Career Options, thoughts from some of the community?

SFC Evans,

I would shoot for ROTC. Being that close to a degree, I would take the opportunity to do something for you. Additionally, and more importantly, you'll have an awesome opportunity to mentor future Officers. Think of every ROTC LT you've talked to. They either had a lot of respect for their NCO advisors, or they thought they were fat and lazy. You are certainly not fat and lazy. You are a great mentor of junior officers. The impact you could have on an entire class would be incredible. It's where I plan to go, whenever I get released from the mothership.

I'm sure you've heard it enough from your current First Sergeant, but I can't help but mention this: Ranger School. I understand that people used to get promoted with out being Ranger qualified. The fact is, in the Army of 2014 and beyond, it will become ever more challenging to get promoted without it. Last year's MSG selection list was very telling for CMF-11.

I also understand at your level, you no longer see a point in going to a school that teaches basic leadership. For that I'll offer two things, (1) You will learn something in Ranger School. Everyone does. I did. (2) At some point, if the Army stays it's course, you will plateau. Soldiers across the Army deserve to have a 1SG and CSM Evans. Don't let a little 62-day course prevent that.

Anyway, that's my two cents.