Leadership positions

[Ragansundowner]

When I graduate next year, I will have been an RA (resident advisor) for 2 years with approximately 50 kids under my control during each of the two years. I'm curious how this will look in front the OTS board in terms of leadership experience. Will it be given the same weight as something such as student government, or captain of a varsity team?

Thanks,

R.S.

 

[AD SUPT Hopeful]

The selection board for OTS will award points based on their personal preference. Ultimately the points given will come down to what the three birds down in TX think about the leadership potential of RAs. If they are like me, and think that 90% of RAs are touchy-feely dorks, then you may not get any points at all!

 

[Ragansundowner]

You must be one of those cool kids I've heard so much about. Man I wish I could be like you. I thought I'd never meet someone I could idolize who is a cool kid. I've been dreaming of being a cool kid for years. Please let me hang out with you.

-R.S.

 

[Bill Mostellar]

When I graduate next year, I will have been an RA (resident advisor) for 2 years with approximately 50 kids under my control during each of the two years. I'm curious how this will look in front the OTS board in terms of leadership experience. Will it be given the same weight as something such as student government, or captain of a varsity team?

It depends on everything else on your application. If it's the only the accomplishment you have, you would do well to thoroughly explain the position (more than just RA) on your resume/application.

When I applied back in the dark ages (IBM XT286 time frame), I was rejected three times before getting a slot. The biggest difference in my applications was the quality of recommendations I received. Don't think that you can skimp on anything in your quest to get into OTS.

I wish you success!

 

[talondriver]

If they are like me, and think that 90% of RAs are touchy-feely dorks, then you may not get any points at all!

R.S-
Sounds like you stepped up to the plate to do the RA thing. That says a lot. I say put down any accomplishments you have.

Sounds like Mr. AD SUPT Hopeful has a problem with authority.

 

[AD SUPT Hopeful]

Yeesh...

So much for the thick skin thing. Sorry I came off the wrong way--it was a joke. Anyways, like I said, it's hard to speculate on exactly how the selection board will quantify a position like being an RA. Only one way to find out--apply!

By the way, what board (03-06, etc) are you hoping to make?

 

[Ragansundowner]

no harm done. I guess I need to thicken up that skin a little bit, especially if I'm hoping to make it through pilot training. I'm hoping to have my application in by 03-06, but I might actually have to wait until 04-01. Technically I still have a year and a half yet, but I'm hoping to cut that down with lots of school this summer.

-R.S.

 

[Skyrunner]

Hang in there!!!

RS,

Hang in there. I had a pilot bud in the AF who developed diabetes during his first assignment. The AF retired him and he went straight to grad school. He was an RA at a CU dorm. He loved it.

It can't hurt to be an RA. Don't give up. If a knuckle draggin' caveman like me can go to UPT, than anybody can.

SR