With these ASVAB scores, what branches should I be thinking about as an Army Officer down the road?

2019-05-15T22:58:40-04:00

I took the PICAT and received my scores. They are: AFQT 96, GT 139, CL 133, CO 144, EL 146, FA 143, GM 149, MM 159, OF 150, SC 141, ST 142.

I’ve gathered that these are all nothing to be ashamed of, but they’re not exactly relevant right now. My plan is to enlist as an 88M, collect the first half of the bonus, then contract with my schools ROTC. I’m just looking at these scores trying to figure out my long game. What branches do y’all think I should pay special attention to? I have a couple that I think I would like, but I’m opening this up for general thoughts. Thanks for your time!

I’m off to MEPS on Monday to do everything except swear

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 11:01 PM

2019-05-15T23:01:34-04:00

Your branch isn’t guaranteed until your senior year if you go active. If you go reserve or guard your branch is more up to you finding that slot in that unit. It all depends on what interest you really.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 11:02 PM

2019-05-15T23:02:34-04:00

Also, with a Security Studies degree have you considered intelligence?

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 11:07 PM

2019-05-15T23:07:40-04:00

Why with those scores would u even think about 88M???????????? Stop and reevaluate ur path. Seriously do that before going to MEPs. Aircraft maintenance, intel and a lot more u easily qualify for.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 15 at 2019 11:29 PM

2019-05-15T23:29:35-04:00

A few things: 1) ASVAB scores has nothing to do regarding an officer’s branch. 2) regardless of your desire of becoming an officer, if you are going to enlist do it on an MOS you believe you like and not for th money. Remember fro your current status until potentially commissioning all kind of things could happen. As you might learn: the best plan last until first contact, then what?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 16 at 2019 12:07 AM

2019-05-16T00:07:18-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Other than your GT score, it doesn't matter. What you do as an enlisted soldier does not usually bear on commissioning.

How ROTC branching works:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-i-choose-an-army-branch-a-framework

How do I choose an Army Branch?: A Framework | RallyPoint

The purpose of this article is to address one of the biggest Rally Point questions among Army ROTC Cadets: I am a with a major in , which branch should I choose? One of my goals is to help you filter through what you will get back. After all, don’t we all turn to the nameless, faceless internet trolls to determine our future? The immediate challenge is that the people responding are well intentioned but generally don’t know you from Adam....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 16 at 2019 12:42 AM

