Looking at the Green to Gold program. Say I get denied, can I then attend a school with an ROTC program and become an officer? Any Advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:16:10 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 4:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:24:52 -0500

As far as I'm tracking you can, after you leave active duty. However, due to the draw down, ROTC scholarships are more competitive now. When I was going through ROTC, they had more scholarships than they could give away. To get more information, I would look into a program at a university you think you may attend and get in contact with the cadre there. They could give you the best information in regards to the different programs and scholarships available. Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 4:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:25:30 -0500

If you're active, I would seriously advise you serve out your first 4 years (and 1 day) enlisted before you start the road to commissioning.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 4:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:27:27 -0500

PVT Ringling,

I'm about 90% sure if you were to get denied for Green to Gold you could still come off active duty, enroll in school and get into a SROTC program. Once accepted by Cadet Command, you'll be able to compete for an Active Duty commissioning.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 1 at 2015 4:37 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:37:05 -0500

Yes, you can. I didn't go the Green-to-Gold route when my enlisted time ended. I simply ETS'd, moved to my home state, and started college using the GI Bill (technically, the VEAP). A couple of years into college, I joined ROTC and subsequently came back onto active duty (and served for 20 more years). You can compete for an ROTC scholarship if you want (although I chose not to). You'll be more competitive if your service record is good and you have good grades. Then, your performance in ROTC will play a large role in whether or not you come back onto active duty (if that's what you want). Best of luck to you, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask away.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 1 at 2015 4:52 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:52:06 -0500

You sure can once you ETS. Like some of the others here, I recommend you contact the particular schools as that date gets closer. That includes both the ROTC program and the Admissions office since none of it will matter of you do not get into the school. I am a Recruiting Operations Officer for an ROTC program so if you have specific questions feel free to message me. I am on my iPhone now so I cannot go into more details but can once I get home.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 1 at 2015 9:27 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 21:27:10 -0500

Regardless of any scholarship, you should be able to join a ROTC unit. The needs of the military will be adjusted annually (as does education & training budgets). So, if you don't get a scholarship, well, keep trying. The Army tends to keep the persistent ones. I've known a lot of guys who got commissioned into the reserves and transitioned into the active duty ranks. I always thought the Marines had a monopoly on leadership... but, I was mistaken. Looks like were there's a will there's a way for you. Just have to examine your options and choose a path. Best of luck in your next career move!

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/join-army-officer.html

How To Become An Army Officer

You can earn a commission in the U.S. Army through one of four programs: the U.S. Military Academy, the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps, the Officer Candidate School or direct appointment.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 10:03 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 22:03:38 -0500

Once you are off active duty, you are a civilian like everyone else. So you can join any ROTC of any service. I would recommend that while you have things like tuition assistance, to take advantage now and start getting college credit toward a degree doing the primers. This will come a long way. While in ROTC it is like a second job. If you are pursuing green to gold the best way to be competitive is to get good grades in college now.

If you want to get a commission. Be sure to keep your nose clean and don't get caught up in nonsense that your peers may try to drag you into. I have seen a few good airman who would have made excellent officers with your desires, lose their chance by a one time mistake.

If you get I to ROTC understand that it is a new world. You will be in a system where you will be subordinate to those who have no clue of what you did. They will be in charge in the first few years. You will be taking orders from kids a few years younger. The successful prior E's take it for what it is and not let their egos get in the way.

Best of luck