Considering multiple options for future service, but not sure which one leads best to the one I want?

Nelson Ortiz — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:22:19 -0500

So I will try to keep this brief but it won’t be. Currently I am in an ROTC program but I do not feel fulfilled. What I mean by this is that I want to be in the army I really want to give back to the country that gave me so much, I am not just in it for the perks. I wanted to enlist out of high school and go to school after but I went to college first because my parents convinced me after I was awarded a really good scholarship (not rotc). I found out recently about the SMP route which has a lot of perks to it I believe but since I’m not contracted, I can’t really do it in the sense that if I were to back out of ROTC or not get active duty, I would be stuck in AR or NG. My main goal is active duty that is what I want. So would it be a horrible idea to just stop school after my sophomore year, enlist into the regular army do my 4 years for example, re-up in the reserve or guard and then do ROTC again, finish my degree and commission? I know it sounds backwards but I truly just want active duty and if I enlist now and get it out of the way I can see if it’s for me or not and if it isn’t I can just stay in the AR or NG and commission with them so I can pursue a civilian career. I know I threw a lot of details that most likely don’t follow any coherent pattern but I’m open to explaining anything you don’t understand thank you. God bless.

Response by 1LT Jon Sigafoos made Nov 19 at 2018 11:37 AM

1LT Jon Sigafoos — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:37:51 -0500

Nelson,
PM me I'll tell you some things i went through. which ever choice you make you will need to do it for your own reasons.

Jon

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 19 at 2018 11:40 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:40:46 -0500

Wow, a lot to respond to in this one. Enlisting while you still have a lot of College left? Depends on how strong you feel about your present major and if you are really interested in going it as a final career. I think you will find a lot of officers, including myself, that have not worked in our Majors since college. If that's the case, and I wish I had chosen this route, enlist active duty, do your time and maybe you will have a clue about what you want to do with your life. The upside of that is that your active duty time will exempt you from the first two years of ROTC, you can then join the NG or AR and go SMP, get paid for drill and collect your GI Bill benefit and commission through ROTC. That does not guarantee you an Active Duty slot as a commissioned officer. Oh, and you would end up getting paid as an O1E when you commissioned.
I already had a 4 years degree, enlisted and waited two years before I was asked if I was interested in OCS. I really didn't like OCS and would have gone the ROTC route if I knew what I do today.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 19 at 2018 12:38 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:38:52 -0500

Nelson Ortiz There is only one person here who can make that decision: population you.

ROTC is not designed to make people "fulfilled". It's a means to an end. That end is a beginning, an Army Commission. College isn't a fulfillment spot unless it is your deep personal goal to earn degree X. College for many is a gate way. A bachelor's degree is frustrating at times because it is a 3-5 year journey, a marathon, not a sprint. You are half way through (sophomore)? So you elected not to enlist initially, that is what choices are all about. You make them and doors close behind you. Most with aspirations to commission are on this very site asking How they can do it working around the circumstances they find themselves in with all the commitments of life as you get older. If you can't commit to this now, why? And what will Be different later when you possibly have a spouse and kids that will make this all work? What will you gain from taking the long way around?

If you are planning on going back to ROTC later, why quit now? Being a LT is ideally for the young, but can be done when older and wiser. You do it as you describe, but why? I don't want to know why, but you need to say it to yourself out loud. It better make sense and it better be compelling.

PS: you need to look at where you will eventually transfer to. Your two year college experience may not translate to two years left, especially on active duty. Rules vary by college. Once on active duty, you'll likely be counseled by your first line Leader to start college classes for promotion and self development.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 19 at 2018 7:38 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:38:06 -0500

From another post, it sounds like you have made up your mind. Ultimately you have to do what is best for you. That being said, my advice is to stick it out with ROTC. ROTC is a path to being a leader in the Army which is something I found personally and professionally fulfilling. If active duty is what are seeking and consider yourself to be a leader, why don't you stick it out. Active duty is not guaranteed but it is something you can earn if you put the effort in. I think you may find it more difficult as well to go back to college. But if your heart is not in it, you have to make the decision that is best.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 2:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 02:03:55 -0500

You can do SMP non-dedicated and still branch active. It's how you select your contract.
I was my Universities Gold Bar Recruiter for a significant length to learn the ins and outs of ROTC contracts. PM me and i'll do my best to help you. You won't be permanently stuck if you do reserve component. Officers can either do ADOS-Tours, AGR or switch to active depending on the fiscal year. If your ultimate goal is to be an Officer do not stop pursuing that. You can go active and if you don't like it you can drop a packet for reserves or national guard.

My case is a rare one. I'm a CA NG Officer who just finished PL time and now am an AD A/S6 for a CAV Unit and will finish my tour with HQ OPs in a High Leader Performance Program. Opportunities are unique in each component but your best bet for a steady paycheck and a steady career in the military will be active. Prior to I did struggle with finding work post bachelors degree and I will tell you with the upmost care. Make a plan and stick with it.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 20 at 2018 6:25 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 06:25:04 -0500

Finish your college (get it out of the way) then enlist in whichever service branch appeals you the most. While you are at it, get do PT and study for the ASVAB. You will be surprised of how many college graduates cannot get a high ASVAB score.