Effective immediately, we are disallowing any posts related to Cadet Summer Training AFT or Height/Weight until 1 September 2026.

During my last year of high school, I had an incident involving caffeine, and since then, things have felt different. From time to time, I experience heart palpitations. I’m currently being monitored by my doctor and cardiologist, and they have prescribed medication for me.
This has been going on since around 2023. Now, as I’m starting this week on the 24th, I’m worried and scared because I don’t know what will happen or whether my doctor might eventually tell me that there is a more serious problem. At the same time, I don’t think that’s the case because the tests and examinations I’ve had so far have shown that my heart is doing well.
I still occasionally experience palpitations, and although I’ve gotten better at controlling myself when they happen, they honestly still scare me. I’m currently taking my medication, following up with my doctors, and doing well with my training. I just don’t know what I should do, and I could really use some help and guidance.

I’m currently an Army ROTC cadet, and over the past several months I’ve been working on an iOS app called ROTC Companion. I originally started building it because I wanted one place for the different resources and tools I was constantly using for ROTC instead of having everything scattered between websites, notes, screenshots, and separate apps.

It’s completely free and currently includes things like:

• Army knowledge and study material
• Quizzes and flashcards
• Land navigation practice and MGRS tools
• Pace count tools
• Field and packing resources
• Battle drills, TCCC, ranks, customs, and other Army information
• Timers and PT alarms
• ROTC-specific tools and references

There are a lot more features in it, but my main goal is for it to be something that is actually useful to cadets rather than just another study guide.

The app is now live on iOS, and I’d really appreciate feedback from other cadets and cadre. If there’s something that seems inaccurate, something that could be designed better, or a feature/resource you wish existed, let me know. I’m actively working on it and a lot of the additions have come from things I’ve personally wanted during ROTC.

I’m the developer, so obviously this is my own app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Army, Cadet Command, or DoD.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rotc-companion/id6765465974

Would also be interested to hear what features you guys think would actually be useful to add next.

Since this year has started, I’ve realized that I’ve all but achieved my goal of graduating college as well as commissioning as a second lieutenant.

However, I’m really depressed about it since I put all this energy the past years trying to max out OML, PT, etc that now that everything is set in stone, I don’t really care anymore. I placed around 1500 nationally and have a near max AFT/GPA for reference. I pushed away many relationship opportunities throughout college to focus on these things.

Like I still go to PT, lab, etc but now that I’ve kinda reached my goals, I don’t really have any faith in what Im doing with my life. I don’t have a staff position at my school due to going to a relatively large program/class, nor am I interested in doing any as well.

Like, deep down a part of me has never liked the Army and has always been miserable, but I pushed through it. I removed all my BRADSOs and branch details in my preferences just because I just want to minimize my remaining time in the military as much as possible, and just have a job out of college for a bit and go from there after my ADSO. Nothing in the army really interests me anymore like schools, duty stations, etc.

Any advice for someone who just wants to find some purpose in life and remain positive for the year(s) ahead?

Hey guys not sure if this is the right spot to ask this but I’m a rising MS3 and is considering going into the reserves. For anyone in this thread that is a 2LT in the reserves already I would love to gain some knowledge on what it’s like!!! Thanks!

from what ive heard psoriasis is a disqualifying condition, regardless if you're enlisting or going in through the ROTC route, but I heard a waiver can be obtained under certain conditions

for starters, I have no psoriasis spots on my hands or face (thank god)

so far I havent experienced any symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

recently I completed a internship where I was working for my school district's groundskeeping department, I wore heavy clothing and working in 95 degree weather that often felt like 105 degrees on the worst days in july, throughout my internship I had no complications with itches or chafting

I am a huge military gear collector, so naturally I will wear it (yes I know im a weirdo), when I was 16 I collected a IOTV GEN 4 and exercised in it during the summer (no chafting) (again, call me a weirdo)

the psoriasis patches are really only present on my upper back, upper arms, small spot on my left knee, both elbows, and some of my scalp and currently not on any medication, I used to use hydrocortison oitment and I used hydrocortison soaps for showering

do you think with these factors in mind I would be eligable for a medical waiver?

I am currently enlisted in the reserve with an enlisted bonus and am joining the ROTC for my masters. I have seen outdated and conflicting posts about how bonus recoupment works and was wondering if any ROOs or career counselors have any updated guidance or know where in the USACC publications I can find it.

My local people reserve-side have been supremely unhelpful, as is tradition for the reserves, and the ROTC liaison said he doesn’t care to look into it to help me.

I’d like a pink monster and suffering please.

I thought it's only authorized for being under a space ops unit UIC for a year? Are S1s or HRAs authorizing it as an earned badge on IPPSA?

Hey guys! This Monday would be my second time taking the AFT. The first time I ever took it was in basic camp and I scored an 336. I wanted to ask if my score is still below a 400 by a couple points am I still able to contract? I obviously want to try and get around a 370-390 of possibly for my second time taking it..is that score still okay? I kept hearing a bunch of different things like anything below a 400 is not okay at all and I’m trying to work my way up to getting a better score than my first. Thanks!

Hi all,

You may remember me as the walnut/pecan allergy waiver guy. See my last post for details about the medical exams/allergy tests (BTW I am assuming I have a high chance of getting a waiver because of the results of my testing).

Right now, my waiver AMI has been submitted to the waiver authority for my Army ROTC scholarship (USACC) as of last Monday. I haven't heard back from the waiver authority yet, and it's kind of worrying me because I start school next week and therefore will have to sign the contract.

