Unhappy With ROTC. What's Next?

[low speed high drag]

Hi,

I am an MS1 in AROTC who just started their second semester. I don't feel like I want to continue with the program. It seems like I am not going to succeed.

For starters, I am perhaps the worst at PT in my cadet company, and maybe the whole program. I always need correcting on my form and I go about it at a snail's pace. Oftentimes, when we are told to run "x" distance or do "y" push ups, I am the last one to finish.

The second issue I have is that I lack the social charisma that is required to be an officer. Looking people in the eye and keeping up an engaging conversation does not come naturally to me.

Military Science is perhaps my weakest subject, despite many people saying that it is an easy class. It is just difficult for me to visualize everything that is supposed to be going on when we are talking about, for instance, how to do an ambush. I got an A- in the course in my first semester, but I would not call it "easy." On that note, it takes me a lot longer than other cadets to get certain drills/commands correct. I still cannot properly do an about face for example.

I do not think I would make a good officer. I am considering joining the Reserves or National Guard instead, but I am also worried about being bad at PT, messing up drills/tasks, and generally being the "Private Pyle" that screws everyone over. Should I try the Reserves/National Guard or just say goodbye to the military?

 

[i_like_planes]

I'm only a senior in HS but I will say what I believe. ROTC is there to turn normal people into officers. It is perfectly okay to catch on a little slowly to completely knew topics. Nobody expects a kid right out of high school to be an expert on the military. And for the PT, if you just keep practicing and maybe eat some healthier food (idk what your diet consists of now though), you'll see improvement soon. The point of the PT is to make you stronger and better so it's perfectly ok to be behind at the start. Basically, keep going. You got this.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I was speaking with the parents of a recently commissioned 2nd LT in the AF who is completing pilot training out in Mississippi at the moment. His Mom's description of him is like your description of yourself. Nothing is coming easy, not natural, etc. He never quite got his stride in ROTC. Out at Columbus Air Force base, he's just earning his private license more than a year into training when the group he started with is six months ahead.

But I'll tell you what his mentor is telling him - his mentor is excited because as an officer this young man is going to be able to empathize with others who struggle, recognize and encourage them because he'll have lived through and overcome what they are facing. His mentor is excited about how the AF needs at least a few leaders to fill this role.

My recommendation is to honestly give it your best and commit to improve. Maybe you'll be like him - an officer who struggled but now is an awesome leader because you too can offer encouragement, can "see" when others are struggling, and can help others more effectively because of your path. Most people will improve if they no BS give it their best effort and seek help - focus on nutrition, sleep, and seek enrichment for PT to get yourself to a place where you will be more comfortable. Not knowing how to turn around - for some of us that's just less natural - but stick at it for a while longer would be my encouragement.

I don't think the enlisted path would necessarily be easier but that is your choice. I think at core you have a couple of challenges to work through and would benefit from doing so/ being patient with yourself, and keep trying. I think it's too soon to quit ROTC but your call entirely.

Best of luck to you and hang in there.

 

[Anguswarrior112]

Hi,

I am an MS1 in AROTC who just started their second semester. I don't feel like I want to continue with the program. It seems like I am not going to succeed.

For starters, I am perhaps the worst at PT in my cadet company, and maybe the whole program. I always need correcting on my form and I go about it at a snail's pace. Oftentimes, when we are told to run "x" distance or do "y" push ups, I am the last one to finish.

The second issue I have is that I lack the social charisma that is required to be an officer. Looking people in the eye and keeping up an engaging conversation does not come naturally to me.

Military Science is perhaps my weakest subject, despite many people saying that it is an easy class. It is just difficult for me to visualize everything that is supposed to be going on when we are talking about, for instance, how to do an ambush. I got an A- in the course in my first semester, but I would not call it "easy." On that note, it takes me a lot longer than other cadets to get certain drills/commands correct. I still cannot properly do an about face for example.

I do not think I would make a good officer. I am considering joining the Reserves or National Guard instead, but I am also worried about being bad at PT, messing up drills/tasks, and generally being the "Private Pyle" that screws everyone over. Should I try the Reserves/National Guard or just say goodbye to the military?

Sounds like you are having self confidence issues, if this your reason for wanting to leave, then it is a terrible reason. Most MS1s don't go into ROTC with a Patton like complex. These traits you talk about "social charisma, Private Pyle, and bat PT", these are things that you will improve on with time and consistency. If you put time into improving these things.

Out of all the reasons to leave ROTC, your reasons are things you can improve on and frankly, ROTC will help you out with this. Stick with it, change your attitude, improve your self confidence, go to the gym, talk to Cadre, and volunteer for leadership opportunities and you will change your mind.

 

[TBVADAD]

Hi,

I am an MS1 in AROTC who just started their second semester. I don't feel like I want to continue with the program. It seems like I am not going to succeed.