2019-05-16T00:42:02-04:00

One of the things I always note on here whenever I see career/educ stuff, I'd that, generally, there's way too little specific info to be able to try to give coherent advice in any serious detail...so, purely as a suggestion, you're gonna need way, way more on here for us to try to help you the right way, ok? Hobbies, reading interests, sports, esp martial arts if any, ambitions, reasons why Army, have you looked at other svcs, if so, which, and why? Which fields? STEM related? Non STEM? SO credits you have this far? Gradea? GPAs? Exactly what coursework you've already taken, specific course titles, not vague generalities...honest, the more specific you are in doing a proper biosketch, the more all of us can help you, promise, ok?.I've been everywhere you wanna go, trust me, been there, done that (BTDT), followed up a good deal of it in the process, for the simple reason I hadn't clue one what I was doing, or how to do it even remotely right...I was Army ROTC 3 yrs, on a 3 yr scholarship for my 2nd and 3rd yrs, I couldn't finish the program, went USAF OTS after, for assigned to the totally wrong place, working for totally the wrong people, for totally the wrong reasons, and totally lost sight of my principal objectives, goals, aims, ambitions you name it, I collided it up, in total perm disabled as a result, very, very long, really complicated story, honest...now, having said all that, let's try to do this the right way this time, ok? What fields interest you in Army? Even more, why Army? Have you actually done any ROTC coursework yet? Or thought to at all, even if non-scholarship to start, just to get an idea of what it's actually like, per se? Next, have you considered what are termed the state defense forces (SDFs), the auxiliaries to the Natl Guard, both ARNG and ANG, that some state have? Look up a group called SGAUS, that's the ADD professional group, and see if your state has an SDF, ok? They're real militaries, just state, not Federal, that can let you test the waters, to see if the life is even for yoh, they're not a perfect substitute, I merely mention them, as most on here asking what you are typically don't know about them, I didnt, had I knkwn, I might well have gone that route first, I'd you find it's for you, and apply while in an ADD to go Federal, generally, my understanding is most SDFs will generally release them from state to go Federal. ALlao, in an SDF, you can't be deployed overseas, the good thing is you'll at least go through a boot camp, even though a state one, plus all their training, our dentist took my advice and went that route, he has a friend who'd wanted him with him in the MY ARNG, so, our dentist went into the NY Guard (NYG), the NY SET that's the Natl Guard auxiliary here and a member group of SGAUS, then found the svc was for him, and went BY ARNG thereafter, I'd wanted to go into the NYG, my disability barred it for legal reasons, unfortunately, I'd wanted to do it just to be involved. I'm not saying it's what you want, I get that, I'm merely trying to make you aware of it, that's all, honest...you also need to realjze, I'm not telling you to not go in while in school, however, most state schools typically have some sort of arrangement with ARNG or ANG for their states, for tuition remission, which it'd also most definitely be worthwhile for you to look into...you didn't say if your school is state or orivate, which would obv be useful to know...next, does your school have ROTCs other than Arny? If so, have you looked at them at all? Next, have you looked at USMC platoon leaders course (PLC), which many on here also don't know aboht, and which is far less well known? Next, did you want a clinical field at all? If so, you could look at USPHS Me and Sr COSTEP, the USPHS analogue to ROTCs and USMC PLC...or, you could try for warrant or direct commission, maybe an OCS, or direct commission One Of OUR program after undergrad. Further, from the moment you're warrant or commissioned, quite literally from day one, you're positively expected to get your masters part time, minimum, aside from all your profsnl mil educ (PME) courses, either nonresident, which is likelier, or in residence, I'd you're very fortunate, which I wasnt...then too, ROTCs, USMC PLC, and USPHS COSTEP can all be used for masters or higher, you don't need to do them now, there's been a lot of stuff I've seen on here, and looked up, on doing those programs at grad level, so you ought to at least consider that, the days when a mere bachelors suffices to be allowed to stay in and do a full 20 yr + career, are long gone, I assure you...when you're in, also, you can apply to go to either USAF AFIT or Naval Postgrad School (NPS) for your masters and PhD, I had an NOW recommend from the O-6 DO of my unit, I couldn't get it, all senior enlisted, warrants, and commissikned, from all svc s can apply for A FIT and NPS, not just USAF or