What is an in depth explanation of the AMEDD direct commission process?

2021-03-18T04:41:05-04:00

I am currently in the process of going through a direct commission with AMEDD. It has been an extremely long process. Would anyone be able to explain the entire process to me? My recruiter said that my packet has gone through pre-selection. What happens now? What time frame am I looking at?

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 18 at 2021 6:35 AM

2021-03-18T06:35:26-04:00

The short answer is the path to FedRec takes as long as it does. I know you probably want it to happen today, but sweating the details that are out of your hands isn't going to move things along. Just be patient and drive on until you hear different

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 8:07 AM

2021-03-18T08:07:23-04:00

Hurry up and wait. When does your board met? Just keep in contact with you recruiter every so often and if they call and need something, get it done ASAP. I was lucky to be in a position where I had a lot of leeway in my schedule and was able to get things done for my recruiter right when I got off the phone.

My process started in August with speaking to the recruiter. We were pedal to the metal until my packet was complete (including medical evaluation) in late September. Board met in November early and found I was selected in mid-November. Scroll came back late December and I signed my contract early January. In between those points seemed to last forever, almost like being in radio silence.

My board was shortly after the start of the fiscal year (1 October) and from what I’ve heard, things move a little faster then. Some of it seems to depend on your recruiting BN too. I’ve spoken to someone else who was selected at my board, from a different recruiting BN, and their scroll and signing happened a couple months after mine.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 10:02 AM

2021-03-18T10:02:31-04:00

I cosign the below comments. It’s a long process. Nothing like any civilian event you might have experienced so taje it as an indoctrination into the military. Hurry up and wait.
Instead of getting bogged down in irrelevancies that as pointed out, are out of your control, let me tell you what someone reminded me...
Lower your expectations. Realize this is the biggest bureaucracy in the world. The military does not deal in “individuals “. You are but a one in a sea of others. You’re being a professional and educated is awesome, but you are now going to be in the midst of those not so educated and experienced. The military is written for the latter folk. You will feel dumded down. You'll keep asking “why are they doing something so stupid or rudimentary“? You must humble yourself to the experience or you will drive yourself (and others) crazy. And remember, other than MEPS, where you might have been pushed to the head of the line as an officer candidate, that won’t happen again for a long time (if ever).
I went through what you and others went through. My buddy who I recruited is going through the same right now.
Good luck. It will be worth the wait. Just prepare for a culture change.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 18 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-03-18T11:52:50-04:00

It would help a lot if we knew what specialty you're direct commissioning into. Nurse Practitioner, Medical Management, Medical Doctor? Active duty, reserve, Guard? Prior service? Makes a difference.

Based on my daughter's experience with the Navy Reserve, she was a Nurse Practitioner with 10 years experience and prior service in the Air National Guard (ANG):
-process can take up to a year
-board of medical professionals in your area reviews application and qualifications to ensure you're legitimately qualified and licensed for the job you're applying for.
-board of medical professionals determines the MOS, rank, position, and accession date you'll be offered. They may offer you a variety of combinations depending on your education, experience, and prior service. For example if you're a licensed nurse practitioner, you could be offered a nurse practitioner position as an O-3 with a class start date 6 months in the future; or you could be offered a floor nurse position as an O-3 with a class start date in 30 days.
-the Navy medical direct commission school was 4 weeks. Necessary to pass entry physical and physical fitness tests. Daughter said it was easy compared to AF Basic Training.
-she received full credit for her 10+ years in the ANG and IRR toward retirement and for pay purposes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-03-18T14:27:05-04:00

Everyone on here has provided a great, detailed explanation of the process. I would add the following: 1- A commission is never given lightly, meaning the Senate has to confirm any appointments for officers in the US Military. In ROTC, West Point or OCS, this process happens seamlessly. A direct commission takes longer because you are exempt from some of the process. 2- depending on your Area of Concentration (AOC- Job) your selection board may only meet once a year. That can add to the process. 3- Background investigations and security clearances also add to the timeline. Every officer must be qualified for an possess a SECRET clearance. So we are talking about a minimum of three separate government agencies involved in your accession. I say again, you are “Accessing” into the Army. That’s no small process. Patience is key, remain in communication with your recruiter and stay motivated. It will all be worth it once you commission. Good luck.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Mar 18 at 2021 3:31 PM

2021-03-18T15:31:02-04:00

As someone that DC in AMEDD now 5 years ago. I remember bits of this.

Well the process is simple. Your packet is complete and your recruiter has submitted it for the board to review. The "Pre-selection" stage simply means that your packet is probably going through all the Q&A and then it will be submitted to the board for actual selection.

If I was you, I would ask your recruiter when is the board convening for selection.
Once you know the date of the board you can work your timeline in this way:

1-2 months after the board meets the results are posted with who got selected. If you get selected your recruiter will inform you your selection and if you want to take the appointment.

If your answer is yes, then HRC kicks off the process to continue the appointment to congress in what they call a scroll. Your name and all the others that have opted to commission will be on this scroll and congress then needs to sign off on it. Once signed off then it will come back down the pipeline and entered via HRC. Once you have been cleared by HRC you now have to take the oath of office which usually most take it at the recruiters station.

The recruiter will process the DA71 at that time then HRC will cut orders for your appointment and also your orders of your first assignment (If you are reserves they will tell you which reserve unit you will go to. if Active, they will tell you your duty station and to report to DCC followed by BOLC in which another oath of office as an active duty officer is done)

Response by CPT Keith Celebrezze made Mar 25 at 2021 12:17 PM

2021-03-25T12:17:46-04:00

I would call the recruiter and ask where he's getting his checklist. Get it from the source, so the info is best.

Hurrying up to wait is a much better strategy when you're collecting some remuneration. Haha

Good luck.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 8:22 PM

2021-11-11T20:22:06-05:00

of all the boards on DC nobody mentions the medical examination and SSBI investigation.