If you had the chance to talk with a class of ROTC cadets, what topics would you cover about actively serving?

2017-03-13T02:05:32-04:00

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 13 at 2017 2:21 AM

2017-03-13T02:21:35-04:00

Honestly, I would need a few days to cover what I would want to discuss. Topics: Army Values, mentorship, expectations, field training, commissioning, responsibilities. Too many honestly, I may need a week to go over what I would want to tell them.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 2:31 AM

2017-03-13T02:31:46-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would thank them for wanting to serve our country. I would mention that the values of discipline, loyalty, integrity, determination, and a never quit attitude will help them throughout their lifetimes. I would talk to them about the brotherhood and the duty to take care of the men and women that they are responsible for. The military as with civilian careers have up and down cycles, so enjoy the good times, and be prepared for choppy waters. Money management has to be a priority topic. Budget, save, invest, and wisely use a limited resource. I would mention that being a good planner will help ensure a successful military career. I would tell them, that as leaders, these men and women have an obligation to mentor those serving under them.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 13 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-03-13T09:42:52-04:00

I'd talk the Army Values or Warrior Ethos, coordinate with a recruiter to get some of the dog tags as give aways.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 13 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-03-13T12:32:01-04:00

Too much effort is spent on telling kids what they should do, how they should act, what they should think, etc. What's being missed is how they should approach the experience and that there will be a focused attempt to complete activation of the frontal lobe of the brain. It's about the conversion from a kid to an adult. So what should they be thinking about? It's about becoming something different. And, it's about liking or not liking where it takes you. You can increase the "like" odds by focusing on the positive outcomes of the transformation so they can see the opportunities and understand they control much more about their future than they think. People get depressed when they decide they can't control their circumstance. They confuse not wanting to control (lack of self confidence) vs. can't control. So for me it's about increasing the odds for success since we're investing a chunk of time and money. BTW focusing on values, expectations, logic, etc. has minimal value because it means something much more to us and the students can't fully connect the dots yet. In other words, making a demand for instant conversion, without working to grow them into it, means a higher failure rate. These kids will be drinking from a firehose. If the first 500 gallons is always confusion, you're not helping.

That said, there is a difference between the above and the purpose of the rigors of the initial entry training period. It's purposely stressful to force/complete frontal lobe activation and to demonstrate they're much more capable than they think. The up front stuff you talk to them about helps them keep focused on the prize, hence more likely to succeed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-03-13T13:24:15-04:00

"Forget everything you know......or think you know. And what your instructors are teaching you......will not likely apply when you get to your unit."

This would be the opening slide on my 400 slide PPT that would have to cover 4 days.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 13 at 2017 11:32 PM

2017-03-13T23:32:17-04:00

I would stick with very basic concepts. Stick to what you know so you are conversant, after all you are selling them on you. If they buy you they buy the discussion. If you are given 30 minutes, talk for 5-10. Let them ask you questions. I found this far more useful as they got to steer the discussion and you get the opportunity to dispel some down right untrue stuff that their non-serving parents, the media, and some misguided faculty members may have told them. Even the most well meaning ROTC instructors have dated information. They may have been out of the mix for 10+ years themselves, or are commenting about IET type stuff that they have 30 years in the rear view mirrror

Response by CPT Richard Arlington Briggs Jr made Mar 14 at 2017 11:58 PM

2017-03-14T23:58:02-04:00

Having served as an Enlisted Soldier, having successfully completed the Army Advanced ROTC Program (DMG) at Methodist University (then Methodist College), and having served as a Commissioned Officer in two different centuries--I would focus on Values, specifically, INTEGRITY. I would share, briefly, a real world, case-in-point, referred to as "BLAKEGATE" and the stage play, "KIPLING'S SON" (based on this test of Army Values). Then, as noted by another officer, spend the balance of my allotted time to field questions from those cadets assembled....and I would take "location shots" (aka "selfies") to prove I was there--to share with my sons via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, MySpace et al. :-)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 10:23 PM

2017-03-15T22:23:33-04:00

I guess I'll know pretty soon..!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-03-16T11:29:39-04:00

I'd just tell them the basics of how to be successful so that they can steer their own experiences. And I don't mean successful as in being promoted, I mean it as being the best at what you do.

1. Always keep your integrity above reproach. Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do, even if it makes you look bad or makes your life more difficult.

2. Be an expert. If you want to lead good men, you have to know where you're leading them; you can't do that unless you're an expert in your field.

3. It's a profession, not a religion, so don't take failures or corrections personally. If someone makes a mistake, correct and guide them into being a better human and professional rather than crucifying them; if someone is out of standards for PT, help them get better rather than humiliating or belittling them.

4. Take care of your people's lives as well as your own. The institution doesn't care if your lives are miserable, so you need to do that yourself. Nobody can be a high performer if they're burned out or their life is in shambles.

5. Take the risks that are worth it. Do the things that excite you; have the great adventure while you can. No one can ever take away your experiences, so hold them dear and make as many good ones as you can. It's a tough lifestyle, but it can be truly worth it if you're brave enough to put yourself out there and try all the exciting opportunities.

I love leading Sailors, I love flying, and I'll always be glad I took the plunge in trying for a commission.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 16 at 2017 11:40 AM

2017-03-16T11:40:27-04:00

Given the opportunity I would give a quick overview of my personal story. Having been a dependent, Ng Member and a retired Active duty member I have a unique perspective. I would stress the importance of communication and also emphasize that you will fail but don't be afraid of failure. Personal growth is essential to leadership.

off the cuff

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jul 8 at 2019 9:25 AM

2019-07-08T09:25:43-04:00

Once a a soldier always a soldier.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-07-08T14:30:29-04:00

Military leadership. The topic is often a nebulous to young leaders.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 8 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-07-08T14:56:06-04:00

I would cover expectations and concerns at ROTC camp and BOLC. Although they have knowledge from their campus training, they need to understand the additional training requirements that they need to complete for commissioning and their first unit. Doing well at college, but struggling with other phases could hurt career or reputation.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Jul 8 at 2019 4:57 PM

2019-07-08T16:57:39-04:00

Someone may have already given this answer, but use your senior NCO's (1ST, Master SGT, Sergeant First Class) and listen to your junior NCO's. SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jul 8 at 2019 6:17 PM

2019-07-08T18:17:12-04:00

The Topic of Team work and E'Spirit D'Corps

Response by SPC Cherry Allen made Feb 26 at 2020 10:38 PM

2020-02-26T22:38:43-05:00

How great cooks in the mess hall serve such delicious meals

Response by COL David Turk made May 10 at 2021 12:23 PM

2021-05-10T12:23:34-04:00

I’m a little late to this posting (four years late), but I’d take a different approach. I’d ask a bunch of why questions first. Why ROTC? Why not enlist? Why Army/Navy/AF? What branch is your goal and why? Why active duty (or reserve or NG)? Career or one tour? And maybe a few other questions. They're going to get most of the items, mentioned by others, in their ROTC classes. I would want to know their perceptions, or lack thereof, and address them based on my experience. Give them the “reality”.
Plus, I’d focus on what it takes to be successful in the different environments. And last, what do they do if they end up in a situation with deficient leadership. How to handle a senior leader who has some deficiency that will affect your career; e.g., affairs, stealing, blatant favoritism, false reporting of status/training, etc.