Navy, those are some of the little picayune details no one ever tells you about at first...and, so you have any flight interests? Would you consider not just pilot/aviator, but also navigator, weapon system ofcr (WSO), or naval flight ofcr (NFO)? Have you looked at USCG scholarship programs at all! The Army direct commission cyber prkgram? The Navy warrant cyber program (WO1), which just restarted recently? you see what I'm saying? you understand what I'm trying to get you to think of to think this through properly first? Trust me, there's a world of difference between having a thing, and wanting a thing, I assure you...there's an old adage, be careful what you wish for, you might actually get it...once again, I'm not saying all that to dissuade you, I'm saying that to make you think, reflect, and research...there are certain major things that happen in life...getting my bachelor's was I e, getting my doctorate another, getting married yet another...however, all those positively pale into utter insignificance by contrast with putting your hand up and going in...my Dad was Navy enlisted aircraft mechanic, my uncle was a radio operator for Gen Eisenhower in WW2 Army, my next younger brother was USMMA Kings Point, I commissioned him when he went USNR...my wife's Dad was Army WW2 Bronze Star with combat "V", her stepdad was Navy Pacific combat WW2 and Korea, her brother was USAF enlisted KC-135 mechanic a d refuel book operator Cincinnati in during Vietnam, one of my Mom's cousins was Army armor commissioned in Germany at the Fukda Gap during the Cold War, my brother's late father in law was Army at Chosin Reservoir in Korea...I may not have seen it all, I was noncombat, however, I've seen a good deal, met USMC guys who were in Beirut during the barracks bombing, worked with senior enlisted, chatted with Army warrants, worked with and known all branches, all svcs...a family friend had been Army enlisted, went Army WOCS rotary wing, then got his bachelors in aviation at Embry Riddle, Army released him, USCG picked him up, he finished as a USC O-3 rotary wing, I've worked with allied country commissioned, known Guard, Reserve, you name it, I've known it, I trained at multiple VA hospitals before my disability, treated vets from all recent wars, all svcs, all branches...so, I'd I'm telling you all this, trust me, I'm doing it for a reaskn, and to make you think, and reflect, not just act on impulse, you've got time to decide, also, I'd you're in while in school, you're gonna have to balance both your svc work with school, not always the easiest of tasks, another thing you should consider...I'd only ask you to realize my object in telling you all that is to try to benefit you, from all of fine through, and gotten it all largely wrong, mainly because I had no one to help me figure it all out befirehand, my Dad was as matters turned out totally clueless, my brother who was USMMA then USNR had his own stuff to wade through, so, benefit from some accumulated wisdom, and let us all try to help you the right way, as I'd said, by giving us enough info in sufficient detail to be able to understand your turn of mind, interests, and basic motivatikns, as well as prior level of exposure and knowledge...when I went through USAF OTS after Army ROTC, I had to go through the program twice, getting recycled once, and nearly sent home, then found out I'd gone in totally the wrong way, into the totally wrong component, with absolutely zero I could do to change it at that point...I'd actually wanted to go to the USUHS, the svc med school (yeah, like that was ever really gonna happen), and eventually become a flight surgeon...I also had delusions of grandeur I'd be able to take my clinical allied health doctorate, and go back on active in the USPHS, more la-la land fantasy (I'd trained under a USPHS O-6 during one of my externships, that was how I'd dreamed up that little gem)...so, as I've told yoh, I've seen a lot, has a lot to wrong, I'm glad I did it, I'm better for having done it, I just tell you all that so you'll know the real truth, and what can actually happen, and not have some pie-in-the-sky fantasy...in a svc, all too often, existence often takes on a surreal life all its own, and, quite often, doesn't go nearly as one plans it, that's all I'm trying to make you understand, the sun shines, the world revolves, existence goes merrily onward...I'm just trying to help you understand at least a few of the day to day realities of the life you're contemplating, that's all hknest...I hope all that helped to at least some extent, I'd you'd care to chat more, just ask, no rush, whenever you'd want, ok? Ann's as I'd sajd, I wasn't meaning it to dissuade or be overtly negative, merely factual and realistic, in a fashion I figured might at least help you understand some of those realities, I'd nothing else, honest, ok?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 1:03 AM

