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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - ROTC Programs (Page 1 of 2)

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7/12/2009 10:00:19 PM EDT
I've talked to both Army and Airforce ROTC units. Thus far it looks like air force it what I like the most. They will pay for either all or most of my masters, and the last half of my bachelors. What are the benefits of each? Which one would you pick? Also I think it was be an amazing experience to be an Infantry officer, however the chances of that are small. If I did go Army ROTC Infantry, Tank, Intel, or Mp would be the main ones I would accept. Also current or former ROTC people please jump in here with your tips suggestions help etc.


Thanks
7/13/2009 4:26:27 AM EDT
[#1]
Why do you think you have a slim chance of becoming an Infantry officer?  With the AFROTC, you get what you get and don't throw a fit.  With Army ROTC, if you give the Army an additional 3 years over the initial 4 year obligation, you can pick your branch.  Army ROTC scholarships pay full tuition, provide a monthly stipend up to $500 and a book allowance each semester.  AFROTC scholarships are worth less unless they've changed the amount this past year.

Do you want active or reserve?  If you want ARNG/USAR, you get to pick your branch regardless.  I'd go Army if that's where your interests lie.  Don't make the decision just on how much the scholarship pays.  School lasts a short time, a career can last much, much longer.  You need to do whichever will satisfy you long term.

PS-We have more fun in Army ROTC than the AF pukes!
7/13/2009 4:37:18 AM EDT
[#2]
I agree, I am not Army but go Army of the two choices.

There is a metric butt ton of Army bases all over the globe.  You can see the world and choose your branch.

Max
7/13/2009 12:50:04 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
I agree, I am not Army but go Army of the two choices.

There is a metric butt ton of Army bases all over the globe.  You can see the world and choose your branch.

Max


My main goal is to go to Afghanistan as an Infantry officer. I would love to go to germany, so factor that in too also I guess. Is there a better chance of going into Germany via the Army compared to AF? From what I understand the AF ROTC pt is easier than the Armies too?
7/13/2009 3:45:28 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I agree, I am not Army but go Army of the two choices.

There is a metric butt ton of Army bases all over the globe.  You can see the world and choose your branch.

Max


My main goal is to go to Afghanistan as an Infantry officer
. I would love to go to germany, so factor that in too also I guess. Is there a better chance of going into Germany via the Army compared to AF? From what I understand the AF ROTC pt is easier than the Armies too?


You definitely wont do that in the Air Force.

I love Army ROTC.
7/13/2009 3:47:05 PM EDT
[#5]
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome
7/13/2009 4:04:35 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.
7/13/2009 4:18:31 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.


What school are you going to?

NROTC PT at my school is a joke. The USMC guys work pretty hard, but they do PT separately. I have yet to see the AFROTC guys doing PT .
7/13/2009 4:20:33 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.


What school are you going to?

NROTC PT at my school is a joke. The USMC guys work pretty hard, but they do PT separately. I have yet to see the AFROTC guys doing PT .


We don't PT.  We all meet up in the mornings and play sports.  
7/13/2009 4:22:49 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.


What school are you going to?

NROTC PT at my school is a joke. The USMC guys work pretty hard, but they do PT separately. I have yet to see the AFROTC guys doing PT .


We don't PT.  We all meet up in the mornings and play sports.  


I will admit, yall did kick our ass at the interservice soccer match.
7/13/2009 4:25:17 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.


What school are you going to?

NROTC PT at my school is a joke. The USMC guys work pretty hard, but they do PT separately. I have yet to see the AFROTC guys doing PT .


We don't PT.  We all meet up in the mornings and play sports.  


I will admit, yall did kick our ass at the interservice soccer match.


I hope to go to OSU, in Corvallis Oregon. Is that really all the AFROTC PT includes?  What in the world type of school do you go to?
7/13/2009 4:30:18 PM EDT
[#11]
down here PT all depends on outfits

some army outfits theres both marine and army outfits that dont do shit for PT, then theres others that go balls to the wall for PT.  the Airforce outfits dont do much

Im army ROTC btw
7/13/2009 4:30:36 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Did you talk to NROTC?
The usmc may be poor, but 100% more awesome


I honestly don't think I could get into the NROTC. Even if I did I don't think that I could hack the PT.


