Active duty to National Guard for commissioning? Or Warrant to Commissioning?

2018-08-23T10:35:34-04:00

A little back story to get to my question. I started the army late (in my opinion) at 24 almost 25, my absolute goal is to become an Army Officer. However with my current education and age I feel it’s a race against time. With this being said, would age be a factor if I were to drop from active duty to national guard to finish school and apply for OCS that way? I know an age wavier can be requested and like most waivers is probably case by case.

OR

Could I apply to. Come a warrant officer finish school and switch over to the dark side? I hear of Commissioned Officer given up there rank to become a Warrant but, does the same apply? Yes I know what most of you will say “What! A warrant wanting to become an officer no way”.
This is just for future reference so I don’t put all my eggs in one basket.
As far as the age goes I am not discouraged to completing my degree by any means just want more options.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2018 10:56 AM

2018-08-23T10:56:35-04:00

on my last active duty 52 day mission to Canada, I happen to work with a former warrant officer who is now a major. If you love to fly then stay warrant officer. Follow your dream!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-08-23T11:00:49-04:00

Honestly if you have 4 semesters or more to go, ROTC is by far the best way, Green to Gold you stay on active duty at E5 pay, with full benefits. If you don't get selected for G2G just the traditional ROTC route is much easier, faster, and pays more than OCS. If you have less than 4 semesters remaining or do not have an ROTC near your school, only then I would consider OCS.

My recommendation if you don't get G2G is to use the Simultaneous Membership Program where you transfer to the Guard or Reserve (pick the best unit near your college) you'll become an E5 Cadet there, and you'll be an cadet in ROTC, When you complete college you'll commission onto active duty. The SMP program gives you access to the reserve benefits like Tricare, SGLI, drill pay, Most even get a GI bill kicker, you'll also keep your ROTC benefits like the stipend and such.

Last I checked the age waiver was still at 35 less previous active years served, with a 10 year commissioned years requirement prior to retirement. You still have plenty of time to finish school and commission, but every month you wait is a month lost.
Work hard try and get your associates before you REFRAD and seriously look into ROTC.

The warrant officer track will take you longer to get the appropriate enlisted rank submit for the warrant board and complete your warrant training, if you want to become an officer I wouldn't recommend investing the years that will only delay your commissioning.

Best of luck and while getting a degree sucks it's so worth it (unless you get a worthless degree)...

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Aug 23 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-08-23T12:18:57-04:00

You must have an MOS that translates to a Warrant Officer MOS. You also must apply with a retention NCO and govthru the process. Not easy.

If you are not a professional. Ie Lawyer, Doctor, Minister the Army is not taking any Cimmisdioning applications.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 23 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-08-23T15:13:54-04:00

What career field are you wanting or is commissioning the most important part? There are career fields for officers the max age depends on the needs of the Army. I once knew an army nurse that commissioned at 47. They are not taking that high now but it is something to consider.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 23 at 2018 5:14 PM

2018-08-23T17:14:30-04:00

It looks like you have a degree already. Apply for OCS now. Look into Green to Gold. If those roads are closed then talk to Guard and Reserve recruiters from all Services. Take the best deal you can get.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2018 8:13 PM

2018-08-23T20:13:03-04:00

I went from E6 to commissioned to warrant and back to commissioned again in the Guard. If the Army needs you anything can happen.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 24 at 2018 8:01 AM

2018-08-24T08:01:49-04:00

If you have a family or kids, a bussiness to run, i prefer becoming a reserve officer, i can still go home everyday to be with family and work when not drilling.