Recent content by bobthebuilder

I'm talking generalities here, but it seems like certain immature cadets view leadership as putting themselves ahead of others, bragging, and putting on a show, constantly talk about themselves with TMI etc. Their main purpose is self serving, to be the best at all costs, and to make sure...

ROTC is typically a 4 year program, and cadre want you to be committed to their institution before they will in turn commit with a campus based scholarship. Commissioning requires a bachelor's degree - not an associate's. If you do end up transferring route it may just be better to go the OCS...

If you fail the weight test for your height you will do a tape test. Buff soldiers usually pass this test, but if you are simply overweight you will likely fail. If it seems like you are in a grey area, time to hit the gym.

Schedule an appointment with the ROTC Enrollment Officer. It's his job to enroll qualified cadets and he will tell you everything you need to know. I would advise enrolling in a four year university if you want to be in ROTC.

What are some easy and effective ways to set up a land nav course on my own to practice for ROTC? I would like to be able to go anywhere, including national parks to do this. Is a GPS and mapping software required to set this up, or is there a good app for my smartphone that can be used for this...

No, I am not going to school in California, if that is what you are asking. I prefer not to get too specific unless you want to PM me.

You are welcome and thank you for the feedback. I usually try to write meaningful essays when I am allowed to pick my topic in English and I thought this might help new cadets understand what ROTC is like. purpledog394, I remember researching information prior going into ROTC and I had the same...

You have me spot on your assessment of what I like. I want to be active in the field, taking a hands on approach. I feel like picking a branch where I have expertise would allow me to be a better officer, have more of a passion for what I am doing, which translates into actually making a...

Thank you for that motivating story and for your service. I am not prior service, so yes, I would be going to Ranger school at 30. Going Infantry without getting the Ranger tab is probably a bad idea. I need to work on my running which is dragging me down, as I am currently at a 253 on my PT...

Roger. That is an interesting revelation that many Officer jobs end up being similar. I understand that there are different jobs in the Engineer branch and I could end up branching combat engineers, and end up digging out and setting up positions and so on. I am not too concerned with the...

I don't want to violate forum rules and take this thread off topic, so feel free to discuss this with me at this link, where I posted some of my experiences. https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/my-first-year-army-rotc-experience.56233/

A future Cadet on this forum asked me about my experiences in ROTC, and I just happened to have written an essay for my English class on this topic. Its not all inclusive, but gives you a good idea of what to expect. I recommend showing up day one in great shape, not just able to pass the PT...

I am finishing up my first year of Army ROTC and I am starting to think about what I should focus on for my branch choice. I realize that I don't choose this until later in my MS-3 year, but want to be on top of things so I know I will be competitive for what ever choice I go with. I am an older...

It is my understanding that as an Officer, it is both a violation of military code and unethical to date those under your command or enlisted personnel. It creates a conflict of interest, and potentially can cause serious problems. That being said, I understand that being a Cadet isn't the same...

Roger. Thank you for your replies. I prefer to go active duty, but there is no guarantee of that. I already have construction experience, and I already have valuable skilled trade experience that would be augmented tremendously by a mechanical engineering degree. The Army is in need of STEM...