Posted on Jan 11, 2017
PFC Dustin Lloyd
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CW3 Cherif L.
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PFC Loyd: PS - don't pay any attention to people who have negativity in their comments. Men join the service for many reasons. A true leader of men realizes that soldiers come from many different stations in life and have their own specific ways of attaining their goals along with their priorities. His job, as a leader, is to guide you in making the right decisions for and matching your goals with the services needs. Do you. Don't worry about what others think.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
>1 y
Thank you!! I agree with your statement. People join for many reasons.
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CW3 Cherif L.
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Edited >1 y ago
PFC Loyd - A few things to consider, as have already been mentioned, are what career path are you considering? If supply is where you think you want to be than consider going Active Reserve as a Warrant Officer (920 Series) The benefits of a Warrant Commission are stability in your area of concentration, stable station and full benefits to name a few. It's the path I chose and I'm going on 16 years with 10 under a Warrant Commission. It's a respectable position without the hassles of command, changes of stations and concentrations.

Think about it and of you have any questions reach out to me. A good place to start is the Army's Warrant Officer recruitment page: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/index.shtml

The downside is you probably need to be an E-5(P) so you may want to wait. Depends on your career/personal goals. Think things over and make an informed decision. Remember the choices you make in life - make your life - so choose wisely!

Good luck!

PS - don't pay any attention to people who have negativity in their comments. Men join the service for many reasons. A true leader of men realizes that soldiers come from many different stations in life and have their own specific ways of attaining their goals along with their priorities. His job, as a leader, is to guide you in making the right decisions for and matching your goals with the services needs. Do you. Don't worry about what others think.
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LTC John Mohor
LTC John Mohor
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I used to tell folks if I had it to do over again I'd either go AirForce or go Army Warrant so it's darn good advice from
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SPC Member
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Army National Guard might be better depending on your State, some States support their Guard in addition to the regular Army benefits for the Reserve Component. It's going to require some research.
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I'm reenlisting with a 4 yr degree, and I want OCS. Is it better to go ARNG or Army Reserves? Which has overall better benefits?
SFC J Fullerton
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You said "reenlisting", what is your current status? Are you on active duty, currently a drilling member in a reserve component, in the IRR, or a prior service civilian? The application process for either depends on your status. Also, you should ensure you meet or can meet all the requirements and qualifications for OCS selections, and understand the application process. That may help you decide which route to go.
The OCS link at goarmy.com will show you the prior service requirements for USAR OCS, which would apply to you if you are currently separated or in the IRR.
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
>1 y
PFC Dustin Lloyd - There are policies and procedures for eligible active drilling members of the USAR to apply for OCS. Your application must be endorsed by your chain of command in order to be considered for selection. So in other words, there is no guarantee that it has to be endorsed and submitted. That will be the decision of your future commanders. How you influence your commander's decision to endorse it is up to you and how you perform. That is about all I can tell you on that.
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
>1 y
PFC Dustin Lloyd - Just a caveat- If you decide to enlist in the USAR, as I mentioned before, you will need an acceptance letter from the commander of the unit you are enlisting into for the RE Code waiver to get approved. Most commanders want to do a face-to face interview, some just over the telephone. Either way, when he or she asks if you have any questions, there is a good opportunity for you to ask that question.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
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SFC J Fullerton - Thank you. So ultimately I need to be good at what I do and work my ass off. Prove to Chain of Command that I deserve the opportunity or chance to go.
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
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PFC Dustin Lloyd - Exactly! You should decide first if you are committed to being a Soldier again, period. If you are, then that is goal #1. Once you have achieved that, then set other goals that will take you the ultimate goal.
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LTC John Mohor
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Depending on your degree you might qualify for a direct appointment. Talk to your in service recruiters and career counselors especially Officer ascessions. I'm partial to the Reserves. They have more Combat Support and Combat Service Support Officer opportunities. If your hell bent on going only OCS there's the option of the Benning School for Boys as it's been nicknamed in the past at Fort Benning or each state National Huard has their state OCS that runs one weekend a month as well as Annual Training periods. Be sure to look into all the options! Good Luck. Getting to E-4 and WLC first wouldn't hurt in your preparation for the future either. It would also allow your ribbons to indicate you were prior enlisted via the MCO Professional Development Ribbon.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
>1 y
LTC, my degree is a Bachelor's of Science in Technology Management with a technical specialty in Hospitality. I don't think my degree will qualify me. More opportunities is a good thing. Thank you for the advice sir. I knew ARNG had the 18 month program which is a blessing and a curse. Depends on what class I could get in to. I can see where you are coming from with promotion and BLC. A few prior enlisted stated joining enlisted and then wait so I have more time. All the feedback is helping.
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SFC George Smith
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depends on your MOS and Career Field...
The Majority of Combat and Combat support Units are in the National Guard...
combat service support is generally in the Reserves... what is the MOS you are going after and the career field you want to pursue...
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
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SFC, I'm looking at something such as 42A or Supply. I have a young one at home. I have interests such as MI, linguistics etc, but some of these training's can take a considerable amount of time.
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LTC John Shaw
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PFC Dustin Lloyd The Guard is better if you plan to stay in the same state and you are early in your career. As you reach mid-career point you can look at the Army Reserve for career development. If you plan to move because you work for an employer who is nationwide, the Reserve is a better fit for this requirement.
I started as a LT in the KYNG and switched to the Army Reserve when I was transferred to MI, then IL, then Ohio.

Some states have marginally better benefits in the Guard, like partial or free tuition, but these usually only apply to enlisted and NCOs, not officers.

Once you are a Commissioned Officer the benefits differences are minimal.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
>1 y
Thank you for your feedback LTC. I do plan on staying in the state of MO for at least 17 more years as I have a little one. I currently work for Marriott International in hotels but I'm possibly transitioning into the insurance business.

I heard from a Guard recruiter that I can get in no problem but with a waiver. I have 3 for RE code.

I also talked to a Reserve recruiter who said I could go straight OCS but it would look better if I enlisted and then put in paperwork for OCS.
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LTC John Shaw
LTC John Shaw
>1 y
Life is about choices and it sounds like you have two good ones. Make sure the recruiters can keep the promises they are making. I found the Guard has more control over the LT OCS process and waivers than the Reserve, which has regional commands. You will need to judge this based on observations and mentors you find in the units you are targeting.
Ask for someone who been through the same path and OCS graduate/LT from both the Guard and Reserve OCS processes and discuss with them. God Speed in your decision and career.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
>1 y
Thank you LTC. I really appreciate it. I will do some more research and reach out to other personnel. God speed to you as well Sir.
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SSG Environmental Specialist
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I tend to agree with a few comments down the list. What is your MOS that should be factored in, what branch do you want as an officer. What units are in your area, how far are you willing to drive. I know in my area there are more opportunities closer to home in the reserves. Only one ARNG battalion close by. I would think benefits wise they are the same.
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PFC Dustin Lloyd
PFC Dustin Lloyd
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SSG, I'm looking for something like 42A for Officer or Supply. I have a little one at home. I have a lot of likes but some MOS's have long training's.
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