How to make yourself competitive for an AGR slot as a fresh LT?

CPT Blake Ruggiero — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 10:41:14 -0400

I posted a couple of days ago about going AD and after realizing how improbable that would be I'm looking into the AGR. I leave for EBOLC in April 2019 and am already drilling with my unit as a PL.

By the time I get back to my unit I'll be about 6 months from being up for 1LT and will be looking to drop an AGR application. Is there anything I can or should do to make myself competitive or is it more or less the luck of the draw?

Also, should I wait until making 1LT to apply?

Thanks for any assistance/advice anyone can provide.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 11:17 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 11:17:12 -0400

USAR or NG?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 11:40 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 11:40:46 -0400

I don't believe they'll look at you until you're an 1LT.

Try to get the best evaluations you can, make sure they recommend you for Captain's Career Course (CCC) immediately. Also when you are an 1LT, make sure it says "Promote to Captain now" or something like "Recommend for Company Command"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 12:48 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 12:48:24 -0400

CPT Blake Ruggiero do it Chicago style: drop your packet early and often.

I got picked up right after a hiring freeze due to transformation as a 1LT. They did not have a board back then. Big thing is make sure all of your documents are permed to include college transcripts, evals, awards, 1059 for schools. After they are permed make sure your ARB reflects what is permed. All of your boards are electronic boards so you do not have to be the best, only look better than others as they may not have their board file updated.

Do the best you can do and get good evaluations on time and permed. Then just wait to hear back from the board. As a 2LT/1LT you will not have much, if any, evaluations so it is hard to stand out without those. So look for any additional schools that you can do both civilian and military. Try to get a few ASIs/PDSIs. As an Engineer you can do W6 and W8 online.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 1:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 13:13:00 -0400

Just kiss as much ass as you can at your battalion, brigade, and state headquarters.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 14 at 2018 1:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 13:15:30 -0400

You might be able to ask to interview with a high ranking AGR officer to request to serve in his/her unit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 5:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:08:34 -0400

I'm Title 32 (ARNG) AGR. My recommendation would be to look for a TOD posting or ADOS position until you get closer to CPT. I would also attempt to become as qualified as possible. ASI schools would probably be your first step, then I would try to do CCC as a 1LT. Being USAR some of your processes are different, however, if you've got specific questions feel free to message me.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 5:53 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:53:21 -0400

I agree with CPT Snell but in the meantime you can apply for ADOS tours.
Good luck!

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 15 at 2018 7:00 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 19:00:17 -0400

If you are in the ARNG, you and your family should donate as much money as you can afford, to the candidate with the best chance of becoming governor. As soon as he is inaugurated, knock on his office door and say in a calm, but firm voice, “You owe me motherfucket.”

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2018 9:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:33:52 -0400

I disagree with at least 2 of the comments below. In WA state at least there have been at least (10) O1-O3 AGR jobs posted in the last 12 months. I know because I toyed with the idea myself. Your best bet is to get onto ADOS orders and bust your tail and impress everyone you interact with. By getting your name out there associated with positive connotations then when you do see an agr posting then you can be a bit more competitive than the guy/gal that no one knows. Meanwhile keep busting your tail at your civilian gig too. I’ve chosen to stay at my Civilian employer (Amazon) as it is much more lucrative and engaging. But you can’t beat the benefits of an AGR Soldier.