What do I need to do to ensure I branch Med Services?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:01:55 -0400

I am an ROTC cadet looking to commission in 2020. I want to branch Med Services but stay in the Guard. I am currently getting a degree in Health and Exercise Science but looking to switch to Health Information Management. What do I need to do in the next two years to make sure I get Med Services as my branch?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 12:40 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:40:25 -0400

It is never guaranteed that you will get a certain branch. Get in contact with your state Officer Strength Manager or the Specialty Branch Recruiter. MSC is kind of a different branching process like aviation. It also comes down to how many medical units they have in your state. You most likely won’t stay in the same unit you are enlisted in once you commission. My advice, get in contact with your ARNG recruiting section (your recruiter should be able to help you out getting these contacts) because the earlier you get your name known, the more likely the brigade will be to scoop you up when it comes to the branching board during your senior year.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 12:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:43:58 -0400

This is easy.
Find a guard unit that wants you and has a slot for you.

The Battalion Comander signs a memo and BAM. Your branch is locked in.

Carry on

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 12:44 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:44:57 -0400

I am an SMP cadet as well, will that make it easier for me?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 3:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:39:30 -0400

Get a degree that specifically branches medical: nursing, pharmacy, OT, PT, PA, dietary, etc.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 5 at 2018 6:42 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 18:42:57 -0400

Each state will be different based on the MSC slots available for when you will graduate/commission. If I were you, I would actually look at the Army Reserve as they have a lot more medical units and thus, more MSC slots. MSC is very competitive across all components. Grades and APFT score will be big parts of that but also your performance at Advanced Camp and other things you do as a cadet. Also, if you are in the Guard already, you need to perform at a high standard as a Soldier and SMP cadet. Good luck

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2018 12:59 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 00:59:54 -0400

do like the major Said. start doing research on units. figure out what state you want your unit to be in and start getting in contact with those units. as an active duty member, I have no say so in what branch they put me in. they choose for me but as national guard and reserve, you have to find a unit that needs a lieutenant.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Oct 13 at 2018 9:45 AM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 09:45:25 -0400

How important is staying in the Guard versus Army Reserve?
I'm just thinking about the rule of thumb that the Guard has all the pointy-end-of-stick (or glamorous) units, while the service and support units are part of the Army Reserve.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2018 9:34 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:34:19 -0400

If you go into the guard or reserve you can pretty much branch whatever you want. Big army doesn't decide for you. It's been mentioned before but you choose what branch you want, find a unit that has an opening, have your HRA fill out the necessary paperwork, and you got it. I personally chose USAR over Guard because it's easier to move between states than with guard but that's completely a personal choice.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Nov 6 at 2018 12:20 AM

LTC James McElreath — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 00:20:00 -0500

I do believe that you are doing all you can do at this point and that is keep you grades up. If uncle is looking for AMED officers when you put in for selection, you should have a good chance to get it. I am not familiar with the Guard, but you may face a point in time where there is no upward mobility once you reach higher rank. But do research this for yourself so that you are better informed. Major Jason Miller stated good advice to follow, and that is get in a unit and then see what is what out there.