Can I enlist in the NG and use my GI Bill for a 2-yr Post-Bacc Program? Can I pursue a two-year ROTC program while in the Post-Bacc program?

2018-04-01T12:32:58-04:00

About to graduate with a Bachelors in a few months. After graduation I do plan on taking a yearlong break and hope to go back to school for a two yearlong Post-Baccalaureate certificate/program (similar to grad school). The program is for completing pre-med courses for med school.

The Post-Bacc program is a bit expensive and I don't think I'll be paying it without getting a loan; which is something I wish to avoid. I was wondering if enlisting into the NG during my one-year break would be a logical option to redeem the GI-Bill benefit to help pay for the Post-Bacc Program. Second question I have is if I am able to attend a two-year ROTC program while also attending the two-year Post-Bacc program. Would this be a logical route for my situation in order to become commission as an officer?

The Post-Bacc program does require me to take courses over the summer. From my understanding the two year ROTC program at my University requires us to attend a four week Cadet Initial entry Training course (CIET) over the summer; unless “You are currently serving in the Army Reserve/ Army National Guard”. So there is a time conflict there if I do not enlist in order to avoid CIET so that my Post-Bacc program goes smoothly and to graduate on-time.

I was planning on just Enlisting during my break for the benefit of serving my country and for the GI-BILL and had no interest in commissioning as an officer. But after further research and advice from my recruiter, commissioning as an officer would be a smarter route to go considering whether is is after enlisting or going straight to OCS.

I heard OCS was a lot faster but I don't mind doing ROTC for two years while pursing my POST-BACC certificate which is also two years..

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Apr 1 at 2018 12:37 PM

2018-04-01T12:37:35-04:00

If you want to commission, do whatever it takes Timmy Dang Find the path that makes the most sense but get on it immediately. Make that decision today!

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Apr 1 at 2018 1:05 PM

2018-04-01T13:05:52-04:00

Enlisting is not a one year break for the armed services. Think 6-8 years on a contract. Timmy Dang If you want to commission, focus!!!!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-04-01T13:10:14-04:00

I would say you have some flexibility, but that ROTC doesn't sound like the exact fit for you. The first reason I say this is the required summer training for ROTC. The second is that although technically a program that can be completed in two years by prior service Soldier, I've seen E-5s struggle with doing so, let alone a recent enlistee.
Depending on your state, enlisting in the National Guard may give you free tuition to State Schools, or some other set of benefits. OCS is an option if you really want a line commission, but honestly, it's probably a lot of time and training that is not oriented towards your end-state goals.
Since you are looking at a post-bacc for pre-med, I would say the most obvious rout to commissioning would be looking at a direct commission as a medical officer. You can direct commission as a 2LT for your time in medical school, and direct commission as a Captain upon graduation as an MD/DO.
Enlisting as a medic (checking the box of EMT and experience often suggested for medical school application), using education benefits, then looking at the Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP) or application to the Uniformed Services Academy of Health Science (USUHS) would probably maximize your access to benefits and streamline your overall goals, enabling service, benefits, a commission, and all in the pursuit of good medicine.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 1:15 PM

2018-04-01T13:15:24-04:00

I’d go the ROTC route. Because Idk if that year of being in the Guard would really qualify you to get much out of your education benefits.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 1 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-04-01T13:47:41-04:00

Trust me I’ve been where you want to go I couldn’t get it look at the USPS commissioned corps costep program jr and sr levels I’ll try send more later and look at osteopathic ad well