Army ROTC Advice

[drakem]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to enroll in AROTC this coming semester. I'd like to ask, how is Army ROTC Leadership Lab different from AFROTC LLAB and PT? In other words, what are the best ways to 1) do well as a cadet and 2) make a good impression on others?

I'm asking because I don't wanna be just another cadet; I naturally want to take pride in what I do and do the best that I can.

Thanks all!

 

[JustABill1775]

From my research it varies on university and battalion detachment. Army does more hands on stuff, they hand out uniforms and replicate weapons/ battle tactics . Air force does marching for first two years then selects cadets to continue on to junior year. Keep GPA up and work out dont get in trouble, thats how you stand out. Get involved, gets you more OML points for army. Air force has you take an SAT like officer test.

 

[drakem]

Thanks for the advice! I will take that to heart. For clarification, what are OML points? ML stands for military leadership right?

 

[Jcc123]

There's an acronym list in the header, but it stands for Order of Merit List - how the Army ranks you against all other cadets. They use this ranking to determine whether you commission active duty or reserve, and partially to determine what branch you receive.

 

[drakem]

Also: I have a friend who's doing AFROTC, and he said that the most important thing he learned was wingmanship -- how to take care of your fellow airmen. Could I somehow incorporate that idea into Army ROTC? At my school, army ROTC seems to be more "de-individualized"; you're more on your own than you are in AFROTC.

 

[Jcc123]

Stop trying to compare AFROTC & AROTC. They're not the same and you're chasing your tail. Get a good GPA and PT score, and be involved in unit activities and on your campus. That's it, and you'll succeed.

 

[nofodad]

Grades, fitness, campus/ battalion activities.

Don't overthink it.

 

[zachcleigh]

ROTC is a job. Treat it that way. Don't sh*t where you eat.

Probably the one most important piece of advice I would give.

 

[clarksonarmy]

Kill one of your weaker peers with your bare hands while the cadre are watching...just kidding. You are thinking this too hard. Pay attention, participate as much as you can, be physically fit, and maintain your GPA and you'll be taught the rest.

 

[kinnem]

The difference between the labs (and I don't think it matter one whit anyway) is that AROTC will teach Army skills (eg Land Nav) and AFROTC teaches Air Force skills (righty tighty, lefty losey). I jest perhaps, but that's essentially it. Keep in mind this comes from someone who did neither, and only watched his son do NROTC lab from afar (where he learned Navy and mostly Marine skills).

 

[QA1517]

Kill one of your weaker peers with your bare hands while the cadre are watching...just kidding. You are thinking this too hard. Pay attention, participate as much as you can, be physically fit, and maintain your GPA and you'll be taught the rest.

Consult with your cadre first, they will probably have one of your fellow cadets in mind for you to "make disappear".

 

[sandnnw]

...and, small but important piece of advice. Learn how to "follow." Don't be "that" cadet that constantly aspires to outshine everyone. You will have your chances to be the 1st shirt, platoon leader, etc. Be motivated, but remember your peers also need their time. Have fun, learn the first time and pay attention-to-detail, even the little things that don't seem to make sense until later down the road. Don't get caught up in the grip and complain clique. Good luck!