| Xavier University Army ROTC
Study Guide
Just Prior to and During the Board
1. Reporting to the Board
a. Knock loudly on the door of the board room
and enter when told to do so.
b. Approach the president of the board using
proper facing movements and position yourself 3 steps in front
of the president of the board.
c. Halt at attention, render a hand salute,
and report to the president of the board as follows: "Sir,"
or "Sergeant, Cadet (Smith) reports. Hold your salute
until the president returns it. This is the proper way to
report.
d. If being seated, look over shoulder, step
to the rear with your left foot, and be seated. While seated,
sit straight with both feet flat on the floor and approximately
one foot apart. Place your hands, fingers outstretched, but
comfortable, on your knees or thighs.
2. Opening statement
a. Be prepared to give a brief summation of
your cadet career. Include positions held, jobs performed,
education, and significant accomplishments. Do not try to
memorize dates.
b. Be clear and concise, and use this as an
opportunity to relax. Address the president, looking directly
at him, and at least once, look directly at all board members
during the your opening statement.
3. Answering the Board Member’s Questions
a. Do your best not to show nervousness and
listen very carefully to questions being directed at you.
Begin all statements to the board members by title with "Sergeant
Major," "First Sergeant," "Sergeant,"
or with whatever salutation is appropriate.
b. Speak loudly enough so that all board members
will hear you and distinctly enough so that you will not be
misunderstood. If you feel your voice start to waiver because
of nervousness, raising your voice will help to steady it.
c. Direct your answer to the person asking the
question, maintaining eye-to-eye contact at all times.
d. Don’t give answers you do not know
or try to fake an answer. If you do not know an answer, simply
say "Title of board member (i.e., Sergeant Major, etc.),
I do not know the answer. If you do not understand the question,
ask the board member to please repeat or rephrase it.
e. Don’t mumble or begin your reply with
"uh", "oh", "I think", or "I
believe". This indicates indecisiveness. Never say "I’m
sorry", if you don’t know the answer. It is helpful
and impressive to repeat the question as part of your answer.
For example, "Sergeant, the five colors of the map are...
f. When asked your opinion, be sure it is your
opinion. Board members do not penalize you for an opinion
they do not agree with. They only want to evaluate your knowledge,
speaking ability, and ability to intelligently present an
opinion.
4. Departing the Board
a. Come to attention in front of the board president.
b. Render a hand salute to the president of
the board and hold your salute until it has been returned.
c. Leave the room using proper facing movements
and close the door unless directed otherwise. |
