Do non-contracted cadets wear their uniform to ROTC courses?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:39:13 -0400

I recently swore into the Guard, and am actively participating in Utah’s RSP unit. This fall I’m enrolled in ROTC courses, mostly to get a leg up before BCT, and network with those that I will be with for my last two years. I leave for BCT January 2020, therefore I am not MOSQ. I am also not a contracted cadet. Am I supposed to wear my uniform, or not?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 12:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:46:07 -0400

Your ROTC instructors will fill you in on the uniform wear policy, but generally speaking, if you are what we used to call a “Participating Cadet”, I.e. will be attending field exercises just as the contracted cadets do, then yes, you will wear the prescribed uniform.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 12:51 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:51:21 -0400

If you are currently a student taking ROTC courses but not enrolled into the ROTC program itself, then you do not have to wear your uniform from your unit to such classes. I had worked with civilian students who enrolled into ROTC courses for organizational/leadership guidance. It is also up to your military science instructor to make that final call. I would recommend contacting him/her in advance, but I do not see the need to wear the uniform if you are not fully enrolled in ROTC.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jun 29 at 2019 1:12 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:12:03 -0400

Generally, the MS Is thru IVs wear uniforms for the Leadership Lab one afternoon a week. For other Military Science classes during the week they might also require the uniform. You would be wearing the cadet uniform with their rank and insignia-not your Guard uniform. Your ROTC department might still be in ACUs. Best of Luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 1:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:23:14 -0400

It's up to your Battalion. Mine required contracted cadets to wear uniforms to class and everyone to wear uniforms to Leadership labs. PRT also may or may not be required prior to contacting.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 4:33 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 04:33:28 -0400

Yes. And, they wear them on certain days to all of their classes. Both for ROTC and JROTC

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jun 29 at 2019 9:23 AM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 09:23:01 -0400

For labs you will

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 29 at 2019 9:30 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 09:30:49 -0400

The program will direct Uniform wear, usually PT Uniform to PT; ACUs to Leadership Lab and the field; and sometimes ASUs to leadership lab and other functions.

The non contracted cadets wear uniforms. They will issue you rank insignia and unit patches.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 12:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 12:25:09 -0400

It depends on the ROTC program, and could be influenced by your intentions and participation. You could email your instructor, or wait until classes start and ask. Either way, you’ll be fine...they’ll square you away early on. Best of luck with all! I started my Army career in the Utah NG, and as a non-contracted cadet. Where you going to school?

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jun 30 at 2019 11:35 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 11:35:00 -0400

It's up to your program. I would recommend wearing your uniform for leadership labs so you will blend into the team and also not tear up your own clothing if you are in the field. Until you are contracted, you would wear your enlisted rank and patches. Once you contract, you wear cadet rank and the ROTC patch during ROTC training.