For starters, I am perhaps the worst at PT in my cadet company, and maybe the whole program. I always need correcting on my form and I go about it at a snail's pace. Oftentimes, when we are told to run "x" distance or do "y" push ups, I am the last one to finish.

The second issue I have is that I lack the social charisma that is required to be an officer. Looking people in the eye and keeping up an engaging conversation does not come naturally to me.

Military Science is perhaps my weakest subject, despite many people saying that it is an easy class. It is just difficult for me to visualize everything that is supposed to be going on when we are talking about, for instance, how to do an ambush. I got an A- in the course in my first semester, but I would not call it "easy." On that note, it takes me a lot longer than other cadets to get certain drills/commands correct. I still cannot properly do an about face for example.

I do not think I would make a good officer. I am considering joining the Reserves or National Guard instead, but I am also worried about being bad at PT, messing up drills/tasks, and generally being the "Private Pyle" that screws everyone over. Should I try the Reserves/National Guard or just say goodbye to the military?

You will make one of the best officers because of your ability to relate.

"The second issue I have is that I lack the social charisma that is required to be an officer. Looking people in the eye and keeping up an engaging conversation does not come naturally to me."

Some people have it and others work at it. Personally in our family. My oldest was like you describe. He wouldn't talk to people. He would stand behind me. He did JROTC and that really brought out something in him. He works in Texas now and sees about 20 patients a day. Social interacting and that "social charisma" was def something he learned.

I wouldn't say never quit, but quitting rarely solves anything.

 

[MidCakePa]

Awesome advice above, so not much to add. Except this:

Every officer-development program, whether ROTC or SA or OCS, has a “goat” — the cadet who finishes last. Do you know what they call the goat after graduation? “LieutenantEnsign _____” and “Sir/Ma’am.”

As long as your heart is in it, and as long as you want to serve and lead, and as long as you’re willing to put in the hard work, then let the Army decide whether or not you’re officer material. They know what works and what doesn’t.

By the way, ever notice that most of the successful coaches of professional sports teams were not particularly successful players, or were but in secondary or tertiary roles or levels? They may have lacked playing skill, but they gained great understanding of what it takes to understand, motivate, criticize, develop and LEAD others. There’s something to that.

 

[jaglvr]

No one has asked you. Do you LIKE ROTC? Beyond you not thinking you have what it takes, do you actually enjoy what you are learning and doing? You can learn the confidence (fake it till you make it really works) and the skills. That's what the program is for. Most coming into the program have no prior experience. They are probably just better fakers than you are.

Find a buddy to go to the gym with a few times a week. You may never be #1 for PT, but you can improve. Or see if your school has any personal trainers at the rec center.

My DD was surprised at how many freshman that weren't scholarship dropped the first semester for AF ROTC because they expected it to be an easy A. It was far from it. So don't be down about saying your Military Science class was tough.

You got this if you really want it! Make the program kick you out if it's what you want. Unless told otherewise, you're doing fine!

 

[jebdad]

As long as your heart is in it, and as long as you want to serve and lead,

Awesome, motivating advice in this thread. MidCake's comment here is what struck me most with your post. Before anything else happens, I think you need to decide what your "why" is. Why are you there? If you don't know what your "why" is, you are going to have a hard time finding any sense of direction as to how to best move forward in ROTC and in the military. Something has to motivate you to attack the areas because, as others have said, those are areas where improvement will come and improvement is attainable.

 

[AN21]

For starters, I am perhaps the worst at PT in my cadet company, and maybe the whole program. I always need correcting on my form and I go about it at a snail's pace. Oftentimes, when we are told to run "x" distance or do "y" push ups, I am the last one to finish.

I'm not going to try to sway your decision one way or another. It all comes down to you and what you want - what you want now, during the next months and years of college, and what you want after college.

I don't know if this is advice, per se, but know this is coming from a 4/C Marine option MIDN who knows very well how it feels to be the last one to finish during PT. It sucks. It's frustrating. You want to be like the PT studs around you. Your upperclassmen are always telling you to do better or asking why you can't run a 21 minute PFT (okay, maybe that one's more me than you).

I've been there. I'm still there. (Unfortunately, I'm stuck in medical limbo waiting for my knee to stop acting like it's going to tear itself apart, but I digress.) I've asked some of the same questions of myself a fair few times - why am I here, is this really what I want, etc. My biggest takeaways of my admittedly limited time in ROTC is this: easy experiences don't make a good officer. I'd rather have a leader who has overcome adversity and developed mental toughness than one who has sailed through everything through sheer luck or physical prowess, because when push comes to shove, the former is the one who is going to see you through whatever challenges you may encounter as a member of the military.

+1 to really committing more gym time. The only way you're going to see improvement is with effort.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Cowboysfan]

I would offer this, and I hope it comes across as constructively as I mean it. The first time you quit something just because it's hard makes it easier for you to quit in the future when adversity hits. Better leaders/people come from overcoming difficult challenges. Like Henry Ford once said "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right".

