Looking for some advice ...

My son (Orthodox) would like to do ROTC.  Can one be Orthodox and get through this program?

-Shalom

The ROTC program shouldn’t conflict too much with being an Orthodox Jew.  Depending on the service, ROTC students don’t have to go to OCS, which is where you run into the most difficulties.

The only problem I see is that there will probably be some training exercises over the weekend.

I think it is safe to say that, unless you are a chaplain, it is nearly impossible to be Shomer Shabbos, all of the time while in the military (and even they can’t do that all the time).  Some jobs will allow for it 99% of the time, but there will always be occasions where you have to work or train on Shabbat.

I am a Chaplain and it is very difficult to stay 100 percent Koser but most of the time, and where I am at sometimes I have to do a multi-faith service due to the lack of chaplains in the service. I am Orthodox and went through ROTC no problem.

Except of course for the anti-semetic pigs who are in the Air Force. Alot of these guys are nutty evangelicals. As long as he does not go to one of the Air Force Academys(stay away if you are Jewish). He will be fine.

Air Force David - 17 August 2006 03:03 PM

Except of course for the anti-semetic pigs who are in the Air Force.

I’m sure you are just referring to those involved in the Air Force Academy scandal.  Surely there are plenty of great people in the Air Force (like yourself).

I might have had some of the best cadre in the ROTC program but they helped me out as much as they could.

They ordered me kosher MREs for FTX and on mandatory fun days made sure there was at least one thing I would eat.

Can you Shomer Shabbos 100% of the time? No, you’re in college and training is on the weekend.  It’s only one weekend every other month were I did it though. 

Now being in MS on the other hand.....