r/ROTC

Hey everyone,

I’m getting my stuff together for CST and had a question about the boot requirement on the packing list. It lists both Boots, Combat, Hot Weather and Boots, Combat, Temperate.

Right now, I wear Garmont T8 NFSs, and I have two pairs that I’m planning to bring. I’m a little confused about whether those count for both categories, or if CST is expecting two specific types of issued boots.

Does anyone know what exact boots they are referring to with “hot weather” and “temperate”? Also, what happens if you show up with two pairs of the same approved boot instead of one hot weather and one temperate pair?

I just want to make sure I’m not missing something for the layout. Am I supposed to get some other type of boot, like a steel-toe or issued-style boot, or are two pairs of Garmont NFSs good to go?

Appreciate any help from people who have been through it recently.

Hi so i just found out like a week ago that i have to do the DMACS exams. I just finished the questionnaires but im worried about time here. I ship out to basic camp June 28th and i have no idea how long it’ll take for me to get an appointment for my medical exams and if it’ll be processed before i leave. I am in the smp program and have gotten through meps with no waivers and i have turned in the requested physical that my dr has signed off on. Please someone tell me some good news

BLUF: Has anyone figured out active duty CACs for new LTs before BOLC or are they just out of luck until they report to BOLC?

Cadre here, I usually spend time on here to offer help, but I could use some help on this one. I'm a first year PMS so this may be a common issue but it seems like I am missing something. I reached out to my brother PMSs and they are equally stumped. I figure I would see if any of y'all have figured this one out yet. All my 2LTs who just commissioned now have expired/expiring CACs. My guard/reserve 2LTs got their new ID cards with no issue, but my active 2LTs who took initiative to try to replace their CACs got told they can only get a reserve ID because they are technically in the reserves until they report to BOLC. They want to get a CAC to use their .mil email etc. before the start of BOLC. We are near a base so they have easy access to get a CAC replaced. I'm not sure if this is just how it works or a bad interaction at one DEERS office. Thanks for the help!

Does anyone who’s been green to gold or worked with them know, if you’re a SSG and could promote while in the program, do you promote or is it taken/declined?

EDIT: heard from S1. Green to golds CAN promote to 7.

I’m just wondering what expect. Free time, course load difficulty. I’m not nervous or scared just interested in what it’ll be like

Any SMPs in the Guard?
Currently debating between Active vs Guard after commissioning; Which would you choose and why?

Hey all,

Background: I was SMP, going active with Camp Cadre duty before heading to IBOLC. I've got a wife and kids, a dog, and 2 POVs.

My issue: My TDY is dated to end 3 days before my IBOLC report date. This seems inconsistent with my orders, which state: "report date to the PCS location should reflect 30 days prior to the start date of the schooling to ensure sufficient time for receipt and set-up of household goods prior to start date of schooling."

My concern is that I won't have enough time to assist my wife in our PCS across the country to Benning, and we won't have the time/opportunity to move into our on-post housing before my authorized report date.

I've called several people, including my nearest duty station's transportation office and the HR contact # listed on my orders (they only put in an inquiry through IPPSA). I'm also considering flying to Knox, getting a rental car, then flying back to help with the move.

What's the right move here? I understand she can sign a POA and sign off on HHGs. Is she supposed to figure it out herself and move all our kids and dog across country, then move into our new house without my help while I'm on TDY? This seems a bit screwy.

I’d like to take some online classes concurrently and am curious if I’ll have enough free time to do so

Kinda curious if anyone in a similar situation to mine was able to get granted a waiver- Recently received scholarship however I have asthma. I had no asthma from 12-16 however at 16 had 6 month case of situational asthma that vanished. I’m not 18 and some change and my last prescribed inhaler was around 2.5 years ago. I’m confident I could pass a PFT- I have no exercise limitations.

Is my condition waiverable?

Hey everyone, I could really use some honest insight because I’m trying to understand where I stand right now.

I was going through an ROTC disenrollment process, and my former commander recommended that I be removed from the program and repay my scholarship. However, when my case went to the board, they recommended that I not be disenrolled and that I continue in the program without repayment.

Now there’s a new PMS, and she reached out to me directly asking to speak and review my situation before making a final decision. She asked me to bring all of my documentation and said she wants to understand everything before moving forward.

