Posted on Jan 18, 2020
How should I decide between NG or Reserves when going back into military as an officer after years of being out?
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Thinking about going back in the military at the age of 41 as an officer in either the Air National Guard, Army National Guard or Air Force Reserves? Any ideas about how to make this decision?
Posted in these groups: 
OCS
Re-enlistment
OCS Re-enlistment
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 14
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You need to talk to a recruiter. I think you are going to run into problems with the age, even with a waiver. Find out for sure.
Are you physically ready for ROTC or OCS? I a man assuming you will be pursuing a a commission for a normal accessions type branch Vice a direct Commission (medical specialist, clergy, lawyer, or cyber).
I can't speak to the ANG or USAFR, but being a LT is a young person's game. You are expected to be high energy and all go. If you are all in, and the age waiver is there, and you are prepared to be an officer with all that comes with that, you need to move out on this before more time passes. If you pursue OCS, you'll have to sum up why you want to be an officer in the application essay.
Recommend you read The Armed Forces Officer by SLA Marshall.
Are you physically ready for ROTC or OCS? I a man assuming you will be pursuing a a commission for a normal accessions type branch Vice a direct Commission (medical specialist, clergy, lawyer, or cyber).
I can't speak to the ANG or USAFR, but being a LT is a young person's game. You are expected to be high energy and all go. If you are all in, and the age waiver is there, and you are prepared to be an officer with all that comes with that, you need to move out on this before more time passes. If you pursue OCS, you'll have to sum up why you want to be an officer in the application essay.
Recommend you read The Armed Forces Officer by SLA Marshall.
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SPC Virgil Beach
I have stayed in good shape for my age. Can probably still max the run 13:30 2 mile and 60 pushups, 20 leg to knee raises, the 340 Dead Lift will be an issue for me to max though.
I will definitely read you recommended book/article! Thank you...!
I will definitely read you recommended book/article! Thank you...!
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I only have experience in the Army National Guard, so I can tell you their rules. As Prior Service, you can re-enlists as long as you can still get enough good years to get a Reserve Retirement at age 60. So if you have 4 years Active Duty, in theory you can re-enlist until you are 44 if you can make it through MEPS. Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard all require you to enlist to attend OCS, no difference there, but in the Active Army it requires a waiver to Commission past the age of 33. I assume that you already have a Bachelor Degree? In theory you can attend OCS and Commission in the Army National Guard with 90 credit hours, in practice it puts you below everyone with a degree. A lot of states won't look at you unless you have that degree. Have you been out more than five years?
If so, you will probably be required to attend BCT, AIT or OSUT again.
One final note, you have to be able to serve at least 10 years as an Officer before retirement.
I would hit up your local NG recruiter and tell him you are interested in coming back in on an OCS contract. That should put you on the right path.
If so, you will probably be required to attend BCT, AIT or OSUT again.
One final note, you have to be able to serve at least 10 years as an Officer before retirement.
I would hit up your local NG recruiter and tell him you are interested in coming back in on an OCS contract. That should put you on the right path.
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SPC Virgil Beach
I have a masters degree and got the OCS age limit commission waived. Thanks for the information.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC Virgil Beach - One final comment. The Army National Guard gives you better control of what Branch you land, at least within those available within the State. Guard Officers usually know the Branch they will have before attending OCS. It also has more options for OCS. "Traditional" in the Guard is 14 to 16 months that generally includes a zero weekend drill, AT, a year of monthly drills and a final AT and commissioning. They also offer an 8 week accelerated version that I know nothing about other than the failure rate is high enough that some states don't use it. You can also attend Federal OCS, although I haven't seen an age waiver for anyone over 40. You will still have to attend a Basic Officer Leadership Course for your Branch, figure at least 20 weeks, depending on the Branch.
I commissioned at age 30. I came out of an Infantry unit, so I didn't have any problems with the physical part of OCS since it is a mixed unit. I will make the comment that TAC's aren't Drill Sergeants. I always had a lot of respect for my Drills, SSG Priestly should have been on a Recruiting Poster. I can't say the same about TAC Officers.
I commissioned at age 30. I came out of an Infantry unit, so I didn't have any problems with the physical part of OCS since it is a mixed unit. I will make the comment that TAC's aren't Drill Sergeants. I always had a lot of respect for my Drills, SSG Priestly should have been on a Recruiting Poster. I can't say the same about TAC Officers.
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How long have you been out? I had a 6 year break in service and I am going back to the same branch I left... Because I missed it lol
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SPC Virgil Beach
Since January 08, 2000! I was infantry/sniper with a PT score back then of 406. <- will never see this again..!
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SSgt (Join to see)
SPC Virgil Beach - Hello sound great. I'm 43yr current air force reserve since 2015. I would try OCS but having hard time to find start point. Tried a lot but all of recruiter said to old..... I got master degree. any information for me please
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SPC Virgil Beach
SSgt (Join to see)
I wasn’t able to go in OCS in Air Force, too old. I would have to go army, so now I have to go back to the recruiter to see what my options are.
I wasn’t able to go in OCS in Air Force, too old. I would have to go army, so now I have to go back to the recruiter to see what my options are.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SPC Virgil Beach - Right that's true. I have tried to get Army reserve and National guard. but i was too old...
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