Any experience getting activated from AMEDD 71A OML?

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:39:34 -0500

My application packet for active duty AMEDD 71A went in for the mid-October 2019 board (first board in FY20). My plan was to board in October and ultimately commission in June 2020 after defending my grad school thesis. I found out last week that I was OML status and my recruiter didn't see anything by way of feedback on my packet or what order I am on the OML.

While I'm disappointed that I wasn't approved right away, I'm still pleased that I wasn't non-selected and my recruiter told me that there is still a chance I can get pulled depending on who accepts/declines the open spots.

Is anyone willing to share their experiences with being on the OML, whether they were pulled or not, or any general advice from being in a similar situation?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 11:45 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:45:34 -0500

I was boarded originally in February 2018 and then placed on the OML due to all 72C slots being filled for that fiscal year. When October rolled around (new fiscal year) my application was not automatically pulled off the OML. My recruiter and I had to resubmit a lot of paperwork and I had to be reboarded again. I also lost some incentives due to it being a new fiscal year (they would not honor the incentives I signed for originally). I was boarded a second time and given a slot. I then took oath and commissioned in December 2018.

My advice would be check in with your recruiter every couple of weeks to see if any open slots are available and if you are still on the OML. Also I would just be prepared to have to go through the board again when the new fiscal year hits in October if you are not picked up this fiscal year.

Hang in there! I know waiting sucks and is very hard, but it’s worth it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 3:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:41:42 -0500

Is your microbiology degree a Masters or PhD? I just went to BOLC/DCC with several of them (we were selected in 2018), and they usually had an over-abundance of people with PhD's applying. Those who applied with a Masters were sidelined.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 3:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:45:10 -0500

Oh, and as a secondary option, I've also seen people with a microbiology degree apply to 71E, Clinical Lab Scientist, and had better luck with that MOS/AOC. If you run into issues, maybe you can submit an additional package for that one too.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 10:36 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 10:36:32 -0500

From 2004 to 2006 I put my packet in for a direct commission as a 71E. Twice with the Air Force and once with the Army. The first two attempts were with the Air Force and I was accepted as an alternate twice in case someone declined. Long story short, no one declined but my desired to join pushed me to resubmit every year. Then in 2006 I decided to try with the Army were I was offered a reserve direct commission. I accepted the reserve commission to then apply for an active component commission in 2009.

I understan how "disappointing" but I encourage you not to give up, submit your packet every year and you will get in.

Not sure if being in the OML will facilitate being picked up 12 months after you were added to it. Your healthcare recruiter will help you with that.

All the best to you.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Nov 14 at 2019 2:25 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:25:17 -0500

Prayers will help!!!

Response by CPT J Keck made Dec 4 at 2019 9:55 PM

CPT J Keck — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:55:08 -0500

I came across your post because the same thing happened to me today. After a littler research I found out they only have 4 slots per year. I would imagine it’s very competitive so baring a miracle I would think OML really means better luck next year. I feel you pain, was expecting to get picked up as well.

Response by Brian S. made Jan 16 at 2020 1:34 PM

Brian S. — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:34:31 -0500

I was on the OML for 71A when my recruiter first contacted me after the boards back in October. After a week I was selected and am still pending scroll. There is still a chance someone could change their mind and others would then be selected from the OML up until the end of the fiscal year from my understanding.

I also found it interesting that you mentioned you were allowed to board without having your PhD as I was told I needed confirmation of my degree from my university before I could submit my packet. Therefore, I had to wait an extra year for submission as I graduated in the off semester. Do you have a masters already?

My advice moving forward is have a plan B for the next year or two and apply again next Oct. In our field a Postdoc is a great option. I've heard if you are a good candidate but get passed on your first year, your chances of getting in after your second attempt at boards are better. If this is what you really want then do not get discouraged and keep trying in the coming years. Good luck!

Response by S M made Nov 12 at 2020 12:53 PM

S M — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:53:48 -0500

Hi! I’m curious if there’s been any progress? Would be interesting to see how COVID came into play. Thanks!