26
26
0
I'm interested in joining the army as an officer and I have a bachelor's in business administration, but my GPA was quite low at 2.6. I understand that is not considered competitive, but I would simply like to know my odds of getting in with that GPA. My GPA declined my last year in college and this was due in part to working full time, participating in pitch competitions, and being in an on campus organization. I'm not excusing it, but trying to provide some background info. I am currently working in a field related to my degree and major as a project manager at a market research firm. I know that I would have to score extremely well with my PT score and I'm working with a trainer to improve that and I would also have to do well on the ASVAB. I normally test well and I'm also studying to prepare for that. I currently have four letters of recommendation: 2 from former employers, 1 from a former E9 in the navy, and 1 from a former O5 in the army. I'm also planning on getting one from the CEO/President of my current company. I know that my GPA works against me, but I would simply like some up to date odds on the likelihood of being able to join as an officer.
***UPDATE, 11/9/17: I requested information from all branches about joining as an officer and I've got serious interest from a Navy recruiter despite my GPA. He's pushing me to take the ASTB/OAR and get started on a packet. I will continue to update as this progresses.***
***UPDATE 5/11/18: I was waiting on my medical records to get info regarding an accident I had been in and I guess it took too long because now my recruiter won't answer my messages. I've reached out to the Navy for another recruiter. Hopefully I won't have to redo all the paperwork I've already done. I was told I wouldn't be forwarded to another recruiter until there was no contact for 6 months, but I'd rather not wait that long.***
***UPDATE 2/05/20: I decided to enlist as 35M and gain experience as enlisted before attempting to go Green to Gold later on. I'm currently attending language training.
***UPDATE, 11/9/17: I requested information from all branches about joining as an officer and I've got serious interest from a Navy recruiter despite my GPA. He's pushing me to take the ASTB/OAR and get started on a packet. I will continue to update as this progresses.***
***UPDATE 5/11/18: I was waiting on my medical records to get info regarding an accident I had been in and I guess it took too long because now my recruiter won't answer my messages. I've reached out to the Navy for another recruiter. Hopefully I won't have to redo all the paperwork I've already done. I was told I wouldn't be forwarded to another recruiter until there was no contact for 6 months, but I'd rather not wait that long.***
***UPDATE 2/05/20: I decided to enlist as 35M and gain experience as enlisted before attempting to go Green to Gold later on. I'm currently attending language training.
Officer
Requirements
Bachelors Degree
Military Career
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 40
1
1
0
I thought it was just a degree required, they’re not going to check your grades. But you need to pass any physical tests they throw at you too. Where you end up with testing scores as an officer I’m not sure, but as enlisted I’d guarantee you score low on the ASVABS and you drive a truck or hump a ruck. As an officer low scores maybe Special Services or Supply. Don’t know. Infantry officers imo is a primo slot, and grunts are really smart, most want the challenge.
(1)
(0)
Sgt J W
Yup, I will second with that. Line officers got to be smart, it's hard work. Most people cant even care to imagine, especially in a rapid changing environment, how difficult it is to be an infantry officer. A lot of movement and coordination. And yes there are a lot of smart people as grunts, hell I had a former lawyer in my platoon - and he was always challenging s* lol
(0)
(0)
COL David Turk
Sgt J W - General Schwarzkopf was infantry. He selected Infantry at West Point even though he graduated 43rd out of 480. Engineer slots were still available and usually picked by the top graduates. His IQ was tested at 168.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Lady, you won't know till you try- see a recruiter- things change all the time.
(1)
(0)
SPC Kaitlyn Adair
Thank you for the response. I've actually spoken with an Army recruiter and was told that unless I had a 3.5 or higher GPA then I wouldn't be competitive and should just enlist which is what prompted me to ask this in the first place. I have since updated my post to say that I'm in talks with a Navy recruiter and I'm simply trying to gather more info here and learn from people's experiences.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
I commented below that in my experience the Army is much more concerned about your AFQT and GT score as long as you have that piece of paper. I agree that you may want to ask to speak with someone that deals with Officer Selection since the cynical part of me says that recruiters are looking to fill those tough slots that require a high ASVAB score and may not want to lose you to OCS. OTOH, if you find it impossible to go directly from BCT to OCS, go my route. I didn't enlist with a OCS option, took the extra rank (E-3 at the time) , picked up a primary MOS and worked hard on getting good evals, then I applied to OCS. In my case, the command element solicited qualified candidates to apply. I feel it's an advantage for an Officer to experience the enlisted side of thing BTW.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Nah, Absolutely No Problem At All,
In Fact, If Your GPA Is Low Enough,
You May Become The Base Commander.