2019-05-16T01:03:46-04:00

Why not go Army Space?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 7:27 AM

2019-05-16T07:27:07-04:00

With good scores you can do what ever you want. Take a good look at jobs offered by the Army and do what YOU want.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made May 16 at 2019 8:36 AM

2019-05-16T08:36:08-04:00

It truly depends on what you want out of life. From what I see in these scores, you can pretty much pick any job you want in the military. My suggestion is pick a service you feel would launch you into something you enjoy doing and what would benefit you the most once you decide to hang it up. You also need to consider quality of life in the military as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 10:12 AM

2019-05-16T10:12:50-04:00

The moment youncontract with ROTC you are subject to pay back any bonus money you received. Keep that in mind.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 10:55 AM

2019-05-16T10:55:25-04:00

Those were the same scores I had when I joined lol. But, I opted to drop out and get a GED so my job options were limited.

I think that joining the Army just to drop out and go G2G is a total waste of time. It's a long route around. You should either contract directly into ROTC now or finish your degree on active duty and commission through OCS. You can do both of those in 4-6 years, tops.
The route you're describing will require at least 3 years on active duty before you've fulfilled the requirements to be eligible for your GI Bill, which you'll need in order to pay for college under SMP. By the time you've finished 3 years on active duty you could easily have knocked out half a bachelor degree.
Since you're going to be doing the job for 3 years, I suggest something you would enjoy doing. Remember, just because you qualify for every job, doesn't mean there's a class seat available. Some of those MI and medical jobs will have you waiting a year to start. Others like firefighter and K9 handler are so small they simply might not have any available at all.
Finally, don't pick your job based on the bonus. That's like picking a wife based on how attractive she is. Attractive and compatible don't always go hand in hand.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 16 at 2019 1:20 PM

2019-05-16T13:20:35-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Wow...with those scores you should be eligible for some really good MOSes. If you're going ROTC, IMO you should take a Combat Arms MOS and then branch transfer if you don't like the one you're in. If you don't plan on doing 20, take something that will easily transfer into the civilian word. But if you want to drive trucks, go for it. Just my $.02.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-05-16T13:23:54-04:00

These scores will do nothing for you in achieving your branch. Typically your branch is assigned based off of an OML within your ROTC/OCS/USMA class. It also depends on the needs of the army at the time. If you want to do something in particular, try your best to be toward the top of your class in ROTC, stay in communication with your PMS and let them know your goals.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 16 at 2019 1:49 PM

2019-05-16T13:49:10-04:00

My scores were every bit as high across the board, if not higher; plus I had 1 Associates and 2 Bachelors degrees going in. So what? Big deal. All that means is I had a few more options than some others, just as you do SPC Private RallyPoint Member.

I chose to start my Army life as a Grunt before becoming a Reserve 88M. I gave strong consideration to commissioning after I had enlisted experience; an experience I wanted and felt I would be an asset to the Army doing. In a time of 2 wars, a 36 year old, over-educated Grunt, who despite repeated opportunities (and some cajoling) in the end decided that for me, the right path was to stay on the enlisted side and become an NCO. It's fine if you feel that is not the right path for you Jason.

So what's my point? The point is find what you want for yourself, learn what you can about being a solider and know what value you can bring to the Army. Let's all not get whipped up over intelligence and high scores, because in-and-of themselves they're fine, but they alone don't make anyone a better soldier.

Its good to have a plan for your personal betterment--we all do--but I have some concerns about the "tone" of your plan from what I read in your original question and your various responses. I am trying hard not to read-in too much here, but you're fairly open about wanting to milk as much money on the enlisted side as possible without regard for the job you do. Mmmkay, but it makes me wonder about your attitudes and motivations.

If you're not aware, let me introduce you to one of the 7 Army Values you'll get to know: Selfless Service. Ask yourself, what comes first in your mind (and to what degree): Your service to the people you hope to lead one day, the Army and the country it protects or to your yourself?

Only you know the answers, and you DON'T own them to me.

Lastly, why do you want to be an officer? By that I mean, what is your motivation? Higher pay? Better resume bullet point? The ability to boss people around? Or is there something more; something deeper? If you can do well for yourself in an honest, ethical manner as an officer and a leader in the military, God bless ya, and I really hope you succeed. Honestly. If you're looking out for #1 however, you simply don't belong. Period.

Again, only you know the answers, and you DON'T own them to me.

Response by COL Gary Gresh made May 16 at 2019 3:41 PM

2019-05-16T15:41:06-04:00

I’m a bit confused. Do you want to be an enlisted soldier and eventually a senior NCO? Or officer.? You mentioned ROTC. if you can afford college and want ROTC , then joining the army now is not the best way to go. Many enlisted and NCOs eventually become officers but that is the longer road to your goal. Just go to college, join ROTC and seek a commission. If money is the reason then consult a recruiter about the Green to Gold program. There are many ways to become an officer, but by far the fastest method is to seek out a commissioning source - ROTC, USMA, Service Academy OR Direct Commissions. All other modes are slower and still will require a bachelors degree to be really successful.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made May 17 at 2019 2:46 PM

2019-05-17T14:46:34-04:00

With those scores, you can do anything you want. Think about what you want to do, then do it.

