Would it be a better idea to go to a smaller AFROTC Detachment?
- Thread starter Scott1992
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Theoretically, a smaller detachment would be easier to get noticed and have more leadership opportunities but they are also limited because of their size. Since you are prior-enlisted, I'd say pick a college that you think you'll have a great time at! This is your opportunity to have a college experience. If you could be happy with your college experience, you'll be happy in your ROTC detachment. Plus, since you're prior enlisted, I'm sure you'll do fine getting noticed, but just try to take on leadership positions.
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As a prior enlisted I expect you'll have no trouble getting noticed at any unit. My sense of DS' NROTC unit is that they rely on prior enlisted to provide leadership whether they have a formal billet in the CoC or not. My assumption is that ROTC would be the same way.
I agree with the two previous posts ^^ (and not just because I was rude to kinnem earlier
)
For AFROTC specifically, coming from a small det with one recent prior enlisted myself, I think smaller would be somewhat better however, although not dramatically so. You receive a better and more developed sense of camaraderie I think. As mentioned above, though, there is greater opportunity for more important and responsibility-heavy positions at larger dets. Look at Texas A&M's massive AFROTC det; with prior enlisted experience at someplace like that, you would have a good chance of being cadet commander for what, around two hundred or more cadets. That would be interesting and a great learning experience!
I guess I can only reiterate what was already said: go to a school that you want to go to and one whose ROTC det feels compatible!
)For AFROTC specifically, coming from a small det with one recent prior enlisted myself, I think smaller would be somewhat better however, although not dramatically so. You receive a better and more developed sense of camaraderie I think. As mentioned above, though, there is greater opportunity for more important and responsibility-heavy positions at larger dets. Look at Texas A&M's massive AFROTC det; with prior enlisted experience at someplace like that, you would have a good chance of being cadet commander for what, around two hundred or more cadets. That would be interesting and a great learning experience!
I guess I can only reiterate what was already said: go to a school that you want to go to and one whose ROTC det feels compatible!
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Like the guys said above, your prior E status will help you tremendously in your Det. Especially when EA selection is heavy on Commanders Ranking, there's no doubt that your CC will notice you and your E status. I'm from a small Det and its great because you get to know your Cadre real well and form great relationships with them. Can't speak for larger dets, but I could imagine your Cadre is more personable with you in a smaller det
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I'm at a medium sized det (we hover at 80-100+ cadets) and it's pretty easy to stand out if you do what you need to. It's easy to get close to the cadre, especially as a POC since your upper class sizes are only ~9-15 total, or stand out for leadership positions. The place you would get drowned out in is a SMC where there are hundreds of cadets. There are plenty of cons to being at a tiny det too.
I met a guy that had 6 people in his det. Sometimes they get no new recruits, the class size is 1-2 cadets. There isn't much room for big events or traditions there, that would be a downside for me.
I met a guy that had 6 people in his det. Sometimes they get no new recruits, the class size is 1-2 cadets. There isn't much room for big events or traditions there, that would be a downside for me.