Wear Uniform to Interview?

[EdCadore]

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Should I wear my military uniform to an interview? Even though I've read such positive things about military medicine, this isn't the topic. I plan on commissioning into the AF whenever I graduate anyway because I am in ROTC, so should I wear my uniform or not?

 

[armybound]

there's nothing wrong with it.

 

[2008orbust]

I really like the banana suit, but military uniform is good too.

 

[EdCadore]

haha, i thought about it....you know open with how i live a healthy lifestyle eating fruits and want to share with everyone. so everyone i guess agree it is acceptable to wear my uniform?

 

[sunnyskies]

I think it is great that you wear your uniform. Especially if you are going to be in the military in the future and it's not just for brownie points. Plus, it will be a great conversation starter.

 

[MassTransport]

Personally, I don't think you should do it. Your future service may be an important part of your life, but wearing a uniform might polarize opinions, either in your favor or against you. I feel that the risk of the latter outweighs the potential benefit of the former.

You'll stand out, most definitely, but whether that is ultimately a good thing is arguable. I want my interviewers to formulate their opinions of me based on what I say and not on what I wear. Either way, they'll know that you're ROTC, assuming you mentioned it in your personal statement or elsewhere on your application.

I found this thread, where the OP was an active Navy officer who was considering wearing his uniform to fellowship interviews. There's varying opinions in there. Not exactly the same situation, but it might be informative.

Good luck to you, whichever decision you make.

 

[MyInitialsAreJC]

I wouldn't do it either. I'm in the Air National Guard until 2008 and i think that its enough that I can list that as an EC. ROTC should be a pretty strong EC and the fact that you intend to be a military physician makes you stand out as it is.

I don't mean to be offensive - i don't know the rules on this ... but i'm not sure if an ROTC uniform would be considered a real uniform.

You've got a solid EC in ROTC and putting it on your app is all you need to sell it. I think the uniform would come off as gimmicky.

Just my $.02🙂

 

[notdeadyet]

I don't mean to be offensive - i don't know the rules on this ... but i'm not sure if an ROTC uniform would be considered a real uniform.

You've got a solid EC in ROTC and putting it on your app is all you need to sell it. I think the uniform would come off as gimmicky.

Agreed. And I know that reservists are limited as to when they can wear their uniform when not rendering military service. I don't know if ROTC folks have the same limitations, but I think it would raise a few eyebrows.

Most active duty folks I know interviewed in civvies. NO reservists I know interviewed in uniform (not sure they'd be allowed to). I think someone showing up in a ROTC uniform would strike some folks as a bit odd.

 

[maestro1625]

it's certainly not unprecedented. I saw a couple of military uniforms on my interview trail last year... of course this automatically set the first topic of conversation once the interview starts.

 

[Quix]

I wouldn't recommend it. Aside from the potential polarization effect, I'm not sure that it's really appropriate for a professional interview (which this is). If it's a strong EC, great, but it's something that can also make you seem one-dimensional.

 

[kylek044]

Should I wear my military uniform to an interview? Even though I've read such positive things about military medicine, this isn't the topic. I plan on commissioning into the AF whenever I graduate anyway because I am in ROTC, so should I wear my uniform or not?

How about you find a nice piece of brass and wear it on a civilian suit. Less blatant, but still gets the point across.

 

[Flaxmoore]

How about you find a nice piece of brass and wear it on a civilian suit. Less blatant, but still gets the point across.

Perfect idea. I wear one of three lapel pins for interviews/formal wear- either a small silver BSA Eagle, an Alpha Phi Omega Life Member pin, or a small Mason's Square and Compasses. All are small, unobtrusive, and add just a touch of class.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I think its perfectly fine. I've seen lots of people do it.

I do think its perfectly appropriate for a formal interview. I mean typically military men wear their uniforms to all sorts of formal affairs - I figured it was pretty much expected of active military.

So I say go for it.

 

[hermit]

I think its perfectly fine. I've seen lots of people do it.