What school are you going to?

NROTC PT at my school is a joke. The USMC guys work pretty hard, but they do PT separately. I have yet to see the AFROTC guys doing PT .


We don't PT.  We all meet up in the mornings and play sports.  


I will admit, yall did kick our ass at the interservice soccer match.


I hope to go to OSU, in Corvallis Oregon. Is that really all the AFROTC PT includes?  What in the world type of school do you go to?



Naw we do PT.  What we do depends on who is in charge of it as that changes every semester.  Generally PT may include us circling up at some point and doing the usual exercises then we may do an indian run or something like that.  Sometimes we will run sprints.  It really depends on the cadet in charge and what their plan is.
7/13/2009 4:32:29 PM EDT
[#13]
If you're that worried about the PT, you probably won't make it as an Infantry officer, especially in Afghanistan.  If you want to do it, quit worrying about what you think you can't do, and just do it.  ROTC will get you in shape if you do your part.  If this is something you really want, you'll do what's necessary to achieve your goal.  If not, we'll kick you out and make you pay back the scholarship.  Either that or put you on active duty as a private.  

Seriously, don't worry about the PT.  Start running, doing push-ups and sit-ups and you'll do fine.  Better yet, join the Guard or Reserve and go to basic training first and then join ROTC.  You will be in shape by the time you get back.

Course, I guess you could join the air farce and not worry too much about the PT......
7/13/2009 4:34:17 PM EDT
[#14]
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  Something to think about.  I went AFROTC, and I PT'ed my ass off, especially when I was in charge of the PT program.  The ROTC is what you make of it.
7/13/2009 4:40:03 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...
7/13/2009 5:18:09 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...


You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.
7/13/2009 5:20:55 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...


You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.


That really sucks. I guess that may effect my interest in the Army ROTC, if I am not guaranteed Infantry then I will not do it. I would perhaps take Armor or Apache Pilot, but besides that I have zero interest. The rest I could accomplish via the AFROTC.
7/13/2009 5:27:33 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...


You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.


That really sucks. I guess that may effect my interest in the Army ROTC, if I am not guaranteed Infantry then I will not do it. I would perhaps take Armor or Apache Pilot, but besides that I have zero interest. The rest I could accomplish via the AFROTC.


If that is what you want to do, you should go for it. Maxing a PT test is not difficult at all if you train properly for it. Your LDAC scores will be fine as long as you weren't trained by a shitty unit. GPA is somewhat dependent on your major, but in the end it is all up to you.

Generally, Aviation, Infantry and Armor are some of the toughest branches to get. As someone mentioned earlier, the Army does have a program where you can exchange extra years of service in order to get the branch of your choice, I dont have any details on it though.
7/13/2009 5:38:14 PM EDT
[#19]



Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:


Quoted:

If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  




This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.



All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.



With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...




You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.




That really sucks. I guess that may effect my interest in the Army ROTC, if I am not guaranteed Infantry then I will not do it. I would perhaps take Armor or Apache Pilot, but besides that I have zero interest. The rest I could accomplish via the AFROTC.


You clearly don't understand what being an officer is about.  The Army can afford to be very choosy right now, despite what  the news has led people to believe.

 
7/13/2009 5:43:27 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...


You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.


QFT
It's a bitch to make it outta college
7/13/2009 5:54:23 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you're worried about the PT of a particular service, you have no business or chance of becoming an Infantry officer.  


This.  If you want to be an infantry officer, you need to go to be pretty damn good at PT (290+ on the APFT if you want to stand out).  Plus, you need the physical and mental determination to excel at Ranger School.

All that is just preparing you to be a physical leader once you get to your unit.

With that said, there are some real fucks of infantry officers out there...Assistant staff jobs need ot be filled...


You also need excellent LDAC scores and an excellent GPA. Infantry is the toughest branch to get into except for Aviation.


That really sucks. I guess that may effect my interest in the Army ROTC, if I am not guaranteed Infantry then I will not do it. I would perhaps take Armor or Apache Pilot, but besides that I have zero interest. The rest I could accomplish via the AFROTC.