In Fact, If Your GPA Is Low Enough,
You May Become The Base Commander.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Go Army aviation, at minimum you would be a Warrant Officer. The Army has a huge pilot shortage.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Ahh so you're already in? 35M - although I don't have experience with this MOS i am merely posting for those who find this page from search or google. It looks like a good job to get into and something that you can use outside the military if you decide to change your mind on staying in, or just as a back up side. The military has a ton of benifits, but you have to know about them and use them. For the classes we get before getting out, thats required, they just talk about resumes and jobs, but nothing much more than that. No VA, no GI Bill etc. So educate yourself before making the decision to commit on getting out. Talk to people already out and talk to people that have reenlisted. You've already got a BA so, there isnt a need to do your time (after 4 years or however long you signed up for) and then follow your peers and "get out" because if they are younger they are going to get out and "go to school".
Defiantly pick a job you can use when you're out! Which as a 35M it looks like its good, and would probably be great for DOD or even DOS contracting so something to have in your back pocket. Because trust me, it's pretty helpful. I was in USMC as 0311 infantry, so you can imagine how many job opportunities I've got when I got out. Security. Physical security. It's been OK, but that/this isn't something I want to do in the civilian sector, forever. Standing outside all dear in a full kit, or being looked at like a mall cop, with no authority. Sure I can do other things like PO, but what I am trying to say is, security. I can't work an investigator, or have much CI skills etc. Infantry was fun, but now that, that's over. I wanted to do something else. I got out of the Marines after a single enlistment. Right after I got out I began doing school and also started to government contract which has been great. But, my ultimate goal was to always go back in but only after I get a degree. I was on google looking at my GPA and just searching if there were any requirement to join, and some how ran into your post. I hope that you will be able to get an officer spot because I'm going to tell you from first hand, for long term officer is the route to go. And you get treated better.
Here is what I was told in my life - which I didn't listen to prior, but now I offer the same advice.
Do you want to be told to pick up that cigarette bud? OR do you want to TELL someone to pick up that cigarette bud.
Think about it.
Thanks for updating your post, its easy for people to say they will be back and they are never back but you kept it updated for 4 years, which I thought was pretty cool. Most people dont do that, but its helpful for other out there in the world who might be looking for information - and that is one of the main reasons why I made my post today.
Good luck on your career!
Defiantly pick a job you can use when you're out! Which as a 35M it looks like its good, and would probably be great for DOD or even DOS contracting so something to have in your back pocket. Because trust me, it's pretty helpful. I was in USMC as 0311 infantry, so you can imagine how many job opportunities I've got when I got out. Security. Physical security. It's been OK, but that/this isn't something I want to do in the civilian sector, forever. Standing outside all dear in a full kit, or being looked at like a mall cop, with no authority. Sure I can do other things like PO, but what I am trying to say is, security. I can't work an investigator, or have much CI skills etc. Infantry was fun, but now that, that's over. I wanted to do something else. I got out of the Marines after a single enlistment. Right after I got out I began doing school and also started to government contract which has been great. But, my ultimate goal was to always go back in but only after I get a degree. I was on google looking at my GPA and just searching if there were any requirement to join, and some how ran into your post. I hope that you will be able to get an officer spot because I'm going to tell you from first hand, for long term officer is the route to go. And you get treated better.
Here is what I was told in my life - which I didn't listen to prior, but now I offer the same advice.
Do you want to be told to pick up that cigarette bud? OR do you want to TELL someone to pick up that cigarette bud.
Think about it.
