National Guard CID 31D to Warrant officer or AROTC to Officer. Which is the better choice?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 13:53:58 -0500

I'm currently in the NG as 31B. I've read a lot about the CID program and am very interested in it. My original plan was to join AROTC in college and become an Officer, shooting for active duty in MP or MI. However, I'm curious about other people's experience and paths, if they have gone from 31D to an Officer or Warrant Officer. What's the better career/life, in your opinion and why? (And I realize if go the AROTC route I can't do CID.)

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 2:01 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 14:01:36 -0500

I’m available to explain the limited NG 31D options. [login to see]

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2019 10:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 10:21:22 -0500

ROTC is the quicker option. Once you finish the program ( you can do the 2 year) you are commissioned officer and active duty. The down side...you do not get to pick your career, they give you what they need you to do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 12:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 12:52:21 -0400

If you want to open your opportunities for CID, go reserve not NG. A Reserve agent is able to pick up short suspense RFAs and missions without the title 32 to title 10 issues. Unless you're coming off active duty 31D status, you have to be a civilian LEO to be a reserve 31D.

Response by CPL Donald Meseth made May 15 at 2019 8:29 PM

CPL Donald Meseth — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:29:01 -0400

Going back maaannnny years, my unit was the 61st CID, with Hq. in Ft. Lewis, Wn. Actually lived in Portland, and handled cases in Oregon, western Idaho, and South Washington. Interesting times. Had to turn in my car for 1000 mile checkup, which meant about every 10 days, to Vancouver barracks! No computers...all reports were handwritten and/or typed...and no cell phones! No uniforms, just neat civvies!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 1:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 May 2019 13:44:50 -0400

NG is limited, I would take CW5 Mize up on his offer. Why, if you are already in, would you go ROTC? you'd be better off getting your degree while in TPU status then applying to go Active OCS. Or go to the Reserve. (you can go CID from Reserve)

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2020 2:15 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 03 May 2020 02:15:10 -0400

If you want to do CID and only CID as a career - go Warrant Officers. Officers do a wide range of things - few of which are directly related to their MOS. Even if you are assigned to a CID unit as an officer you will be doing administrative work whereas the Warrant Officers and NCOs will doing the actual "on the street" CID work.
Being a Warrant Officer is the best of both worlds - go for it!