You clearly don't understand what being an officer is about.  The Army can afford to be very choosy right now, despite what  the news has led people to believe.  


I suspect the army may be choosy but the persons in this big "boost" are in it for the money. Once the money is gone and the economy good the situation will be just the same. Being an officer includes doing something that you will put above yourself and love that job. For me transportation, mechanics etc. I have no interest in and thus will do poorly at. In my case being able to pick my branch would be worth it. Do infantry officers have to go airborne, and ranger?
7/13/2009 6:02:01 PM EDT
[#22]
What part of the giving the Army three more years and you get to pick your branch part do you not get?  The Army ROTC scholarship contract requires four years active duty service obligation in order to fulfill the terms of the contract.  After that you can remain on active duty, go to the ARNG or USAR or go into the IRR, for a total of eight years.  IF you want to be guaranteed a branch choice, you can elect to serve an additional three years on active duty for 7 active 1 inactive and the Army will give you whatever branch you want as long as you meet the medical and technical requirements.  That means you can't be colorblind for some branches (Armor, Engineer, for example) and you must pass the AFAST and flight physical for Aviation.  Other than that, you can choose your branch.

If you give up as easily as you sound like, you need to go be a cook somewhere instead of a leader of men.  Download a copy of DA Form 597-3 and read it.  That's the ROTC scholarship contract that all scholarship cadets sign.  If you want non-scholarship, download DA Form 597 and read it.  This is for ROTC with no scholarship and for Simultaneous Membership Program cadets.
7/13/2009 6:04:22 PM EDT
[#23]
Infantry officers don't have to go Airborne and Ranger, but it is highly recommended.  You will garner more respect and go farther if you do.  More respected, that is, if you're worth a hill of beans to begin with.  If you're a lousy leader and don't take care of your troops, it doesn't matter how many tabs and badges you have, you're troops will still hate you.
7/13/2009 6:08:40 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:Do infantry officers have to go airborne, and ranger?


You get to.

Airborne:  If you go to an Airborne Unit, (82nd, 173rd, or the Brigade at Richardson) you will go to airborne school.  With that said, you will most likely be sitting on your thumb at Benning between BOLC's/on snowbird/waiting for ranger.  Just do it, it's a great experience.

As for Ranger...You don't have to...many Battalion commanders will not let you into their battalion without a tab.  If there are enough LT's around, you will not get a platoon.  Getting a company is even more rare.  Just do it.  It's great training and a right of passage.  Many soldiers wish they had the chance to go to Ranger.

7/13/2009 6:09:28 PM EDT
[#25]
ROTC doesnt mean you get to be an officer of whatever you want. My outfits c/o said that army infantry officers are beginning to become almost as competitive as becoming a pilot for the AF.
7/13/2009 6:12:09 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
My outfits c/o said that army infantry officers are beginning to become almost as competitive as becoming a pilot for the AF.


Of 980ish Academy grads this year, infantry went out in the 6-700's I think without ADSO.  That's right about average for the last 5ish years.  Field Artillery got force branched...
7/13/2009 6:17:20 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Quoted:
My outfits c/o said that army infantry officers are beginning to become almost as competitive as becoming a pilot for the AF.


Of 980ish Academy grads this year, infantry went out in the 6-700's I think without ADSO.  That's right about average for the last 5ish years.  Field Artillery got force branched...


That is much more than 50%? TO me it appears there are good chances for going into Infantry. If one gets force branched, what occurs? Does one have any recourse?
7/13/2009 6:26:38 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
My outfits c/o said that army infantry officers are beginning to become almost as competitive as becoming a pilot for the AF.


Of 980ish Academy grads this year, infantry went out in the 6-700's I think without ADSO.  That's right about average for the last 5ish years.  Field Artillery got force branched...


That is much more than 50%? TO me it appears there are good chances for going into Infantry. If one gets force branched, what occurs? Does one have any recourse?


Oh, let me explain more clearly.  This is strictly for West Point, not ROTC.  

Every branch gets a certain number of slots.  Armor had 96 I think, Aviation had 100ish, Transpo had maybe 20, etc.

