What would be your advice if my recruiter is recommending I re-enlist instead of pursuing a commission?

PFC D B — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 15:45:00 -0400

I am currently looking at joining the Army National Guard. I have been out of the Army Reserves since 2004. I am interested in commissioning but the recruiter wants me to re-enlist at my old MOS as a 92G. He thinks it would be better to do a one year contract and then drop an OCS packet after I am in a unit. If I am picked up for OCS I would sign a new contract, if not he says I will then have an out if I wanted to take it. During my time out I went to school and got my bachelors and masters. I have been working as an HR Director/Associate Hospital Administrator. I had questions about direct Commission into the AMEDD, but he didn’t address that question much. As a side note I hope to start law school in the fall.

I also would want to change my MOS if I had to re-enlist. Would that process be difficult? Right now he says sticking with 92G is the most simple and straight forward route to get me back in.

I wanted to get some thoughts on this process he has laid out for me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 3:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 15:50:47 -0400

You can enlist as an O9S (OCS cadet) and in 18 months (traditional route) you will obtain a commission. You can compete for accelerated, which is much shorter in duration, but will need to start in zero phase. Do not let a recruiter tell you this is not an option unless you do not meet the prerequisites/eligibility requirements, e.g., GT score of 110.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Sep 2 at 2018 3:51 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 15:51:23 -0400

I would look for an amedd recruiter and not use a regular recruiter if you want to try to get dcs slot. Especially if you want to branch MSC if you are looking for something else then I would look at the law school route and become jagg.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 4:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 16:22:14 -0400

It sounds like he needs a credit now and doesn't want to risk losing you

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 2 at 2018 4:27 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 16:27:03 -0400

If it were I, Private First Class Blackwell: I would opt for the Commission.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 2 at 2018 4:57 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 16:57:22 -0400

Hospital Administrator is in the AMEDD DC program for MSC. Take the advice of the others and contact an AMEDD recruiter.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 2 at 2018 5:35 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 17:35:29 -0400

There are not a lot of mechanisms for direct commissions. His advice is not bad, just different than you thoughts. Identify your options and go with it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2018 6:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:54:04 -0400

What does "If I am picked up for OCS I would sign a new contract, if not he says I will then have an out if I wanted to take it"?

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Sep 2 at 2018 6:58 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:58:03 -0400

Ok sounds like you got a lot going on?

1. Have you been accepted into Law school yet?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:35 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:35:22 -0400