I’ve already prepared a formal memo explaining:

The medical issues I was dealing with

A family emergency (my grandmother had a stroke)

That I reported my legal situation myself instead of hiding it

That I’ve since graduated with my bachelor’s and I’m currently in grad school

And that I still want to commission

At the same time, the original recommendation against me was very strong, and I’ll be honest—it did feel personal in how it was written.

For full context, I’ve never failed a PT test or an MS class. My main issue was attendance/being late to PT at times. I take responsibility for that. But I also feel like I didn’t receive the guidance or mentorship needed to navigate everything I was dealing with at the time. When I was going through personal and medical issues, I didn’t feel like I was given direction on how to properly handle those situations within ROTC, and I was expected to figure it out on my own while already struggling.

I’m not saying that excuses my performance—I understand I still had responsibilities—but I do think the lack of guidance and support played a role in how things unfolded.

Right now I’m trying to be realistic about my situation.

My questions:

How much weight does the Board recommendation have compared to the PMS recommendation?

Is it a good sign that the new PMS wants to talk before making a decision?

How often do cadets actually get a second chance after something like this?

Is it realistic to regain a scholarship, or should I focus on staying in and proving myself first?

I’m not trying to avoid accountability—I know I could have handled things better. I just want to understand if I still have a real opportunity here or if this is just part of the process before finalizing disenrollment.

Any honest advice or experience would really help.

If you want, I can also make a more blunt version (Reddit tends to respond well to that too) or tailor it to a specific subreddit like r/ROTC or r/army.

Is anyone else running into an issue where cadet command is not allowing cross enrollment? I am five minutes down the street from a program but attend class at an unaffiliated school. I was told I can’t do rotc due to cadet command saying no to cross enrollment. Is this a thing?

Former AFROTC AS200 transitioning to Army ROTC (MSIII question)
I was an AS200 in AFROTC this past year and am planning to transition to Army ROTC as an MSIII this fall.
I ran into an issue with my AFAS class (1-credit lecture). Due to a serious family medical situation (my dad has been in and out of the hospital), I missed the online final exam, which dropped my grade to a D.

My questions are: Will a D in an AFROTC class prevent me from entering Army ROTC as an MSIII? Does this affect MS I/II equivalency requirements? Would a W be better than a D in this situation for transfer purposes? Is it possible to start as an MSIII but make up a missing MSII requirement concurrently?

I am already enrolled in MSIII classes for the fall and was planning to contract.

Any insight from current or former cadre would be greatly appreciated.

Newly polished 2LT. Does anyone know the contact information for the ADA branch manager?

Hey all,

I’m prior service 11B currently in the Illinois National Guard, and I’m planning to commission as an 11A (Infantry Officer) through the Guard. Before I lock anything in, I’m trying to be strategic about which state I branch into, because I’m weighing long-term career + education goals.

My priorities:

Commission as 11A in the Army National Guard
Join a state that has a strong track record of sending/supporting officers to Ranger School

Find strong state education benefits, especially for graduate school (DPT / Doctor of Physical Therapy path)

Ideally a state that balances good operational opportunities + strong tuition assistance / education incentives

From what I’ve gathered, states like TX, WA, IN, PA, VT, etc. all get mentioned for different reasons, but it’s hard to separate reputation from what’s actually true on the ground.

I’ve also heard Kansas NG has strong education benefits, including programs that can cover up to graduate-level tuition (depending on eligibility and program structure), which caught my attention. But I’m not sure how it compares to other states in practice, especially for grad/DPT-level goals.

So I’m hoping to get some real insight from people with experience in:

Commissioning into a different state NG as prior enlisted

Infantry officers who actually got Ranger School slots through their state

Anyone who’s used state tuition assistance / GI Bill stacking / EMERGE-type programs or similar

And more broadly: which states have the best “hidden” or niche benefits for officers pursuing grad school while serving

If you had to start over coming from ILNG, what states would you seriously consider for this path—and why?

Appreciate any real-world input.

If I am taking another year at my school as an MS5 next year. I chose to do the 5th year my sophomore year and have already attended CST last summer.