There were 202 total infantry officers this year  The way it works is everone rank orders the 13 branches then the 1st guy in the class gets his 1st ranked branch. Then hte 2nd guy in the class gets his 1st ranked branch.  This goes on through the entire class.  As branches close out, people go onto their next choice branch.  The last infantry slot went out at 700ish.

Forced branching is what happens when you don't get your #1 choice.  I had a buddy that was 8-900ish that had armor as his 1st choice.  By hte time they got to him, it was closed out so he got his next choice, field Artillery.  I've heard of someone getting their 11th choice...

There is no "punishment" for getting forced branch...beyond being a FA officer
7/13/2009 6:29:28 PM EDT
[#29]
I am starting ROTC in the fall.

The two main pieces of advice I have gotten are keep a good GPA and make sure to be in shape.

I want to go Aviation or Infantry.
7/13/2009 6:29:46 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
My outfits c/o said that army infantry officers are beginning to become almost as competitive as becoming a pilot for the AF.


Of 980ish Academy grads this year, infantry went out in the 6-700's I think without ADSO.  That's right about average for the last 5ish years.  Field Artillery got force branched...


That is much more than 50%? TO me it appears there are good chances for going into Infantry. If one gets force branched, what occurs? Does one have any recourse?


Oh, let me explain more clearly.  This is strictly for West Point, not ROTC.  

Every branch gets a certain number of slots.  Armor had 96 I think, Aviation had 100ish, Transpo had maybe 20, etc.

There were 202 total infantry officers this year  The way it works is everone rank orders the 13 branches then the 1st guy in the class gets his 1st ranked branch. Then hte 2nd guy in the class gets his 1st ranked branch.  This goes on through the entire class.  As branches close out, people go onto their next choice branch.  The last infantry slot went out at 700ish.

Forced branching is what happens when you don't get your #1 choice.  I had a buddy that was 8-900ish that had armor as his 1st choice.  By hte time they got to him, it was closed out so he got his next choice, field Artillery.  I've heard of someone getting their 11th choice...

There is no "punishment" for getting forced branch...beyond being a FA officer


Basically one "has" to learn that career field?
7/13/2009 6:32:56 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
Basically one "has" to learn that career field?


Well, that's their branch for the next 5 years so yes...

That said, FA had the best parties.  Their branch night, post night, and ball were all sponsored by Yuengling.
7/13/2009 6:35:27 PM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Basically one "has" to learn that career field?


Well, that's their branch for the next 5 years so yes...

That said, FA had the best parties.  Their branch night, post night, and ball were all sponsored by Yuengling.


Really? That is interesting, I suppose it would be awesome if you got to fire, however it would suck to not fire and be moved into an infantry type situation, without the best training.
7/13/2009 6:35:36 PM EDT
[#33]
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.

The guys who get screwed are the OCS grads.
7/13/2009 6:39:54 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.


My logic is simple. One joins the army because they want combat arms. Marines included. If one wants technical jobs, mechanics, comm. etc. then they join the Airforce. I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff. In comparison I've heard that Airforce Security Forces are more like typical leos, which is interesting to me. My dream is to lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan against the Taliban or Alqaida, if I can't have that then I would be better suited to join the Airforce, and get substantially more benefits and a career in which I would have a lot of interest.
7/13/2009 6:40:21 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.

The guys who get screwed are the OCS grads.


Really?

7/13/2009 6:42:50 PM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.


Looking strictly at numbers, you'll most likely get a combat arms slot.  As Bohr said, branch details are out there if you look.  I have a buddy that's doing his PL time in the infantry then switching over to Signal for the last 2 years of his commitment.

While most combat arms are "pyramid shaped" (many LTs, some Captains, and very few higher officers) most support branches are "reverse pyramid" shaped.  Very few LT's, a lot of captains, and a decent amount of senior officers.
7/13/2009 6:45:26 PM EDT
[#37]
Quoted:
I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff.


It depends on the unit.  I knew a guy that did his company command on the Pakistan border getting blown up on a regular basis kicking ass...Then there are the guys that do their command at the West Point MP station pulling over cadets and Full Birds.  A lot of it depends on what you want, timing, and luck.
7/13/2009 6:45:55 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.

The guys who get screwed are the OCS grads.


Really?



