Meeting with a pms in a few weeks (not an interview)

[MrNiceGuy347]

I’m meeting with my top choice school in a few weeks and having a meeting with the assistant PMS I’ve already got some questions planned to ask like battalion size, what branch do most people get awarded, when are the pt days and times, how are the labs, where is PT held, when is the first APFT recorded, when will rotc switch to the new test etc... was wondering if anyone could help me with more questions to ask also what should I wear? it seems like a casual meeting so should I just come in in a sweatshirt and khakis? (Granted it’ll be Cold that day)

 

[LTMOM]

You don't mention if you have been awarded a scholarship? Either way, as a Mom I will advise that you can never be "over dressed", but you certainly can fall short and be under dressed. If you do attend this top choice school, this will be a staff person who will take part in your evaluations, so I would advise making a great first impression! Suit not necessary, but would exchange the sweatshirt for a neat button down shirt (add a sweater) and tie. Khakis are fine, polished neat shoes. Pack a bag with sweatshirt and after your meeting feel free to change and be comfortable as you walk around campus.
Go on the school ROTC website and read up about their program before you go. It will probably answer some of the easy questions you have, and prompt more educated questions and ideas to ask about. It also helps to show you've "done your homework" before arrival. Pull up the photos and look at who you will meet with, and learn something about them. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[kinnem]

Agree on the sweatshirt. Ditch it for a collared shirt even if it's not button-down, but button-down is better. You'll find that as a cadet you will normally be required to wear a collared shirt while in the ROTC building for any reason.

Check to see if the school has a ROTC web site and read all of it, including documents it links to. It might very well answer most of your questions, perhaps give you the tools to ask it in a more informed way, or even prompt new questions you haven't thought of.

I would only ask the questions YOU want to know the answer to. Don't ask questions just to ask questions.

EDIT: You can be assured that PT will happen a 0'dark:30 to avoid any conflicts with academic classes. It's a great way to start your day. Perhaps a more interessting question would be are you allowed to dine in the athletic cafeteria. DS would have breakfast there on PT days and Lab days. The food was way better and far more of it. I think the ladies who worked there let him in because he was so sweet to them. I don't really think he was supposed to eat there. Bringing them roses on Valentine's day must have helped.

 

[EDelahanty]

In addition to or in lieu of websites, the ROTC units of many schools have Facebook pages.

 

[emwvmi01]

Agree on the sweatshirt. Ditch it for a collared shirt even if it's not button-down, but button-down is better. You'll find that as a cadet you will normally be required to wear a collared shirt while in the ROTC building for any reason.

Check to see if the school has a ROTC web site and read all of it, including documents it links to. It might very well answer most of your questions, perhaps give you the tools to ask it in a more informed way, or even prompt new questions you haven't thought of.

I would only ask the questions YOU want to know the answer to. Don't ask questions just to ask questions.

EDIT: You can be assured that PT will happen a 0'dark:30 to avoid any conflicts with academic classes. It's a great way to start your day. Perhaps a more interessting question would be are you allowed to dine in the athletic cafeteria. DS would have breakfast there on PT days and Lab days. The food was way better and far more of it. I think the ladies who worked there let him in because he was so sweet to them. I don't really think he was supposed to eat there. Bringing them roses on Valentine's day must have helped.

Reference attire I would call the ROO or HRA or Executive Assistant for the PMS and ask them. I wouldn't be offended ( and I am peers with most PMS) if you showed up in sweatshirt and khakis particularly if it is a university shirt that is in good condition (not your workout attire). I would also take cues based on your climate and the local culture. Either way, I think it is a gross exaggeration to say most ROTC programs will ask you be in a collared shirt in the building.

Same things for PT hours. Some programs run reverse cycle PT just as some units do meaning in the winter you may do it at 1600 or 1700 for an hour particularly to accommodate cross town extensions and things like that. Other things to consider asking is 1. Do they have an orientation program 2. What are the length, frequency and locations of weekend training (FTXs and land navigation events)

 

[MrNiceGuy347]

Reference attire I would call the ROO or HRA or Executive Assistant for the PMS and ask them. I wouldn't be offended ( and I am peers with most PMS) if you showed up in sweatshirt and khakis particularly if it is a university shirt that is in good condition (not your workout attire). I would also take cues based on your climate and the local culture. Either way, I think it is a gross exaggeration to say most ROTC programs will ask you be in a collared shirt in the building.

Same things for PT hours. Some programs run reverse cycle PT just as some units do meaning in the winter you may do it at 1600 or 1700 for an hour particularly to accommodate cross town extensions and things like that. Other things to consider asking is 1. Do they have an orientation program 2. What are the length, frequency and locations of weekend training (FTXs and land navigation events)

Ya they have a Facebook page but not much info on it at all same for their website it’s really a shot in the dark at this point that’s why I’d like to have the meeting with them before hand to see if their program is something I’d really want to be in or if I should choose a better school. I do have a school sweatshirt that’s why I asked and it will be about a low of 40 and a high of 55 around that area that’s why I see the button down or collar kinda weird as to how cold it is.
But at the same time I would love to make a good impression!

 

[Tenley71]

My DD has been in contact with two different ROOs at her top 2 schools. She has met both in person and has continued conversations with them via phone and email throughout her senior year. When she met with each of them in person , they were scheduled visits during the college visitation days. Both times she wore jeans, nice boots and a nice sweater. She studied up on each schools program and had a list of questions she asked each ROO. After each visit with them she made sure to send them a thank
You note for taking time out of their day to meet with her and told them how much she enjoyed getting to know about their program and the school. She continues dialogue with each of them telling them about activities she is involved with, sports etc. good luck with your meeting.