Could I do both ROTC and an MBA program, or should I just attend OCS and do graduate school later?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 10:47:18 -0500

Ok, so I am prior service USN, 4 years down 16 to go. I am currently applying for a waiver to commission into the US Army. I also have applied to 3 MBA programs and been accepted to one already.

I guess I just need some career advice. Could I do both ROTC and an MBA program? I know my prior service would waive the first two years of ROTC so it would align with the two year MBA program. However, should I just attend OCS and commission now and do graduate school later? My GI Bill would cover everything with the YRP so money isnt an issue, im also only 24 so time isnt an issue either. If I attended graduate school while doing ROTC I would commission with an MBA and only be 27 with 16 years till retirement.

Help?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 10:58 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 10:58:53 -0500

I cannot speak of the pace of most ROTC programs, however I am currently pursuing my MBA and would not consider doing anything else to include a ROTC program at the same. I went the OCS route.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 19 at 2019 10:59 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 10:59:18 -0500

I’ve seen it happened! Contact the PMS at whichever school you get accepted for further inquiring.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 10:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 10:59:32 -0500

Yes you can do it during your MBA, but I'd check the MS3/4 schedule against the demands of your MBA program to make sure you didn't cheat yourself on either front.

I have a few friends from college that did that with mixed results.

Best of luck!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 10:59 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 10:59:37 -0500

It’s a big choice only you will have to make, so instead of telling you what you should do, I’ll tell you what I did in hopes it can help guide you with your decision. I was once enlisted, got my Undergraduate degree then applied for a commission. Once I got my commission I applied for graduate school (after I was qualified in my job) and got tuition assistance to pay for 75% of my degree. 3 years after I completed that program, I applied for a full-time masters degree program sponsored by the military, which I’m finishing up this summer with only 6 years left for retirement and still have my GI Bill that I transferred to my kids.

The point is, there are many options. I’ve navigated the programs and allowed for the military and my education goals to align. It just takes many hours of knowing the education support programs for your service and how to use them. Good luck!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 19 at 2019 11:19 AM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:19:30 -0500

You can do ROTC with any program that achieves a degree as the end result, so the MBA will match up. I did the SMP / ROTC route and finished a BSBA then took MBA coursework and finished the MBA later. Doing ROTC w/ the MBA means must complete both to be successful.
If you OCS and then commission, you will likely be sent to Officer Basic Course and first assignment before you can finish your graduate MBA work.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 11:21 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:21:06 -0500

I know a guy who is going for his MBA in my program right now.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 11:21 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:21:29 -0500

I had fellow cadets in my class (1992) who were grad students. As long as you have 2 years in the program before graduating, it works. ROTC wants you to have a “junior” year to prepare for ROTC Advanced Camp and a “senior” year to practice leading others before graduating and heading off to your officer basic course.
Check your attitude at the door once you enter the program! I was a prior service E-6 with 8 years service when I went ROTC. Biggest thing I learned wasn’t small unit tactics, it was how to bring others up and get them to lead.
Keep that in mind and you’ll kick butt!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 12:20:26 -0500

You can do both. The Army ROTC will certainly allow you to pursue grad school before commissioning.
However, I've seen a lot of officers pursue their masters on active duty and I would go that route. In addition, you can save most or all of your GI Bill and transfer it to your dependents in the future.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 19 at 2019 1:05 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:05:46 -0500

Forgive my ignorance, why jump ship (no pun intended)? You already know and understand the Navy why not commission there? Thank you for your service.

Response by 1LT Christopher Gonzales made Jan 19 at 2019 1:19 PM

1LT Christopher Gonzales — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:19:40 -0500

Can you? Yes. However, you need to get a firm idea of what the time commitment will look like for both. As an undergrad, ROTC took a huge portion of my day on any given day including nights and weekends. As an MBA student, the minimum GPA is going to get stricter and require more attention. And if it's anything like mine, there's going to be a ton of group work.

