Questions Regarding ROTC Army

[-Bull-]

Thanks! Yeah I was looking at the class schedules online for MSIII and MSIV and there is room for 30 cadets this up coming school year. The school only has 7 cadets that are MSIII and no cadets that are MSIV. 8 cadets were comissioned this spring.

Just because it lists 30 seats in the class doesn't mean there are 30 contracts available. Usually the school creates those classes and sets the number of seats "available", when in reality it's up to the ROTC department to determine how many will be in the class.

 

[Thompson]

I really want active duty. I will definitely be studying my butt off and working hard in the ROTC classes, labs, and patrols, and working out regularly for the APFT tests. Both my great grandfathers and my grandfathers served in the Army and my dad served in the Air Force. I want to carry on the legacy!

Also, if you didn't know - if your Battalion has some clubs - being apart of them adds additional points to your Order of Merit List.

 

[Marist College ROTC]

Will I get contracted?

At my BN, late entry Cadets need a 3.0 GPA and a 250 APFT or better before they are considered for contracting.

Exceptions are made for varsity athletes, STEM majors, and SMP Cadets.

 

[EDelahanty]

I am training for the ROTC Army APFT in the Fall when I return to school (UW-La Crosse). I will be a sophomore at college and just starting ROTC Army. I yesterday I did the APFT test by myself just to see what I could do. I got a 60 on the push-ups, 100 on the running, and 74 on the sit ups (scores not reps). That would be a total score of 234. Is that good for a first time try? Obviously I would like a 300 but what is enough to pass? I have heard 300, 280, 250, 240 or even low like 220.

Thanks!

Just how fast did you run the 2 miles? Are we talking jackrabbit speed?

When you get each of the three APFT components to a 100 score, then you can go for glory with a superscore. No reason why you can't progress from your current 234 (giving you the benefit of the doubt on form) to 300+ by the end of your junior year.

 

[Jcleppe]

EDelahanty is right.

What keeps most cadets from getting a 300 is the run. If you are already doing the 2 miles in less then 13:00 then you have an advantage. You can train for PU and SU's a lot faster.

My son started his first year getting a 280 APFT the first week, he also ran the 2 mile under the limit. By the time the next APFT he got a 335, once he was able to get above the max in PU and SU's his score jumped quite a bit. He ran the 2 mile in 11:20.

Just a side note: A new cadet that joined a year later got a 352 as a freshman on his first APFT, he ran the 2 mile in 10:15.

So as you can see, a fast run time can really help your APFT.

Be aware of one thing, as you start to get stronger in your PU and SU's your run time will decrease a bit, you will need to keep up with the extra road work to keep your run time down.

 

[Freedom125]

Just how fast did you run the 2 miles? Are we talking jackrabbit speed?

When you get each of the three APFT components to a 100 score, then you can go for glory with a superscore. No reason why you can't progress from your current 234 (giving you the benefit of the doubt on form) to 300+ by the end of your junior year.

I ran it in 12:59 minutes. I love running so that isn't a big problem. I just recovered from s shine splint so I definitely know I can run faster.

I am currently starting tomorrow a 60 day push-up, sit up, and running training schedule called Operation Pushing for Points that was created by SSG Ken. I have read I lot of good things about this schedule and it has helped a lot of people. It helps endurance, strength, and form.

I don't seem to have any problems with my form when I video myself going it or ask my dad (he was in the Air Force) to watch me do a set to see my form. I am gonna type to improve it though because I would hate to have points removed because I didn't have 100% perfect form.

 

[Freedom125]

Just to make this clear.

When contracting sometime during my sophomore year or after it, they will contact you if they want you to contract with them. You don't ask them. Correct?


Also when I talked to the director of the Military Science classes and ROTC Army, he told me to sign up for both MS101 and MS201 this Fall and he didn't seemed worried about it. He mentioned people have done it before and it is a valid option for sophomores interested in ROTC. I am a bit worried however that I will not understand MS201 because I am taking MS101 and have't taken MS102. He didn't seemed to think it would be a problem but I can't help worry. I am taking MS 201 on Wednesdays and then MS 101 on Thursdays. Do you guys think it will be a problem?

 

[kinnem]

Just to make this clear.

When contracting sometime during my sophomore year or after it, they will contact you if they want you to contract with them. You don't ask them. Correct?


