Posted on Feb 9, 2018
I have BA in psychology and public affairs (3.5 GPA). I want to become an AF officer, but heard my degrees aren't wanted. Should I apply?
13.2K
14
17
3
3
0
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 6
Kyra, I would think that in our modern military your particular job skills would be in high demand. Our military has become much more in-tune to psychological issues than any time in our nation's history. Come on in, we need you!
(1)
(0)
Kyra Y.
Thank you for the kind words! What you say is definitely true. Unfortunately the AF is not looking for Bachelor degree Psychology majors....they want PsyD or PhD psychologists...which take 4-5 years to obtain that degree. I was hoping they could use my bachelor degrees in some way so I could become an officer but it looks like perhaps this is not the case. But yes, you're right...it just takes more education! :) I'm not sure if I want to pursue psychology for 4 or 5 more years to then attend COT. Something to think about though. Thank you!
(0)
(0)
PVT Mark Brown
Kyra Y. - Have you considered other branches, like the Army. What about OCS in Medical Branch?
(1)
(0)
Kyra Y.
I've considered other branches. I think OCS medical would be either for nurses or probably my PsyD which I don't have. In high school I considered the navy but decided that might not be what I was wanting. I've had family members in the Army and I'm happy for them, I just don't think the Army is for me. I've looked into Coast Guard but heard it's like super competitive...although that would be cool. I'm not interested in Marines. So I definitely feel that Air Force would be for me.... it's just getting to that point. :) I'll ask you the same question: If I was just looking to serve, would you recommend me looking into enlisting??? OTS seems slim with my background (unless I went back to school). Or should I not even consider enlisting since I have my bachelors?
(0)
(0)
If the Air Force doesn't want your degrees, talk to the Army. I bet dollars to pesos they will take them. Just a thought.
(1)
(0)
Kyra Y.
Very true. Thanks for your response. For some reason though I'm just really wanting AF. :) Thank you for your service!
(1)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Kyra Y. - I certainly applaud your desires. Stick to your guns. But, just be prepared for a long wait until they say they want you. But, it's always been my experience that if someone wants to put you in line and tell you to wait, they really aren't that interested in you in the first place..
(1)
(0)
Kyra Y.
Thank you! Good point. And yes, that's the problem, I don't really have the luxury to wait for something that is such a small percentage of getting in. If they told me 50-60% chance, that I'd be willing to wait for. But 10-15% makes me nervous. It'd be totally worth it if I got officer, (I definitely feel like leadership material) it just feels so unlikely considering they're not really seeking my majors. So, I suppose I have 2 options: either go back to school for psych PhD or PsyD or something else (law?) and hope I'd get commissioned to COT OR I could just say to myself, hey, all I really wanted was to serve and I could look into enlisting. Maybe I'd get GI $ to then go back to school for whatever I wanted (not just law or psych). For enlisting, I do have my degrees and was thinking officer because they acknowledge my degrees in rank/pay. I know enlisted I could be E-3 or E-4, but it's not the same as officer of course. But if I'm only looking to serve 4 years maybe enlisting would work. I'm 27 so I'm not sure if enlisting would be my best option. What advice would you have for someone who has bachelors degrees and is looking to enlist (since OTS seems like very slim)? Good idea to look into enlisting? Bad idea??
(1)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Kyra Y. - Personally, I would recommend Enlisting, even with you being 27. It will serve multiple things. It gets you in the door. And once you are in the door, you have better chances of meeting the people you would need in order to get your commission in the field you want. Not saying it would be 100%, but the chances are better than waiting for a Recruiter to call you back. You would get the GI $. You can continue to further your education on government money. Plus all the other benefits you get while being in. Something to think about. But, if you do enlist, definitely stick to your guns as much as possible (there will have to be some give and take) in regards to getting the field you want as an enlisted person.
(0)
(0)
Kyra Y. Have you talked to an Air Force Recruiter? Have you considered the other branches? Good luck.
https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-comparison-between-each-of-the-military-branches
https://www.thebalance.com/u-s-military [login to see]
https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-comparison-between-each-of-the-military-branches
https://www.thebalance.com/u-s-military [login to see]
What is a good comparison between each of the military branches? - Quora
Army - Fastest promotions of any service, greatest variety of jobs, and best chance of getting the specific MOS/assignment that you want. As a percentage of the total number of individuals in the service, has by far the most number jobs in military intelligence, special operations forces, and special mission units.
(1)
(0)
Kyra Y.
Yes, I did talk to a recruiter. I posted more info about my situation below, if you have anything else you'd like to add. I want to join the AF. And thank you!
(1)
(0)
Read This Next