Posted on May 21, 2021
Which should I pursue, becoming an Army Officer or a Naval Officer?
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Preface: I am currently serving as an 11B in the US Army and am new to my unit. After some introductions, the overwhelming majority of NCOs are encouraging me to submit an OCS Packet. Telling me to “go to the education center as soon as you can and get the process going.” I considered going commission when I initially joined, but didn’t. However, being told as many times as I have already, not that I’m anything special they just said I need to, is worth inquiring further. I have more questions, but these are the primary ones. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post.
Question(s):
1. What is life like as an Army Officer?What is life like as a Naval Officer?
2. How does either branch determine what MOS / Billet? (Recruiters and other online forums have been inconsistent in my research)
3. I plan on serving until I get kicked out for being too old. Which branch do you believe is best for a long career and why? (This one is entirely subjective and is more so a quality of life inquiry)
Ideally, for either branch, the top 3 Fields I would be aiming for is:
1. Intelligence
2. Aviation
3. Engineering/Tech/Science
Background: Currently serving as an 11B with the 25th ID. I am an E-4 out of OSUT. 25 years old. 94 on the ASVAB, lowest line score was 125. I’ve got a B.A. in Psychology and 2 Associates degrees.
Note: Being in the Army does not prevent me from applying to Navy OCS. DD368 would serve as the proper paperwork for Inter-service Transfer.
Question(s):
1. What is life like as an Army Officer?What is life like as a Naval Officer?
2. How does either branch determine what MOS / Billet? (Recruiters and other online forums have been inconsistent in my research)
3. I plan on serving until I get kicked out for being too old. Which branch do you believe is best for a long career and why? (This one is entirely subjective and is more so a quality of life inquiry)
Ideally, for either branch, the top 3 Fields I would be aiming for is:
1. Intelligence
2. Aviation
3. Engineering/Tech/Science
Background: Currently serving as an 11B with the 25th ID. I am an E-4 out of OSUT. 25 years old. 94 on the ASVAB, lowest line score was 125. I’ve got a B.A. in Psychology and 2 Associates degrees.
Note: Being in the Army does not prevent me from applying to Navy OCS. DD368 would serve as the proper paperwork for Inter-service Transfer.
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Navy)
Intelligence
Aviation
Military Life
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Navy) Intelligence Aviation Military Life
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Being in the Army actually does prevent you from joining the Navy. A DD368 is not a magical document that authorizes you to leave. Established programs allow you to leave. For instance the Space Force call to fill spots. If the Army has an established program with the Navy to support their OCS then the 368 is used to establish that your command supports your participation in the program. I am not aware of the Army supporting Navy OCS program. No matter what any recruiter tells you, a DD368 does not constitute an Inter Service Transfer, it's a common misconception
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1LT (Join to see)
Sgt,
From what I was able to read regarding DD368, it is only applicable if someone is accepted to the OCS. This is in conjuection with the Army having the Blue to Green Program with the Navy and subsequently the inverse, just not stated as clearly as the Army. I will try and find the information and the notes I wrote on it and share.
From what I was able to read regarding DD368, it is only applicable if someone is accepted to the OCS. This is in conjuection with the Army having the Blue to Green Program with the Navy and subsequently the inverse, just not stated as clearly as the Army. I will try and find the information and the notes I wrote on it and share.
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SFC (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) the blue to green program was a program to let people out of other services and into the Army. Not the other way around. This is not the first time this has popped up, this question pops up on here all the time. Bottom line is if you want to join Navy OCS you will have to finish your Army contract
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1LT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see)
Understood Sgt. Even at this point, early in my contract, research and getting more information still does not hurt. Thank you for the information Sgt.
Understood Sgt. Even at this point, early in my contract, research and getting more information still does not hurt. Thank you for the information Sgt.
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You’ll have to do an Army OCS packet or wait till your ETS for other Services. It’s a plus that your leadership thinks you should apply for OCS because they could block or slow your packet.
Q1. Army officers have a greater level of responsibility than NCOs. They operate at the middle to upper management levels. Longer range thinking and planning are necessary. Also handling a wider range of problems than most NCOs. Branch determines much of your career path. Also Officers are part of an up-or-out system. Two passes and you are probably gone. This engenders competition for schools, commands, staff positions—almost everything that matters.
Q2. Not sure for the Army. Generally the needs of the Service trump all other considerations. Passing flight physical necessary for aviation. Getting a security clearance necessary for almost all officer positions.
Q3. Earn your chops in combat arms then move to a branch that’s not as hard on your body as you get older. Start working toward headquarters jobs as you make major. Continuous promotions are the key to a long career. Every Army colonel I worked with had completed an advanced degree, served at GO level HQs, many went to Army War College, most had a successful Battalion Command as an O5.
For additional insights, read the official bio of several GOs. Current GOs and recently retired. Should be on theArmyweb page.
Q1. Army officers have a greater level of responsibility than NCOs. They operate at the middle to upper management levels. Longer range thinking and planning are necessary. Also handling a wider range of problems than most NCOs. Branch determines much of your career path. Also Officers are part of an up-or-out system. Two passes and you are probably gone. This engenders competition for schools, commands, staff positions—almost everything that matters.
Q2. Not sure for the Army. Generally the needs of the Service trump all other considerations. Passing flight physical necessary for aviation. Getting a security clearance necessary for almost all officer positions.
Q3. Earn your chops in combat arms then move to a branch that’s not as hard on your body as you get older. Start working toward headquarters jobs as you make major. Continuous promotions are the key to a long career. Every Army colonel I worked with had completed an advanced degree, served at GO level HQs, many went to Army War College, most had a successful Battalion Command as an O5.
For additional insights, read the official bio of several GOs. Current GOs and recently retired. Should be on theArmyweb page.
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Old salts favorite saying was The Navy gets the gravy, and the Army gets the beans
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