Thread: ROTC Summer Schools slots

What are the specific criteria for getting a slot thru ROTC to go to Airborne and/or Air Assault? Obviously high APFT score is one but is there anything else? I've been trying to get in contact with the cadre who handles those schools but haven't had any luck. Also, does anyone recommend I go to pre-Air Assault? If I do, I will be missing school which is fine due to the fact that any preparation will help considering the difficulty of the school itself, but if I don't need to I won't elect to.

The Guard gets a certain amount of slots for the hooah schools. Those slots are doled out to the units, wchich choose how they will select their candidates. Obviously, each unit wants to send people who will succeed - but how they pick who they send is up to each unit. In the Guard, most people are focused on their jobs or their school, and are not interested in badge hunting. The cadre really can't help you here. Let your chain of command know you are interested, follow up regularly, and maintain excellent physical conditioning. Pre-AASLT is not a big deal, but someone who has done the school can teach you some important skills, like how to climb that damned rope after your arms are already smoked.

Good luck!

I attended the air assault school at Fort Campbell and we daily had air assault PT at the O-course to compete on the OML. If you never had exposure to it; it's best to get a run through to get an idea on how you do; especially the two-mile run after a smoke and O-course session.

Thanks, I will try to get as much exposure to the O-Course at Ft. Bliss as possible. Any tips in getting ready for the ruck march?

Good broken in boots. I had the black boots when I went through. The tan boots have better soles and comfort. Take it slow. Get use to four miles, then six then ten then twelve. Get use to the distance without a ruck then after keep your pack at 35lbs minimum.

Air assault! Get use to saying it while doing everything. Remember 12 miles in less than 3 hours. Then you ready for the EFMB as well.

Thanks, Chief. I know it varies from unit to unit, but what are my chances of getting the opportunity to go to one of those schools once I commission into Active Duty? If I'll get the chance to go to AAS or ABN once I commission it might be best to do that especially since I've got a job, school, and my GPA to focus on now.

Originally Posted by LoneStarMedic

Thanks, Chief. I know it varies from unit to unit, but what are my chances of getting the opportunity to go to one of those schools once I commission into Active Duty? If I'll get the chance to go to AAS or ABN once I commission it might be best to do that especially since I've got a job, school, and my GPA to focus on now.

I'm not Chief, but this is one I can answer. It all depends on your unit. If it's an Airborne or Air Assault unit, you'll most likely get that. If not, it's up to your CoC.

Originally Posted by papachop

I'm not Chief, but this is one I can answer. It all depends on your unit. If it's an Airborne or Air Assault unit, you'll most likely get that. If not, it's up to your CoC.

LOL my last post was directed at CWO Sharkey but thank you too sir!

I think he meant it as he knows that he is not Chief (the one you were directing the question too lol) but based on his knowledge can provide a lucid response.

For what it's worth this last November we attended a Veteran's Day ceremony at the high school my son attended. There were several ROTC cadets in attendance. They each wore Airborne & Air Assault wings. I don't know if they did both courses in the same summer. It's possible. They were attending the UW - Milwaukee ROTC & one of them was going to Marquette University I believe. When I was an Active Army Advisor to a Reserve Training Division we had an ROTC mission one year & I noticed that some of the cadets, all going into their senior year, that wore jump wings and/or AA wings. They had indicated that they earned them between sophomore & junior years.