Accessions Tips

Everything we do in ROTC is assigned a point value. As cadets we strive to do as well as we can on campus in order to get what we want when it comes time to choose branches and duty stations. The accessions process can be somewhat confusing; as someone who has gone through the entire process, I have a few suggestions for those of you who strive to serve on active duty and get your branch of choice.

1. Maximize your PT score
PT score is a major component of your final accessions score. The major PT tests that count are those in your junior year and the test at LDAC. It can be very easy to relax in the summer leading up to LDAC, but this will greatly hurt your results, especially if you are going later in the summer. I personnally regret my performance at LDAC, losing points because I chose not to run or do pushups for a month. It ended up not hurting me overall, but it easily could have.

2. Adequately prepare for LDAC
I know that this may seem obvious, but I have a few concrete suggestions. Practice your OPORD's. Being able to rattle off a clear and concise operations order will make your life that much easier. The OPORD is over half the battle. Once you can do this, your confidence will follow suit. With confidence and the ability to deliver an OPORD, the final step is getting ready for land navigation. Keep up the written practice and capitalize on the opportunities to get out and walk land nav courses.

3. DO WELL IN SCHOOL
You are a student first; remember this. GPA has the largest impact on your accessions score. Do the best you can in school. It will pay dividends when it comes time to compete for active duty.