Enlist???? Befote NROTC

pillbug

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Aug 1, 2017
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Me again. I know I read somewhere on the forum that do not be swayed to enlist while filling out the NROTC paperwork but now I can't find it. My sons Marine recruitment office is telling him I need to sign paperwork today so they can help him with the physical test and application. He is only 17, senior. He has started the application online for the NROTC and started applying for colleges already. But he feels he needs help with some parts on application so who can we reach out to to help him. How does he speak with a XO ( is that what they are called?). Thanks again for advice
 
There is NO paperwork he or you need to sign with the recruiters. The application is all on line and frankly, no help should be needed to fill it out.

The physical fitness test is usually done on the same day as his interview with a Marine Officer and this comes after the application is completed.
 
Agree with @USMCGrunt.

What questions does your DS have about the NROTC/MO app?
AROTC -dad,
Do the applications for the NROTC and AROTC have similarities? ie: same physical test, same medical forms or do you have to do each one separately? He says if he is joining the Army he wants to be a ranger. I have no idea about any of this just want to support him from the back and be well informed myself so as to guide him.
 
Do the applications for the NROTC and AROTC have similarities? ie: same physical test, same medical forms or do you have to do each one separately? He says if he is joining the Army he wants to be a ranger. I have no idea about any of this just want to support him from the back and be well informed myself so as to guide him.

They are completely different fitness exams. The Army ROTC gives a high schooler the choice of the APFT or the PFT. Both involve Push ups, Sit ups and either a 1 mile or 2 mile run. The Marines have a different test that involves pull ups, crunches and a three mile run.

NROTC/MO and AROTC (and the academies) all use DoDMERB for medical. The enlisted troops use MEPS for medical.

Rangers in the Army can mean two different things: 1) The 75th Ranger Regiment or...... 2) To be "Ranger" Qualified (Graduated Ranger School).

You don't have to be a member of the 75th to attend Ranger School. (Even other branches including Marines send personnel to Ranger School).
As an Army officer, your DS can seek to reach either, but most officers must lead a non-Ranger unit successfully before becoming a member of the 75th. Also most Army combat officers are Ranger Qualified.

For more reading:
Army APFT and PFT
https://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/pft-or-prt-that-is-the-question/

Marine Fitness exam:
http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/usmc-pft-charts

75th Rangers vs Ranger School:
https://www.goarmy.com/ranger.html
http://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-special-operations/army-ranger-school-prep
 
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Thanks again AROTC-dad. I'm going to owe you a beer after all is said and done. Your answers are always clear cut and informative. You have already helped us so much in this journey that we have just started. Love all the links you give.
 
You are all so right. My son told the recruiter today he is not going to enlist until all college avenues are exhausted and asked if they would still help him and they dropped him like a hot potato. His feelings were hurt a little. He thought they really wanted to help him. They are the ones who told him about the NROTC scholarship in the first place. Now he just finishes the application and will contact the OSO. He wants to be a go getter.
 
So, dumb question (I got a million): for the marine PFT, you would add up the points for each of your numbers in three categories for total score (i.e., how many pull ups, crunches, 3-mile time). I'm seeing folks post their scores for marine option PFT in one number, guessing that's it? If so, anybody care to generalize on what is considered "good"? (I do know there are a lot of other factors in the scholarship decision)
 
Strive for max which is 300 points. You want to be in the first class range which is 225+. The higher the better.
 
Thanks USMC grunt. DS did not make first marine option board, and found out a new PFT required within a certain time period of February board. It was not expressed as just for the point of "improving" PFT, so we don't know what happens with first score (I'm sure there's no "superscoring"). Turns out the one done yesterday was about the same. Shooting for 300 of course and hoping for the best. Strangely, having hands stick to pull up bar outside at 8:00 a.m in january only increased 3 pull ups. Really, really kidding here, I know Marines have to be tough, right? Also a bit surprised that all candidates not making first board were required to re-do PFT. I would think that's a lot of candidates but not sure of the numbers that get rolled over from first to second marine option board (?)
 
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