FY19 NROTC Regular Selection Board Processing Day

rholt

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Mar 13, 2018
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My son has this event coming up in a couple of weeks at Marine Recruiting Station Fredrick, MD. The prospect of completing the PFT and then following up with an interview - well - looks like kind of an intense day.

I am just wondering if anyone can share any lessons learned. He knows he needs to be prepared for the PFT and make sure his paperwork is in order. Any other tips - especially with respect to the interview?
 
Not sure if this is for Navy or Marine option. Marines are generally the ones I've heard of doing the PFT and interview the same day. Either way, the advice would be the same. For the interview, be prepared. Don't count on just going in there and "winging it". Be ready to answer with thought out responses to questions such as "Why do you want to be a Navy/Marine Officer", "Which warfare community interests you most and why", "How have you demonstrated leadership in positions you have held", "What sets you apart from other candidates", "What are your greatest strength and weakness", etc. Prepare and practice in advance. I was able to set my DS up with some mock interviews with leaders at my work. He found these very helpful when he went for his officer interview. Be prepare to expand on your answers and be complete in your responses, but without rambling. Try to relax; be calm and confident, but not cocky. Firm handshake and eye contact. My DS' experience was that the interview was stressful, due to the stakes, but that the interview was more of a conversation and not a grilling. Good luck.
 
It is the Marine Option - but yeah - that is good input and it is universal. Looking into some mock interview options with some other BGOs.
 
We live in a rural area; for NROTC a petty officer came up from downstate and gave the PFT, then he was interviewed in his workout clothes via Skype on the petty officer's phone. This was not for the Marines. The new thing in interviews is to ask for examples - so if your child says they are president of the Dungeons and Dragons club, he will be asked to give an example where his leadership was necessary, what steps he took, and what the final outcome was. Good luck!
 
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