AFROTC RSS (Commander's Ranking) Question

chucky2767

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Apr 21, 2015
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Hello,

Regarding the RSS/Commander's Ranking of FT nominations/selections, I have been told by my Det Commander that I was definitely in the "top 50%". My question is, if the AS200 Cadet is ranked within the whole detachment or just within the FTP class? (I didn't want to ask him too much information, afraid of being "out of my place", even though he's a really nice guy) Our FTP class is only about 12 cadets, and there are no more than 50 cadets in the whole Detachment, so this is a little confusing where the "top half" is.

Can someone please clarify if the AS200 Cadet is ranked in a FTP class or the whole Detachment?

Also, how much does a Commander consider participation in volunteering events, and extra curricular activities within the Det? Versus from the demonstrated leadership abilities during LLAB/PT?
 
You are ranked among your class for EA/FT purposes, also the commanders ranking is up to his/her preference, they could value X over Y any way he/she wishes. So from what you said you are in the "top half" of your class, i.e. 1-6 out of 12. Generally reading into how things are done normally you are 4,5, or 6. Simply because they did not say top 3rd etc. However, again each det/cc does it differently so who knows unless they specifically state it.
 
How they determine rankings is up to them. It's more than just a 4.0 GPA, 100 PFA, and being in every club imaginable, especially if you are in a small det, where the POC & cadre have more time to scrutinize you carefully.

I went from being a cadet that everyone thought was going to drop out to nearly top of my class. I was adaptable, I rolled with the punches, I was showing confidence whether I had it or not, and most of all I just kept going no matter what got in my way. I had a laundry list of reasons to drop from AFROTC, and any other cadet in my position probably would have. I just wanted to succeed. I'm fairly emotional now because I have no clue whether I'm going to get a FT slot or not, but my cadre has told me that they have the utmost confidence in my ability to succeed, so that counts for something.
 
A number one ranked cadet at a big detachment is not the same as a number one ranked cadet at a small detachment.

The formula for calculating Relative Standing Score is:
( (1-R/C)+0.5/C)*10), where R=Detachment Commanders Ranking and C=Class Size
 
How they determine rankings is up to them. It's more than just a 4.0 GPA, 100 PFA, and being in every club imaginable, especially if you are in a small det, where the POC & cadre have more time to scrutinize you carefully.

I went from being a cadet that everyone thought was going to drop out to nearly top of my class. I was adaptable, I rolled with the punches, I was showing confidence whether I had it or not, and most of all I just kept going no matter what got in my way. I had a laundry list of reasons to drop from AFROTC, and any other cadet in my position probably would have. I just wanted to succeed. I'm fairly emotional now because I have no clue whether I'm going to get a FT slot or not, but my cadre has told me that they have the utmost confidence in my ability to succeed, so that counts for something.


Thanks for your insight @noketchup . And I guess we're in the same boat now praying for EAs. Lets hope there's another high selection rate this year! But are you answering my 2nd question about how the Comm. evaluates Cadets? Or my first about if the "Class" ranking for EAs are just for FTP cadets?
 
A number one ranked cadet at a big detachment is not the same as a number one ranked cadet at a small detachment.

The formula for calculating Relative Standing Score is:
( (1-R/C)+0.5/C)*10), where R=Detachment Commanders Ranking and C=Class Size


Thanks for the helpful info @derek44 . Just to be sure for the "Class Size" part of the formula, the "Class" itself would just be the FTP cadets right? I'm assuming it is, but just double checking. Since it wouldn't make since to rank a AS200 vs a fresh 100.
 
Yes. The formula is taken from the 2015 AFROTCI 36-2011. Remember RSS is only worth 40% of your EA nomination. 10% is FA, and the other half is split evenly between SAT-E and GPA
 
other half is split evenly between SAT-E

Did they go back again to only the SAT-E? For the past few years it has been which is ever higher, AFOQT or SAT-E. However, if they use your SAT because it was higher and you busted the AFOQT, plus you do not pass the AFOQT on the 2nd try prior to going to SFT, than they have the right and most likely will revoke the SFT slot.
~ This has happened every year for a select few cadets.

The AFOQT is a tricky situation for several reasons.
1. The tests must be taken more than 180 days apart, unless given a waiver.
~ Most cadets will take it in Sept., thus they will only have 1 exam prior to SFT boards, and why they still use the SAT-E if it is higher.
2. It is not a superscore or best sitting situation. It is the last sitting that they use.
~ Thus, if they take the 2nd test just to get higher scores, it might hurt them in the end.
3. The AFOQT is used for their PCSM when they become POCs.
~ Rated will also use the TBAS for their selection.
 
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Thanks for your insight @noketchup . And I guess we're in the same boat now praying for EAs. Lets hope there's another high selection rate this year! But are you answering my 2nd question about how the Comm. evaluates Cadets? Or my first about if the "Class" ranking for EAs are just for FTP cadets?

The second question. They always rank you within your specific class, so now you & I are ranked among our respective FTP's.
 
@Pima It is still the same. SAT, ACT, and AFOQT-AA all convert to a SAT-Equivalency and they'll take the higher of which.
 
Okay, with that in mind, cadets need to remember that the AFOQT is where you need to care about now from a future aspect. As a POC 300, it is the AFOQT that will matter.

Also, for those selected, start studying the course materials, because as a 300 (rated) or 400(non-rated) for your AFSC, class ranking out of SFT will be part of the WCS for your AFSC OML. They will state how you racked and stacked out of SFT...top 1%, 5%, 10%, 30%, 50%, bottom 50%. This time it will not be just your det., but national since at Maxwell, the cadets are from across the nation.
~ Too lazy to look up if it is top 1,5,10,30,50%, but you get the idea. Maxwell will rack and stack you there too.

I know you all are concerned with chances, but honestly, if you fall within the parameters you are good to go. IMPO, your concerns should be how you perform once you are at SFT. This hurdle seems insanely stressful, just like the HSSP boards, but now you look back at the HSSP you think that was so less stressful than this one because it is the make or break. Next year when it is the rated/non-rated, this will look like a cake walk. It will never stop amping up until the day you leave the AF.
 
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