You've seen lots of people wearing ROTC uniforms or actual active duty military uniforms? I could entertain the OP's question if he was actively serving but it seems lame to show up in an ROTC uniform. Would you show up to an undergrad interview wearing an eagle scout outfit?

 

[alwaysaangel]

You've seen lots of people wearing ROTC uniforms or actual active duty military uniforms? I could entertain the OP's question if he was actively serving but it seems lame to show up in an ROTC uniform. Would you show up to an undergrad interview wearing an eagle scout outfit?

I didn't know they had different uniforms. And the few people I spoke to had been ROTC and had done their military time before going to medical school.

 

[Tourterm]

I think it would be okay in most cases, but it would still be better to wear normal interview attire, just to be on the safe side. Yours views and dedication to military service can just as easily be expressed throughout the interview sans uniform.

The only real exception I can think of is Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, where it would likely be looked upon much more favorably and possibly a big plus.

 

[DeadCactus]

It's the same uniform, but there is a difference between an ROTC cadet (if you're interviewing, I'm assuming they haven't graduated yet and are thus not commissioned yet) who just finished four years of binge drinking with some PT thrown in showing up in his uniform and a Marine grunt who just finished his 3rd trip to Iraq. Obviously I went to the two extremes; but I personally wouldn't wear the uniform to an interview...

 

[LizzyM]

Last year I interviewed an officer (active duty) who wore a military uniform to the med school uniform interview. The applicant was offered admission and was also admitted to at least five other schools (at the end of the season we see where each applicant offered admission to our school was admitted & where they matriculated). Wearing the uniform didn't seem to hurt that applicant.

I've also seen West Point Cadets interview in their (very distinctive) uniforms.

I'd say "go for it".

 

[infinitejest]

It's pretty f'ing sad that wearing a military uniform and serving our country is now a "polarizing" endeavor. Even if you don't agree with our current foreign policy, it's not like the soldiers themselves have any choice where they're deployed.

OP, thanks for your service and I think you should wear the uniform - you'll look like a badass.

 

[midn]

ROTC students are officers. The only difference in the uniform is the rank insignia.

They're really going to let you go on to med school right away? I had heard stories that ROTC students were being commissioned directly into active duty and were having a hard time transitioning over to HPSP.

No way, at least as far as Navy goes. Barely anyone seems to qualify for HPSP because of grades/MCAT (NROTC is pretty taxing on time). They've had numerous open spots for HPSP for ROTC for many years (once again, for the Navy).

If you have a weak GPA (~3.00) and a shoddy MCAT (probably >27), the officers at the ROTC unit will probably not even let you apply for HPSP.

To the OP: I'm pretty sure there are some strict rules as to when you can wear your uniform. Our ROTC unit told us not to wear it unless instructed to do so because of the potential negative attention it could attract. Uniforms are supposed to be worn for military functions only or when you are representing something military related. Of course, you can still do it, but be ready for the potential consequences. I'm sure your ROTC unit won't mind, but even when I was in ROTC, I thought it was a bit showy to wear the uniform when not instructed. Believe me, the interviewers will know you were in ROTC if you listed it and you don't wear a uniform, and if they don't, bring it up. They love to hear about ROTC (except the former active duty doctors who are bitter and may get a bit combative with you).

 

[bouspret]

I'm in the same situation. I'm an active duty officer, but I've been both warned and strongly encouraged about the uniform. I know if you're applying to Georgetown, you should absolutely wear it (the Dean is former Navy). Call ahead to each school you're interviewing with and ask. While you might assume they would all say "of course" I have been told that its not a good idea from some schools over the phone (UKY). Their point was sound; they want to see if you can fit in in the civilian world too. It's understandable on their part because your military experience should speak for itself in your EC. As for me, I'm going to pick and chose schools between the uniform and the Brooks Brothers... Good Luck!

 

[diggitybop]

.

 

[etf]

do ANYTHING that will help you positively stand apart. military service is altruistic, right?