Unless things have changed a lot in the last few years.  Form the sounds of it, it has actually gotten easier to get your branch of choice - if the above-mentioned program to volunteer for a longer obligation is current (of course, there is no guarantee it will be so three years from now).

A fellow member of this board, who I will not name, was branched Transportation.  He volunteered for - and got - an Infantry branch detail.   He then went Special Forces.

Life is what you make of it, quitting and going Air Force simply makes no sense to me for anyone who wants to lead men in combat.

To the crowd: has anyone out in internet land heard of anyone not getting a branch detail if they asked for it?
7/13/2009 6:46:30 PM EDT
[#39]
OCS graduates do not typically get to choose their branch.  They are told.

And, there is no guarantee you will get combat arms unless you do the ADSO, Additional Duty Service Obligation.  Go talk to the ROO at Army ROTC and he will tell you.  If he's new and doesn't know, ask the PMS or APMS if there is one on campus.  Most will be at Warrior Forge since you're looking at Oregon so the only one back on campus will probably be the ROO.
7/13/2009 6:48:09 PM EDT
[#40]
Quoted:
Quoted:


To the crowd: has anyone out in internet land heard of anyone not getting a branch detail if they asked for it?


Yes, I have had cadets who asked for branch detail and did not get it.  Most do, a few don't.

7/13/2009 6:48:42 PM EDT
[#41]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.


My logic is simple. One joins the army because they want combat arms. Marines included. If one wants technical jobs, mechanics, comm. etc. then they join the Airforce. I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff. In comparison I've heard that Airforce Security Forces are more like typical leos, which is interesting to me. My dream is to lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan against the Taliban or Alqaida, if I can't have that then I would be better suited to join the Airforce, and get substantially more benefits and a career in which I would have a lot of interest.


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.
7/13/2009 6:57:11 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


Agree, he sounds like a tab hunter.  He is someone I would probably try to screen out if he came to my ROTC program.
7/13/2009 6:58:44 PM EDT
[#43]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.


My logic is simple. One joins the army because they want combat arms. Marines included. If one wants technical jobs, mechanics, comm. etc. then they join the Airforce. I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff. In comparison I've heard that Airforce Security Forces are more like typical leos, which is interesting to me. My dream is to lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan against the Taliban or Alqaida, if I can't have that then I would be better suited to join the Airforce, and get substantially more benefits and a career in which I would have a lot of interest.


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


I see where he is coming from, but the fear is unwarranted.  If you do your part, there is a very small chance you'll get dicked out of a combat arms slot.

His way of thinking was a small part of why i decided not to go to the Navel Academy.  As the time, I wanted to be a Marine Infantry Officer.  Considering the numbers, the chances of getting this from USNA are relatively small.  (compared to 100% from USMA).  Then I read a few books, talked to a bunch of people, and figured out what I really wanted to do.
7/13/2009 7:04:28 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Quoted:


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


Agree, he sounds like a tab hunter.  He is someone I would probably try to screen out if he came to my ROTC program.


You obviously have a lot more experience from the O side of things (not to mention running a ROTC unit), but I have seen a lot of chuckle heads really straighten themselves out after seeing what officership is really about.  

Is there a "commitment" time in ROTC?  Before junior years strts, you can leave the Academy with no repercussions.  After junior years starts, you have to pay back your time as a E-4 non-promotable.
7/13/2009 7:07:20 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


Agree, he sounds like a tab hunter.  He is someone I would probably try to screen out if he came to my ROTC program.


You obviously have a lot more experience from the O side of things (not to mention running a ROTC unit), but I have seen a lot of chuckle heads really straighten themselves out after seeing what officership is really about.  

Is there a "commitment" time in ROTC?  Before junior years strts, you can leave the Academy with no repercussions.  After junior years starts, you have to pay back your time as a E-4 non-promotable.


First two years are gimmee years in ROTC as well.  You formally contract for a commission before your junior year.  For all intents and purposes, ROTC is a two year program.  Year one and two can be waived with a summer camp or prior service.

