Can an ROTC Cadet (SMP) attend the Master Fitness Trainer Course?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:59:13 -0500

I was recently recommended by my command to attend the Master Fitness Trainer Course. However, in the next week I am expected to contract with my universities ROTC program as a Simultaneous Membership Program Cadet, I will remain in my current reserve unit. My question is can I still attend this training through my unit once I am a cadet?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 25 at 2016 10:26 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:26:26 -0500

I recommend that you ask up your chain of command and make sure that role is still what the unit wants from you with your change in status. I did the same thing as an SMP and went to training as a cadet. In some cases I put my E-5 back on to attend the school. The rules have changed in the last 30 years, so check with your training NCO and your Command

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 25 at 2016 11:14 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:14:23 -0500

You will be an E-5 cadet for a period of 2-4 years, and bring credit to the Master Fitness Trainer Program, you just have to convince your unit Commander and 1SGT.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 11:36 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:36:37 -0500

As far as I know there's nothing prohibiting you from attending. My unit sent a Cadet to AASLT several years ago. The bigger question, as LTC Shaw said, is whether it's a good investment for your unit. As a Cadet you should be moving towards an Officer role. As an Officer you typically won't be training individuals and small teams.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 12:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:01:40 -0500

I have seen Cadets go to schools for their unit

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 8:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:23:42 -0500

Hate to sound like a Negative Nancy but I think MAJ Private RallyPoint Member is probably right on the good investment part. That's a lot of money to spend on someone that won't be utilizing that training. I can say that I wouldn't send you but hey, I'm just some dude in Indiana. LTC John Shaw is right, go ask your chain.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Feb 26 at 2016 9:26 AM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:26:18 -0500

There are several factors to this.
1. First is what does the regulations say can/cannot be done and then what is the command policy. That will tell you what you have to do to even start the process.

2. Next is to establish and address the cost/benefit to the unit. In a period of ever decreasing funds your request maybe competing with those of a higher priority. You have got to show that BY your going to this course There Will Be a direct pay-back to the unit's readiness.

3. Finally...and you need a heart to heart talk with your PLT SGT, 1SG and CO...are you viewed as an asset to the unit and will they stick their necks out for you? Have you been a model Soldier and been always willing to go the extra mile? Are they invested in you?

A lot to think about .... As an "Old UA" I have seen leadership do some crazy things for their Soldiers...but it started with the Soldier prepping the stage. Get Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and keep it next to your Bible...and then read both regularly.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 11:38 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:38:27 -0500

Often, a unit will not send a Cadet to training for the unit, as the Cadet is a shaky investment; at best, he or she is staying at the unit for a couple years. It is still possible, but ensure to work with both your CO and your ROTC Cadre. You can also get summer training through ROTC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:18:00 -0500

While I went to airborne school and CLS as a cadet it is not a common occurrence for cadets to go to school outside a few "hooah" schools like airborne and air assault. Weat Pointers I knew had a few others that they may have been able to apply for.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 26 at 2016 2:54 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:54:59 -0500

Cadets can go through Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, etc.... I don't see why not this one...

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 27 at 2016 1:29 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 01:29:53 -0500

Ask your First Sergeant or CO when you meet for additional counseling

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 9:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 21:41:32 -0500

Yes, you should be able to attend the Master Fitness school, but it is up to your command. You will be commissioned in a couple of years though and the unit will lose you, so do not be surprised if your commander does not let you attend the school. Also, since you will become a ROTC cadet, you will be excused from battle assemblies for ROTC activities. To be honest, I would not send you to Master Fitness School under these circumstances, unless you planned on remaining in my unit as a 2LT. Focus on ROTC for now.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 11:26 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 23:26:25 -0500

One thing to take into consideration is how going to MFTC could interrupt school/mandatory ROTC activities (IE LDAC, training events throughout the year). Airborne, Air Assault, and the like are usually done in the summer so as not to conflict with school. I am not familiar with the length of the course, but your focus should be on graduating and commissioning first. If you can fit MFTC in a time that you are not missing class I say go for it, but make sure you keep your focus on that 25m target.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 10:37 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 10:37:28 -0500

I'm sure you could as long as it doesn't hinder your progression towards commissioning. The only thing I'd recommend (and take this with a grain of salt) as I've learned the hard way and regretted it since, is if you have any ambition to be airborne, air assault, mountain warfare, etc, any of those high-speed schools-qualified then take advantage of that while ROTC will provide it to you because if you want airborne and are sent to a non-airborne unit, good luck. they're not going to pay for it. Plus, if you are going to take a course, make sure it carries some weight, not sure what career possibilities a Master Fitness Trainer Course opens up. Again, grain of salt from my lessons learned.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 21:25:35 -0400

As long as it does not interfere with your classes, yes. Once you contract you can attend drill (recommended ), attend annual training or any other duties. Ensure you keep an open line with your Commander (and seeking out your seasoned Platoon Sergeant for informstion doesnt hurt). :-)