 

[lex]

I don't think you are supposed to wear the uniform if you are not doing any military business. I know this from a family member who happens to be a naval officer. Some people don't like the military, so it might work against you. Be on the safe side unless you know for sure it works for you.

 

[notdeadyet]

ROTC students are officers. The only difference in the uniform is the rank insignia.

No, ROTC students are NOT officers. Unless things have changed, ROTC officers are not active duty offficers nor are they actively serving reservists.

If you're active duty, wear the uniform and wear it with pride. But ROTC is more a symbol of what you may become, rather than what you've done.

Also, there's the very real risk of possibly irritating retired military you'll meet on the interview trail (lots of former medical corps officers in the admissions game) or active duty types who feel that you're misrepresenting.

 

[midn]

No, ROTC students are NOT officers. Unless things have changed, ROTC officers are not active duty offficers nor are they actively serving reservists.

If you're active duty, wear the uniform and wear it with pride. But ROTC is more a symbol of what you may become, rather than what you've done.

Also, there's the very real risk of possibly irritating retired military you'll meet on the interview trail (lots of former medical corps officers in the admissions game) or active duty types who feel that you're misrepresenting.

Midshipman is an actual rank for the Navy and you are considered to be above enlisted, but slightly below officer. Of course, if you did try to pull rank, you'd be laughed at and you would probably have to go to a PRB.

As far as I am aware, this applies for cadets (Air Force/Army) too. Just don't expect anyone to take you seriously.

 

[8744]

Should I wear my military uniform to an interview? Even though I've read such positive things about military medicine, this isn't the topic. I plan on commissioning into the AF whenever I graduate anyway because I am in ROTC, so should I wear my uniform or not?

No. You will look like something of a poseur, particularly since you are not actually in the armed forces yet. If, however, you were actually in the military, on active duty, and can wear your service uniform like you are used to wearing it (and not like it's the first time you've ever worn it) then you should.

A USAF lapel pin is a better idea.

 

[8744]

I don't think you are supposed to wear the uniform if you are not doing any military business. I know this from a family member who happens to be a naval officer. Some people don't like the military, so it might work against you. Be on the safe side unless you know for sure it works for you.

The seasonally appropriate service uniform (not battle dress or other utility clothing) can be worn on all occasions, from pub crawling to weddings, on duty, liberty, or leave, and is not confined to military functions. In other words, the miltary uniform is not a Burger King uniform that you wear because you have to, rather it is part of your identity and demonstrates esprit de corps, a trait that is highly variable depending on your service and specialty of course.

Most active duty military guys don't wear their service uniforms on liberty ("free time") because they are not as comfortable as the usual casual clothing that most people wear. When I was a Marine (enlisted back in the early 1980s) we were required to wear the appropriate service uniform (trousers, shirt, ties, shoes, "blouse," etc.) when going off base for liberty and the Duty NCO would inspect before giving you your pass. That's kind of old school and by the time I was discharged, this was rarely done.

Fear of offending some shrieking liberal pacifist is never a reason not to wear your uniform. Now, I can understand not wanting to wear the Air Force bus driver uniform but Marine service uniforms are pretty sharp so unless you are on liberty near your base, chicks dig them, even shrieking liberal chicks who are, after all, only human and feel the same biological urge towards the lean, mean, mammoth killing machine as any other girl.

I know this is not the OPs question but active duty? Wear your uniform with pride.

 

[8744]

No way, at least as far as Navy goes. Barely anyone seems to qualify for HPSP because of grades/MCAT (NROTC is pretty taxing on time). They've had numerous open spots for HPSP for ROTC for many years (once again, for the Navy).

If you have a weak GPA (~3.00) and a shoddy MCAT (probably >27), the officers at the ROTC unit will probably not even let you apply for HPSP.

