Cincinnatus
New Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2016
- Messages
- 2
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening,
I am currently scheduled to matriculate at VMI this August as a rat of the Rat Mass of 2017+3. I have selected Marine Option as my ROTC choice, and I was hoping that some current/former Marine Option Cadets could answer a few questions. Note that I am on an academic rather than an ROTC scholarship.
First, when do most cadets go to PLC? My understanding is that, usually, they go either their Sophomore/Junior or Junior/Senior summers, but I have heard rumors that some actually go as early as their Freshman summer. Also, do any opt to do the full 10-week OCS?
Second, I realize that as a non-scholarship, I am not guaranteed to be sent to OCS/PLC. What is the application process like, how competitive is it, and how helpful are they generally at VMI in getting you a slot?
Third, although I have been on a steady program of physical conditioning for the last year, and will continue to work hard, I am interested to know what the average physical fitness level of a male rat is. How do they usually perform on the VFT (pullups/run particularly)? Specific to the Marine Corps, when do they administer your first PFT, and how do new rats usually perform on that?
Finally, I know I will be doing A LOT of pushups as a rat, and that there is really no way to make this part easy, but what number should I shoot for pre-matriculation? I am at 50 now, and I have three months to continue working; I'm really just looking for a goal number to structure my program towards.
Thank you for your time and service.
I am currently scheduled to matriculate at VMI this August as a rat of the Rat Mass of 2017+3. I have selected Marine Option as my ROTC choice, and I was hoping that some current/former Marine Option Cadets could answer a few questions. Note that I am on an academic rather than an ROTC scholarship.
First, when do most cadets go to PLC? My understanding is that, usually, they go either their Sophomore/Junior or Junior/Senior summers, but I have heard rumors that some actually go as early as their Freshman summer. Also, do any opt to do the full 10-week OCS?
Second, I realize that as a non-scholarship, I am not guaranteed to be sent to OCS/PLC. What is the application process like, how competitive is it, and how helpful are they generally at VMI in getting you a slot?
Third, although I have been on a steady program of physical conditioning for the last year, and will continue to work hard, I am interested to know what the average physical fitness level of a male rat is. How do they usually perform on the VFT (pullups/run particularly)? Specific to the Marine Corps, when do they administer your first PFT, and how do new rats usually perform on that?
Finally, I know I will be doing A LOT of pushups as a rat, and that there is really no way to make this part easy, but what number should I shoot for pre-matriculation? I am at 50 now, and I have three months to continue working; I'm really just looking for a goal number to structure my program towards.
Thank you for your time and service.