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made May 23 at 2019 12:52 PM

2019-05-23T12:52:01-04:00

If you are going to get commissioned through ROTC, then the only relevant scores are AFQT and GT. Your scores are high enough to become an officer. You’re enlisted branch won’t matter much when DA assigns you a branch. (I was an enlisted Cav Scout, but was branched Irdnance$ Your scores look high enough to qualify for any MOS so pick the one you think you will enjoy the most until you get commissioned.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 8:00 PM

2019-06-09T20:00:19-04:00

Asvab is used only for enlisted job assignments. If you plan on becoming on officer, your result at Basic will determine your branch of service. You get to pick 3 branches of choice

Response by Sgt Clindon Bagwell made Jun 11 at 2019 10:51 AM

2019-06-11T10:51:31-04:00

Go into something that will give you a solid skill set outside of the military.

Response by CW3 Don Malay made Jun 11 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-06-11T20:18:23-04:00

Why in the world would you want to go 88M? As a retired 948D Warrant Officer my soldiers were receiving up to $90K bonuses as 94S, you have an EL score of 146 if you like electronics or have any experience in it go for it. You learn excellent skills and the training will definitely make you competitive looking for a civilian job.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Jun 12 at 2019 1:13 PM

2019-06-12T13:13:46-04:00

I think you have a very good game plan. Getting your bonus is thinking ahead. Plus when you go to school and enroll in the ROTC program, upon completion, guess what, you become a 2LT. Plus you should get your commission after the 1st 2 years of college, in the meantime, you serve with a USAR or Guard unit for the remaining 2 years. You can go back to AD after this and you get promoted to 1LT. Not a bad plan at all.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-06-12T20:44:53-04:00

Go aviation or whatever job you would enjoy. You should also consider becoming a warrant officer and flying helicopters if you think you would enjoy that. That'll give you a practical skill to transition to the civilian side or the ability to have a great hobby. And warrant officer pay is better than enlisted and you could transition to commissioned officer slightly easier. Just a thought to consider.

Response by SFC George Crabtree made Jun 13 at 2019 12:48 AM

2019-06-13T00:48:12-04:00

Unless enlisted recruiting has changed A LOT, the counselors will offer you open training slots based your qualifications and time line. You may WANT to be a truck driver, a good job with income potential in the civilian sector, but there may not be a training seat open when you want to ship. Here's a couple of hints: all officers are management-they lead units. They plan co-ordinate and direct. Enlisted folks execute the directives. NCO's train, supervise and evaluate the individual soldier. You want to pick a skill as an enlisted member that will complement your plan to be an officer. I'd recommend logistics, engineering or artillery. If you want to stay in the 88/Trans field, I'd recommend 88N over the M. Novembers are unit movement planners and fits better with your description of your career plan. From your scores, you would qualify for training in almost any enlisted job but your Guard Unit may not have the slot so they may not pay for training. You need to make sure they will pay for it. If they are offering you a bonus, there may be some fine print about fulfilling a contract period or you may have to pay some or all of it back. Finally, military service, particularly in War-time, is serious business. Lives are on the line and the decisions you make for you also affect all those around you. They military WILL get their money's worth just having you in uniform on the line somewhere. You must be just as mercenary about getting the most out of your service experience but always remember, particularly as an officer, others are watching what you do; you set the example that others will emulate. If you put your interest before your subordinate's, the unit's and or the Service, they will see and they will treat you accordingly. Choose carefully but act confidently.

