Obesity in ROTC?

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Anonymous95

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Aug 5, 2015
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Hello everyone, I am a 20 year old female with a height of 5'3 and weight of 220 (based on my last weigh in). I've been told that I don't look my weight and I'm more in shape than I think but that doesn't relieve my unavoidable insecurities for this fall. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe I'm roughly 70 pounds overweight which is possibly morbidly obese. About 2 weeks ago I enrolled into AROTC, MSI. Class starts in 20 days. I've been looking into other forums and seen that it seems like 95% of Cadets are already fit for ROTC. I have the motivation to complete it but I'm worried that I'm so out of shape and overweight that my motivation won't be enough. Has anyone seen someone or themselves make it through while being as fat as I am? I would never want to ruin the experience for other cadets because I'm slowing them down. And yes, I've already started working out. I've lost 5lbs in 8 days. Telling me to, "get off my fat ***" won't help my question because I'm already off of it.
 
With AROTC you can be enrolled for the first two years without any obligation to the Army. At the end of your sophomore year you will have to decide if you want to continue with AROTC and sign a contract. At this time the PMS (Professor of Military Science) will decide whether or not to offer you a contract. To be able to be offered a contract you will need to make the Height/Weight requirements or pass the Tape Test for Body Fat percentage, you will also need to pass the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test)

In a nutshell you will have the first two years to bring your weight down to regulation or pass the Tape Test.

As long as you participate and keep within academic regulations the first two years, you will not be removed from the program. Use this time to get in shape, lose the needed weight, and work toward passing the APFT. You do not have to crash diet, that will only hurt you by being unhealthy. Talk to your doctor about a good weight loss plan and workout schedule that will help you change habits and stay on course. Do this over time, if you show that you are working toward a goal and continue to make progress you will have the support of the other cadets.

There is plenty of time, as long as you stick with it and don't waste that time. Make use of the Gym at school, get a partner to workout with, start running....slowly at first, eat healthy, cut out the high fat and calories, but by all means do not starve yourself, that never works and the weight will come back.

It's going to be hard work but if this is what you want and your willing to put in the effort, you'll have time to get to where you want to be.

Best of luck to you.
 
Great advice from Jcleppe.

Other people have done it and you can too.
 
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Definitely agree with JCleppe.

You'll need to start digging deep and find some real solid motivation because it's going to be tough. But don't let that deter you. You'll start off at a disadvantage because most people in ROTC are in good or decent shape and will only get better throughout the 4 years. You'll have to work that much harder to make up for lost time and then set yourself up for success post ROTC.

I could give a couple stories of out of shape people in ROTC, but they don't define you, so make your own path. If you want something bad enough, you'll find a way to get there. Good luck.
 
OP, first I want to commend you for tackling this adventure. I wish you the best of luck. Jcleppe is spot on from what I know. Keep with it and you will see results. A few recommendations... As you head off to college you will be entering a new environment of food. If its possible meet with a nutritionist. They can really help you tailor a diet that works best for your body. Write everything you eat down, drink water, follow your nutritionists guidelines. Bull is spot on this will be a challenge, but if this something you really want to do I see no reason a PMS would not support you. A good attitude and a never defeated attitude will carry you far.
 
I agree with all of the advice offered and commend you for being honest with yourself about the situation. That is the first step to getting towards your goals.
I have two sons in different colleges (one in private school, the other a state school) and both schools have nutritionists and fitness trainers available to provide advice and encouragement. Stick with it and remember it takes time to lose as much weight as you want to. Don't become discouraged.
 
Agreed with DanGir. I'm an active bodybuilder and my physique is easily 70% diet and 30% working out.

Focus on your diet and exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Great cardio exercises to lose weight include the stair master and the rowing machine
 
You can do it. A female cadet enrolled in AROTC when my daughter was a freshman. Very similar weight hurdle. It took her a year but she passed the fitness/weight requirements, got a scholarship and later her commission.
 
Awesome advice from jcleppe. I understand weight is a lifetime struggle, trust me I more than understand and not to sound cliche it gets harder with age. You are making the right move to make a lifestyle change now. Good Luck.
 
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