Posted on Sep 14, 2018
CPT Blake Ruggiero
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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.
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Responses: 8
MSG Frank Kapaun
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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.”
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SGM Reserve Component Command Career Counselor
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I agree with CPT Snell but in the meantime you can apply for ADOS tours.
Good luck!
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MAJ Operations Officer (S3)
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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.
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How to make yourself competitive for an AGR slot as a fresh LT?
MSG Unit Supply Specialist
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Just kiss as much ass as you can at your battalion, brigade, and state headquarters.
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MSG Frank Kapaun
MSG Frank Kapaun
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MAJ (Join to see) I was once an AGR and my father in law got my foot in the door. They don’t say AGR = Assholes Getting Rich for nothing.
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MSG Frank Kapaun
MSG Frank Kapaun
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MSG (Join to see)Amen, even with my father in law’s help, I had to take a two grade rank reduction, and I too went back on AD. To escape the sewer/cesspool that was the ARNG’s AGR program.
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Maj Flight Commander
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MSG (Join to see), I thought you wrote, "kick ass" when I glanced at it, was going to vote up hahah.
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Maj Flight Commander
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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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.
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
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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"
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MAJ Health Services Plans, Ops, Intelligence, Security,Training
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USAR or NG?
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CPT Blake Ruggiero
CPT Blake Ruggiero
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Sir, USAR.
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MAJ Health Services Plans, Ops, Intelligence, Security,Training
MAJ (Join to see)
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CPT Blake Ruggiero I can’t speak too intelligently on USAR processed but if the process is comparable to the NG, it will depend on the assignment(s) available. Some assignments are better supported by young officers; however, it is difficult to compete with CPTs who have OES, KD assignments, and OERs to support them while you may be just starting out. This is not to discourage you but to asssist you to better understand that you’re competing against others who, even by virtue of time, have accumulated more in their record to compete against you.
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MAJ Health Services Plans, Ops, Intelligence, Security,Training
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CPT Blake Ruggiero with that being written my advice is to be flexible and willing to take a less than desirable assignment if offered the opportunity. The difficult part is getting into the program. Once you’re in you can navigate to advance your career—it’s just getting in that’s the major hurdle.
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CPT Deputy J1
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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.
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