Really nail down what your time will look like before deciding. You have a degree. If you don't think you'll be able to balance it all, you can avoid potentially paying back money and still get your commission through OCS. It's risk/reward.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 2:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 14:08:38 -0500

I thought about this as well, but unfortunately for me its too late age-wise at 38. Anyway, in regards to ROTC I was told by a PMS (Professor of Military Science) it depends on how long your MBA program is. If it is at least 1 1/2 year long it is doable. The first 3 years prepare you for Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, especially the 3rd year where you'll take on more leadership positions during the labs. ROTC does allow PS (prior service) to skip the first 2 years but it gives you time to practice to all the stuff you need to know. If you jump into the 3rd year and can't do TLP (troop leading procedures) then that's not a good thing. As a MS III you'll be expected to do a lot of things and possibly be apart of the cadre organizing stuff.

Anyway, your first step for ROTC would be talk to a PMS or ROO (recruiting operations officer) and go over your options. You'll have to fill out a CC form 104-R, which is your academic worksheet that details your classes and overall degree plan. You'll then go over the current OML (order of merit list) model which changes periodically. The OML for last year was Academic Outcomes 40%, Leadership Outcomes 45%, and Physical Outcomes 15%. A lot of your eval's will be based on your MS III time.

Schedule-wise, you'll have to register for a PT class in the morning (0 credits because PT is always free!), a MS class in the morning/afternoon and a lab class in the evening. Hopefully you can schedule your other classes around these. Plus, I think there was a 3-day FTX (field training exercise) that was part of the curriculum when I trying out ROTC. Hopefully, you'll be able to reschedule any exams from your other classes.

Last thing, I heard ROTC has more officer spots than OCS and thus a better chance of getting the branch you want. I also heard ROTC prepares you more than OCS since its only 12 weeks long, but I heard you'll get in better shape from OCS because of all the running you'll do. Hah! I think it really comes down to your goals and how fast you want your commission. The National Guard used to commission people with only 90 college credits and require you to complete your degree before you reach Captain. Not sure what that is all about.

Anyway good luck.

Response by LCDR Robert Turner made Jan 19 at 2019 2:49 PM

LCDR Robert Turner — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 14:49:46 -0500

If you have applied to the Masters program and already have the Bachelor’s then ROTC doesn’t seem possible since it’s generally an undergrad program. You might check to see if there is an opportunity for grad school upon commissioning. If not, using TA and getting the MBA part time would be a challenge but well worth it (I got my MS while working a 55-60 hour per week job...).

Press on!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 3:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:33:25 -0500

I would do the MBA / ROTC route.

Good problem to have though, both are good choices.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 19 at 2019 4:22 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 16:22:51 -0500

Keep that MBA education going if you plan to be commissioned and attend career course. Mandatory for advancement in military.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Jan 19 at 2019 9:10 PM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 21:10:06 -0500

All the advice you have received here on RP is apt and to your benefit; follow the advice you have received.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 10:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 22:05:34 -0500

Yes, talk to the PMS at the school you want to attend.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 10:57 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 22:57:14 -0500

Depends on what you want to do. If you want to chill for 2 years. Apply for active duty option MBA. You will have an ROTC class each semester and your regular mba course load. I'm in the program now. The MBA guys have it a little easier because you only have to have 9 credit hours a semester to qualify versus BA has to have 12.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 20 at 2019 3:07 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:07:15 -0500

It can be done. We had a cadet who came in as an MS-3 during a 2-year graduate degree program.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 20 at 2019 3:12 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:12:06 -0500

You can do a 2-year Masters program for Army ROTC. There are actually 2-year scholarships for that purpose. You just need to be sure that the school you are going to has an ROTC program. Also, you should contact the Recruiting Operations Officer there to see what it would take to go into the program. The Professor of Military Science is the one who can waive the basic course requirement. Of course, what the Army covers is different from the Navy so be prepared for a learning curve.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 10:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:10:12 -0500