 

[dadinnc]

My advice that I would give my son - re-examine your “why.” Why did you choose to be there in the first place? Setting aside your struggles, does your “why” still apply. You still have a chance to be a great officer, so don’t let these early struggles deter you. Chin up. 2nd semester means you’ll soon be leaving behind those new cadet/first year struggles. And I have a feeling you’ll stay humble and remember what it was like for you as you get your turn at leading new cadets.

 

[asgusma]

Trust me, I felt the same way at times in my own program but it gets better. I'm also a MS1 in AROTC and in my 2nd semester. I often felt like I was behind the curve and I was constantly trying to catch up and I felt like the material in my MS classes wasn't really sinking in for me. Don't get me wrong, I have a real passion for military service and serving others in general but I'll be honest and say that last semester was tough for me. Like others have said, the thing that kept me going was thinking about why I decided to do ROTC in the first place. Knowing your "why" is extremely important and will keep you going when you encounter some obstacles. Something else that helped me was getting heavily involved in my program. I wasn't the best at PT either when I first started ROTC, but I joined the ranger challenge team and trained with them every day, which made me stronger and much better at PT. I'm a very shy individual at my core and I have trouble with getting out of my shell, but ROTC has actually really helped me with that. At first, I forced myself to be interactive and involved in my program. I helped with recruiting events and I made sure that I was available for special events. By doing that, I made a lot of great friends and now I feel much more comfortable in my program and I love ROTC. No one is there to judge you, if you continue to stay in the program you'll be with many of the same people in your MS class for 4 years, so it's better to start developing those connections now. My best advice to you is to remind yourself that you're meant to be there. I tell myself that all the time when things get tough because what you say to yourself is what you believe. It's only our first year in ROTC and we have a lot of room to grow and improve. A lot of the characteristics needed to be a good officer can be developed and improved, so focus on reminding yourself that you are absolutely capable of doing that. Give it your all before deciding that becoming an Army Officer isn't for you. You might realize that you really like ROTC as I did. Best of luck to you.

 

[Humey]

Awesome advice above, so not much to add. Except this:

Every officer-development program, whether ROTC or SA or OCS, has a “goat” — the cadet who finishes last. Do you know what they call the goat after graduation? “LieutenantEnsign _____” and “Sir/Ma’am.”

As long as your heart is in it, and as long as you want to serve and lead, and as long as you’re willing to put in the hard work, then let the Army decide whether or not you’re officer material. They know what works and what doesn’t.

By the way, ever notice that most of the successful coaches of professional sports teams were not particularly successful players, or were but in secondary or tertiary roles or levels? They may have lacked playing skill, but they gained great understanding of what it takes to understand, motivate, criticize, develop and LEAD others. There’s something to that.

the joke really goes like this, "what do they call the medical student who came last in his class? Doctor"

 

[Brotherram]

I will try to be concise in my answer, although I could probably write a book about this topic. First, Army ROTC is a Leader DEVELOPMENT program. You don't realize it now because you are up to your neck struggling in the program, but you are developing and your character is being built. I was not a stellar cadet (understatement of the 20th Century). I had trouble with PT and was somewhat uncoordinated. I was an introvert, etc. etc. etc. I stuck with the program. I grew physically, emotionally and mentally - eventually earning a 2.5 year scholarship (3 yr, but I was an alternate). I was average at Advanced Camp. I branched Infantry - much easier to do in the 80's than now. My senior year my APMS - MAJ Kitt strongly suggested (almost to the point of being an order) to take a public speaking class - some of the best advice I've ever been given. 29 years later I retired as a Colonel of Infantry, having spent a majority of my career in command positions, including being a PMS (one of the best jobs ever). My son is currently a second year cadet - he is a stud, a solid student, with lots of opportunities coming his way - why? Because he learned from my mistakes and short comings and honestly applies himself to the task at hand. You can do it - IF and ONLY IF you want to. Will it be easy? - NO. Will you make more mistakes and fumble? - YES., Will you want question yourself and your decisions? - Probably. It is all up to you, if you honestly want to serve as a commissioned officer, you can. It does not matter what the component is - in some cases being a Reserve Officer is even more challenging than active duty (I've done both). There is NOTHING easy about the path to being commissioned - it comes easier to some that to others, but the ones who learn, who grow, and overcome will make fine officers. The choice is yours - Army ROTC is not for everyone, if it was everyone would do it. My advice is stick with another semester. Keep pushing yourself. Accept the assistance of other cadets to improve your PT. Take a public speaking course, and reassess next fall. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do - both in ROTC and in life.

 

[justdoit19]

‘Am i good enough’?

Thats a pondering that all of us have had. It’s a thought that goes through *most* college students. It’s normal. And why my daughter had 4 different majors.

Talk to your leaders. People who know you. Talk to your mentors. Don’t make this decisions alone, because you may not see yourself as others do. Especially your leadership.

Good luck to you. We all have self doubt at times.