Is employment history dating back to 16 years old normally needed to submit a packet for commissioning?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:31:10 -0400

Hi Everyone,
I am working on getting my packet submitted for an upcoming AMEDD board and was wondering if the packet really needs to reflect my work history all the way back to when I was 16 years old (I am 40 now with 6 years prior service). Also, I am currently serving in the US Army Reserves with all 1s on my PULHES. Is a complete scrub of my medical records needed as well?

Normally I would just chalk this up to the 'hurry up and wait' of the Army but I am a little disgruntled at the moment due to the fact that I have been bugging the recruiters since Jan 2019 to start working on my packet. The submittal date for the packet was Sept 24 and I am being told that I should expect my packet to be sent up in April 2020.

Is this a normal time frame fro submitting a packet and if so why did I continually get brushed off until later when all of this stuff could have been started months ago?

Response by James Stroup made Oct 1 at 2019 6:07 PM

James Stroup — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 18:07:45 -0400

As far as the time frame goes, it seems about right for my experience. I was being told conflicting and false information for 3 years while I was in veterinary school. I finally was able to start working on my packet in Oct 2018, I went to MEPS in July 2019, and my packet was submitted to the Veterinary Corps board this September. It appears I've been selected but I'm just waiting on my medical waiver to be approved by OTSG (this week is week #8 waiting).

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Oct 1 at 2019 6:10 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 18:10:57 -0400

I’m not familiar with the Army Medical appointment board but I can say the AF board was pretty quick once my packet was submitted and I was commissioned within 3-months and off to COT a month later.

If my memory serves me, my packet had all my medical experience and education, and some but maybe not all of my enlisted service (17-years).

Based on your experiences and time frames, not to mention many Army service members expressing very long wait times for submission and boards....could be normal. I think, and it’s just a thought since I’ve not served Army, I would let it ride to get my packet to the board; however any other delays I’d seek out another recruiter.

Wish you all the best!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 8:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:01:09 -0400

It takes awhile to commission. It was about a 2.5 year process for me. You’re prior service and know how the hurry up and wait process works.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 8:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:10:16 -0400

The short answer is yes. Whatever they are asking, yes. AMEDD is very particular but there are also standard commissioning requirements - one of which is a return visit to MEPS and a basic entry commissioning physical. Plan on the timeline taking some time

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 10:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 22:28:53 -0400

Yes it is truly a “hurry up and wait” scenario. I came from Reserves as well. It took me one year from getting selected for Active duty to getting my orders. I got selected March 2018, and swore into my duty station June 2019. It is all a waiting game. You have to wait for your scroll, which goes before Congress and it is a long process. I wouldn’t add anything in your resume that old if it is not relevant to your AOC. I think they go back 10 years, but don’t quote me on that, it’s always better to play it safe.

Also for the medical part, if you haven’t been to MEPs in the last 2 years you have to go again, regardless if your currently in Reserves. Best of luck SGT, keep following up with your recruiter. Try to keep yourself busy, stay green with your current unit and try your best to be patient, it was worth the wait for me. SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2019 9:21 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 09:21:28 -0400

Not AMEDD, but as a fellow direct commission, the process took about a year for me from first contact to BOLC class seat.