Posted on Mar 15, 2020
Is it realistic and achievable to join the USMC or Army at 28 and work towards becoming an officer? What advice would you provide?
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I’m really looking for some advice. I’m 28 and thinking of enlisting in the army or the USMC if they accepted me. I plan on active duty infantry if all things work out as I plan..
My long term goal is to go enlisted to officer after my 4 years enlisted using the green to gold or MECEP. For MECEP I’d obviously need an age waiver. I currently only have around 30 credits with a 3.0, but I think I can finish my degree in 4 years or at least put a dent in it. I would rate my fitness as above average, no conditions or anything.
I have no children, a dog and a gf who told me she would go with me if She has to. I own a home but I’m willing to sell it.
My question is: is this plan realistic? Is it achievable? Am I being naive? Any advice or input is appreciated. Thank you
My long term goal is to go enlisted to officer after my 4 years enlisted using the green to gold or MECEP. For MECEP I’d obviously need an age waiver. I currently only have around 30 credits with a 3.0, but I think I can finish my degree in 4 years or at least put a dent in it. I would rate my fitness as above average, no conditions or anything.
I have no children, a dog and a gf who told me she would go with me if She has to. I own a home but I’m willing to sell it.
My question is: is this plan realistic? Is it achievable? Am I being naive? Any advice or input is appreciated. Thank you
Potential Recruit
Officer
Green to Gold
Commission
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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It's very unlikely that you will be below the age cap when you finish your school if you're on Active Duty
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LTC Jason Mackay
Luke Whitecol I agree with SFC (Join to see) your current age and educational status does not support your commissioning before the age cut off at 34 the way you proposed.
You may be able to pursue a civilian to OCS route if you can get your degree done on time and have a favorable OCS selection. Understand that you will have input into your branch choice, but needs of the Army will ultimately decide. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/officer-candidate-school.html
You may be able to pursue a civilian to OCS route if you can get your degree done on time and have a favorable OCS selection. Understand that you will have input into your branch choice, but needs of the Army will ultimately decide. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/officer-candidate-school.html
Officer Candidate School and Army OCS Requirements
Army Officer Candidate School gives college graduates an opportunity to be leaders and officers for Active Duty or Army Reserve. Learn about Army OCS requirements.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT Paul Whitmer he's already 28 and has three years of school left and is asking about doing it on Active Duty. It's very unlikely he can knock out 90 SH of school, Basic/Boot plus MOS training, PCS, and OCS while working a full time AD job in the next 5-6 years while paying for the courses tuition assistance doesn't pay for out of pocket on an E3 or E4 salary.
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CPT Paul Whitmer
SFC (Join to see) - Roger that - I was speaking from an age perspective only. I had 6 yrs enlisted and a bachelors degree when I went to OCS.
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I'll throw this out there, the reserves are way more lenient on age of new officers
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MAJ (Join to see)
Yes especially in critical or commonly short areas like medicine, nursing, legal, etc.
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Depends on how much fire is in your belly, but it would be a tough sled due to age cutoff for commissioning. People have certainly done more. Remember that USMC focus for you is supporting their mission, not your career. Meaning you'll be in charge of making it happen the best way you can. Depends on your scores and needs of USMC.
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