Response by CW3 Walter Goerner made Jun 30 at 2019 12:34 PM

2019-06-30T12:34:11-04:00

You're planning on becoming an officer down the road by being a truck driver???? That must have been one hell of a recruiter to have you believe that one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 30 at 2019 1:25 PM

2019-06-30T13:25:31-04:00

What do you mean by branches?

Response by SGT Scotty Faircloth made Jul 5 at 2019 5:18 PM

2019-07-05T17:18:53-04:00

Why the hell would you go 88m, you can pretty much go where you want....

Response by SGT Scotty Faircloth made Jul 5 at 2019 5:27 PM

2019-07-05T17:27:01-04:00

Contrary to what some of these officer's are saying, be a soldier in whatever field you like, own it, become an NCO, then if you still want it, go officer. You will learn the protocol of an enlisted man, and understand the demands of an enlisted soldier. Every officer that has done this has my upmost respect, I've had some that came right out of school and know nothing...

Response by CW3 Roger Dionne made Jul 6 at 2019 2:00 PM

2019-07-06T14:00:23-04:00

I think you should go to flight school and learn to fly helicopters. The course is demanding academically, but with those scores you should do well. It’s also one of the few jobs the Army has that translates to a civilian occupation.

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2019-07-06T19:50:50-04:00

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Response by SFC Tom Crenshaw made Jul 7 at 2019 2:52 PM

2019-07-07T14:52:10-04:00

I had a GT of 141, only missed one question.
BUT, That amounted to squat, because I was put into the never promote anyone artillery. While sparkplug changers , px wonders walked up the ranks at a fast March. Find a MOS that is high pay and needs certificates and licenses like in the aviation field. They will keep you promoted and fat to keep you in uniform vs the high paying civilian side. Trust me, or someday you'll be taking orders from a overpaid spark plugs and installer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2019 8:27 PM

2019-07-07T20:27:44-04:00

Take your pick, you never said what you are interested in. Computers, go 25B or if so inclined go with one of the new cyber rates. You could also go straight to officer programs. With those scores you pretty much have your pick.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Jul 8 at 2019 12:00 AM

2019-07-08T00:00:22-04:00

ASVAB scores are great for placement when you enlist. Once you're in, if you think the matter. You are wrong. If you want to be an officer. Go to college and take ROTC. You can always hope that OCS will open up. Chances are with high ASVAB scores, you will be in an MOS that is a critical shortage and you wont be realeased for OCS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 7:24 AM

2019-07-08T07:24:25-04:00

There’s lots of options for you and depending on what your goals are and plan is there’s always options. I’ve helped soldiers in the reserves, go active, and or either in the enlisted side or as an officer. I’ve helped people get accepted into ROTC programs around here. Find me on FB at William. Carballo

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Jul 8 at 2019 10:29 AM

2019-07-08T10:29:03-04:00

You are talking about the Green to Gold Program option. I would have to know a lot more about YOU before I could suggest a branch and career path. If you look at my profile on my LI feed you will see I was the scholarship enrollment administrator for the Army ROTC Program at UT, Austin Tx, so I know the subject matter quite well.
Question, you identify yourself as PFC... are you prior service or reserves forces?
How much college have you completed? What is your marital status?

I agree with Cpt Miller, you should be looking at something other then 88M, not that 88M isn't an admirable MOS and sorely needed but with your scores and your long term plan, I would consider all your options. You may have to forgo that "bonus" plan for a higher skilled MOS.