http://www.usphs.gov

First, you don't need to go Army...I'm not saying it's bad, merely unnecessary...you could try for Navy of USAF, certainly, however, I'm gonna offer you an alternate, one I'd have done and spared myself infinite grief, had I known I could go that way to start with...call [login to see] , and ask the USPHS Commissioned Corps recruiters about going health info mgmt (HIM)...there's a whole page on it, leadership, everything, you don't need to go into a regular svc at tour level, there's no necessity for it...they use engineers, as well as IT, and allied health, not solely physicians, dentists or nurses...explain more, elaborate, I'll try to suggest other paths...if you go enlisted again, you're just possibly gonna get sidetracked, not that it would happen, it just could, let alone all the OCS packet dropping nonsense...if you're bound and determined to go regular svc, one of the main three, I don't know if USCH uses HIM, I do know USCG uses USPHS for all other than PAs, they have their own of those, then go to a clinical recruiter directly for direct commission, and do it Tue right way...you were prior enlisted...had I been also, I'd have been far more prepared to function as commissioned, you could also try for warrant, though for clinical admin I'm unsure how warrants are done in the main three svcs...however, the beautiful thin about USPHS is that you can go into being with the regular svcs, they need psych related, there's a formal agreement for psych clinicians between USPHS and the main three svcs, or you could go into Indian Health Svc (IHS), Natl Library of Medicine (NLM), and try for one of their fellowships, or try to go on for your PhD or equivalent doctoral in comp sci (CS) or IT...look at the USPHS Jr and Sr COSTEP, the USPHS analogue to ROTC, and seriously consider gettingyour PhD first before you go back in...I've read ROTCmcan be used for grad school, however, USPHS commissioning age limit is normally 44, far higher than the main three svcs...also, elaborate on your specific courses, actual titles, not just majors or generalities, so I and others can suggest other possibilities, including actual grades and GPAs...have you also had any clinical exposure thus far? If so, where? Doing what? What level? For how long? Did you supervise at all? Have you had full training in ICD and CPT coding and climical insurance practices and processing, as well as HIPAA and regulations? Are you certified in IT at all? If so, which certifcations? What organizations? Did you do any externships and/or internships in HIM at all? The more you relate, the Kore wemcam all suggest...I understand what you're neingtold, however, with a Bach and masters done, if you want what you say, trust me and call USPHS, it'd be one of the smartest things you could possibly do, I assure you...I'd wanted to be on the clinical side whole in, I was Army ROTC, then USAF OTS...I did it all wrong, and totally bllixed it up, winding up on the line side, not the clinical side, in the wrong place, with the wrong people, for all the wrong reasons...I eventually or my clinical!allied jealt doctorate, howegfer I'd wanted research, not day to day patient care, plus, I didn't go dental or med as I could have, and, I got ill whole in my last year of residency to top it all off...I trained in 10 different teaching hospitals in three different states, we shut my license of segp yrs ago due to my disability, I've been trying to volunteer to assist with clinical research ever since, or o back for a PhD or, if the rules mihtmever allow it, as my disability constraints are quite strict, medicine, though I don't know if I'd ever be allowed...let !e guide you, and show you alternatives you wouldn't have typically considered, learm from my mistakes, so you don't wind up sidetracked, OK? No rush, of you want to chat further, I'm here, send more, I'd n most eager to hear your elaboration and try to help, honest, OK?

www.usphs.gov

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:36 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:36:57 -0400

I saw the HR aspect pure working in for Hosp admim...I'd !issued that at first...trust !e, let me try to guide you, don't rush tyhisz take your time, research or properly, and I honestly think I can help you, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:37 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:37:26 -0400

Sorry typo don't rush this take our time, and let !e try to guide you, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:46 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:46:06 -0400

https://www.usphs.gov/profession/healthservices/healthinformation/

Trust me, I saw you also want law, which I'd get before you go back in, unless you're funded, however, trust me, look at this very, very carefully...I'm assuming you want healthcare law? If not, what specific law area...try to be as explicit and detailed as possible, the more specific you arez the more I might be able to help, in doing this the devil is in the details, OK? Give me specifics...do a really thorough detailed biosketch in yourselfz hobbies imterests, research, reading...I never got to publish, though I tried andmgt got close, of you have, on what? Did you do an actual published or publishable thesis? Law would be qiie good for you, however, it'd depend on precisely what legal area you'd want....for clinical admin, trust me, the best area I can suggest, honest, is administrative law, in all seriousness...you can do healthcare law as well, obviously, however, I'd need to know the range and breadth of your explicit interests in as detailed a fashion as possible, OK?

Health Information Management Jobs at USPHS Commissioned Corps

USPHS careers: health information management.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:48 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:48:44 -0400

Also, look up AFIT and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), as well as the Uniformed Svcs Univ of Health Sci (USUHS) PhD programs, USUHS is a tenant at Bethesda Naval Med Ctr near NIH...look up also the Natl Library of Med (NLM) fellowships in HIM through NIH as well, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:50 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:50:42 -0400

And I understand what you're being told, it's obv your choice...however, you really should call AMEDD recruiters directly, or equiv clinical recruiters for Navy and USAF, as well, and explain about tour paw interests, as well as USPHS, in my view, honest....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:57 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:57:21 -0400

