What is the average wait time for processing applications?

2021-08-31T23:19:34-04:00

I've seen conflicting information, 1-2 years depending on branch.

I'm in the process of completing my Master's degree. Should I start my application now or wait until after to apply?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 11:26 PM

2021-08-31T23:26:51-04:00

@(anonymous) Ask a recruiter.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 11:35 PM

2021-08-31T23:35:02-04:00

When I started the process, they says it could take that long, depending on waivers needed.

What are you containing as? Some fields require a license that takes a couple year's to get after you graduate.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 12:27 AM

2021-09-01T00:27:23-04:00

Have you talked to a Recruiter who has the best information?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 1 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-09-01T08:00:00-04:00

What are you trying to do? Enlist, Direct Commission, become an Officer? What Branch, there are different rules in each service and different methods of commissioning. A masters degree in certain technical fields can be direct commissioned, depending on the needs of the services.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Sep 1 at 2021 12:35 PM

2021-09-01T12:35:36-04:00

Start now on your application. Depending on your branch of choice its easily a year.

I went through a 5 year application process but thats a long story :)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-09-01T14:19:41-04:00

If you have less than a year left for your Master's degree I'd say you are good to apply now.

Think in terms of Fiscal years. There is usually a process designated for each branch to go through a direct commission selection process, and that is usually once a year. Then next is going to be the "timing" of that process. The only ones that would feel like the process was fast were those that put a packet together at the last minute.

If everything goes smoothly I'm confident in saying it wont be more than one fiscal year. Where things end up taking longer are push back in the process that drag out a candidates process on an individual basis.

If things carry over multiple fiscal years then odds are a packet had to be resubmitted in which case I wouldn't count that as a multiple year process. I would count that as a lesson learned experience for the next year.

I failed to get selected my first time. I was selected my second attempt. So, bear in mind, when I submitted my second packet all I needed were updated Letters of Recommendations and my current fitness score card. So I literally submitted a packet at the front end of the process in which I was selected.

1) Packet submitted DEC-2013
2) Notified of selection SEP-2014

From start to finish I was selected for commissioning in the Fiscal year of 13/14

So from the army's point of view it was done inside 9 months in a single fiscal year.

The catch was I had to complete a commissioning medical exam on my own. I was given 6 months to complete that task. Going back and forth it literally took all 180 days, and on day 180 I finally got the e-mail ALL WAIVERS APPROVED. I then hauled ass to my unit and sworn in with the BN XO. THAT day was effectively my date of commission. But now It's MAY-2015.

So while I could have been commissioned in FY14 if my first pass medical exam checked all the boxes the process pushed me out to the next FY15.

From my point of view my first attempt was FY13
The army sees it as me being selected in FY14
I didn't get sworn in until FY15

*******
Now, the big deal about having not commissioned right after I was selected cost me an entire fiscal year, and spending time as a 1LT an extra year.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2021 7:22 AM

2021-09-13T07:22:49-04:00

It'll be months. Having said that, it depends on what you are applying for , which you did not mention. There will be specific guidance for whatever you are applying for. If you haven't already done so, check with your recruiter FIRST. A note on that; if you are applying for a special branch (all AMEDD, plus JAG and Chaplain) you need very specific information. I.e., confirm recruiter is telling you what they KNOW verses what they think. Get references and follow dirrections.