ROTC and fraternities

[Chan815]

dont worry about the age as much, older people do rush, i for one, have a 28 year old pledge brother, hes a marine, and a great asset to our house

[dekeguy]

As a military veteran you will have no problem with pledgeship. As an undergrad with retainability you will not be at an age disadvantage. Because of your experience any house you would want would be very likely to be happy to have you. You bring maturity and seasoning along with real leadership gained where it is earned the hard way. When added to your obvious enthusiasm this has to count heavily in your favor. In older universities where strong multi-generational traditions are the norm this may actually work in your favor. Third or even fourth generation brothers whose families have a tradition of serving their country before serving themselves will probably be your strongest supporters. You have earned your spurs in the brotherhood of warriors. So now go earn your badge in the brotherhood of your fraternity.

(Watch Animal House again and remember that no house wants a fanatic like Niedermeyer. However, any good house will respect your service as they judge how well you fit the chapter). Good luck.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by dekeguy

As a military veteran you will have no problem with pledgeship. As an undergrad with retainability you will not be at an age disadvantage.

I disagree with this. There is definitely an age disadvantage.

[dekeguy]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

I disagree with this. There is definitely an age disadvantage.

Since he is coming to the University as a freshman he will have 4 years retainability. Army straight out of High School and then rush after active duty sounds like he would fit easily and have a real understanding of brotherhood and the bonding of pledgeship that he already experienced in BCT and AIT not to mention in his active outfit. Assuming he has a reasonable personality and gets along with the house he ought to be good pledge material. He is not really that much older but just enough so that he could be his pledge class rallying point. In a house with strong multi-generational traditions I think he would be a strong possibility. What think you?

[CrackerBarrel]

We've pledged some guys who just got back from the sandbox, but if you're older than say 22-24 there is going to be a clear disadvantage a lot of houses don't want to pledge guys older than almost everyone in the house.

[TechTransfer]

the Air Force ROTC commander here doesn't allow the AFROTCers to join fraternities. I had a friend who was a secret Sigma Pi, cause he was AF. I dunno about Army ROTC, never heard anything about it.