Arriving to ROTC

wannabeplebe

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Jan 13, 2017
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Any advice on what to wear to the first day of ROTC for females? No requirements were given but I assume it'd have to be relatively business casual and presentable. I know guys will probably wear khakis and a polo but what about for girls? Same thing?
 
I'd be fibbing if I said I remembered what my daughter wore but you're on the right track. No heels, no excessive make-up or jewelry.
 
I'd be fibbing if I said I remembered what my daughter wore but you're on the right track. No heels, no excessive make-up or jewelry.
Haha don't worry - I wear none of that either way. It was more a question of how casual CAN I be vs. How casual do I HAVE to be?
 
Simply email the ROO before school begins and ask. Or ask an MSII.
 
My daughters unit was issued uniforms before Day 1 but my son said non-scholarship cadets wore khakis and a collared shirt. Males & females.
 
DS's son just got an email that said they should wear business casual for orientation. He is a 4 Year scholarship cadet but they won't have their uniform for orientation. I agree the definition of business casual is more difficult for a female but I still think khakis and s poio would be fine.
 
One never wears running shoes for business casual.
 
To be honest, the answer is unit and ROTC branch specific.

Can't go wrong in khakis, golf shirt and flats. But most units will send an email/ correspondence with directions and expectations. Hair is a personal choice but there may be barbers on hand to make sure regulations are met. Going in ahead of time with the proper haircut could be a wise choice.

It will all be sorted out in very quick action.
 
And if there are barbers on hand, you're likely to get a haircut whether your hair is within regulations or not.
 
My son's unit had at least (2) males show up with earrings and others with hair too long on day 1 which was the Saturday before school started. I know the males were told to remove the earrings and NEVER put them back in. The guys with hair too long were told to get it cut by Monday morning. I know I'm old school but I just can't imagine people not showing up ready to go on day 1.
 
My son is a US Army national 3 year scholarship winner and has been told due to the phase out of the current uniforms that they may/may not get them till they contract next year at beginning of semester. Is this typical? I'm simply asking as I am not familiar. They were also told if they didn't get them this year they could purchase them, but he doesn't want to "stand out" and wants to wait with the others. Is that a wise choice? Again, asking because I am not a military dad and really unfamiliar with the do's and dont's
 
Until 2-3 years ago, everybody in the unit was given the uniforms to wear. That way, theoretically at least, nobody could tell who as on scholarship and who wasn't. I would personally want to be in the uniform but I can also understand how your son feels. During my sons last (2) years of college, I'd say 1/3 of the cadets were not on scholarship and wore civilian attire of some sort to ROTC. I will say that if you're not on scholarship but wearing civilian attire and still making those in uniform look bad (by working harder, better PT scores, etc...you'll really stand out as a hard charger.
 
As K2 said, the uniforms are in transition. My DS was issued only ACU's during his non-contract first semester. He still had to wear a suit to dining in, and civilian PT clothing during workouts. He did not buy any extra uniforms. But of course having the ACU for FLX was much better. (lacking a mil-spec sleeping bag was another matter entirely in 35 degree weather).

I would say stick it out with what you have for now. Your DS will know best on how to avoid being "that guy."

That said, I would think it would be okay if a few of the cadets purchased surplus ACU's specifically for FLX and LDX only. as if you are in the field, you want to have tough and comfortable clothing. Compliant boots would be a must for that as well.

Your DS knows the battalion culture what would be appropriate. Trust that he will let you know what he needs.
 
Until 2-3 years ago, everybody in the unit was given the uniforms to wear. That way, theoretically at least, nobody could tell who as on scholarship and who wasn't. I would personally want to be in the uniform but I can also understand how your son feels. During my sons last (2) years of college, I'd say 1/3 of the cadets were not on scholarship and wore civilian attire of some sort to ROTC. I will say that if you're not on scholarship but wearing civilian attire and still making those in uniform look bad (by working harder, better PT scores, etc...you'll really stand out as a hard charger.
Thanks. He is standing g out in PT each morning, trying out for Army Ranger Challenge, and the "older guys" really like him for his hard work and dedication. Only one of the 4 year guys has passed the APFT. When I say stand out, I just meant he doesn't want to be the only 3 year guy with the uniform on. In some ways I see it as a great quality in him of being the same as the unit. Again, appreciate your response. Helpful.
 
Until 2-3 years ago, everybody in the unit was given the uniforms to wear. That way, theoretically at least, nobody could tell who as on scholarship and who wasn't. I would personally want to be in the uniform but I can also understand how your son feels. During my sons last (2) years of college, I'd say 1/3 of the cadets were not on scholarship and wore civilian attire of some sort to ROTC. I will say that if you're not on scholarship but wearing civilian attire and still making those in uniform look bad (by working harder, better PT scores, etc...you'll really stand out as a hard charger.
Thanks. He is standing g out in PT each morning, trying out for Army Ranger Challenge, and the "older guys" really like him for his hard work and dedication. Only one of the 4 year guys has passed the APFT. When I say stand out, I just meant he doesn't want to be the only 3 year guy with the uniform on. In some ways I see it as a great quality in him of being the same as the unit. Again, appreciate your response. Helpful.

Oh I knew what you meant. AROTC Dad had some great insight as well. Unfortunately Im not surprised about the APFT results. I don't understand that. Im almost 53 years old and could pass that test tomorrow.
 
Thanks. And yes, I'm 47 and could pass it, and at 18 for soccer in college our fitness test was 2 miles in 12 minutes. But I was surprised to hear him tell me so few passed. Sad really.

What I do know is he is working very hard in the classroom and out of the classroom to "make his mark" and taking it all in. He absolutely loves the ROTC program and can't wait to contract beginning of next semester. I appreciate your advice and information provided.
 
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