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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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