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

You can look at this, however, it doesn't cover USPHS, plus, being at your pegelz yoi really should try for OIS, for direct commission, which is how USapHS would handle you, if you could get tjem to take you, though I've never known, though often wondered, whether they'd fund a paw stdemt under COSTEP, esp for healthcare law though you could of course ask...I'd most definitely call JAG recruiters as well, directly in the main svcs, incl US!C, and directly ask them, your chances of getting funded, and being assigned to the clinical side, if that's where yud want to be, as opposed to some other JAG or area defense counsel (ADC) usage...if out don't ask, you won't know, and can't get, possibly, OK? That's why I'm saying don't rush it...you've got more than enough educ with work background, o think you could explicitly say to officer recruiters what you directly want to be, and not need to try to segueway from the enlisted side again, honest....

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 2 at 2018 8:59 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:59:27 -0400

Trust !e, o don't know about everything, however, I've seen a god deal, esp what can g wrong NY acting impulsively and in needless haste...take your to!e, don't rush this, and do it right, OK? Give me more, and I'll try to suggest more, OK?

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made Sep 2 at 2018 10:00 PM

SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:00:32 -0400

While I applaud your continued education you are neglecting to hear that 'if you are picked up for OCS'. Education or no there are no guarantees in life. You are trying to jump into the fire with both feet and after 14 years. Maybe that's what he is seeing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 6:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 18:55:07 -0400

"Right now he says sticking with 92G is the most simple and straight forward route to get me back in."

You're probably right. Going back into your old MOS is most likely going to the easiest path for your recruiter, however it doesn't sound like the best path for you in my opinion. You very well might be able to rejoin an as EM, then later commission as an MSC officer, but direct commissioning seems like a much more direct route. Direct commissions generally require a pretty specific list of requirements, especially if you aren't a clinician. The only way to know for sure is to talk to someone who specializes in this type of recruiting. Get as much information as possible before making a decision. Bottom line, do what's best for YOU, not your recruiter.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2018 12:08 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 00:08:07 -0400

Find an armed recruiter, regular recruiters know very little about the med side. If you direct commission as a reserve medical officer bonuses and Bolc are way better.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Sep 4 at 2018 9:01 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 09:01:58 -0400

1. It’s much better to work from within the system. So as a DA HR Senior Personnel Guru I agree with Recruiter.
2. What Branch are you seeking? As chances of AMEDD are not favorable if you are not already an AMEDD Soldier.
3. Without MOS Qualifucation what makes you think the Army wants to invest in you???
4. Therefore the recruiter and 92Golf is the way to go

Does that open your eyes up my fellow Soldier? Direct Appointment is a no go unless you are a Chaplain, Lawyer or Medical professional. Seek assistance beyond the recruiter and contact a RTD NCO at the AMEDD command for advice and assistance .

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Sep 4 at 2018 10:07 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 10:07:58 -0400

Follow what your recruiter says after contacting the Senior Army Reserve Retention NCO at the local Medical Command. Okay!!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2018 10:58 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 10:58:35 -0400

For ocs you would have to enlist for longer than duration of the course. I would say just re-enlist as an 09S instead of your prior mos.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2018 5:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 17:14:44 -0400

You need to speak to an Army Medical Department Recruiter. Go to the Goarmy.com page and pull up the Healthcare section. You'd be looking at 70B or 70A. I was a direct commission from enlisted and this is the only way to get the information you need if you want to work in the area for which you are qualified (MHA/MPA/MBA). The National Guard recruiter has quotas to fill and you will be very unlikely to obtain a 70B slot through a state OCS program.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2018 6:30 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:30:02 -0400

RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN and find a recruiter willing to help you meet your goals. I was told when I came back in after 7 years out that a particular job was not available and since at the time I was a restaurant manager I should come back in as a COOK! I said no thanks and told him I was leaving...the point is, you have to stand by what you want your goals to be assuming you qualify to be an officer. No one else has your best interest like you do. Stick to that.

