the Springs which you can imagine is a pretty competitive region.

It's a personal decision if you wear it or not and only you know what you feel more comfortable in. Personally I would be reviewing your interview skill more than worrying about the uniform.

Good luck relax during the AOL interview remember they're not out to get you and you'll be fine. The AOLs are there to help not hurt.
 
Agreed, but wear it well too... Make sure you are totally squared away and exhibit perfect uniform standards.

Nothing worse than wearing a uniform badly to sabatoge the impression of yourself as future officer!

True. I'll triple check my uniform. Thank you
 
ALO interviews typically are more casual. It is to get to know the cadet. I would not stress over this meeting. Most posters have a set opinion on the uniform issue regarding the MOC nom. interview.

You earned it, but as MedB stated if you are not squared away including shoes, than you take a risk of being dinged.

The ALOs I know personally care more about your presentation, answering questions, and the WCS factors for nominations and AFA than the fact that you wore a uniform. There will be non-JROTC candidates that have your ALO. If you weren't in JROTC, had stronger cgpa, more rigorous academics, higher SATs, more sports/ECs would you want an ALO to rank the JROTC candidate higher than you? I doubt it.
~ What I am trying to say is don't rely too much on the uniform to give you an edge if that is your intention.

Now if your intention is to show long term commitment than wear it.

I'll make sure I'm squared away :thumb: thank you for the advice. Yes I am aware it does not give me an edge. I just want to give my ALO the impression that I will be proud to wear military uniform once in service because I'm proud to wear JROTC uniform right now.
 
My DS did not wear his JROTC uniform to any of his interviews. He was the Group Commander his senior year and had 25 ribbons and JROTC Honor society pin and the rocketry pin (which he started since they didn’t have a program for this prior). You know what? The AOL already knew all that she had his application with his accomplishments and she knows his JROTC Instructors.

Wearing the uniform opens you up to a certain level scrutiny. I have been out of the military for many years and I only served 6 years and still to this day when I see someone in uniform I instantly see if something is out of place. So image an AOL who more than likely has worn the uniform for good amount of time what they see. Not that I think they would hold it against you but they’ll see it.

There is an old post from a candidate that posted colors prior to the interview and he went and changed out of his JROTC uniform. When ask why he did that “….there is a time and place to wear the uniform…” nothing says it better.

Also if you do wear the uniform be prepared to answer questions about what you’re wearing. If your interviewer points to a ribbon and ask what’s that for you better be prepared to not only say the name and what the ribbon is for but what you did specifically to earn that ribbon.

For full disclosure my son did not get a direct appointment to the USAFA due to lack of nomination but he is in the USAFA Prep School as of two days ago and no he is not a D1 athlete, in fact he didn’t play any sports in HS (I personally think this is why he didn't get a nomination), and we live in the Springs which you can imagine is a pretty competitive region.

It's a personal decision if you wear it or not and only you know what you feel more comfortable in. Personally I would be reviewing your interview skill more than worrying about the uniform.

Good luck relax during the AOL interview remember they're not out to get you and you'll be fine. The AOLs are there to help not hurt.

Thank you for the great advice. I'm glad your son was offered Prep School. I'd honestly be as happy going to Prep School as I would be being offered appointment.

And yes. I'm fully aware of my achievements, and my uniform will be squared away. :thumb:
 
Better to be dressed up and be over-dressed than dressed down and wish you hadn't.
 
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