Which should I pursue, becoming an Army Officer or a Naval Officer?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 May 2021 12:38:24 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 21 at 2021 12:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 21 May 2021 12:56:26 -0400

What is your GT score. What is your GPA? Have you taken the ACFT lately and your score?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2021 1:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 May 2021 13:08:47 -0400

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

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2021 5:28 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 May 2021 17:28:36 -0400

Do you really expect to get an unbiased response? Good luck with your choice, but what do you want? It is after all, your life. There are no 11Bs in USN. Just variations on the theme. SEALs and USMC, and 1100s.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 21 at 2021 6:22 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 21 May 2021 18:22:46 -0400

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.

Response by SGT James Aikin made May 21 at 2021 10:02 PM

SGT James Aikin — Fri, 21 May 2021 22:02:30 -0400

Old salts favorite saying was The Navy gets the gravy, and the Army gets the beans

Response by CDR Terry Boles made May 22 at 2021 12:26 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Sat, 22 May 2021 12:26:28 -0400

I would recommend you also consider the Space Force based on your interest. There might be a better avenue to pursue a commission, military career, and civilian career that can be very lucrative as well.

I also would recommend considering the Air Force, they meet all three of your career interests too. I can tell you as an Air Force officer you and your family can have top notch quality of life when compared to the other services come PCS assignments-available locations-deployments.

Based on your career interests it appears there is potential for a lot of shipboard duty in the Navy which means frequent time away from home and possibly long deployments. My first tour of duty was aboard ship and I spent an average of 10-months away from home each year; not great for the family. You may not have family now, but you will at some point.

While I have not served Army, I have served both enlisted and commissioned in 3-different branches of service. By far, based on your career interest I would highly recommend Space Force (possible explosive career growth and easier transition, albeit they intend to keep it a small branch of service) and the Air Force. As others have pointed out quality of life; its not only important for you but also your family, and as an officer your career comes down to what you make of it, how you approach it, and what opportunities exist. I think Space Force and the Air Force should be highly considered.

Last thought, your degree may or may not open doors for you career interests. Do not be disappointed if so; but rather look for opportunities to serve at a higher level.

Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 9:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 09:24:49 -0400

If you take the officer route be very careful about getting out and trying to join another branch as an officer. Coming back in as a prior service applicant is hard enough and it gets even harder when you attempt to go OCS...that goes for the Army as well. I would say take the Army route and do so while you're currently in.