Going into the Army as an E4, advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:20:18 -0400

I’m going Into the army as E4. I have a undergraduate degree (4 years). I choose this path because I like the idea of being able to pick your mos, which is not always the case if I were to take the officer path. I do not plan to join the army as a career, my main concern is setting myself up for a good civilian job & continue my education. - the huge signing bonus was extremely appealing as well.

My first question is, does my E4 pay start in Basic training? Or do get paid the same as e1? - note, it is in my contract that I start as an e4.

If I did want to do the officer path down the line, how does it work?

Lastly,
I literally leave in a few days! Any advice?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2018 6:33 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:33:37 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Listen closely to everything that is said and be observant. Stay squared away at all times, and help your fellow recruits when you can. You will make mistakes, just don't make the same mistake twice. Good luck.

https://m.goarmy.com/benefits/money/basic-pay-active-duty-soldiers.m.html

https://bizfluent.com/info-7752116-benefits-joining-army-bachelors-degree.html

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/army-officer-candidate-school-ocs-enlistment-option-3344804

Army Pay Chart & Army Base Pay – Active Duty | GoArmy.com

Our up-to-date Army pay chart lets you know how much active duty enlisted and officer soldiers earn in base pay. Base pay accounts for only part of a soldier’s total income.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 26 at 2018 6:24 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:24:30 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member the officer part....several routes. All commissioning sources have variable requirements and selection Criteria based on the shifting sands of accessions goals.
- earn an appointment to a service academy like USMA (West Point). Enlisted soldiers may apply for these.
- go back for further education (like for a masters) and join Army ROTC. You may also seek Green to Gold Program. Contact a ROTC recruiting or operations person at a school to get the current details.
- apply for OCS with your existing degree.
- if you have a degree that qualifies for direct commmissioning, you may pursue a direct commission. Unless you are like a MD, Clergy, Cyber expert, Lawyer, or other niche medical provider, this is not an option.

ROTC and OCS have options to go Active Duty or to a Reserve Component (Reserves or National Guard)

Another option, is to seek an appointment as a Warrant Officer. This is an option for people who become technically adept in their MOS. Unless you are looking for to be a Pilot, you are looking at being a SGT or Staff Sergeant before applying. http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/WOgeninfo_enlmos.shtml

WOgeninfo_enlmos.shtml

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 26 at 2018 7:28 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:28:00 -0400

I have no filter so here is since you asked for advice.
Hmmm ...
1. I suspect your judgement is careless and unsystematically skewed plus your motivatiion is lacking or excessively casual.
2. If you were my child I would be very upset with you for the waste of money that paid for your 4 years of college and degree.
3. If you had started in the Army when you started your college you could ahve been a SGT E5 by now, possibly prepping yourself for SSG E6 within a couple of years.
4. Its a shame that your potential to make yourself a better contributor to the nation is being blown away by your becoming enlisted.
ADVICE: Quit jerking around and go for the officer corps.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 9:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 21:56:09 -0400

Thank you for volunteering to defend the country. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone to OCS and stayed in a lot longer than I did. My advice for basic/OSUT/AIT: Pay attention. For life in the Army: Be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there, ready to do what you are supposed to do. When you are leading, that pronoun "you" refers also to those Soldiers (and equipment) for whom/which you are responsible.