Have you been an ROTC Instructor? Do you recommend it?

2014-06-08T21:21:49-04:00

So I have always been one to ask myself where I see myself in the next 5 years. I currently am about to be done with Drill Sergeant Duty here in Fort Jackson, and am due to PCS to JBER Alaska in December to start my 2-3 years of Platoon Sergeant Time. After I secure my PSG time I am looking to go into hopefully an ROTC Assignment. I love teaching and believe after being a PSG I could contribute a lot to the future Officers of our Army.

My question is for those of you who have done this job, or are currently doing this job. What do you like/dislike about this assignment and would you recommend it as a stepping stone for possible promotion to MSG? I know I am at least 4-5 years out before I can ask branch about this assignment but I am still curious to anyone who has any experience with this. Thanks in Advance.

V/R SSG Morgan

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-06-11T22:11:26-04:00

SSG Morgan, I have worked with Officer Recruiting with the South Dakota Army National Guard for the last three years. I have gotten the opportunity to help instruct with the ROTC and OCS programs. It is something that I have enjoyed immensely. One of the biggest advantages is that you get to mold future officers into the type of leaders that you would like to serve with. To me, it is one of the best things of being a NCO, which is the ability to pass on our knowledge and train Soldiers. Hopefully you are able to instruct at ROTC in your future.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-01-23T22:46:58-05:00

SSG Morgan,

I have never been an ROTC Instructor (obviously), but am the product of an ROTC program. I probably learned much more from the SFC than I did from the LTC. To be honest, we went through 3 PMSs (Professors of Military Science) while I was a cadet. One was an LTC riding out his career as he was not going to make full bird Colonel. The second PMS was MAJ (P) waiting for his slot to open and then was promoted to LTC at his new assignment. The third PMS was in limbo due to unknown circumstances, but most likely also ending his career. From my observations, ROTC Instructors are there due to waiting for their next big opportunity, or there to end their career. I wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to shape cadets in the same manner I was shaped by my NCOs.

Very Respectfully,
1LT Krohn

Response by MSG Donald Onley made Apr 17 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-04-17T21:05:56-04:00

After I retired from the Army I put in a application for Army JROTC I performed as a Army instructor for 17 years. JROTC was the best Job I ever had I had more fun working with the kids but you have to remember they are kids not soldiers. I retired from the school I worked with in JROTC in 2010 I wish I could do it all over again but just like anything else you get older and you have to make room for the younger person. If you can read you will not have any problem as a instructor The army does all of your lesson plans you still have to keep up with military/civilian education but that is not to hard make sure you know drill and ceremonies because you will need to work with drill teams and color guard and individual drill. If you decided to put in for the job make sure you put in for it six months before you retire.

You will never regret doing it,

Don Onley
MSG US Army (Retired)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 18 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-04-18T12:53:47-04:00

Passion is what makes geniuses out of ordinary folks. Go for it.

Response by MSG James Douglas made Mar 25 at 2019 3:13 PM

2019-03-25T15:13:13-04:00

SFC Morgan, did you ever get an ROTC position?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 25 at 2019 11:06 PM

2019-03-25T23:06:14-04:00

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 26 at 2019 6:25 AM

2019-03-26T06:25:29-04:00

Every Soldier returning from ROTC positions to my units (that performed well and were aptly rated) made MSG in due time. It is like any specialty assignment, don’t stay too long and excel while there. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 26 at 2019 2:49 PM

2019-03-26T14:49:10-04:00

I have not acted in the capacity of an ROTC instructors, but will make a suggestion nevertheless. Become an instructor to mentor and train young cadets, and it will be a venue to experience stability for you and your family.