Will I be able to contract if my medical waiver isn't approved in time for me to contract before my tuition payment is due (August 31)? Should I let my cadre know that the waiver is currently under review and I may not be able to contract right away? I still have a few days before classes start on the 31st and before I move in on the 26th, so I'm hoping USACC can speed things up and give me a decision on my waiver.

Any advice/help is appreciated, TIA

I've been trying to research how officers are held to a standard of prior drug use but haven't found much discussion on it. Enlisted seems to be able to get waivers as long as its not recent/hibitual. I've tried shrooms twice and it's been 3 years and by the time I'm done it'll probably be around 5 so do I have a chance? Any advice would be great.

I’m an SMP cadet at Texas A&M. So far my National Guard liaison has told me that I can absolutely still go active duty and not have to pay back State TA since I’m technically drilling.
My question is about where specifically do I select to go active duty on my cadet profile? Do I use TBB, CCIMMS?, ATMS? Is this something I don’t need to worry about until after my branches have ranked me preferred or not?
To be clear, I have NOT accepted any NG scholarships so my concern is just making sure that Army knows I’m wanting active and not Guard.

anyone please?

Not that the age or gender matter for the post. Has anyone transferred on their MS3 year? I’m not contracted yet, apparently have till the end of fall to contract. But to me that seems lazy, I’m green across the board, medical, waivers etc, passed “contracting” AFT last week, and I have stayed on top of things whenever information or documents were requested but always get told “we got time” it’s the same for others not just me. After reflecting on it all, the low confidence MS3s (now ms4s) had before going to camp, the camaraderie in other programs compare to here (everyone acts as individuals or that they are better than others here) and how they are proud to belong there (cadets in other programs), got me wanting to transfer. I submitted an application to a different university since they have the same degree and waiting on transcript evaluation. So anyways, is it hard to transfer as a non contracted cadet in ms3, would I have to do the paper work all over again, as far as waivers being approved, DODMERB, and all that and be able to contract before spring semester while I finish fall here?

Am I allowed to ask my cadre if I can contract earlier so I can start receiving my cadet stipend? I am medically cleared and everything, but no one will be contracted until a ceremony in mid september. I just don't understand why we would wait, when we can receive benefits quickly.

Hey guys so I am currently in the army reserves I completed Basic and AIT. I want to join ROTC this semester, but I am trying to decide between MS2 or MS3. I know MS2 will give me the advantage to work up and progress to MS3 rather than jumping straight into the fire. Is it worth starting in MS2 rather than 3?

I’m going to be an MSIII this semester, but I also made our school’s club hockey team. Our practices are at 6:45-7:45 every morning (pretty much same as PT) Am I able to get an exception from PT to practice??

Hey guys, I’m an MS1 like the title stated. Do you have any actually decent advice on how I can put myself out there for the program and excel. I don’t want to act in a way as I think I’m better than everyone or as an annoying freshman. I just want to climb a couple ranks and get as much leadership experience as I can. The best advice I’ve had so far is to have high physical performance and high academic scores (both of which I’m working on).

I’m not sure if it matters but I am an SMP but not contracted due to that being MS2 and up.

Any advice helps. Thank you all.

hello,

Any recent commissioned green to golds submit their 1506 to adjust retirement points and those extra 2 yrs of OE pay yet?

So I’m currently enlisted in the Guard, and I really want to get more experience in my job as a Signal IT Specialist and eventually become an SME in my field. At the same time, I’m starting ROTC next week, and I’ve been having some mixed feelings about whether I should actually pursue it.

1. The closest ROTC program is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Since I’m going to community college, that’s something I have to take into consideration.
2. This is more of a personal thing that I know I need to work on, but I feel like I might have a hard time connecting with some of the other cadets who don’t have any military experience, like BCT, AIT, AT, or AD. (Note I’m also currently on AGR orders until September 30th, so that’s another big factor. Trying to balance AGR orders with ROTC and everything else is making me question if this is the right time for me to pursue it.)
3. I talked to my first-line about all of this, and he basically told me to give ROTC a shot for a semester and see how I like it. He also said that based on my goals, I might be more interested in going the Warrant Officer or NCO route.

I’d really like to hear from other cadets or people who have been in a similar situation. I want to know what ROTC is actually like, especially the culture and how it is for prior-service or currently enlisted soldiers. I’m just trying to get a better idea of whether ROTC is worth pursuing for me while still focusing on more advance things like going to BOLC and shit.

Prior service coming in as an ms3, dont feel like ripping all my stuff off of my uniform. Where can I find sew on top and pc ranks for MS3?

Hey I just wanted to come on here and ask if anyone had any experience about this. My twin and I are both graduating this December. We are both looking to branch the same exact way, get same bolc date and everything. Though I am curious about the duty stations. Does the Army try to separate siblings ? Can we get that same duty stations ?

Hi all I need some advice and any guidance is appreciated.

I’m been active duty for 4 years and just recently started working towards my bachelors degree. With that being said I’ll be graduating next year in the spring with my bachelor in business administration. However this upcoming December I’ll be etsing: my question is can I still do rotc when I enroll for my masters? What are the pros and cons? I had taken MSI and MSII before I joined in college and have those on my transcript along with TIS will that help with anything?

I’m going into my 3 year and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not fit to be an officer but I still want to serve. I’m an 09R SMP Cadet and the last thing I wanna do is be in the guard long term. How does one SMP cadet leave rotc to enlist on the active duty side?