Great guidance from posters above.
Below I’ll pass on the guidance a wise AROTC ROO shared with my son when he asked the ROO how cadets can exceed his expectations in the 1st year. Like Private Gump, the ROO basically said that’s the “best g*d d*mn question anyone’s ever asked him in 15 years” – it was a fun moment.
Show up on day 1 ready mentally and physically ready. Run this summer – and then run more. Excel in your first year in academics. Within your unit stand out primarily for your outstanding performance, flexibility/ care for others, focus, and where needed for all-over-it ownership for shoring up any gaps. Don’t pick the ridiculously hardest courses your first year no matter how well you did in Aps/ honors courses in HS – for some living away from home is a large adjustment. Keep your mouth shut unless needed, and don’t wear a bad attitude in non-verbal communication – it’s surprising how many people derail their own career with wearing “what a stupid decision” faces when their leaders make judgment calls. Better to get a 4.0 - go get it. Don’t overextend with ROTC, NCAA athletics, rushing a fraternity, and working 15 hours a week at a part time job – excel at fewer goals your first year, even if in HS like many of you were an eagle/ girl scout gold scout, class officer, NHS, boys/girls state, 3 sport athlete, officer in several clubs etc. And most importantly, survive in the ROTC first year in the program and thrive in academics. Be present/ focused/ on time and learn. Don’t get too proud when you get praise—he stated repeatedly he sees people sophomorically start acting like a general after winning midshipmen/ airman/ cadet of the month- simply, don’t do that.
Good luck to you and all those starting their ROTC journeys this year.