To the OP: I'm pretty sure there are some strict rules as to when you can wear your uniform. Our ROTC unit told us not to wear it unless instructed to do so because of the potential negative attention it could attract. Uniforms are supposed to be worn for military functions only or when you are representing something military related. Of course, you can still do it, but be ready for the potential consequences. I'm sure your ROTC unit won't mind, but even when I was in ROTC, I thought it was a bit showy to wear the uniform when not instructed. Believe me, the interviewers will know you were in ROTC if you listed it and you don't wear a uniform, and if they don't, bring it up. They love to hear about ROTC (except the former active duty doctors who are bitter and may get a bit combative with you).

This is so wrong and your commanding officer needs to be beat around the head and shouders with a blunt object. People who are offended by the military need to be offended, and often.

I don't know about "loving" to hear about ROTC. It's a good thing but let's not get too carried away.

 

[Flopotomist]

Former active duty Army here, and I throw a vote in the "don't wear it" column.

1. As an ROTC Cadet, your uniform is not going to impress anybody with military experience. If you were an actual officer with an impressive series of ribbons that might be another story.

2. You MIGHT lose a vote or two on the adcom if you get stuck with some left-winger nutjob. Yeah, not a good reason to not wear the uniform (Panda is sure to shred me on this) but then again - why take the chance of losing admission just to "prove a point?"

3. You WILL be seen as a one-dimensional applicant in your interview. You will be known as "The army-guy." Now, there is nothing wrong with that per se, but all the other great things you may have done will be ignored. Worse for you, if they are trying to make a "diverse" class, and have a slot for the token military guy - the ROTC cadet will lose out to the decorated Iraq vet.

4. If you aren't used to wearing the uniform, you won't be able to relax, and be yourself. This will show during your interview.

 

[8744]

Former active duty Army here, and I throw a vote in the "don't wear it" column.

1. As an ROTC Cadet, your uniform is not going to impress anybody with military experience. If you were an actual officer with an impressive series of ribbons that might be another story.

2. You MIGHT lose a vote or two on the adcom if you get stuck with some left-winger nutjob. Yeah, not a good reason to not wear the uniform (Panda is sure to shred me on this) but then again - why take the chance of losing admission just to "prove a point?"

3. You WILL be seen as a one-dimensional applicant in your interview. You will be known as "The army-guy." Now, there is nothing wrong with that per se, but all the other great things you may have done will be ignored. Worse for you, if they are trying to make a "diverse" class, and have a slot for the token military guy - the ROTC cadet will lose out to the decorated Iraq vet.

4. If you aren't used to wearing the uniform, you won't be able to relax, and be yourself. This will show during your interview.

This is true. But I have rarely encountered anybody in medical school or residency who was anti-military to the extent that they disliked soldiers and Marines. In a game where you are a vanilla poodle jumping through hoops, the advantage of setting yourself apart (in a good way) probably outweighs the disadvantages. But ROTC? That ain't nothing. The intentions are good but I'd just let your AMCAS application do the talking.

Decorated Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran? I'd say you not only have the right to wear your uniform and service ribbons but almost an obligation and if this doesn't redound favorably to your credit, then there is something extremely dysfunctional about the medical school admission process, a process that claims to be looking for leadership but so often seems to only recognize it in bizarre concatenations of self-aggrandizing activities and over-blown credentials.

"Passed out needles to heroin addicts." Big deal.

 

[8744]

Former active duty Army here, and I throw a vote in the "don't wear it" column.


4. If you aren't used to wearing the uniform, you won't be able to relax, and be yourself. This will show during your interview.

If you can't sit at a bar and get hammered in your service uniform you aren't wearing it rght.

 

[EdCadore]

thanks for all the advice everyone.

A little more history about me I guess, I am also in the Air Force Reserves which I did right out of high school, then I enrolled in UNC, doing AF ROTC to be comissioned. Not to say that " i've been places" or " i've seen it all" but I have been activated once as a reservists and did a short tour to iraq. Nothing grand just worked on a plane nothing I didn't do at my home unit but if asked I could pull out a few stories.

