Academy Day This Weekend - Question about Dress

NJROTC-CC

Member
Joined
May 6, 2019
Messages
2,574
Our MOC has Academy Day this weekend. It is 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Wondering how I should advise DS to dress. We are in the South and normally everyone is very informal about dress. I am guessing that Khaki's, polo shirt and penny loafers would be appropriate. (But that would be considered haute couture in my neck of the swamp.) If I didn't tell DS otherwise, he would likely wear Navy PT shorts and a NJROTC t-shirt from his high school, but I think he should dress-up a bit more than that. But I think a dress shirt and tie is a bit much for an a.m. event, but I do not know. Gonna call the MOC's office and see what they say.
 
Our MOC has Academy Day this weekend. It is 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Wondering how I should advise DS to dress. We are in the South and normally everyone is very informal about dress. I am guessing that Khaki's, polo shirt and penny loafers would be appropriate. (But that would be considered haute couture in my neck of the swamp.) If I didn't tell DS otherwise, he would likely wear Navy PT shorts and a NJROTC t-shirt from his high school, but I think he should dress-up a bit more than that. But I think a dress shirt and tie is a bit much for an a.m. event, but I do not know. Gonna call the MOC's office and see what they say.

May I recommend your DS make the call? It will give him practice in resolving questions on his own using the phone live with strangers in a business context, and a skill he may well need if he embarks on the SA application process.
 
Last year our Congressman had an Academy Day at the local university. Our DS came back to represent USNA (he was a second class Mid then), and I came along as a 'parent with a mid'. The Congressman was there, some of his staff and several BGO's. The other SA's were there too, so lots of activity. We saw all types of dress from the 'casual' college kids and the high schoolers both casual and dressed. Our Congressmans interviews are later in the year, so if that is the case you ought to consider that. What I remember most was: limp handshakes, very casual dress, tepid interest (why did they actually come?), a lot of interest by the prospective applicants who wanted go USNA, good questions, nice dress and lots of application navigation questions. Being on the side, I saw lots of interesting things - I was surprised, however, by all the parent questions, though I suppose with one at USNA you have a parents viewpoint so if your parents go they certainly can ask q's too. These was also a sign in sheet, so perhaps the Congressmans office knows who came, you never know! Dress sharp, firm handshake, question everything - this is a big decision.
 
May I recommend your DS make the call? It will give him practice in resolving questions on his own using the phone live with strangers in a business context, and a skill he may well need if he embarks on the SA application process.

Good idea Cap!

However, I just realized we may have to put off Academy Day until next year (when he will be a junior) because I just found out he has at least two school events this weekend that he needs participate in. The cross-country team is hosting a county-wide meet that all team members need to work at, and JRTOC has a fund raising event. I think Academy Day this year (sophomore year) may be not needed thanks to us becoming so well-informed on this web site. Service to the school comes first. We can do Academy Day next year.
 
Dress for as he would for an interview. IMHO I always tell candidates to be the best dressed in the room. Rather than worst dresses. Navy PT shorts and a t-shirt would you wear them to an interview?
 
I'm not a fashion expert, but there have been many threads about what to wear to BGO interviews before, and the best advice I have seen is to dress like it is an important part of your day. First impressions count, and the MOC and/or staff will notice those that are outside that line of guidance. My opinion, khakis, polo shirt and loafers/boat shoes (in good condition) are just fine for the event you describe.

Good idea Cap!
.
> As an aside, I'm really not the formal type and not trying to be a jerk, but "Cap" really isn't an appropriate abbreviation or way to refer to a Navy Captain. Senior officers have earned their title, and they should be used correctly. (While I am on my high horse, "Mid" is really not an appropriate abbreviation for Midshipman. I know I get lazy here from time to time, but I try to spell it out or use MIDN).
 
NJ Senators just had their SA day evening. I know some of you are going to flame me for this, but I was wearing my JROTC uniform. I also hand-delivered my senators' applications. Staffers were very impressed. One of the gentlemen in the audience was the instructor at another JROTC unit and we had a nice little chat about our units etc.
 