ROTC isn't a lot of time. PT in the morning, and then a few credit hours for labs. We had a masters student, he was eventually our Goldbar recruiter. The question should be what you want out of the next 16 years,

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 10:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:28:13 -0500

PO3 Cushing, I have to agree with 2LT Moortenson about the MBA and ROTC programs. As an undergrad many years ago I participated in the ROTC program initially but was commissioned through OCS. Now I’ll add this caveat as I was commissioned in 1993 (25 years ago). I graduated in 2017 from “B School” at Georgetown and like all “B Schools” it is going to require a lot of group work outside the classroom which isn’t accounted for in the syllabus. When I got my MBA that was the one aspect that wasn’t fully described in the program literature. ROTC will require meetings, planning sessions and field exercises outside of class that may conflict with your group work. If you feel you can handle those demands, “go for it” but I would suggest looking closely at OCS or even a Direct Commission in order to make an informed decision. Lastly, may I suggest you speak with the MBA faculty to gauge the level of commitment they will expect of you. Once you fully understand the expectations of the MBA and ROTC programs you can make an informed call. Good Luck and I don’t regret the MBA or my commission!!!

Response by Bryce Englin made Jan 20 at 2019 10:42 PM

Bryce Englin — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:42:38 -0500

As a retired SNCO, my recommendation would be to commission first and wait to complete your MBA. While it might seem worthwhile to go straight from an undergrad to an MBA, having attempted to do it, I came to realize that it was a big mistake. Realistically, you will find it will be more beneficial to gain some real world experience and grow between your Undergrad and Masters degree. You will also find that the experience you gain between the break will give you plenty of real world experience that will help with writing papers and make the learning experience more fulfilling. I recommend going the commission route through OCS, gaining some traction and mentorship from your NCOs and SNCOs in the Army and then when your at the point of wanting to put on Capt, go after that MBA. By that time you’ll also potentially find that you might be eligible for a Masters program being paid for by the DOD and you are able to save your Post 9/11 for another Masters or Ph.D down the road.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 11:17 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 11:17:50 -0500

Honestly we had a few LTs graduate with a Masters in my ROTC class. It also puts you ahead of your education needs for promotion. That’s Army though.

Response by LTC Meloni Beauchamp made Jan 23 at 2019 3:41 PM

LTC Meloni Beauchamp — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:41:00 -0500

You can easily do both. With the GI Bill, you might not even care about the 2 year graduate scholarship. Heck, you could get the MBA and still be academically aligned for commissioning if you didn't have the four years of active duty by attending the ROTC basic course which is what my daughter did while attending Law school. You will take longer to get your commission than you would by going the OCS route, so it is up to you. A Masters degree is helpful for an officer in the higher ranks so either way, you will want to get it. I am not a fan of OCS and AM a fan of ROTC since the focus is on academics, but it is definitely a quick way to get your commission.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2019 9:34 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 09:34:01 -0500

You can but remember that ROTC only counts as undergraduate classes that you'll have to take every year in addition to your grad degree so just consider the additional workload.

Response by LCDR Randall Haney made Jan 27 at 2019 10:14 PM

LCDR Randall Haney — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 22:14:03 -0500

Google "Made in the USN." I enlisted as an E-1 with a 5th grade education. I came out the other end as a LCDR with a Doctoral degree. At 30 plus years active duty and 49 years of age I retired. The sooner you go in the sooner the clock starts for building your time to retire. Lots of programs to pay for education once you are in. None of my education cost me a dime. In addition to my Navy retirement I also have 4 other retirement checks coming in from State and other careers after the military. my cup of blessings is overflowing. Get an early start and run hard. BTW, I was turned down by the Army draft for education and underweight. My buddy and I tried to enlist in the Army's buddy program together. He got killed about a year later while I was in Navy boot camp. Had I been with him I would have most likely been dead. So I feel very blessed.