"Best" Army ROTC Battalion

J

JBfortunecookie1

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If I'm deciding between a couple of universities in particular that are close in my mind academically, what are some other distinctions that some AROTC Battalions may have over others, keeping in mind school visits are a no go? (ie funding, cadre leadership, specialty school slots, etc?-and where to find information of the like)
 
ROTC programs are basically the same. Pick the university that you will excel at. PMS’s change out every 2-3 years so the next one maybe a complete dud. The only thing that may change your mind is if you are at a host university (where the PMS is at) vs a cross town or extension. Those schools may require you to travel for PT, lab, or class. And that maybe a pain in the but.
 
Montana State Army ROTC said:
ROTC programs are basically the same. Pick the university that you will excel at. PMS’s change out every 2-3 years so the next one maybe a complete dud. The only thing that may change your mind is if you are at a host university (where the PMS is at) vs a cross town or extension. Those schools may require you to travel for PT, lab, or class. And that maybe a pain in the but.
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I've heard that some rotc departments have more funding than others ex hoya battalion is very well funded
 
If you don't mind me asking, what schools are you considering? While I was in the application process I contacted 15+ units to which I had apply to learn about each unit, so I may be able to shed light on some information you're looking for.
 
ADC67 said:
If you don't mind me asking, what schools are you considering? While I was in the application process I contacted 15+ units to which I had apply to learn about each unit, so I may be able to shed light on some information you're looking for.
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Ohio State, U of Arizona, Iowa, Penn State, and USC (interested in possible transfer there)
 
I'm NROTC at UofA but I have a ton of AROTC friends and two of them are even my roommates. They've got really chill cadre and always seem to have a good time. I don't know all the details of the program, but I know all my friends love it.
 
+1 to Montana. Proximity to a base will probably increase training opportunities once we're through all this.
 
I met cadets from around the nation during summer training coming from different schools and backgrounds. Met all ranging from New York to Texas to California to Hawaii, even met a few from Puerto Rico and Alaska. I would recommend any university, we may be taught differently on doctrine but in the end, we all get assessed the same way in Advanced Camp. If you like a university nearby, go for it; if you want to go far away, go for it. I noticed and said this a lot to many students thinking of going AROTC, the program is great no matter where you go, and it was proven over the summer. Go to a university that suits your aspirations/career in the future. Don't go to one because you heard they do "cool" stuff for field training or something, that's for the summer or once you're in.
 
The ‘best’ program is the one you ultimately select. The school where you feel best at, leaves you in the best position financially and has the ‘right’ battalion for you. For some a large battalion is their preference, others might thrive in a smaller one. A program that is much more hands on and regimented might be a better fit for some. As mentioned they all get the same funding... being close to bases can help open up opportunities. Some partner with other schools more than others. Does one leave you with no debt? What happens if ROTC ends up not being the right fit? Can you afford to stay there? Evaluate what works for you. As mentioned battalions change in leadership frequently. Pick the one where you will plant yourself and grow.
 
NavyHoops said:
The ‘best’ program is the one you ultimately select. The school where you feel best at, leaves you in the best position financially and has the ‘right’ battalion for you. For some a large battalion is their preference, others might thrive in a smaller one. A program that is much more hands on and regimented might be a better fit for some. As mentioned they all get the same funding... being close to bases can help open up opportunities. Some partner with other schools more than others. Does one leave you with no debt? What happens if ROTC ends up not being the right fit? Can you afford to stay there? Evaluate what works for you. As mentioned battalions change in leadership frequently. Pick the one where you will plant yourself and grow.
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this feels like a topic that should be made sticky
 
JBfortunecookie1 said:
If I'm deciding between a couple of universities in particular that are close in my mind academically, what are some other distinctions that some AROTC Battalions may have over others, keeping in mind school visits are a no go? (ie funding, cadre leadership, specialty school slots, etc?-and where to find information of the like)
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What do they call officers from the best & the worst ROTC battalions after graduation & commissioning?

Sir.

You make of it what you will.

Remember there were officers in WW2 who graduated with honors from West Point with zero demerits, excellent grades & looked like images from a recruitment poster -- then proved next to useless in combat. And there were guys like 5 foot 5 inch Audie Murphy, fifth grade dropout who was rejected by the Marines & the Navy. Earned a battlefield commission in France in 1944. Few better officers were produced in US military history.

