Active duty option for green to gold?

2018-10-05T03:09:12-04:00

I'm currently a 68W Spc (P) and I've decided to pursue a commission. I intend on dropping a packet once I get enough TA knocked out for my associates degree. I want to do something medical but if thats not an option for active duty option then I wouldn't mind being a Platoon leader for a combat arms branch. I have 34 credits as of now. I have Ben in for 3 years already. My GPA is around a 3.3 as of now. How competitive is it to get in? What should I do to prepare? Any advice would be greatly helpful

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 3:09 AM

2018-10-05T03:09:58-04:00

*been in for 3 years

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 8:09 AM

2018-10-05T08:09:36-04:00

Right now I’m working as a Gold Bar Recruiter with an ROTC program. As someone said on your last post, definitely go to the Ed Center and attend a G2G brief. The ROTC recruiter will know the answer to every question you have. It is usually very competitive. However, it depends on the year. Some years they take 400 nationwide and others they only take about 250. Make sure your PT is great (270 minimum but should be higher). You will have to do an interview with a LTC who is the PMS of an ROTC program. All in all, my advice to you would be to be set with a degree plan A and B, kill your PT test, be prepared with all of your documents (ERB, Med Docs, etc), and be prepared for an interview. An interview will consist of questions like “Why do you want to be an officer?” And “Do you think the transition from active duty to college will tough and how will you cope with that?”

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 8:51 AM

2018-10-05T08:51:01-04:00

Keep doing what u r doing. Your GPA is good. Knock out some good APFTs doesn’t mean u have to have a 300+. If u do the active duty option u are assured to come back on AD. U will still compete for Medical Service Corps or any other branch for that matter. There are ADSOs-Active Duty Service Obligations which u can ask for to ensure u get MSC. I did that but with my GPA and At that time LDAC scores plus PT i got MSC as my first choice and didn’t have to use the ADSO.

Response by Maj Bruce Pawlak made Oct 5 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-10-05T11:44:30-04:00

Don't forget that the Education Center can set you up with exams that can earn you college credit... They may also offer prep classes for the more popular exams... When I was enlisted on active duty I took 36 credits worth of exams and earned 18 semester hours of credit... CLEP exams were the general education exams that were most popular...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-10-05T12:36:15-04:00

Go sit at the G2G brief at your local Ed center. The information for G2G is on the internet, but it's a little confusing between the three options. Unless someone here is a current recruiter, you aren't getting the most up to date information out there about how competitive you need to be.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2018 6:43 AM

2018-10-06T06:43:31-04:00

As a 68 series, I’d recommend you consider the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). 2.5 years of intense training and you end up with a BS, MS, a commission as a 1LT, and valuable profession. First step would be to look up prerequisites and probably ask around with your local PA.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2018 11:10 PM

2018-10-06T23:10:37-04:00

Smith, I was in the same boat. I came into college with 6 years under my belt, 2 of those as a 68W in the reserves, the other 4 as a cook on active duty. I have been using my GI bill to get through college and have been working hard in ROTC for the past 4 years. Short answer is yes, there is an active duty option.

There is some minor differences here as I did not use Green to Gold, but I will tell you something you might not find in the G2G brief (though you definitely need to attend that brief, you need to connect to a Gold Bar Recruiter. There is simply too much data changing every year that no one else can give you effective answers but the Gold Bar Recruiter).

In the G2G you will enter ROTC as an MS3. There can be many disadvantages to this. It's not a problem as long as you are willing to bust your ass and remain humble and committed to ROTC and the other cadets. But, if you're a slow learner or you have a bad attitude about ROTC in general, then those 2 years are going to be painful and you are not going to get the most out of the G2G program.

Also, in my opinion, an important factor of ROTC is which battalion you're in. You might benefit from some research on the ROTC battalions that certain schools in your area fall under. Maybe talk to Cadre beforehand, meet some of the cadets, show up for some of their training. Get a feel for it and explore your options.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2018 12:55 AM

2018-10-07T00:55:52-04:00

Just don't give up on your dreams and keep trying. there are different ways to become a commissioned officer. if you want more information, i am about to commission and I did 4 years in ROTC. there are numerous options to becoming a commission officer. It took me three years to get a contract for ROTC. from experience, pursue your career.

Response by SGT Gregory Tibbs made Oct 22 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-10-22T20:45:09-04:00

Unless things have changed a rank of E-6 and above automatically locks you into Combat Arms meaning when you become an officer you will more than likely return to Combat Arms. Also take the class to improve your Asvab scores which will give you a better selection. Finally if you cannot have a choice on the matter regarding your military career then you might want to rethink your decision.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 1:21 AM

2018-10-23T01:21:06-04:00

I’m currently board ready for the G2G: ADO this FY19 cycle.

Here are my stats:
MOS: 35S
GT Score: 127
3.57 GPA Bachelor of Science in Health Services Admin.
284 APFT
Pursuing master’s degree in communications.
CL at BLC
Various awards, 3x letters of recommendation from O-5 and above.

I’m slightly above average for those applying, but most Soldiers have stats around mine. Hope this helps.