ROTC or wait until after college?

clairesch

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Jan 6, 2021
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I am wanting to join the military (I haven't decided which branch yet) and am planning to go to college next year to major in nursing. I was thinking about joining the ROTC, but I have some things that may disqualify me for next year, but I'm not sure. I am currently taking antidepressants, which is one drawback. Also, I am 10 pounds underweight the height and weight requirements, though I am fit and am a student athlete at my high school. I am also deemed as a healthy weight for BMI, just not military standards. I am not sure what to do. Should I just wait until after college when things will be different pertaining to me? Thanks.
 
Getting into OTS\OCS after college is harder and there is no guarantee you are going to get in. On the other hand you can join Rotc in your second year so that could give you some buffer while dealing with your issues. Thinkiong about it, professional like doctors and lawyers do their own form of OTS so I would assumei is a lot less competitive. No idea, if they have the same deal for nurses. Your history of antidepressants is going to be a problem regardless which way you go although the longer you go without them, the better you will look
 
I can't give any advice on whether or not you would be automatically disqualified for antidepressant use, but being underweight on the height/weight standards isn't an issue like being overweight is. If you come in underweight at height/weight screening, it triggers a counseling with your chain of command for them to check in to make sure there are no underlying issues that you may need help with, but if you're passing your physical requirements and in good overall shape, that's all that will happen. I say this being the tall, skinny girl who had this issue when I was running all of the time.
 
I am in the NROTC Nurse program. It’s a great option if you’re ready to get started early. If you have doubts, questions, etc., talk to an officer recruiter or medical recruiter.

You may also want to look at the Nurse Candidate Program, which you will participate in during your third and fourth year of nursing school and when you graduate you go to ODS...
 
Okay, thank you all for helping me. I am contacting different areas to see how this could turn out for me. I feel better about everything.
 
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