Is it possible to redo my contract again to become a Reserve officer? Is it possible to switch branches?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 23:32:19 -0400

I joined 3 years ago as an Army Reservist (E-4), but I don't get shipped yet. I got a BA in Statistics and MS in Computer Science.
Is it possible to redo my contract again to become a reserve officer?
I know that the Air Force has an Intelligence branch too. Is it possible to switch branch? Is there any reserve base in CA?

Thanks for your advice!!

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Sep 18 at 2019 12:01 AM

COL Jeff Williams — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:01:04 -0400

SPC Chan,
A bit confused, where are you waiting to get shipped to? I assume you have completed basic and AIT or is that where you are waiting to go? Two primary ways to become USAR officer, OCS or ROTC. You already have a Masters so ROTC is out unless you were going for your Doctorate, then you could do that, or you would be looking at OCS. You would have to be recommended for that by your chain of command, which if you are not in a unit yet, then you really don't have one. You might look at one other option, that is a direct commission, but that mainly depends on what specialties you can offer the Army (Doctor, Lawyer, PA, etc)

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 18 at 2019 1:38 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 01:38:38 -0400

I'd stick with Cargo and improve your writing skills. Someone who has earned a Master's degree must have learned to research online to gather data on Army regs and locations of Reserve Air Force bases. Good luck... 3 years?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 1:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 01:56:39 -0400

Every branch has an Intel branch. Your degree major doesn't determine what branch you get into in any of the services are. You can still go to OCS or with your current MS you could direct commission to a cyber branch in the NG or USAR. I wouldn't waste your time trying to switch branches to the AF on your current contract.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 5:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 05:49:29 -0400

Where are you in California? At my Reserve center, in addition to my unit, there's a chemical unit, an ordinance unit, and a transportation unit. I'm up in northern California though. I'm confused as how you enlisted 3 years ago but haven't been through IMT yet. Does you contract specify the unit you'll go to?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 11:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:26:18 -0400

I would strongly recommend you find your nearest Army Reserve Career Counselor. More specifically you want to find an AMEDD Recruiter. AMEDD is a unique population that this type of recruiter can best answer your questions and assist with your career goals. It seems like Direct Commission may be a viable option, however, an AMEDD recruiter can help you identify what AOCs you may be interested in and there are a lot of paperwork and processes involved so you have to stay on it. Again, as an Officer, a lot is expected of you to do your own research and be proactive in your career, especially in the Reserves nothing will do itself for you. Good luck.

Response by CDR Edward Champagne made Sep 18 at 2019 6:43 PM

CDR Edward Champagne — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 18:43:24 -0400

I had the same
Situation except I was Navy. Applied for and received a direct reserve commission. I retired as a Commander.