Response by CPT Robert Scroggins made Sep 6 at 2018 2:08 PM

CPT Robert Scroggins — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 14:08:12 -0400

Get your commission. If you can do it without a break in service, then do so. I was in the middle of an enlistment when I got mine

Response by COL Bill Stoltzfus made Sep 7 at 2018 1:11 PM

COL Bill Stoltzfus — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 13:11:21 -0400

You don’t mention your age, but you must be commissioned before age 40. In my experience, an AMEDD commissioning process is quite lengthy 12-24 months for some officers with whom I served. I am not sure of the other Corps commission processes and times. Be sure to start any commission process ASAP so you don’t time out.

Response by COL Dan O'Rourke made Sep 7 at 2018 8:43 PM

COL Dan O'Rourke — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 20:43:37 -0400

Really depends on what MOS you want to pursue. If you’re already planning on going to law school, look into getting USAR or ARNG to pay for law school and commission after. Either way I suggest calling your states guard officer personnel office and ask for guidance as to yr best route. You need to determine best course and don’t let anyone talk you into something- research all options, lay it all out out and determine best option. Consider other MOSs as well. Maybe u want to consider an MOD outside of yr civilian expertise. Look at OCS - federal and state and direct commission. Again get the info and then decide.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 11:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 23:19:39 -0400

Pursue the commission. I am currently working as a Recruiter. A lot of times Recruiters will tell applicants to enlist because, 1. It's an easier contract to write and quicker or 2. They legitimately don't know how to process an OCS applicant. It's not hard but it is time consuming and they don't teach it at the Army Recruiting Course, at least not when I went through in 2015, this means the Recruiter has to learn it from someone in his station or figure it out on his own making it more time consuming. I personally didn't learn how to do it until 2.5 years into my current assignment.

Response by SFC Richard Garmong made Sep 15 at 2018 6:32 PM

SFC Richard Garmong — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:32:47 -0400

I would take time to meet with Medical recruiting officers from all components of the Army as well as the Air Force and Navy. Your re-enlisting as a cook would be easier for your recruiter and it is a consistent shortage MOS. Your skills and education have advanced beyond your prior service.

Response by SFC Gerald Gatlin made Sep 16 at 2018 4:06 PM

SFC Gerald Gatlin — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 16:06:02 -0400

Recruitment is complicated. Any NG works differently than RA or USAR. The Army has AMEDD recruiters, but when I was in, these were for RA and USAR not NG. If your goal is law school, what benefits you the most? Sounds like you just need to slow down and get some more information.

Response by MGySgt Jerry Suarez made Sep 17 at 2018 1:43 AM

MGySgt Jerry Suarez — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 01:43:26 -0400

Speak to a professional recruiter that specializes in Direct Commissions for lawyers, Doctors, etc. Do your research via the internet as well. If you want a commission in your specialty follow that dream. As for the recruiter needing credit dont believe that BS alot of times recruiters are young and on their second enlistement so they dont have much experience or knowledge. Lastly not sure if this is an option but talk to a career planner if able. Good luck!

Response by CPT Chuck Flint made Sep 23 at 2018 7:27 PM

CPT Chuck Flint — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 19:27:15 -0400

PFC D B: I am a proud OCS graduate of class 1-90. I would not enlist and wait a year to "drop an OCS packet." Granted, if you are looking at joining the Guard, I understand there are different regs in place. But too many things, like "life" can happen and you may NEVER get an OCS packet in and attend. The recruiter, God love him, has a mission to make and while he may seem to have your best interests in mind, he might be looking at you as a soldier he needs to make mission. I'll add this. I am retired Army and currently work in Admissions at a private, 4 year university that also has a law school. If you have Law School in mind, it seems like you haven't really decided on what you want to do and when you want to do it. Please don't take that as an hit on you. I applaud you for finishing your bachelors and masters degrees. Education is great but getting into OCS and law school is going to be tough to manage. Thank you for your service. Go Army!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 2 at 2018 9:15 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 21:15:04 -0400

Take original MOS as if you went to another you would not be MOSQ. I would recommend you talk to the Army Reserve before doing anything. The ARNG has a tendency to talk the talk but maybe not walk the walk. The Army Reserve Retentuon NCO would set you straight. Going to the ARNG and their weekend warrior OCS is a two year course. The ARNG has a tendency also to commission to many officers and then dump them in the IRR without OBC. Check our all options my friend. Ok.