Redleg13a might be able to shed more light on the situation with three and four-year scholarship kids.
7/13/2009 7:08:21 PM EDT
[#46]
Quoted:
I've talked to both Army and Airforce ROTC units. Thus far it looks like air force it what I like the most. They will pay for either all or most of my masters, and the last half of my bachelors. What are the benefits of each? Which one would you pick? Also I think it was be an amazing experience to be an Infantry officer, however the chances of that are small. If I did go Army ROTC Infantry, Tank, Intel, or Mp would be the main ones I would accept. Also current or former ROTC people please jump in here with your tips suggestions help etc.


Thanks


I was in Army ROTC for two years, and my battalion was at a college that also had AFROTC.  I'm not knocking the Air Force, but we did a lot more cool things and had a lot more fun with the whole experience than the AF guys did.  In our labs we were out in the woods behind the school learning things like react to fire, break contact, how to build and use rope bridges to cross rivers, and how to deal with and search prisoners, to name a few.  We rappelled down a 10 story dorm and went to Fort Drum to qualify with the M16, got to use MILES gear, and things like that.

The AF guys sat in classrooms and listened to lectures.  I think a few of them did get to go to the US Air Force Academy for training over the summer, and I want to say (but I'm not positive) that a couple of them qualified for a glider badge there.

This is not to disparage the AF in any way; my grandfather was commissioned a 1st lieutenant in the newly formed Air Force following WWII (he had been a senior chief in the Navy at the end of the war), and I have the utmost respect for the zoomies.
7/13/2009 7:08:49 PM EDT
[#47]
Quoted:


You obviously have a lot more experience from the O side of things (not to mention running a ROTC unit), but I have seen a lot of chuckle heads really straighten themselves out after seeing what officership is really about.  

Is there a "commitment" time in ROTC?  Before junior years strts, you can leave the Academy with no repercussions.  After junior years starts, you have to pay back your time as a E-4 non-promotable.


Yes, cadets have to commit by the junior year or they walk.  If they take a 4-year scholarship, their commitment starts the 1st day of classes the sophomore year.  If they quit or are disenrolled after that day, they owe the Army either money or time.  If they have any other type of scholarship, the commitment starts the first day their scholarship starts.  If a cadet is a non-scholarship cadet, he can contract the sophomore year if he is SMP or the junior year if non-SMP, non-scholarship.  

7/13/2009 7:11:03 PM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.


My logic is simple. One joins the army because they want combat arms. Marines included. If one wants technical jobs, mechanics, comm. etc. then they join the Airforce. I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff. In comparison I've heard that Airforce Security Forces are more like typical leos, which is interesting to me. My dream is to lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan against the Taliban or Alqaida, if I can't have that then I would be better suited to join the Airforce, and get substantially more benefits and a career in which I would have a lot of interest.


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


I made my first post before reading the rest of the thread.  I agree with B_A.
7/13/2009 7:11:22 PM EDT
[#49]
Is there anyway I could transfer into a ROTC program, after earning an associates degree the same time I earn a High School diploma. For all intents and purposes a newly graduated senior, and then get a 4 yr scholarship with 2 years for a bachelors and 2 years for a masters?
7/13/2009 7:13:54 PM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Saying if I can't be guaranteed Infantry you would just was well go Air Force is like saying if you can't have a Mercedes you might as well ride a skateboard to work.

I simply do not follow your logic.

There is simply very little chance you would not be commissioned into a combat arm, unless you intentionally avoid it.  Even guys who get selected for Support branches usually get branch details if they ask.  Unless things have changed a lot, nearly everyone gets on of their top three branch choices.


My logic is simple. One joins the army because they want combat arms. Marines included. If one wants technical jobs, mechanics, comm. etc. then they join the Airforce. I've heard that Army MPs do not do typical MP stuff. In comparison I've heard that Airforce Security Forces are more like typical leos, which is interesting to me. My dream is to lead an infantry platoon in Afghanistan against the Taliban or Alqaida, if I can't have that then I would be better suited to join the Airforce, and get substantially more benefits and a career in which I would have a lot of interest.


You sound like Air Force material.

You don't sound like you want to lead men into combat, but to be able to say you did.

You can do that now.  Every neighborhood bar is full of braggarts and bullshitters.


I made my first post before reading the rest of the thread.  I agree with B_A.


Welcome to the asshole club.
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