Thanks for updating your post, its easy for people to say they will be back and they are never back but you kept it updated for 4 years, which I thought was pretty cool. Most people dont do that, but its helpful for other out there in the world who might be looking for information - and that is one of the main reasons why I made my post today.
Good luck on your career!
(0)
(0)
SPC Kaitlyn Adair
Thank you for the response. I've been in for almost a year and half now, but still in training. I picked 35M because of the potential for jobs after the military, however, what job that is depends in part on the experience/training I can get before trying for green to gold. I joined a bit on the older side so I've had work/life experience and I've worked with former military so I know the struggle of adjusting and finding working after the military. I hope my post proves helpful to others.
Thanks and best of luck
Thanks and best of luck
(0)
(0)
Sgt J W
SPC Kaitlyn Adair - Good on you, SPC Kaitlyn A, keep up the good fight. Learn everything you can and take as much classes as you can. Especially since you joined on the older side - which is nothing wrong with that, i joined on the older side myself, staying in and getting that retirement will be a smart choice. That is the reason why I wanted to get out, get my degree and jump back in. or at least always be connected some how. Don't get me wrong though goverment contracting is great, the money is amazing but a retirement and then doing this plus VA sounds a whole lot better. Plan for the future and think about the future, because even for contracting it is very easy to get comfortable and complacent in the terms of what you have coming in, but the longevity, contracting jobs come and go. You may not be thinking about contracting, perhaps maybe a job in the state side or DOD, DOS or similar, but a retirement from the military, VA, then work on a retirement for DOD, DOS, would be good too. Then you can chill out and relax, lol. The military job holds heavy weight in the civilian sector when it comes to experience but its not everything. While you are in, and at any time, if you feel sick, get hurt or whatever the case may be. Go to medical, and get it documented. I was in during the time at which, being in the infantry you try and go to sick call (in the Marines we call it BAS) - going to sick call - man you get messed with. Big time. So when I got out, my medical record was clean as a whistle. As far as the Marines know, I came out in perfect shape. Which wasn't true at all. And again when before getting out, you have to go to the mandatory course, all they talk about job interviews (how to talk) and they dont educate yourself on the VA or the GI bill. The stuff that actually can benefit you real life. So the va stuff and your medical record. Is important. Remember that Kaitlyn. Get that stuff documented. Its going to help you prove your case to the VA when you make a claim. And you should, if and when you do decide to get out. I hope that once you are finished with training, you'll some how be able to go officer route. At least you will have the experience as what its like to be enlisted. Just don't screw up or do something crazy....
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Ahh so you're already in? 35M - although I don't have experience with this MOS i am merely posting for those who find this page from search or google. It looks like a good job to get into and something that you can use outside the military if you decide to change your mind on staying in, or just as a back up side. The military has a ton of benifits, but you have to know about them and use them. For the classes we get before getting out, thats required, they just talk about resumes and jobs, but nothing much more than that. No VA, no GI Bill etc. So educate yourself before making the decision to commit on getting out. Talk to people already out and talk to people that have reenlisted. You've already got a BA so, there isnt a need to do your time (after 4 years or however long you signed up for) and then follow your peers and "get out" because if they are younger they are going to get out and "go to school".
Defiantly pick a job you can use when you're out! Which as a 35M it looks like its good, and would probably be great for DOD or even DOS contracting so something to have in your back pocket. Because trust me, it's pretty helpful. I was in USMC as 0311 infantry, so you can imagine how many job opportunities I've got when I got out. Security. Physical security. It's been OK, but that/this isn't something I want to do in the civilian sector, forever. Standing outside all dear in a full kit, or being looked at like a mall cop, with no authority. Sure I can do other things like PO, but what I am trying to say is, security. I can't work an investigator, or have much CI skills etc. Infantry was fun, but now that, that's over. I wanted to do something else. I got out of the Marines after a single enlistment. Right after I got out I began doing school and also started to government contract which has been great. But, my ultimate goal was to always go back in but only after I get a degree. I was on google looking at my GPA and just searching if there were any requirement to join, and some how ran into your post. I hope that you will be able to get an officer spot because I'm going to tell you from first hand, for long term officer is the route to go. And you get treated better.
Here is what I was told in my life - which I didn't listen to prior, but now I offer the same advice.