Being in ROTC your are NOT a officer but commisioned when you graduate to become an officer, just to clarify for some people. So I have 2 differant set of uniforms, one for ROTC and one for reserves, so I could choose eitehr, still not clear on if even "allowed" to wear it though( doing some research now)

So pretty much im getting a 50/50 to do it or not both sides make great agruments and I understand them all. Still unsure though.....😕

 

[limpkitty]

I'm what some would call a "left-wing nutjob", but I think you should wear it. A lot of people associated with med schools grew up as nerds and have a crush on other types of people (athletes, etc...)

I don't know if bombing babies in afghanistan is a good ec, though...

 

[limpkitty]

oops, sorry. I meant to say weddings

 

[limpkitty]

and the chinese embassy

 

[limpkitty]

prolly some babies too...

 

[8744]

I'm what some would call a "left-wing nutjob", but I think you should wear it. A lot of people associated with med schools grew up as nerds and have a crush on other types of people (athletes, etc...)

I don't know if bombing babies in afghanistan is a good ec, though...

Sure it is. Beats some of the other things that pass for extracurriculars.

 

[8744]

and the chinese embassy

Now that's a target I would gladly "paint."

 

[8744]

...A lot of people associated with med schools grew up as nerds....

No! Say it isn't so!

 

[limpkitty]

Sure it is. Beats some of the other things that pass for extracurriculars.

like president of the pre-med club

 

[notdeadyet]

I never said they were active duty officers, I said they were officers.

My apologies if I'm wrong on this. My understanding is that ROTC students are officers-to-be. They are not yet commissioned.

I'm fairly to the left on the spectrum and very much against the current war, but I don't know of anyone that would judge a candidate negatively for military service. Maybe you'll get some military hating amongst young college politico's (they can get carried away on both sides of the fence), but I think you'll find it's a rare thing in folks over 30 or so who have a bit of persepctive.

At the end of the day, it's not the uniform that will really impress folks, it's what you've done with it. This is why wearing a ROTC uniform to a med school interview might rub some as a bit silly. ROTC is largely seen as a training program. Leave the uniform-as-formal-wear to those in active duty.

 

[notdeadyet]

That said, I know several active duty military folks who interviewed last cycle who did not wear their uniform. It wasn't for shame or for worry of prejudice. They just viewed the medical interview process as their opportunity to portray themselves as a whole person, and military service was only one part of that.

You'll find that there are those who will wear their uniform to any formal (or semiformal) occassion and those who choose not to. No big whoop either way.

 

[midn]

This is so wrong and your commanding officer needs to be beat around the head and shouders with a blunt object. People who are offended by the military need to be offended, and often.

I don't know about "loving" to hear about ROTC. It's a good thing but let's not get too carried away.

Sorry, I was speaking out of context of this discussion. I usually write my posts minutes before going to bed and never really put enough thought into them.

Rather than negative, I should have said "inappropriate". For example, wearing your uniform to a political rally (a big no-no) is not a good use of your uniform. You are not representing the military, but rather your own personal opinion so you should not associate yourself with the military when attending these functions.

Clearly, this has nothing to do with medical school, but I kind of took this rule to imply in essence that you wear your uniform when you are doing something military related. Going to medical school for an interview is not something that concerns the military, so wearing your uniform would be a bit inappropriate. It still seems showy to me.

Also, about the "loving" ROTC experience, I know that is a bit of an overstatement, but ROTC is a very intense extracurricular activity that cannot be matched by most pre-medical extracurriculars. Most pre-meds go through the usual route of going to a useless pre-med club (I still honestly feel all pre-med clubs are useless, and self-gratifying) and fighting for some officer position for supposed leadership experience. ROTC is far more immersive experience demanding far more aspects than just showing up to a single meeting for one hour a week.

It most certainly makes you stand out.

But thanks for keeping me in check.

At the end of the day, it's not the uniform that will really impress folks, it's what you've done with it. This is why wearing a ROTC uniform to a med school interview might rub some as a bit silly. ROTC is largely seen as a training program. Leave the uniform-as-formal-wear to those in active duty.