Are all my points for OML calculated already from the end of camp last summer? Or did the AFTs, GPA, etc from this last school year count as well? Thanks everyone!

hello all, first time poster here. i’m currently in cc but will transfer to a csu for the fall semester and hopefully be a contracted msiii. i’ve been in contact with the army rotc recruiter and have filled out all forms and have been told i’ve been slotted for basic camp this summer. i’m sure he will provide me with more details about it, but for now, is there anything i should know? can anyone tell me their experiences in details— like their daily routine. what should i expect? i’m somewhat introverted (which i know isn’t ideal but i’m hoping to build leadership as well as other skills from the program). it easy to get to know others/make friends (though i know we’re competing versus each other but still). also, what should i pack? and if im traveling through LAX, can my parents drop me off or must i go with the school im in the program at?
also, for anyone with overprotective parents, what and how did you tell them? i’m scared to tell my parents but i’m going whether they allow me to or not.
sorry, i have so many questions about this so any information or advice would be really helpful. thank you!

So I’m going to USMA for ASSLT this summer and I was looking over the packing list. It says either a Large MOLLE rucksack or an ALICE pack. I was issued a medium rucksack, is that going to be an issue?

Prior enlisted in guard here. Anyone know if I can attend BLC and be SGT until commission once I'm contracted with SMP?

Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge Certificate Artwork

Good morning u/Army,

Before I go into the main post, I want to thank u/shrimpdaddy22, u/MoeSzys, u/charlemagnebergen, and the many others that provided feedback during diagnostic testing for this new opportunity. Your work helped make this all possible.

Also, our thanks to u/Kinmuan as always for the continued support of the embassy's military skill badge program and this new opportunity in partnership with the Norwegian Sports Federation.

As of today, the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge (NSFSB) is available for permanent, decentralized testing worldwide. For those of you familiar with the skill badges program offered through the Norwegian embassy in Washington, D.C. this is a new partnership with the Norwegian Sports Federation supported by the Norwegian embassy. Here's a summary of the key facts of this post:

1. The Norwegian Sports Federation has offered decentralized testing for decades, allowing sports clubs and small groups to conduct testing at any time. Unlike the other programs, you do not have to request permission from either the Norwegian embassy or the Norwegian Sports Federation prior to conducting testing. This makes the new program the most accessible of its kind worldwide.
2. The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge is an authorized foreign award for acceptance, retention, and wear per AR 600-8-22, Table 1 as of the 11 March 2026 update (scroll down for screenshot of listing; HRC lists it as the Norwegian Sports Badge Federation Sports Badge, they accidentally listed badge twice or failed to separate its two translated names with forward slash as intended).
3. Unlike other sports badges offered by the Germans (DOSB), Austrians (OSTA), Belgian (BA), and other countries' national sports authorities, the Norwegian Sports Federation does not require testing to occur under certified examiners.
4. Individuals cannot self-test. Testing must occur under the supervision of an observer (no qualification required, but must understand the event standards and be familiar with any applicable techniques) for each exercise group. Testers and observers may alternate rolls to "buddy test" one another and fitness tracker data may be used for long distance and endurance events that make direct observation impractical.
5. Testing requires individuals to complete a series of exercises during a single calendar year over several days, weeks, or months based on their availability and the types of events of chosen. Structurally, the NSFSB testing process is intended to be broadly accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Individuals may opt to make their events more difficult to demonstrate superior fitness (e.g. a 25-year-old male may opt to complete 10 repetitions of the bench press at 80 kg instead of the minimum 37.5 kg for their Group 4 event). The intent of this is to make the challenge meaningful for each individual.
6. Testing results will be submitted through two systems run by Norges Idrettsforbund (Norwegian Sports Federation) and the Norwegian embassy program for statistics and record keeping purposes.
7. Certificates will be issued to individuals once testing data is submitted to both systems. Data is compared between the two systems and once matching records are identified, the embassy-associated US system will issue digital certificates available through a download link (PDF).
8. The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge is one of two awards accepted as part of the requirements to be awarded the Norwegian Field Sports Medal / Ribbon, which will be awarded by the embassy in late 2026 for completing different combinations of skill badges.
9. The complete manual, record book, event and performance standards tables, and artwork for flyers can be downloaded via Dropbox for ease of sharing:

QR Code for Dropbox

Dropbox Link to NSFSB Materials

NFMGuy's Super Simple Summarized Testing Process

Step 1: Read Testing Procedures for the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge, paying close attention to Appendix A to select the events you're going to do.

