Should I transfer schools to get a different ROTC recruiter?

2018-08-03T12:06:30-04:00

I’m currently a student at Southeastern in Hammond, LA. I’m in the process of trying to join and contract with the ROTC program there. I’ve tried countless times to keep communication with the school ROTC recruiter, but he rarely ever communicates back. Whenever we first met, he told me to text him two days prior to me coming down to the campus. And so I did so, I drove 3 hrs down to the campus to get the paperwork I needed for my checklist. And that day, I called and texted him and he never answered. The only way I was able to get in touch with him was when the NCOIC at the station called him and told him that I was there waiting for him. Over the past 2 months it has been a hassle trying to get him to communicate back with me. Today, I went in to turn in the checklist with all of my paperwork and he didn’t bother to answer, so I just turned it into the station. The PT test is next week for the recruits who want to contract and I haven’t even gotten a response back for what day the test actually is. I recently reached out to the sergeant at LSU, and she was willing and ready to help me with the paperwork there. My GI BILL, classes, and financial aid are already set at Southeastern should I transfer schools to get a recruiter that is willing to work with me?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:10 PM

2018-08-03T12:10:37-04:00

While the situation sucks, I would recomend going to the school you want to. From the outside it can be difficult to see how the ROTC program for different schools run. I wouldn't let a bad recruiter (who isn't involved in anything ROTC related once you are in the door) decide where you should go to school.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-08-03T12:11:00-04:00

Get in touch with the admin NCO at the ROTC office. Or call either the Professor of Military Science or the Adjutant. Any of these people should be able to get you squared away. Good Luck!

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 3 at 2018 12:22 PM

2018-08-03T12:22:47-04:00

Have you attempted to contact one of the instructors at the ROTC unit rather than the recruiter? A while back, I was going to do ROTC for shits and giggles, as I can never reenlist anyways, and had a much easier time communicating with the instructors than I did the lowly recruiter. I agree that switching schools this late in the game can really mess you up; the VA isn't exactly quick with changing paperwork.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-08-03T12:23:13-04:00

Like the other comments said for your question, don’t worry about the recruiter so much I regard to the program itself. The recruiter at my host school is the same way, very difficult to get ahold of and very hard to use to get into the program.
The cadre at the school will be a much better resource for you to get squared away and get into the program. Then you can focus on working through the other issues that you may be having, which they can ultimately assist you with.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Aug 3 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-08-03T14:41:18-04:00

If all is as you say, you still have time. You need to start classes first before you contract. Go see the PMS

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 3:37 PM

2018-08-03T15:37:50-04:00

Yes, there may be a lot of issues at play here.

1. The ROO is unfocused due to personal reasons.

2. You are not a good candidate and worth the time.

3. You are taking to the wrong person.

4. That person may be at camp/school until school starts.

5. The ROO sucks and is a wast of oxygen.

In any case, contact the university ROTC secretary and talk with the SMI or APMS and see what is going on. If the school has made mission and does not have a contract to give-find a new college with ROTC to work with. Try to get in a host institution that the ROTC program resides, it makes it easier for scholarships and contracting since some programs just like local Cadets better than affiliated or partner school cadets.

If all else fails contact the PMS to see what you can do. You are looking to ID what the problem is sooner than later. If you want some love, I know numerous programs that are open and looking for cadets; and the opportunities would be amazing if you’ll move. LSUnis a powerhouse program, sometimes the big ones are just too big to have a relationship with every prospect. It’s not personal, it’s just business.

If you want to commission, you can do it...just maybe not at LSU

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 3 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-08-03T15:58:38-04:00

Wow! I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. Recommend you stay in touch with the NOIC any time this guy fails to provide you critical information, like the physical testing dates. I don't know the geography or other personal considerations, but if you can be accepted at LSU that might be your best play. I hope Southeastern is a good school, but LSU has a national-level reputation. This isn't worth much after you get the first post-graduation job, but it can be a discriminator during the initial hiring process. If you plan of going active duty, of course, it doesn't much matter where you completed ROTC.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 3 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-08-03T16:40:43-04:00

I saw you’re carpentry masonry, what major did you want, what MOS, also, did you try other svcs at all? I’d just be curious if you could elaborate at all...and, how much coursework have done thus far? Assocs? If so what major for that as well? Any flight interests? Would you want to try for Army warrant rotary wing flight at all? Do you want STEM? Non STEM? Clinical? Non clinical? What other svcs have you tried for said asked before at all, also, hobbies, reading interests, sports incl martial arts if any, the more you relate, the more I and others can suggest as other alternatives, I realize you want Army, I just generally ask such things on career/education questions....

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 4 at 2018 8:26 AM

2018-08-04T08:26:28-04:00

I am sorry this has happened and it is really poor customer service. However, my recommendation is to stay at that school. The school year will start pretty soon (2 weeks out at where I work) and you have already done the school administrative work. Changing all of that to another school would push you against the deadline. If you are a freshman, you will not be able to contract anyway unless you have a 4-year Minuteman scholarship. So you have time to assess and explore the program to make sure it is right for you. Once classes begin, you fall more under your Military Science instructor so you may still have a positive experience there. Good luck!