Also when I talked to the director of the Military Science classes and ROTC Army, he told me to sign up for both MS101 and MS201 this Fall and he didn't seemed worried about it. He mentioned people have done it before and it is a valid option for sophomores interested in ROTC. I am a bit worried however that I will not understand MS201 because I am taking MS101 and have't taken MS102. He didn't seemed to think it would be a problem but I can't help worry. I am taking MS 201 on Wednesdays and then MS 101 on Thursdays. Do you guys think it will be a problem?

I just looked over the one sentence course descriptions for all three classes in my DS's college catalog. I don't think you will have a problem. These classes don't appear to build upon one another in any significant way. SUggest you look at your school's catalog as well if only to ease your mind. Of course I suppose you have to be used to how to read a college catalog and what they mean by the one sentence descriptions. Anyway, you should be OK and I wouldn't think they would be trying to set you up for failure.

 

[Freedom125]

I just looked over the one sentence course descriptions for all three classes in my DS's college catalog. I don't think you will have a problem. These classes don't appear to build upon one another in any significant way. SUggest you look at your school's catalog as well if only to ease your mind. Of course I suppose you have to be used to how to read a college catalog and what they mean by the one sentence descriptions. Anyway, you should be OK and I wouldn't think they would be trying to set you up for failure.

Here are the course descriptions

MS 101 Introduction to the Army Profession (2 Credit)
Make your first new peer group at college one committed to self improvement and enjoying themselves. Learn the fundamentals of leadership and how it impacts management styles Gain an understanding of the structure and purpose of the U.S. Army, with an introduction to some of the customs and traditions of the military services. Enrollment enables voluntary participation in several fun events (rappelling, marksmanship training, color guard, etc).

MS 201 Individual Leadership Studies (2 Credits)
This course will teach you how to navigate with only a map and compass, and continue to develop your leadership skills. Leadership doctrine, marksmanship, briefing techniques, and an introduction to the proper wear of military uniforms are also covered. Leadership lab will provide practical experience in classroom material, as well as develop individual self confidence. Participation in a fun, one day exercise at Fort McCoy is encouraged but not required.

 

[Jcleppe]

Just to make this clear.

When contracting sometime during my sophomore year or after it, they will contact you if they want you to contract with them. You don't ask them. Correct?


Also when I talked to the director of the Military Science classes and ROTC Army, he told me to sign up for both MS101 and MS201 this Fall and he didn't seemed worried about it. He mentioned people have done it before and it is a valid option for sophomores interested in ROTC. I am a bit worried however that I will not understand MS201 because I am taking MS101 and have't taken MS102. He didn't seemed to think it would be a problem but I can't help worry. I am taking MS 201 on Wednesdays and then MS 101 on Thursdays. Do you guys think it will be a problem?

You'll be fine, the descriptions may sound intense but you will be able to handle it with little problem, just keep a good calendar and don't miss anything.

Always check your email, many times a day, last minute changes happen all the time.

I don't think you need to be shy about wanting to contract, let the cadre know that is your intention from the start.

 

[kinnem]

Here are the course descriptions

MS 101 Introduction to the Army Profession (2 Credit)
Make your first new peer group at college one committed to self improvement and enjoying themselves. Learn the fundamentals of leadership and how it impacts management styles Gain an understanding of the structure and purpose of the U.S. Army, with an introduction to some of the customs and traditions of the military services. Enrollment enables voluntary participation in several fun events (rappelling, marksmanship training, color guard, etc).

MS 201 Individual Leadership Studies (2 Credits)
This course will teach you how to navigate with only a map and compass, and continue to develop your leadership skills. Leadership doctrine, marksmanship, briefing techniques, and an introduction to the proper wear of military uniforms are also covered. Leadership lab will provide practical experience in classroom material, as well as develop individual self confidence. Participation in a fun, one day exercise at Fort McCoy is encouraged but not required.

Different from my son's catalog which is no surprise since it's put out by the college itself. My son's description seemed cleared to me so I include them below:

ARMY 101 - Fundamentals of Military Science

Development of leadership, management, and communication skills. Map reading, land navigation, and study/time management techniques.

ARMY 102 - Introduction to the Army

History, organization, mission, and role of United States Army in national defense. Components of total Army structure. Emphasis on group dynamics and communication skills.

ARMY 201 - Fundamentals of Military Leadership

Oral and written military communications, planning, and organizing techniques. Current military leadership doctrine and application. Combined arms concepts, organizations, and tactics.