Should I pursue ROTC or wait until I am eligible to apply for WOCS?

2019-09-22T03:47:46-04:00

I’m currently an E-3 12R in the Army National Guard and would like to become an officer. I’m a freshman in college working towards my bachelor’s degree in biomedical Chemistry. I’m stuck between doing ROTC or waiting it out until I become an E-5 to submit a warrant packet. I like the fact that when in ROTC you can make a wishlist of the branches you’d like to commission in (regardless of your current MOS) (If I did do ROTC, my top four on the list would be medical, intelligence, chemical, and engineer). But I also like the technicality, mystique and respect that comes with being a warrant.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 3:50 AM

2019-09-22T03:50:06-04:00

If you want Intelligence it has to be your number 1. It requires a TS/SCI clearance which takes a while to obtain.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 3:51 AM

2019-09-22T03:51:04-04:00

On top of that at least when I was a cadet from 2011-2013 two of those top four had to be combat arms.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 3:55 AM

2019-09-22T03:55:06-04:00

First, I'd say it depends on whether or not you plan to make the Army a career, if you think you will separate prior to retirement, I would choose officer. Then, I'd consider what you actually want to do... Not just as a branch, but day to day.... For example, aviation officers really don't fly after CPT, but warrants can fly all the way to CW5.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 3:55 AM

2019-09-22T03:55:07-04:00

It really comes down to your goals and what you think you’ll be happy doing.

For almost a decade I chased after that butter bar only to end up falling short. However, looking back it was all for be best. Because I love going intel and would have been miserable dealing with the internal politics I’ve seen from the outside in the officer Corps (no offense to RLOs).

In the end, you’ve got to do what’s best for you. One thing that’s great for RLOs is that they get great opportunities for civilian education. It sets them up for success after they hang up the uniform.

However, the Warrant Officer Cohort is really tight and small. Usually only one degree of separation between warrants.

I hope this helps you make a decision on which path to you’d like to take.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 22 at 2019 4:15 AM

2019-09-22T04:15:45-04:00

Go to ROTC and become an officer in the National Guard.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 4:17 AM

2019-09-22T04:17:04-04:00

You've got a long road ahead of you. Get your BA, wait until you are a SGT and have some leadership time, then go WOCS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 8:47 AM

2019-09-22T08:47:09-04:00

As almost everyone else has said it is what you want to do in the Army (NG) when you finish. I look back and wonder about being a warrant but since I was AG enlisted I would have had to attempt flight warrant (half of all warrants are flight not technical) because I wouldn't want to stay in that field. You do play a crap shoot on your branch as an officer but if your goal is to command a company and at higher levels then there is only one option. On the other hand if you want to be a technical expert in your field that certifications and expertise could assist you with better jobs on the outside...warrant could be a better option. Seek out warrants in your current field and ask them their opinion but in the end don't let others make the decision for you.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 22 at 2019 9:29 AM

2019-09-22T09:29:26-04:00

Look into commissioning programs through ROTC. Check with the ROTC office. There may be financial assistance available. Don’t worry too much about post commissioning branch selection now. Focus on completing your degree.

Decision on officer or warrant depends on what you want to do in the military. Officers normally hold positions of leadership. They often have responsibility for people, resources, and missions. Some get to command. Warrant officers are technical experts in their field. They may have some management and leadership responsibilities, but it’s usually less than an officer. Officer pay and ultimately retirement pay is higher than warrant officer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 11:01 AM

2019-09-22T11:01:16-04:00

Do what makes you happy and ask yourself what you want out of your career: respect-officer, better pay and retirement-officer, ease of admission-warrant, get messed with more-2LT.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 11:06 AM

2019-09-22T11:06:26-04:00

No need to be binary at this stage. Since there’s still plenty of time on either path, you can create a bit of optionality for yourself later in life (a rare asset, indeed). ROTC can be a great experience, both as a skill-building and network-building program. It'll set you apart as a student and a Soldier in your unit. And wearing the dot doesn’t preclude you from enlisted promotions, so you can continue developing as an SME and gain the experience necessary to become a Warrant.

As someone who has been on both sides, I’ll say that there are benefits to each. Heed others inputs here regarding the difference between a technical expert and an organizational leader. Use this time in your career to decide which you prefer, which you’re better at, and how you’d like to spend the rest of your career.

Enjoy the journey! In either outcome, you’ll look back fondly on your time as junior enlisted when you had the time to consider and pursue such grandiose courses of action.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 11:17 AM

2019-09-22T11:17:55-04:00

Big question: Are you wanting to do something in regards to your degree during your Army career? That was the question I was asked. Reason being is that although being an Officer has its own perks, they become a jack of all trades instead of focusing on their career fields a majority of the time. (My apologies to any Officers reading this. Purely observation from 16 years in). As a Warrant Officer you’re expected to be a subject matter expert from the start. As for ROTC, it’d definitely help you finish out your degree plan, but a warning to you that the medical field is generally full up. If you choose ROTC I wish you the best of luck getting the field you want. For Warrant, if need be find a way to cross train in the MOS close your degree, get MOS-Q, and drop the packet in.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 22 at 2019 12:32 PM

2019-09-22T12:32:03-04:00

What is your end state goal?
Are you looking at the medical field, research, engineering, etc?

I could see the following things happening:
ROTC: you get branched any of tthe ones you chose. I could see you being chemical if you put it anywhere in your top 6. The new "we can pick you" method is also coming on line. MTF.
WOC: you could get selected...then maybe not. You could burn time waiting for E5 SGT to apply. If you don't have enough of the right experience they may tell you to try again. Sit down with a warrant that is that branch and see what that entails. Especially with your resume.
Direct Commission: see if your degree and a desired career aligns with a direct commission. Especially a medical specialty.

RC or AD?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 22 at 2019 3:12 PM

2019-09-22T15:12:53-04:00

There is no mystique with either. The both have very distinct purposes and responsibilities. I recommend you do more research on each, speak with both and make a decision. Thank you for your service.

Response by CW4 Scott Kjendlie made Sep 23 at 2019 1:45 PM

2019-09-23T13:45:31-04:00

Sit down, take some time and figure out what you want your career to look like at the end. Consider the pros and cons of both career choices. It is a very important decision, as they are two opposite routes with equally fulfilling results. It ultimately comes down to you, but I will tell you the longer you wait on either choices will weigh heavily on the results of the future. Good luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2019 3:43 PM

2019-09-23T15:43:44-04:00

First question I would have is are you looking to go active or remain Guard/Reserve? If active, then really asses what you want to do and choose carefully. If staying in the Guard or Reserve go officer first, you can always resign your commission and go warrant after. I know several warrants that started enlisted, made it to 1LT, CPT or MAJ and then became warrants because of various reasons.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2019 6:53 AM

2019-09-25T06:53:12-04:00

Anytime you're able to get free college out of the military, I suggest taking it. Apply for Green to Gold and earn a scholarship to finish your degree and commission. During ROTC you compete for your branch and duty status (Active, reserve...). Also you can request a GRDSO where after your command time is complete you would be allowed to attend grad school for free.
There have been several officers in my branch that have reverted to Warrant but I have yet to meet a Warrant that has gone Officer. WO's tend to have a little more fun (depending on the branch) but if you're thinking about making a career, then I recommend going commissioned. Stronger resume, more leadership opportunities, and finances come with being an officer.