Do you want to be told to pick up that cigarette bud? OR do you want to TELL someone to pick up that cigarette bud.
Think about it.
Thanks for updating your post, its easy for people to say they will be back and they are never back but you kept it updated for 4 years, which I thought was pretty cool. Most people dont do that, but its helpful for other out there in the world who might be looking for information - and that is one of the main reasons why I made my post today.
Good luck on your career!
Defiantly pick a job you can use when you're out! Which as a 35M it looks like its good, and would probably be great for DOD or even DOS contracting so something to have in your back pocket. Because trust me, it's pretty helpful. I was in USMC as 0311 infantry, so you can imagine how many job opportunities I've got when I got out. Security. Physical security. It's been OK, but that/this isn't something I want to do in the civilian sector, forever. Standing outside all dear in a full kit, or being looked at like a mall cop, with no authority. Sure I can do other things like PO, but what I am trying to say is, security. I can't work an investigator, or have much CI skills etc. Infantry was fun, but now that, that's over. I wanted to do something else. I got out of the Marines after a single enlistment. Right after I got out I began doing school and also started to government contract which has been great. But, my ultimate goal was to always go back in but only after I get a degree. I was on google looking at my GPA and just searching if there were any requirement to join, and some how ran into your post. I hope that you will be able to get an officer spot because I'm going to tell you from first hand, for long term officer is the route to go. And you get treated better.
Here is what I was told in my life - which I didn't listen to prior, but now I offer the same advice.
Do you want to be told to pick up that cigarette bud? OR do you want to TELL someone to pick up that cigarette bud.
Think about it.
Thanks for updating your post, its easy for people to say they will be back and they are never back but you kept it updated for 4 years, which I thought was pretty cool. Most people dont do that, but its helpful for other out there in the world who might be looking for information - and that is one of the main reasons why I made my post today.
Good luck on your career!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Wishing you the best of luck out there. The field is ever changing and I worry about the future of our new people joining the military.
My personal expeirence with the Navy was that my recruiter, as kind as he was didn't tell me everything I needed to know about average life, which cemented the way I look at all recruiters, even though I know not all of them have bad habits or are bad. The fact is, he just didn't tell me everything. I've finished off my time since then and I graduate college this week actually, but sometimes I think back to that moment. I didn't really have a choice, I was going in reguardless if I liked it or not because I was homeless at the time, but I still wonder why he dis that.
My personal expeirence with the Navy was that my recruiter, as kind as he was didn't tell me everything I needed to know about average life, which cemented the way I look at all recruiters, even though I know not all of them have bad habits or are bad. The fact is, he just didn't tell me everything. I've finished off my time since then and I graduate college this week actually, but sometimes I think back to that moment. I didn't really have a choice, I was going in reguardless if I liked it or not because I was homeless at the time, but I still wonder why he dis that.
(0)
(0)
Sgt J W
At the end of the day, all recruiters say things like a car sales person. You take it with a grain of salt and perhaps he helped you out, with your situation back then. You were homeless, and now look at where you are at - you finish college - congrats. So regardless of the situations, you have gained experience and which have also changed the course of your life! And that is good news, so its nothing but thanks to the military, now you have VA, had GI bill, can get a home loan and business loan. I think if you do want to do the military, going in as an officer is a good route, and that is what I plan on doing. I liked the military lifestyle, its simple, but I also wanted more of an advancement, so I got out, did school and will be done soon, to go in as a butter bar. You could also think about reserves as well, get that retirement time.
(0)
(0)
Sgt J W
Oh also I want to add, and I am merely doing it for those who find this page by search or google seeking information - whatever your recruiter tells you, go online search for it, hell if you have to, call another recruiter in another state and act brand new, ask them questions and see if they give you the same answer as your other recruiter. DONT tell them you already talked to a recruiter. Just tell them your friend was telling you about it or whatever, and just see if you get the same answer. Remember recruiters have quotas to meet every month, and if you're 17 about to graduate high school, he's going to tell you all the bells and whistles. Authenticate that information with all the resources you have, youtube, google, forums like this and verify the same with another recruiter in a completely different location.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google