approved watch for ROTC

EJF

EJF

AROTC Mom
Joined
Feb 17, 2022
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I'd like to get my son a military style watch to have for ROTC when he starts this year as a freshman. What are rules that I should keep in mind to be in uniform regulations? Thanks!
 
efoster1 said:
I'd like to get my son a military style watch to have for ROTC when he starts this year as a freshman. What are rules that I should keep in mind to be in uniform regulations? Thanks!
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So.....ROTC is a very broad category.

For NROTC, each unit keeps their own set of uniform requirements which basically mirror Navy or Marine Corps uniform standards.

For Navy, the specific requirements under the uniform regulations are codified in Chapter 2, section 2201....

For wrist watches and smart watches, the following is germane:

"f. Wristwatch/Smartwatch/Fitness Tracker. While in uniform, wristwatches/smartwatches and fitness trackers will be conservative and not present a uniform distraction. Only one wristwatch/smartwatch or fitness tracker and one bracelet may be worn simultaneously (one on each wrist) while in uniform. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are subject to applicable security regulations. Authorized watch and fitness tracker colors when in uniform are solid black, brown, dark green, grey, navy blue, tan, white, copper, gold (metal), silver (metal), gold and silver combination (metal) only."

Before buying something, I would ask if DS prefers a wrist watch or smart watch or fitness tracker. Many of my mids have little interest in just a wrist watch. They use their cell phones for that. But avoid something that looks like a Marvel comics super hero watch design or the Gunnery Sergeant may offer up a supplemental calisthenics program. 😏
 
My suggestion is to get something that is durable, water resistant, digital (my preference), has a countdown timer, a stopwatch function, an alarm and at a price point that you won't be upset if you need to replace it due to it getting broken, lost or stolen. The Casio G-Shock is the most common I see in my Army ROTC unit among fellow cadets who only wear a watch for PT and labs. The gadget folks who utilize bluetooth and that wear a watch all of the time, primarily have the Apple watches.
 
Totally agree with Nature boy.

My DS has worn a G-Shock since 2015 when he first became a cadet.

He is now an Army Abrams Platoon Leader. It has worked in the humidity of Ft. Benning and Ft. Knox and endured blazing hot summer temperatures in the deserts outside of Riyadh. He also has subjected it to blizzards in the Sierras and it keeps working.

A smart watch that can be tracked may violate OPSEC, so be aware of that.

Solar power is good to have too.
 
So a small group of my Mids who were over caffeinated and elated to have completed finals week overheard me discussing watch options after reading this thread.

They enthusiastically approve of Garmin for a wide range of reasons and recommended this link.

Fitness Watches | Sport Watches | Smartwatches | Garmin

Garmin offers an array of products for all types of athletes including, sport watches, hybrid smartwatches, and fitness trackers.
www.garmin.com www.garmin.com

I would add a side note that the ringleader of this group lives in Rockville, MD and drives a Mini Cooper......so these options may not fit most budgets. But apparently, if you gift DS with one of these you get extra "Super Mom" points.

Some days I wonder if these folks have been deposited from another planet. 🤔
 
nature boy said:
Funny you mention Ironman, I saw this on Twitter earlier. If it's good enough for Jocko, it's good enough for an 18-21 cadet.

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Still have my 1988 Ironman bought as an E2 at the mini PX at the reception station in my desk drawer. No longer a daily wear watch but still intact with 2 missing buttons, probable needs a new battery and will be good to go.
 
DD just completed 1st year ROTC - loved having a Garmin! DS will be getting one from her for ROTC as his Graduation gift.
 
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