



1. Energy drink If you're a true super-serious-ROTC-kid it is an absolute must that you have an energy drink on you at all times. You can't get your hands on an actual Rip-It yet, but don't let that stop you from letting people know that you're in the military. It doesn't matter what kind you have: Monster, Red Bull, some random off-brand one you found at Big Lots called like "Pulse" or something—it doesn't matter, just have one. You're on a college campus swarming with seas of people zonked out on Adderall, and you simply don't have that luxury. You need an equally unhealthy way to spike your energy levels in the early morning. So chase down that convenience store donut with an energy drink during your 8 a.m. You were up at 6 a.m for PT, right? You need 24 ounces of gasoline and sugar. And that's exactly what you'll tell every student within earshot who didn't ask.

2. Always using military time Giphy If you truly want to be a super-serious-ROTC kid, then when someone asks you what time it is—answer in military time. No matter what. Class at 4 p.m.? Nope. Class at 1600. Throw in a "0" before the time for bonus points. Even if it's wrong. Now I know what you're thinking, "But what if someone asks me for the time, and it's not after 1200?" Easy. Shoehorn it in, let them know you're ROTC. Example: student: Hey, do you know what time the McDonalds on campus stops selling egg mcmuffins? super serious ROTC kid: At 11 a.m... And, in case you're wondering, they close every night at 2200.

student: Oh, uh. Okay. Thanks?

Well done. Another pleb slightly confused unnecessarily, super-serious-ROTC-kid.

3. Digital watch Okay, so, oddly enough... This one doesn't use military time. But every single other super-serious-ROTC-kid has one on their wrist for some reason, so don't be caught without one of these bad boys. Be sure to get one with a velcro strap so you sound like the shoe rack at a nursing home every time you try to take it off before a test. Bonus points if you buy the model that is permanently loaded with the function of beeping every 4 (also known as 04) hours, with no way of turning it off. Your classmates will look at you, and they will know. And you will nod and give them a thumbs up.

4. Wrap around sunglasses Fort Sam Houston hosts annual Military Appreciation Weekend Thor has his hammer. Legolas had his bow and arrow. Super-serious-ROTC-kids have their wrap around sunglasses. An important note with these, however—due to new union regulations, if they are not bleach-white/midnight black Oakleys—they must have a neck lanyard attachment. Indoors: they must be worn on your face over your eyes. Outside: it's optional, but if you want bonus points prop them atop your head on your bent billed baseball hat.

5. Camo tactical backpack "Woah buddy! Almost didn't see all your schoolwork there. Your digital camo backpack blends in with all these massive red brick buildings like a chameleon." That's the kind of stealth and tactical advantage you will have over all your classmates dressed in loud throwback NBA jerseys and pastel-colored khaki shorts. Do you need a tactical backpack to carry notebooks and old Lunchables you forgot to throw away? If you want to be a super-serious-ROTC-kid you do. A super-serious-ROTC-kid must also fill the backpack to the brim. It doesn't matter with what: bundled up sweatshirts, copies of "Their Eyes Were Watching God," or literal bricks—just make sure it bulges outward behind you no less than 2 (also known as 02) feet.