Hooah

Response by CW4 Steven Bowyer made Oct 3 at 2018 11:38 AM

CW4 Steven Bowyer — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 11:38:37 -0400

BS or BA, Masters, Law School and Army Natl Guard. What do you want to be? Sounds like you are pretty busy and doing all of the college and want to be a commissioned officer in the Army (which will require OCS if you don't attend two years of Advanced ROTC, usually taken in the Junior and Senior year of college) and that means time from studies if you want to do well in Law School. Does the Law School you are attending offer ROTC in its curriculum? As a graduate student I don't know if ROTC is offered. If you are an officer in any unit it will mean dedication of time other than a drill weekend every month and two weeks AT. I attended Purdue University, was in ROTC and the SMP as a member of the USAR. I had to miss classes or reschedule AT. With your goals and as an officer you want to be with your unit, I would say skip it all until you achieve your scholastic and educational goals. Then apply for a commission in the JAG. Sound more rewarding than a Medical Branch administrator. That's just me. But, no matter your decision of career choice, I strongly recommend completing your degree(s) before commissioning, unless in a SMP (I don't know if they offer that program anymore). If you can do ROTC in your choice of Law School (probably not), then there is a route. If you need the Guard benefits, then.... And you can always apply for OCS and don't forget to look at age limits. Think education and then career in earnest. Check all of the facts and then tell the recruiter what you want to do. I am sure there are programs in the Guard that I am not aware of, but that makes my point. Due diligence in making yourself aware of all facts, requirements, waivers, limits and then proceed as you desire your life to progress.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 4:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:28:31 -0400

PFC D B,
I served 10 yrs as enlisted/NCO, prior to my commission. Based on your scenario I would recommend the following 2 COAs for you. 1. Enlist directly into O9S (OCS cadet) and request the 501 Accelerated NG OCS, this option normally starts in January with a ship out date at the end of May and you graduate and commission in August same year. (7-8 Months). This option is will give you the opportunity to understand Army Business from the officer perspective and get paid and earn retirement time while doing it. 2. Go to law school, pass the bar exam and applied directly to JAG, you will come in as a CPT into the JAG corps. But you will miss out on the opportunity to be a platoon leader, XO and Co Cdr. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do!

Response by CPO Alan Carter made Oct 14 at 2018 3:25 PM

CPO Alan Carter — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 15:25:21 -0400

Submit your officer package across all branches don’t limit yourself. You have a few things to consider when coming back in is mainly are you within or close to the age limit that alone would make since as to why you are being advised to re-enlist 1st. Also you will need command endorsement if re-enlist so that could be problematic. If no restrictions or deadlines are going to be an issue just submit your officer package.

Response by SFC Charlie Jones made Oct 15 at 2018 10:47 PM

SFC Charlie Jones — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 22:47:01 -0400

As a former recruiter, he needs a number and you are it.
With your degrees he should be talking to you about OCS and maybe referring you to the AMEDD recruiter.
If you sign as a a 92G, you will be a 92G. You don't get an out because you didn't get picked up for OCS. If it isn't in the contract, OCS Option, you dont get to just walk. You still have to fulfill the rest of the contract.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Oct 22 at 2018 9:16 AM

SrA James Cannon — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 09:16:58 -0400

I'd try the commissioning route first. If you don't get accepted, then re-evaluate. You may then need to reenlist and try to get into OCS that way.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 25 at 2018 7:17 AM

SPC Steven Depuy — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 07:17:51 -0400

Recruiters have quoto's they have to meet, you getting a commission does not help meet that. While he might be giving you honest advice, my personal experience with recruiters was they lie to get whats good for them, and when my son went in, his experience was no better. So for me personally, how do you know when a recruiter is lying, his or her lips are moving has been my experience.

