Which is the better route to transition from active duty enlisted to become a Reserve 70A, by OCS or through a Direct Commission?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:48:33 -0400

Hi all,

I have about 3 years remaining on my active duty contract (6 yr total, 68C LPN) and will be obtaining my BS in Healthcare Administration in roughly a year. I intend on leaving AD, but would like to transfer to Reserves/Guard and commission.

My question is what is the better route for MOS 70A and has anyone gone through the process. TIA.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 12:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:25:01 -0400

I just went through the direct commission process as NG enlisted to NG AMEDD officer as a 66P. I know there are some 70As that will be along to help you shortly, but I thought I would share my experience. First, make sure you have all the prerequisites to apply for a DC as a 70-series. Don't just settle for the bare minimum, because they are fairly competitive AOCs. You have 3 years to really build a solid package. Second, start working with the Reserve Specialty Branch/AMEDD recruiter early (like a year+ out). Even if they can't process anything for you immediately, they can get you a checklist to get all your ducks in a row, and they can evaluate your package and give you some recommendations to make it more competitive. Best of luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 1:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:02:54 -0400

Going to be hard, but not impossible. Since there have been restructuring quite a few 70 series have been separated from AD and pushed into the reserves. Guidance just came out late last fy that usarc was offering 70 series officers opportunities to rebranch. Seems it may be overstrength esp. since the rotc kids can auto commission as 70 series before they go to med school. Best of luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 1:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:15:28 -0400

Sadly, there are literally no vacancies for 70A. My data is a month old but last month there were ZERO vacancies in the entirety of the USAR nation wide.

I would look into 70H and 70K.

I can only interject from the aspect of a "direct commission". You need to play the numbers. The vacancy you go after has to remain OPEN the entirety of the process, and at the END of the process you have to resubmit the vacancy memo from the accepting commander. During that time when you submit your packet till the end at selection if the vacancy becomes occupied you're screwed.

I personally think you have an uphill battle.

I personally burned up a lot of time going after a low vacancy path to only be rejected, and have to start over again once I learned the numbers game. Find a MOS/Branch you can make a case for given your background then SECURE THE COMMISSION.

Once commissioned you will be in a position to change Branch and Specialization after the fact. In the USAR changing branches isn't that hard.

I wanted Military Intel (only 12 vacancies in my state), got rejected, then tried again as Quartermaster (200+ vacancies in my state). Now, I am in a position to go back into Intel by only needing the transition course. CPT vacancies start opening up when folks end their initial obligation just as they get promoted. Basically, I'll get to CPT as a QM, then take the Intel transition course and once a CPT could simple be double or triple slotted anywhere.

BUT YOU NEED TO SECURE THE COMMISSION, they wont double slot you to give you a commission in an over strength MOS/Branch.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 4:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 16:15:44 -0400

If you go the Reserve and meet all the pre-requisites you can still qualify for a direct commission. Not sure on the Guard side, you should talk to an AMEDD recruiter and see what the options are for NG or Reserve duty positions. https://www.goarmy.com/amedd.html/

I know that on the Guard side, they always need medical folks and each state runs their own OCS program, and you can do it accelerated in about 6-8 weeks or do the traditional way that takes about 14-15 months (1 weekend a month phase 2 & 2 separate AT cycles for phase 1 & 3).

On the Reserve side, there are many Medical units that need folks, the AMEDD recruiting people would be able to give you a list of vacancies.

In the future f you ever want to go from reserve to active duty, it might be easier on the Reserve side to get released. Getting released from the Guard is more difficult, but can be done. But your 368 form must be approved by your BN CDR all the way up to the State Adjutant Generals office which could take 3-6 months or more.

amedd.html