Our DD just completed her first freshman semester with AROTC. This is my, her mother's, insight of semester one. Academics come first, AROTC second, always. Our DD is a nursing major. Nursing, even as a freshman, conflicts with AROTC. The cadre embrace this and adjust. The cadre care less about you being at PT the morning you have a practical at 8 am, academicas always come first, communication is the key. Obviously, if you've done well on your PT tests, that helps. PT at her school is 5 days a week, every day a different skill to keep it interesting. If it rains or snows, great, prepare for the weather! She was assigned a senior mentor, same major. Brilliant idea! This person is awesome! She will make a fantastic officer and leader! She has been a great role model for our DD. DD has a squad leader also that is squared away, always texting, advising and there for questions. AGAIN communication is the key. In this semester, DD completed water safety, did her fist FTX, repelled, climbed across a river on a rope, rode in a chinook, almost got sick in a chinook . She has learned A TON, both from AROTC and her leadership. BUT and here it goes bc the real Army is the same, THE VERY BEST THING, are the cadets that are with you!! AROTC is a huge family. They take care of each other everyday. If someone has made a bad decision, they are there! If it's your bday, they are there! If you need to work something out, they are there! Maybe she lucked into a great BN, maybe the leadership has set a great example so the upperclassmen have learned from the top, maybe it's all of the above. Study hard, ROCK ROTC and be there for your peers. No mattter where you go, you will do great!