Step 2: Conduct the selected exercises with a buddy grading you

Step 3: Navigate to the official webform: https://usnor.fillout.com/nsfsb

Step 4: Click through pages 1 and 2

Step 5: Click the link near the top of Page 3. The link leads to this: https://www.idrettsforbundet.no/tema/idrettsmerket/idrettsmerket-english-version/. Enter your biographical data, submit it, and return to the Fillout webform.

Step 6: Go to page 4 and submit data requested by the webform.

Step 7: Read through submission page, click the green box to download your certificate.

Step 8: Purchase badge if you want to

Step 9: Submit paperwork through an IPPS-A PAR to your S1 routing chain for local authority to approve wear.

Overview - The Norwegians Sports Federation Sports Badge

Introduction and Event History

The Norges Idrettsmerket or Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge (also called the Norwegian Sports Badge), was established in May 1915 by the Norwegian Sports Federation (NSF) and Olympic and Paralympic Committee to recognize achievement in various sports disciplines and fitness according to age and gender. While originally restricted to men, women were permitted to test for the sports badge in 1934. Today, the sports badge is awarded worldwide to men and women for demonstrate sustained fitness and skill across a variety of sports.

Attire, Facility, and Equipment Requirements

Attire for the test is at the discretion of the participants, but should be suitable for the type of events being tested.

Facilities that are dedicated to testing for the sports badge or general sports clubs are preferred, but any facility with suitable features and equipment may be used.

At least two individuals must conduct the testing, with one observer/administrator and one tester/participant. For high duration and long-distance events, the participants may use fitness applications and devices to record their activity, but it must be verified by the their testing observer/administrator. Unlike other sports badges, the administrator does not need to have previously earned the sports badge or be certified by the Norwegian Sports Federation, but must understand the events and their standards prior to testing being conducted. 

The sports badge is designed to award sustained fitness and participation in sports. As such, testing is to be conducted over several days, weeks, or months, according to the preference of the administrator and availability of participants.

Participants must successfully complete the requirements for one event in each group. They may retake events until they pass or change to a different event within the same group.

All events must be completed within the same calendar year.

Event Groups

Testing for the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge assesses individuals’ fitness according to five groups of events (see Appendix B in the full manual for complete listing of events and standards):

• Group 1 – Sustained Physical Activity
• Group 2 – Flexibility / Precision
• Group 3 – Speed
• Group 4 – Strength
• Group 5 – Endurance

For testing purposes, you complete ONE event or more from each group.

Note: Some events are not available to each age grouping and sex.

Group 1 – Sustained Physical Activity

During the calendar year, aspirants for the sports badge must complete at least 20 instances of sustained physical activity lasting at least 30 minutes. This requirement is considered automatically fulfilled for military personnel.

This exercise may be conducted individually, as a group, or as part of a sports club. Examples include, but are not limited to, cycling, swimming, dancing, hiking, skiing, running, weightlifting and participation in organized training groups.

Group 2 – Flexibility / Precision

• Standing Long Jump
• 5-Step Jump
• Running Long Jump
• Running High Jump
• Seated Precision Throwing
• Standing High Jump

Group 3 - Speed

• Sprint – 60 or 100 Meters
• Swimming – 25 Meters
• Ice Skating – 100 Meters
• Cycling – 400 Meters
• Pushing (Sled or Wheelchair) – 100 Meters
• Handball, Basketball, Soccer, or Floorball
• Speedwalking – 120 Meters
• Paddling – 200 Meters

Group 4 - Strength

• Shotput, Standing or Sitting
• Small Ball
• Hand Grenade
• Slingball
• Discus
• Chin-Up or Pull-Up
• Bench-press
• Back Squat
• Sit-Ups
• Push-Ups
• Leg Raises

Group 5 - Endurance

• Running – 1.5, 3.0, or 5.0 Kilometers
• Cycling – 10 or 20 Kilometers
• Hiking or Rucking – 5 or 10 Kilometers
• Swimming – 0.5 or 1.0 Kilometers
• Wheelchair Skating – 1.5 or 3.0 Kilometers
• Skiing – 5 or 10 Kilometers
• Stationary Bicycle – 10 or 20 Kilometers
• Rowing Machine – 5 Kilometers
• Sculling – 2 Kilometers
• 4-Person Rowing – 20 Kilometers
• Kayaking – 3, 5, or 10 Kilometers
• Cooper’s Test – 12 Min
• Roller Skating – 5 Kilometers
• Ice Skating – 3 or 5 Kilometers
• Various Long Duration or High Endurance Events (See Appendix B)

