Posted on Sep 2, 2018
PFC D B
27.9K
122
62
30
30
0
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.
Avatar feed
Responses: 48
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
1st Lt Meghan Anderson
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CW3 Air Ambulance Pilot
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Cannon Crew Member
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MSG Orvil Skiles
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CPT Signal Officer
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Andy Liebeknecht
0
0
0
Recruiter's get credit for enlistments not commissioning.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Andy Liebeknecht
0
0
0
Recruiters get credit for enlistments not commissioning.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Steven Depuy
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SrA James Cannon
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Charlie Jones
0
0
0
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.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.