How to stay focused during AFROTC?

[flyblu]

Hello,

So, I will be a Freshman in college in the Fall. I was wondering if any of you have in staying focused on both college and ROTC. Also if you have any tips to in staying mentally strong because I tend to get a bit down/low at times.

Thanks.

 

[Tbpxece]

...I tend to get a bit down/low at times.

I'd strongly caution against bringing up any talk of being "down", "sad" or "low" to anyone affiliated with the AF (or any medical provider for that matter). If you get to the point where you need to talk to someone, look for sources where you can have that conversation off the record (and off the insurance claim history). Military chaplains, faith leaders, school counselors (caution here--make sure they do not log your name), MilitaryOneSource, and some local counselors offer this feature. Generally speaking, if you talk to someone about being down or low, keep from giving them your name.

Despite what DoD says, I have observed that having a history of mental health consultations will have an impact on your career. I'm struggling to find the news article, but it wasn't more than a year or two ago where the Army grounded a bunch of aviators for the simple reason that they had sought counseling at some point. It's dirty and it's low, but it's a reality.

I say all this because I have noticed a trend in teens and young adults in this current generation to misidentify heavy stress as some form of mental disorder, or feeling down as "being depressed". When combined with a proclivity towards oversharing and disregard for personal privacy, it is very easy to have a horrible impact on your career. Words have meanings, and when you use certain words in a conversation with someone with a reporting requirement, well, your misuse of those words will cause a ton of long-term problems.

Of course, if you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, then you should seek counseling as soon as possible-- regardless of the source.

I'm sure others on here that are in the program will offer more current advice on coping strategies, etc, as you framed in your question. However, it is important to get this warning out there first.

 

[flyblu]

...I tend to get a bit down/low at times.

I'd strongly caution against bringing up any talk of being "down", "sad" or "low" to anyone affiliated with the AF (or any medical provider for that matter). If you get to the point where you need to talk to someone, look for sources where you can have that conversation off the record (and off the insurance claim history). Military chaplains, faith leaders, school counselors (caution here--make sure they do not log your name), MilitaryOneSource, and some local counselors offer this feature. Generally speaking, if you talk to someone about being down or low, keep from giving them your name.

Despite what DoD says, I have observed that having a history of mental health consultations will have an impact on your career. I'm struggling to find the news article, but it wasn't more than a year or two ago where the Army grounded a bunch of aviators for the simple reason that they had sought counseling at some point. It's dirty and it's low, but it's a reality.

I say all this because I have noticed a trend in teens and young adults in this current generation to misidentify heavy stress as some form of mental disorder, or feeling down as "being depressed". When combined with a proclivity towards oversharing and disregard for personal privacy, it is very easy to have a horrible impact on your career. Words have meanings, and when you use certain words in a conversation with someone with a reporting requirement, well, your misuse of those words will cause a ton of long-term problems.

Of course, if you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, then you should seek counseling as soon as possible-- regardless of the source.

I'm sure others on here that are in the program will offer more current advice on coping strategies, etc, as you framed in your question. However, it is important to get this warning out there first.

Is that true? Wow, what if I do get counseling? Will it affect my ability to join?

 

[AROTC-dad]

Here is what my DS did. It may or may not work for you.

Everyone gets up and down at times. However, not everyone is in training to become a military officer! You will need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with minor "funks" that may arise. As @Tbpxece says, serious mental depression requires professional help. I'm not a therapist or counselor, just a dad of a fairly successful Army ROTC cadet. He was able to balance:

• four years of college, three and a half on ROTC scholarship.
• AROTC requirements
• a GF,
• break-up of same GF,
• Adding another GF in his senior year. (We think this one is a keeper)
• A PT job at a restaurant
• A winter PT job teaching snowboarding
• Fracturing his hip and radius in a snowboarding accident. (He did not miss a semester).
• Having a falling out with his roommate and best friend. (looks permanent).

His way of dealing with all of the above has included:

• Physical exercise DAILY - No matter how down he may be, he always got up for PT. PT is a salve that forces you to confront the day. The endorphins from physical exercise are good for the mind as well.
• Systematic approach to college. I taught my DS that his full time job/profession was to be a student and Army cadet. He therefore approached everything that way. He was being paid by the Army to deliver good grades and high performance. He was not only obligated to himself, but to the U.S. Army. They were paying his way. Hence he had a daily routine that revolved around studying for each class at the same time at the same place. He staked out a quiet place at the library where he did his reading. (he tended to be distracted or would fall asleep at the dorms). He also sought help from his professors if he needed. Staying on top of his projects was essential.
• He carved time for recreation. Being a Snowboard instructor was a wonderful PT job that allowed him to grow his leadership skills while also getting all the time he wanted on the mountains of Lake Tahoe. He also made time to play video games and go out, but kept it to weekends.
• Develop friends outside of ROTC. - His roommates were not military, but he also had a lot of friends who were cadets. This mix helped him keep a balanced perspective.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help both from professionals and family. - There were times he spoke to me or his siblings about doubts and worries he had. We did not have all the answers but certainly offered opinions and differing perspectives. If needed, he also could have approached his college counseling center for help.

Overall, his four years as an ROTC cadet have been pretty solid. He was too busy to really get too depressed. He will commission in May as an Army Officer, and any doubts he had seemed to have been overcome. The main thing that I think he would advise younger cadets, would be to first focus on academics, then fitness, and lastly extracurriculars.

Good luck to you and thanks for being willing to serve.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Is that true? Wow, what if I do get counseling? Will it affect my ability to join?