I wholly agree with this statement. As hard as ROTC is, you're still not really in the military yet despite you holding a rank and being contracted.

 

[45408]

It's something that can also make you seem one-dimensional.

I agree. You don't want to seem too focused on anything in particular, so if you show up in uniform, it might be seen as a bit over the top.

 

[EdCadore]

I never said they were active duty officers, I said they were officers.

So are you saying ROTC students don't get military IDs? If they do, what does it say on them?

I have my regular military ID from the reserves. In ROTC after you sign a contract, you are given a military ID and it says "cadet" on the ID. Not to stir any opinions up or anyhting, but not everyone in the military gets a gun screams "hooah" and kills babies. That is only a percent in the military, most people in my ROTC detachment are mostly differant majors of engineering, computer science and other sceinces.

But now I am like 55% sure I may not wear the uniform, but a very good idea I saw here on the forums is wear a lapel with suit. Thanks all!

 

[8744]

I have my regular military ID from the reserves. In ROTC after you sign a contract, you are given a military ID and it says "cadet" on the ID. Not to stir any opinions up or anyhting, but not everyone in the military gets a gun screams "hooah" and kills babies. That is only a percent in the military, most people in my ROTC detachment are mostly differant majors of engineering, computer science and other sceinces.

But now I am like 55% sure I may not wear the uniform, but a very good idea I saw here on the forums is wear a lapel with suit. Thanks all!

Hey, just an FYI, nobody in the military gets a gun, screams "hooah," and kills babies. Not even a "percent." I was a ground pounder at the point of the American military spear and we sort of discouraged that sort of thing.

I know you didn't mean it that way, of course, but your attempt to distance yourself from the guys who close with the enemy and take them out in close quarter battle (like our Marines did in Falluja) is disgraceful. You can major in anything you want and still become an infantry or armor officer, right in the thick of it, and at that point your engineering degree is irrelevant.

Respectfully,

P. Bear, Sergeant USMC (former)
K Company, 3rd Battalion, Eigth Marines
1983-1991

 

[CCLCMer]

Should I wear my military uniform to an interview? Even though I've read such positive things about military medicine, this isn't the topic. I plan on commissioning into the AF whenever I graduate anyway because I am in ROTC, so should I wear my uniform or not?

No, don't do it. I think a lot of people would find it unprofessional. You want to stand out because of your application, and not be "that guy" the adcomm is talking about because you aren't dressed properly for an interview. I like the idea of wearing a tie pin or a something on your suit lapel though. Good luck!

 

[alwaysaangel]

No, don't do it. I think a lot of people would find it unprofessional. You want to stand out because of your application, and not be "that guy" the adcomm is talking about because you aren't dressed properly for an interview.

I'm really surprised at the number of people on here who's problem with it is its not "formal" enough. Or in someway unprofessional.

I mean I have had only a very small amount of contact with the military so I am in no way acting to be an expert.

But have that many of you really never seen a military guy get married in his uniform instead of a tuxedo? There is a formal uniform and to a lot of military guys it is as formal and professional as it gets.

(I realize its sort of different for the OP since he's ROTC - but geez you'd think you guys thought this guy was going to show up in a camaflougue jumpsuit or something)

 

[Aloft085]

ROTC students are officers. The only difference in the uniform is the rank insignia.

They're really going to let you go on to med school right away? I had heard stories that ROTC students were being commissioned directly into active duty and were having a hard time transitioning over to HPSP.

ROTC students are NOT officers. You are an enlisted individual in the inactive ready reserves. You cannot commission without a college degree. Honestly, how do cadets here not know that?

I'm a pilot in the Air Force currently, and was considering wearing my dress blues to med school interviews. Came here to see if that would be appropriate. However, cadets most certainly should not wear their uniforms. You haven't actually *done* anything yet. To wear it would seen really disingenuous, like you're trying to take credit for other people's sacrifices.

-Capt, USAF