As an aside, I'm really not the formal type and not trying to be a jerk, but "Cap" really isn't an appropriate abbreviation or way to refer to a Navy Captain. Senior officers have earned their title, and they should be used correctly. (While I am on my high horse, "Mid" is really not an appropriate abbreviation for Midshipman. I know I get lazy here from time to time, but I try to spell it out or use MIDN)

So noted. I stand corrected. They call Captain America "Cap." But, that is not reality, and afterall, he is only an 0-3
 
NJ Senators just had their SA day evening. I know some of you are going to flame me for this, but I was wearing my JROTC uniform. I also hand-delivered my senators' applications. Staffers were very impressed. One of the gentlemen in the audience was the instructor at another JROTC unit and we had a nice little chat about our units etc.

I though about him wearing his NJROTC uniform. He does look good it in, but something does not feel right about that to me because the event is not a NJROTC event. I can't think of any other non-NJROTC events at which any cadets wear their uniforms. But I don't see anything in the Cadet Field Manual that would prohibit it, so I guess it permissible.
 
MJ is just fine, military courtesy in any form is always appreciated by this retired salt.
 
I understand you are not going now but for anyone else lurking, we have been to several and it seems the way to go was polo or other collared shirt, khakis, and decent shoes. I didn't see anyone in suits and that would have really stood out at the large events we went to in Texas. Didn't see anyone in JROTC uniforms.
 
As a side note when DD was interviewing with MOC there were 3 kids in NJROTC uniforms for their interviews. None received appointments. DD was dressed in a women's suit jacket, white blouse and skirt. Not sure if this matters or not.
 
As a side note when DD was interviewing with MOC there were 3 kids in NJROTC uniforms for their interviews. None received appointments. DD was dressed in a women's suit jacket, white blouse and skirt. Not sure if this matters or not.

It feels like wearing a JROTC uniform to Academy Day is like wearing a military uniform while not on active duty which, as i understand it, is not usually allowed.
 
Last edited:
. . . we have been to several and it seems the way to go was polo or other collared shirt, khakis, and decent shoes

Exactly. That is plenty nice in the South. Save the coat and tie for the interviews.

P.S. - MOC's staffer responded to my e-mail with "The dress is casual"
 
I wouldn’t wear a JROTC uniform, it’s not a JROTC event. Khakis and a polo are fine. I have worked our Academy Day the last two years. Honestly a student who came with a firm handshake, looked me in the eyes and had half way informed questions would stand out way more than what they are wearing.
 
I would not wear a suit or uniform. I agree that khakis or similar is perfect. Nice jeans would be ok, especially in areas where jeans are commonly worn.

And agree that the way you present yourself is more important than what you wear.
 
As I have said before, just don't wear shorts, flip-flops, a tank top, and go in smelling like Don Julio and bad choices.
 
And agree that the way you present yourself is more important than what you wear.

I'll second (third?) that comment -- I've attended a lot of these events, and all to often Mom or Dad takes the lead, asking questions for their DS/DD. As Hoops says, firm handshake, look in the eyes, and ask informed questions is the ticket. First impressions count, and the MOC and/or BGO will notice the confident candidate , as well as the overbearing parent.
 
I have been to many Academy Day events, and have seen all kinds of fashion statements made, but have never seen anyone in a JROTC uniform. I don’t see it being a problem if one chooses to wear it, just haven’t seen it. Those who choose to wear sloppy casual clothes that may even look slept in with bedhead and flip flops do stand out in my mind however. And as mentioned, a limp handshake with no eye contact also
makes for a negative impression.
These events are important for many reasons, and attending more than once is beneficial if the candidate actively engages with the SA representatives as well as MOC reps. You can make a lasting impression and name recognition with them, just be sure it’s a positive one!
Overdressing classy and conservative will rarely ever give someone a negative impression, quite the opposite imo.
 
Back
Top