Is going green to gold worth it?

2017-10-13T08:05:12-04:00

I have completed two years of undergrad as a double major in pre med and software development with a goal to eventually design the software to run surgical robotics. I am currently an E4 reporting to fort Campbell in November. I attended APSU in the same town as Campbell, should I try to finish my degree on my own time or shoot for the green to gold path?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 8:16 AM

2017-10-13T08:16:17-04:00

My view is based on my "one less idiot rule" no different then when I pull up to a red light and get in the shortest lane. As I moved up the ladder there was one less idiot I had to worry about. Plus the pay is better.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Oct 13 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-10-13T09:32:49-04:00

My opinion is you should go Green To Gold

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Oct 13 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-10-13T09:57:28-04:00

Green to Gold. You only need two years. You'll have dedicated time to study and not have to try and "fit it in" on your own time. Even if you DID do it on your own time, you'd have another year of OCS to actual get where you want to be.

Green to Gold - 2 years until commissioning.
On your own - 3+ years.

Do you want to start your Officer career sooner? Or later?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 10:01 AM

2017-10-13T10:01:34-04:00

Commit yourself to what you desire because only you know what you want. Reach out to these officers below to gain more insight on the path and use their mentorship to help you make your decision. However, being an NCO also has its rewards as well. Have a great day!

Response by SSG Lonny Self made Oct 13 at 2017 10:34 AM

2017-10-13T10:34:48-04:00

well I can tell you from my point of view, it all comes down to are you trying to just help you or your career in the military ,

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 12:30 PM

2017-10-13T12:30:31-04:00

If being an officer is your goal then do it! I hope you are accepted into the program and kick butt!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 13 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-10-13T14:46:11-04:00

First, what are your career goals? if you go Green to Gold, what is your service commitment? Will that inhibit you form doing what you really want to do? As of late I haven't seen to many MOS's for Medical Robotic Software Designer, have you? This is a rather unique skill set, and most likely may never be in the US Military any time soon, that said being a Regular Line Officer you won't being doing any of that. You may wish to look at some of the technology and the Bio Medical based Warrant Officer positions and go that way. It may take longer but if you plan to stay in and still go to school this may be a better way to go.
Second, from my own perspective, I had a lot of free time to do things when I was E-4, granted home computers didn't exist, you had to be married to have a car overseas, so there was that. But once you go on and become a 2LT, your free time to develop advanced software, most likely will be diminished. granted I couldn't program a VCR, so I have no idea what it takes to program a robotic medical device, but I am guessing it is not something you do in between 30 day stints in the field, Inspections, and the other wonderful things the modern Army does.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Oct 13 at 2017 7:01 PM

2017-10-13T19:01:46-04:00

That is an individual decision and choice. Examine all of your options, challenges, pros and cons, to include what your pension will be (e.g. E7 vs O4, or E8 vs O5), and talk to those who have made the transition. Personally, I chose to go enlisted to commissioned, fully appreciative of what I learned as an NCO, and of what I was able to do as an officer. Good luck!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2017 12:30 PM

2017-11-22T12:30:34-05:00

totally worth it!!!! with the green to gold path youll finish a lot faster and be able to actually focus on your studies rather than do what you can here and there. it all depends on how you want to do it. I have a family so going green to gold would be worth it for me. just depends on if you have a job that supports your want for education and how often you can actually accomplish classes and homework without being interrupted by your job which technically comes first.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 12:58 AM

2017-12-19T00:58:24-05:00

"Worth it" in what sense? Being selected to the Green to Gold program is hands down one of my favorite accomplishments of my career. It certainly comes with its difficulties though. However, I would suggest you absolutely attempt at putting in a packet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2018 1:37 PM

2018-05-08T13:37:34-04:00

The best answer for this question relies heavily upon what you would like to do with your career. What is your motivation for going Green to Gold? If you still can’t decide after a long debate with yourself. I would suggest applying for it. The worst thing that will happen is you don’t get selected, but you can’t get selected if you don’t apply.

Currently, I am going through the Green to Gold Active Duty Option (ADO) and this is by far the best decision that I have made in my career. If you have any questions on ADO please feel free to DM me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2019 3:01 AM

2019-09-23T03:01:27-04:00

yes.