I recently just finished my first year as a cadet and here are some things I wished I knew the summer before jumpstarting into the fall semester.
1. RUNNING
As a cadet, you will run and I mean run a lot more than you probably expect. The very second time we had PT we run a four-miler and surprise surprise we had people who couldn't even finish it because they weren't used to having to run. If you don't like running now you better start loving it soon. The army loves to run so in turn you must love to run.
2. FITNESS
Running, push-ups, and situps. Learn to do these properly and be good at them. Doing PT sometimes is not enough, do more outside of PT if you need it. You can always tell who should be working out on their own time more often by how they perform during PT. If you are dreading or struggling with PT you need to hit the gym on your own time and work it out.
3. CADRE
There are two different types of cadres, the ones that check their emails and reply and the ones that don't. Be mindful of that. Be respectful and do what they ask you to without any complaints and they will love you. For the most part, all cadres are very chill and have an amazing story on why they are where they are, you're going to be spending the next four years with them so talk to your cadres and I mean talk to them.
4. PT AND LABS
Even if you aren't contracted yet, show up. It will help in the long run. Not only does it help you get physically more in shape, but it will also show cadre (along with your fellow peers) that you are serious about this. Invest in a good pair of running shoes along with a good pair of boots. Lastly, always always show up in the correct uniform and on time!! (on time for the military is 15 minutes before the actual time that was given.)
5. LEADERSHIPS
No one should have to ask you to be a leader. Take the initiative.
6. BALANCE
Your life should not just be ROTC. Learn to balance not only your schoolwork but your own personal life. I know it's such a cliche tip but time management will make or break you. Some people don't care about their grades because they think they will have a job in the army lined up for them upon graduating, but you know what determines your job once you graduate? your grades (amongst other things).
7. PEOPLE'S BUSINESS
Something I didn't realize was important in the army was how big networking is. Who you know and who knows you will help a lot. Go outside your comfort zone and talk to other people. A cadre told me earlier this semester, "We're in the business of people." and I took it to heart.
8. SLOW DOWN
Not everyone is going to be a high-speed cadet and that's okay.
If I could write everything down I would be sitting here forever. But to sum everything up, start running now if you're not good at running already. Get to know the people in charge of you along with the people around you and remember your life is not just ROTC.
1. RUNNING
As a cadet, you will run and I mean run a lot more than you probably expect. The very second time we had PT we run a four-miler and surprise surprise we had people who couldn't even finish it because they weren't used to having to run. If you don't like running now you better start loving it soon. The army loves to run so in turn you must love to run.
2. FITNESS
Running, push-ups, and situps. Learn to do these properly and be good at them. Doing PT sometimes is not enough, do more outside of PT if you need it. You can always tell who should be working out on their own time more often by how they perform during PT. If you are dreading or struggling with PT you need to hit the gym on your own time and work it out.
3. CADRE
There are two different types of cadres, the ones that check their emails and reply and the ones that don't. Be mindful of that. Be respectful and do what they ask you to without any complaints and they will love you. For the most part, all cadres are very chill and have an amazing story on why they are where they are, you're going to be spending the next four years with them so talk to your cadres and I mean talk to them.
4. PT AND LABS
Even if you aren't contracted yet, show up. It will help in the long run. Not only does it help you get physically more in shape, but it will also show cadre (along with your fellow peers) that you are serious about this. Invest in a good pair of running shoes along with a good pair of boots. Lastly, always always show up in the correct uniform and on time!! (on time for the military is 15 minutes before the actual time that was given.)
5. LEADERSHIPS
No one should have to ask you to be a leader. Take the initiative.
6. BALANCE
Your life should not just be ROTC. Learn to balance not only your schoolwork but your own personal life. I know it's such a cliche tip but time management will make or break you. Some people don't care about their grades because they think they will have a job in the army lined up for them upon graduating, but you know what determines your job once you graduate? your grades (amongst other things).
7. PEOPLE'S BUSINESS
Something I didn't realize was important in the army was how big networking is. Who you know and who knows you will help a lot. Go outside your comfort zone and talk to other people. A cadre told me earlier this semester, "We're in the business of people." and I took it to heart.
8. SLOW DOWN
Not everyone is going to be a high-speed cadet and that's okay.
If I could write everything down I would be sitting here forever. But to sum everything up, start running now if you're not good at running already. Get to know the people in charge of you along with the people around you and remember your life is not just ROTC.
