Should I consider commissioning active duty even if it's not my original choice?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:14:19 -0500

I'm presently an MS3 cadet (non-scholarship) set to commission in May of 2018. I have 3.3 GPA, 285 APFT score and my first branching choice is Transportation (I'm currently SMP in a transportation unit, USAR). My first choice is Reserve, but should I consider Active Duty? And can I get it based on all the information above? What are some pros/cons to commissioning AD opposed to RC?

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Dec 22 at 2016 8:48 AM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 08:48:59 -0500

Gamble with trying to get AD but be prepared to get RC. Honestly, your GPA and APFT don't matter. It's about quotas. AD will select a quota from each school and give the rest to RC. They do give preference first. Though you may not get the branch you want for AD, there is a higher chance to get it if you choose RC. Like CPT Gabe Snell said, if you don't have plans for the civilian side, go see the world and gain experience on AD.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2016 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 09:51:15 -0500

I'd say take your commission where you can get it....

Response by Ken Kraetzer made Dec 22 at 2016 4:44 PM

Ken Kraetzer — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:44:02 -0500

Interesting. you are to be recognized for just being in a ROTC program and doing well academically. That generates options. Have spent time at several Army ROTC programs and West Point. Unless you have your sights on a particular civilian job why not go for active duty? Have to imagine you would have more learning opportunities and leadership development experiences going active duty. Also a chance to see if you want to progress towards a military career. We see much demand for five year officers in the civilian business world. You can continue to serve in Reserves or National Guard. Does that help?

Response by PO2 Chris Hearne made Dec 22 at 2016 4:57 PM

PO2 Chris Hearne — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:57:44 -0500

IMHO, I would go AD first to see what it is like, and after you get some experience, either stay AD or go reserves. I believe the time on Active Duty can only benefit you in the reserves.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 22 at 2016 7:38 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:38:03 -0500

You are the Only one that has to make that Choice and No one Else so you do what your Gut says if it says active then that's where lands or If your Not really sure talk to some other people that have done Just that both active duty and Reserve.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 22 at 2016 10:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:43:02 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member what is your degree field and what does the BLS say about the prognosis? What does the entry level market look like near you or where you want to Live? What does your SMP contract say about AD commissioning? Do you depend on the social safety a net your family provides (or not...)? Does your degree have anything to do with your branch?

You need to look inside , into the place where you go when you are cold wet hungry and scared and figure this out. You can always transition to the reservelater on. You could also work on AGR positions that would give you a little of each. It would be good to learn your craft on AD, get a wide variety of experience, and truly figure out if this is something you want to do. AD provides leadship and growth opportunities. We put young people in charge of a lot of people and stuff that just doesn't happen in the civilian world. If I were you, I would go AD all over again. But that is me. You are the only one who can choose.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 5:19 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:19:44 -0400

I'd recommend to go Active Duty first if you can. After you spend 3-4 years on Active Duty you can decide whether or not to continue on Active Duty after your first tour. You'll be a better officer, if you serve on Active Duty first IMO. Then you can go Reserve or NG if you'd like to.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 4 at 2021 4:26 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 04:26:06 -0500

I think you should go active duty first, you will get better veterans benefits if you transfer to reserve or guard after your active duty time