It depends on the diagnosis. If you sought help for the loss of a loved one, and there was no permanent effects, most likely not. If you have a history of self destructive behavior, then of course it will. The last thing the military needs is mentally depressed people having access to military grade weapons.

If you have serious depression, then the military is not an appropriate place. If you just get a little insecure at times and are shy, that is a whole different matter. No one here can tell you if you are right for this career. That is what DoDMERB is for.

 

[flyblu]

Here is what my DS did. It may or may not work for you.

Everyone gets up and down at times. However, not everyone is in training to become a military officer! You will need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with minor "funks" that may arise. As @Tbpxece says, serious mental depression requires professional help. I'm not a therapist or counselor, just a dad of a fairly successful Army ROTC cadet. He was able to balance:

• four years of college, three and a half on ROTC scholarship.
• AROTC requirements
• a GF,
• break-up of same GF,
• Adding another GF in his senior year. (We think this one is a keeper)
• A PT job at a restaurant
• A winter PT job teaching snowboarding
• Fracturing his hip and radius in a snowboarding accident. (He did not miss a semester).
• Having a falling out with his roommate and best friend. (looks permanent).

His way of dealing with all of the above has included:

• Physical exercise DAILY - No matter how down he may be, he always got up for PT. PT is a salve that forces you to confront the day. The endorphins from physical exercise are good for the mind as well.
• Systematic approach to college. I taught my DS that his full time job/profession was to be a student and Army cadet. He therefore approached everything that way. He was being paid by the Army to deliver good grades and high performance. He was not only obligated to himself, but to the U.S. Army. They were paying his way. Hence he had a daily routine that revolved around studying for each class at the same time at the same place. He staked out a quiet place at the library where he did his reading. (he tended to be distracted or would fall asleep at the dorms). He also sought help from his professors if he needed. Staying on top of his projects was essential.
• He carved time for recreation. Being a Snowboard instructor was a wonderful PT job that allowed him to grow his leadership skills while also getting all the time he wanted on the mountains of Lake Tahoe. He also made time to pay video games and go out, but kept it to weekends.
• Develop friends outside of ROTC. - His roommates were not military, but he also had a lot of friends who were cadets. This mix helped him keep a balanced perspective.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help both from professionals and family. - There were times he spoke to me or his siblings about doubts and worries he had. We did not have all the answers but certainly offered opinions and differing perspectives. If needed, he also could have approached his college counseling center for help.

Overall, his four years as an ROTC cadet have been pretty solid. He was too busy to really get too depressed. He will commission in May as an Army Officer, and any doubts he had seemed to have been overcome. The main thing that I think he would advise younger cadets, would be to first focus on academics, then fitness, and lastly extracurriculars.

Good luck to you and thanks for being willing to serve.

Thank you! I am excited... just a bit worried about mental health that is all. However, I am getting better. Thanks for taking to the time to write this amazing reply.

 

[flyblu]

Is that true? Wow, what if I do get counseling? Will it affect my ability to join?

It depends on the diagnosis. If you sought help for the loss of a loved one, and there was no permanent effects, most likely not. If you have a history of self destructive behavior, then of course it will. The last thing the military needs is mentally depressed people having access to military grade weapons.

If you have serious depression, then the military is not an appropriate place. If you just get a little insecure at times and are shy, that is a whole different matter. No one here can tell you if you are right for this career. That is what DoDMERB is for.

Oh, I see. I am a very determined individual. So, I hope things pan out.

 

[Tbpxece]

Thank you! I am excited... just a bit worried about mental health that is all. However, I am getting better. Thanks for taking to the time to write this amazing reply.

I'm not a counselor either. Just someone who has been in a long time.

You can seek counseling, sure, just be real careful about who it is with. And, like I said, first go to counselors that don't require/insist you provide your name.

It's the same as discipline-- always start at the lowest level. Don't jump to the intermediate or advanced level before you go through the lowest level.

The on-base rumor mill can be just as damaging to your career as a diagnosis. Especially as an officer.

I'm speaking to others that may come across this thread-- not just you, OP, so if it doesn't apply 100%, that's okay.

 

[flyblu]

Thank you! I am excited... just a bit worried about mental health that is all. However, I am getting better. Thanks for taking to the time to write this amazing reply.

I'm not a counselor either. Just someone who has been in a long time.

You can seek counseling, sure, just be real careful about who it is with. And, like I said, first go to counselors that don't require/insist you provide your name.

It's the same as discipline-- always start at the lowest level. Don't jump to the intermediate or advanced level before you go through the lowest level.

The on-base rumor mill can be just as damaging to your career as a diagnosis. Especially as an officer.

I'm speaking to others that may come across this thread-- not just you, OP, so if it doesn't apply 100%, that's okay.

All right. Thank you. I may seek professional counseling before I go... But I will look for options that are a low profile.

Thank you for your advice.

 

[Humey]

If your detachment has Arnold Air, I would join that. While it will add several addtional hours of training and other interesting activities the first semster of Rotc, it is a tight group of guys and gals within AFROTC that will help support you throughout your college career. They wont necessarily stop your from feeling down, but they will be there to help bring you up.

 

[flyblu]

If your detachment has Arnold Air, I would join that. While it will add several addtional hours of training and other interesting activities the first semster of Rotc, it is a tight group of guys and gals within AFROTC that will help support you throughout your college career. They wont necessarily stop your from feeling down, but they will be there to help bring you up.

Thank you, I will check that out.