Posted on Mar 24, 2020
George Callas
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Hello everybody. Back in October, I signed an enlistment contract in the US Army Reserves. Joining the army was an easy decision as I knew I wanted to follow my grandfather's footsteps, yet since I didn't know much about the inner workings and considerations of choosing an MOS and difference in career paths I foolishly just relied on my recruiter. But, as my appointment at MEPS was approaching, I had family members approach me about holding off because I was set to graduate with my undergraduate degree in December 2020 and it would make more sense for me to enlist as an officer candidate and go straight to OCS after BCT. When I expressed this interest to my recruiter, he brought in the state's recruiting CO and I was kind of pressured into the enlisted MOS we had planned on. I haven't thought a lot about it since then, but as my ship date to BCT quickly approaches in late May I have been having serious regrets about my decision. I still want to serve, but I want to make sure I do what's best for me. If I stay on track with my academics, I would be graduating in December 2020 and would be eligible to apply directly to OCS. But, under the contract I'm currently signed on as just enlisted, my graduation is pushed to May 2021 because I'd be out for BCT/AIT from May thru December and now charted path to become an officer in the future. Since I haven't shipped out yet, could I still change my contract? If I back out of this contract, will this negatively affect me when I try to apply directly to OCS when I graduate?
Edited 4 y ago
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Responses: 8
LTC Tom McNew
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IMHO, spending a few years as an Enlisted man, before you go to OCS will give you a much better perspective of the stupid things that come out of every Officer's mouth!!!

I was enlisted for four years before I went to OCS and I wouldn't have done it any other way. Go to Basic Training, work in your MOS for a while, do all the crappy "hey-you" stuff for a few years, learn to be led so that you can learn to Lead!!!

Good Luck and God Speed
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LTC Eugene Chu
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Backing out of enlistment contract will adversely affect you applying for OCS. Although you may have future academic qualifications, OCS selection is competitive even with an undergraduate degree. My suggestion would be to complete BCT and AIT for now. After you return home and start drilling, prove yourself at your unit with duty performance. Inquire about OCS after you build a reputation because you will have both degree and chain-of-command recommendations to improve your application.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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No, you cannot. Once you sign a reserve component contract your service begins. It's not like an Active Duty contract with the Delayed Entry Program that doesn't really bind you until you ship out. There is no backing out of a RC contract, you're already obligated. At this point you can only be a no show and be discharged for unsatisfactory performance
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