Response by LTC Andy Liebeknecht made Oct 30 at 2018 10:00 AM

LTC Andy Liebeknecht — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:00:47 -0400

Recruiters get credit for enlistments not commissioning.

Response by LTC Andy Liebeknecht made Oct 30 at 2018 10:01 AM

LTC Andy Liebeknecht — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:01:31 -0400

Recruiter's get credit for enlistments not commissioning.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2018 12:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:33:18 -0400

Is this a NG recruiter? AMEDD have their own recruiters- they are competition so he wouldn't address your direct commissioning question.

I don't see how you could re-enlist if you got out in '04- even you IRR time should be up by now. As others have said, you can enlist as an OCS candidate, but a lot of recruiters don't like dealing with that because the packets take a lot more time and effort than a normal enlistment. If that is what you want- you have to tell them- don't let them hard sell you on anything else unless you outright don't qaulify. If they won't help you I guarantee another station in the area will.

Response by MSG Orvil Skiles made Oct 30 at 2018 3:41 PM

MSG Orvil Skiles — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:41:22 -0400

As a former recruiter and up front I know things have changed since I was out on the "bricks", but what specialty/are you looking to go into in the Medical field? I would think with a Masters Degree you should pursue a direct commission as long as you qualified in what you are wanting to do in the medical field. Most States have an AMEDD recruiter I think you should talk with him. I know everyone is trying to make quota but a Recruiter needs to think about what is best for military and for the individual soldier.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2018 9:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 09:02:24 -0400

Do not let someone else determine what is good for your career. I you wish to become an officer by all means pursue that. take advice from others but ultimately it is your decision.

Good Luck.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 6:22 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 06:22:51 -0500

That Recruiter has his own mission.
The words "best for the Service Member" are found nowhere in that mission.
Make your own choice, then you inform the Recruiter of which course you will be pursuing.

Response by 1st Lt Meghan Anderson made Nov 25 at 2018 12:45 PM

1st Lt Meghan Anderson — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 12:45:23 -0500

A couple of things - right now not many OCS packets are being picked up - all branches are extremely top heavy and I’ve seen several excellent candidates getting passed over both enlisted trying to commission and straight commissioning candidates. Second, sometimes if your current MOS is critical manned you aren’t moving anywhere - so you could be stuck there for a while or forever. I would say if you’re intent on going in as a Commissioned Officer find a recruiter who works with OCS recruits (they used to have ones who specialized) and pursue that route. If you just want back in and are willing to take the chance that you may stay in the enlisted ranks then follow the advice of the recruiter. I would also look at your age, and how much time you have before you’re no longer eligible to be selected.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Apr 7 at 2020 9:49 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:49:42 -0400

Please keep in mind that the fastest credit for an Army Recruiter is to put you in a unit in previous MOS. That being said the recruiter is more interested in making monthly mission than satisfying the needs wants and desires of ‘you’ the applicant. Seek what you want and apply yourself to getting it. It’s you not the recruiter that will have to live with the outcome. I hope you understand what I’m saying DB

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Apr 19 at 2020 11:16 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:16:11 -0400

That’s because the recruiter would get ‘quick credit’ instead of go through the commissioning process. Selfish on the recruiters part!!

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made May 30 at 2022 9:18 PM

SSG Bob Robertson — Mon, 30 May 2022 21:18:34 -0400

As a former recruiter the selection the process is terribly slow and beuracratic. It is actually better to get in and start the process. I did one and it took 1 1/2 years in which time she hot pregnant. All a waste.