can someone explain ROTC

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Joony
False, you can lead a 'normal' college lifestyle in ROTC. Training for AFROTC only occurs once during the summer after sophomore year. Physical training is two days a week early in the morning for an hour, think of it as gym class, except really early. Depending on your semester cadet job in ROTC, you could be 'stealth' cadet that only shows up for required classes (LAB + PT + 3 credit hour academics), or be an outstanding cadet, by being more involved and joining up in extracurriculars, which do sometimes take up weekend time. As everyone in the program says, academics come first, because you need a degree to commission. So find a way to manage your school work before being more involved.

FYI, since you're in HS, now is the time to apply for a scholarship on afrotc.com. You can try the program out for a year as a freshman without having to 'contract'.

Your definition of normal is different than mine. ROTC does take up a good deal of time. I was in it for a little while.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: ICRS
Your biggest danger is if we have another war monger on office again like Bush. No one likes to be in the military with a war monger in office.

There are quite a few people that sign up because of one.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: abracadabra1

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Wife never ironed my flight suit.

Wash and wear.

Then I guess she only pressed your scarf.

Fly Navy!

I wanted Navy - they stated I was over qualified.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Xavier434

Originally posted by: Joony
False, you can lead a 'normal' college lifestyle in ROTC. Training for AFROTC only occurs once during the summer after sophomore year. Physical training is two days a week early in the morning for an hour, think of it as gym class, except really early. Depending on your semester cadet job in ROTC, you could be 'stealth' cadet that only shows up for required classes (LAB + PT + 3 credit hour academics), or be an outstanding cadet, by being more involved and joining up in extracurriculars, which do sometimes take up weekend time. As everyone in the program says, academics come first, because you need a degree to commission. So find a way to manage your school work before being more involved.

FYI, since you're in HS, now is the time to apply for a scholarship on afrotc.com. You can try the program out for a year as a freshman without having to 'contract'.

Your definition of normal is different than mine. ROTC does take up a good deal of time. I was in it for a little while.

I took the academics only for two years as electives. Family responsibilities prevented the full social obligations from being meant.

It provided a leg up for OCS - the academics were a breeze.

 

[abracadabra1]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper

Originally posted by: abracadabra1

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Wife never ironed my flight suit.

Wash and wear.

Then I guess she only pressed your scarf.

Fly Navy!

I wanted Navy - they stated I was over qualified.

I don't doubt it. I've met plenty of people too qualified to land on a rolling/pitching deck in the goo with emergency fuel and 1 chance to catch the wire.

 

[abracadabra1]

I digress though. Real aviators, or perhaps i should state unrestricted aviators fly rotary wing aircraft.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: Xanis
I searched "how does rotc work" in Google and got this: http://www.shsu.edu/~mls_www/Q_and_A/Q_and_A.html

Hope it helps.

I find that googling 'wikipedia rotc' or 'wikipedia XXX' usually turns out a good result. Wikipedia even provides useful links at the bottom!

 

[5to1baby1in5]

Originally posted by: Spartan Niner

Originally posted by: Flammable
will i be able to apply for enlisted jobs?

If you do ROTC in college you will start out as an officer.

You won't have to take point?

 

[roguerower]

Originally posted by: Joony
I'm doing AFROTC in college right now, fun stuff! Read the wiki on AFROTC, it's accurate...PM me questions if you wish.

What he said. I was in Marine Corps ROTC for a bit then changed paths. PM me as well w/ any questions. I'm also in the Corps that phreek is referring to.

 

[Flammable]

Originally posted by: abracadabra1
Sorry, but I just couldn't resist. I imagine you're thinking about the Air Force because you're an aspiring aviator. So, here's a bit of advice from a guy who's been there and done that the Navy way and the zoomie way.


Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off." In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:

12 Feb 04

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice.

Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

PS: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.

I was actually thinking about a career into Air Traffic Control. ATC is also an enlisted Job, but I can go to school to get the Aviation/Air Traffic Management BS. I do want to join the AF for the experience and also the fact that "veterans" get higher priority when I'll be looking for a job in the FAA.

I mean if I was planning to join the AF and get a college degree might as well have some of it paid by someone else.