Amazon.com: To Hell and Back: 9780805070866: Audie Murphy: Books

Amazon.com: To Hell and Back: 9780805070866: Audie Murphy: Books
www.amazon.com
 
Day-Tripper said:
What do they call officers from the best & the worst ROTC battalions after graduation & commissioning?

Sir.

You make of it what you will.

Remember there were officers in WW2 who graduated with honors from West Point with zero demerits, excellent grades & looked like images from a recruitment poster -- then proved next to useless in combat. And there were guys like 5 foot 5 inch Audie Murphy, fifth grade dropout who was rejected by the Marines & the Navy. Earned a battlefield commission in France in 1944. Few better officers were produced in US military history.

Amazon.com: To Hell and Back: 9780805070866: Audie Murphy: Books

Amazon.com: To Hell and Back: 9780805070866: Audie Murphy: Books
www.amazon.com
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I'd also like to concur. Especially since it's Audie Murphy. If anyone ever goes to school in Virginia, the Audie Murphy Memorial is a place that is specific for Virginia and should be one of the reasons to go. His memorial unfortunately lies in the area his plane crashed in the mountain but still a good officer and soldier to learn from. I remember reading about his history, he was a bada***, especially from his actions in WWII. He's one of the most Captain America soldiers we will ever see and hear about.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he earned his officer status from being enlisted along with his actions in that position. Technically, he didnt go to school to commission, which shows you that there's a lot that you will need to learn in the field like Murphy did. Sorry this was long, he's one of my motivation for joining, and some cadets and I cleaned up his memorial for the VFW nearby!!! I get excited when Audie Murphy is brought up!
 
Wcyeung123 said:
I'd also like to concur. Especially since it's Audie Murphy. If anyone ever goes to school in Virginia, the Audie Murphy Memorial is a place that is specific for Virginia and should be one of the reasons to go. His memorial unfortunately lies in the area his plane crashed in the mountain but still a good officer and soldier to learn from. I remember reading about his history, he was a bada***, especially from his actions in WWII. He's one of the most Captain America soldiers we will ever see and hear about.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he earned his officer status from being enlisted along with his actions in that position. Technically, he didnt go to school to commission, which shows you that there's a lot that you will need to learn in the field like Murphy did. Sorry this was long, he's one of my motivation for joining, and some cadets and I cleaned up his memorial for the VFW nearby!!! I get excited when Audie Murphy is brought up!
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They called it a "battlefield commission" in those days. Essentially given when the existing junior officer were killed or wounded & there was nobody in the pipeline. Not always granted to a superb soldier as Audie Murphy. Many times just to the senior enlisted man who wasn't wounded, at least not wounded seriously.

Murphy was a great GI hero, but the rest of his too-short life was a mess. Poor actor (though he gave it his all) in mostly forgettable films. Horrible gambling problem & many poor financial decisions. Tax problems. PTSD was a constant. Terrible, scary temper. Abusive husband. Absent father (though not uncommon in his generation). Dead at 45 in a plane crash, on his way to another potential business venture to bail him out.

Like Ira Hayes, and a lot of other guys, he peaked in 1944-1945. Rest of his life was definitely was one of the "Greatest Generation" stories.
 
Wcyeung123 said:
I'd also like to concur. Especially since it's Audie Murphy. If anyone ever goes to school in Virginia, the Audie Murphy Memorial is a place that is specific for Virginia and should be one of the reasons to go. His memorial unfortunately lies in the area his plane crashed in the mountain but still a good officer and soldier to learn from. I remember reading about his history, he was a bada***, especially from his actions in WWII. He's one of the most Captain America soldiers we will ever see and hear about.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he earned his officer status from being enlisted along with his actions in that position. Technically, he didnt go to school to commission, which shows you that there's a lot that you will need to learn in the field like Murphy did. Sorry this was long, he's one of my motivation for joining, and some cadets and I cleaned up his memorial for the VFW nearby!!! I get excited when Audie Murphy is brought up!
Click to expand...

And another thing, Captain American was the result of a super human strength medical experiment.

Audie Murphy was a short, skinny, generally unhealthy teenager who lacked in everything but extraordinary courage, of which he was forever modest about. Not a loud flag waving braggart blowhard but a man if quiet intensity and steely backbone when faced with adversity. And tremendously loyal to his comrades.
 
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