Events Standards Tables

https://preview.redd.it/msix9h1h3j1h1.png?width=2339&format=png&auto=webp&s=54ef0c42b22b0225df77eae33fbcb595224f80e7

https://preview.redd.it/u5hihswh3j1h1.png?width=2339&format=png&auto=webp&s=74c4d7bfd727b4625358e43014a318e9783ea3da

https://preview.redd.it/wdmpv2fi3j1h1.png?width=2339&format=png&auto=webp&s=8b978a7119f6fb9641dc9a23e109a6f6c57d36d3

https://preview.redd.it/60pg7o8j3j1h1.png?width=2339&format=png&auto=webp&s=92dbbfd554c1e4559dae9b2a90b38fb58a1072bb

https://preview.redd.it/wo2o8vuj3j1h1.png?width=2339&format=png&auto=webp&s=5099024d6eef268dd30e563434ef95bcf9e73a0f

Testing Guidelines and Process

The Norwegian Sports Badge is traditionally administered by Norwegian sports clubs and institutions associated with the Norwegian Sports Federation and Norway’s Armed Forces. Based on the popularity of the Norwegian Foot March and other skill badges awarded through the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the authority to conduct testing worldwide was granted to any member of the American uniformed and military services as of 2026.

Unlike the Norwegian Embassy’s skill badge program, which is entirely managed by representatives of the Defense Attaché Office, the sports badge program will be independently administered by the Norwegian Sports Federation and its appointed representatives in Norway and the United States.

In accordance with the Norwegian Sports Federations’ current regulations and rules, prior coordination and permission is not required to conduct testing for the sports badge. Administrators and participants are expected to familiarize themselves with the proper techniques and requirements prior to attempting a particular event to ensure safe execution.

Frequency of event testing is at the discretion of the organizer, but no more than three events should be tested during a single assessment period.

Once all testing is completed, organizers or participants must submit their results through the official webform:

QR Code for Webform Submission

URL: https://usnor.fillout.com/nsfsb

Those requesting a silver or gold badge must include a copy of their Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge - Record Book (Appendix A, see NSFSB manual).

Once you submit your results you'll see this splash screen:

https://preview.redd.it/cu9ar6kegj1h1.png?width=633&format=png&auto=webp&s=41d9e280a34a711432a6f21b6ba16ea12ad334f0

The green box at the bottom is a link to download your automatically generated certificate.

The sports badge is awarded once per calendar year according to the following program:

• Bronze - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Award
• Silver - 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Award
• Gold - 9th Award and Higher

Photo of Badges - Bronze, Silver, and Gold - Photo Downloaded from Nord Market

Sizing Reference (Left to Right, Inches) - Large Norwegian Foot March, Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge, German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge

Cost Chart for Badges

Website: https://nordmarket.bigcartel.com/product/norwegian-sports-federation-sports-badge

Any questions on this program may be directed to idrettsmerket-us@pm.me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this an approved award for wear?

A: Yes, the badge is currently listed as an approved award in AR 600-8-22, Table 1, 11 MAR 2026. You can verify its listing by visiting (you'll need to be on a .mil domain to access it): https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Award%20Info

AR 600-8-22, Table 1 - 11 MAR 2026 Update

*Note - HRC made a typo when creating the entry and added the word "badge" twice. So far it hasn't caused an issues for those who submitted their paperwork for approval as part of diagnostic testing.

Q: Can I change the difficulty of the events?

A: Yes, the standards in the manual represent the minimums and participants are encouraged to set goals based on their individual fitness goals. The Norwegian tradition holds sport as something that should be available to everyone of any fitness level, but individuals should strive to achieve their own goals. It is at the discretion of the individual testing to attempt more difficult standards, not the observer or administrator.

Q: Are events retroactive?

A: Yes, but only for the current calendar year. Individuals can count events that were recorded by an observer or administrator during the current calendar year to date. For example, if you completed a Norwegian Foot March during this calendar year and were issued a valid certificate, you can count it toward your Group 5 requirement.

I heard a friend who said I’ll have to extend my army ng contract because there cant be a gap between contract end vs comissioning date, is that true? Can’t i just let the contract end focus on ROTC fully?

(Havent contracted with rotc yet)