My suggestion is to make a day or two of it and visit the nearest University that has ROTC programs.
Check out all the branches, how they differ and what they can offer you... word of caution, the big cheese the Professor of Military Science (PMS) in all branches has a sharp eye on his numbers, how many new recruits are joining and how many are dropping out before their end of the second-year commitment, so as former POTUS Ronald Reagan Put it... trust... but verify.
Be sure to make appoints with each branch you are considering, just don't show up, it's disrespectful to the ROTC personnel and if rushed because of already planned activities for the day on their part, you will probably leave with more questions then you came in with in the first place.
Here are the requirements curiosity of... goarmy.com/careers
REQUIREMENTS - Green To Gold
U.S. Citizen (non-waiverable)
Age - Be under 30 years of age on the date of the projected graduation and commission. (waivers can be requested)
Cannot have been convicted of a Domestic Violence Crime
Have a minimum of 2 years Active Duty at the time of application as well as 3 months of Active Duty for every one month of specialized training (waiver can be requested)
GT score of 110 or greater
Pass the APFT within the last 6 months with a score of 180 or higher, minimum of 60 points in each event
College Grade Point Average of 2.5
Letter of Acceptance to School of Choice offering Army ROTC
Letter of Acceptance from the PMS of that Army ROTC Battalion
Favorable National Agency Check (or have initiated the action)
DODMERB Medical Qualification
Be eligible to Reenlist
Not be a conscientious objector
No more than 3 dependents including spouse (waiverable)

Best of Luck
Sgt MAC

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-07-08T14:30:36-04:00

Don't let your ASVAB score alone trick you into thinking you're a better fit for a certain branch or MOS. It is simply a vocational test.

You're performance as a future officer has virtually nothing to do with how well you scored on it and everything to do with how well you can lead your Soldiers. And an effective officer (with proper technical knowledge) should be able to lead Soldiers/Airmen/Marines/Sailors from any community, intellect level, experience level, etc.

In short, focus on a branch that appeals to you and try to abandon the idea that you'll be a better fit for a specific branch because of your intellect.

Response by Sgt Michael Turic made Jul 8 at 2019 11:33 PM

2019-07-08T23:33:05-04:00

Forget about bonuses and all that stuff. Why do you want to serve?? If you’re doing it for money, wrong choice. Do it because you want to serve. The benefits will be there. Follow your heart first, and everything else will be just fine following. Money or not, follow your heart.

Response by CW5 Robert Arms made Jul 9 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-07-09T23:15:42-04:00

With your scores, I would recommend either going Intel as a linguist or going WO Aviation, presuming you can pass the prequal and physical. Further down the line, if you're looking for a career, go for OCS. Don't sign for 88M just for the bonus. That's just a short-term benefit; do something for the long term.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 11 at 2019 12:02 AM

2019-07-11T00:02:25-04:00

88m is an OJT job.....

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 1:36 AM

2019-07-11T01:36:50-04:00

I had pretty much the same except my AFQT was 98. GT was 134, etc. Why 88M? You should be eligible for any MOS. I’d really consider 34F or something in MI. Much better paying jobs when you get out. If your good with computers there’s always the new Cyber Command and associated MOS’s. There are plenty of dead end MOS’s where you can make rank but then won’t go much farther because promotion possibilities are very limited. I made that mistake with 31B (MP) and 14G (ADA). I guess it all depends on what your end game is.

Response by 1SG Michael Brooks made Jul 11 at 2019 7:27 PM

2019-07-11T19:27:46-04:00

Your high scores mean you are good at reading, vocabulary and math. You are a good candidate who can learn. You have the mental capacity to do any job, the key is to find a job that will interest AND Challenge you.. If you choose a job in some of the intel or electronic repair jobs, it will save wear and tear on you body....and maybe provide time to go to college at night. .

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2019 3:43 PM

2019-07-12T15:43:57-04:00

You also need to consider that if we get into a regional "kerfuffle" you could be pulled right out of your educational program and sent to catch spears (sort of).

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Jul 12 at 2019 4:30 PM

2019-07-12T16:30:38-04:00

PFC Jason Haymond - I enlisted in the Army in 1996 at the age of 28 and had scores very similar to yours and was offered by my recruiter the chance to go in as an officer but at that time I was planning on doing 4 years and seeing how it went. I also decided to go enlisted in the Military Intelligence field because I wanted to learn a new skill/career and be specialized in that field and not be the jack of all trades as an officer will be which is fine but just not what I was looking for. I ended up doing 22 years of active duty Army as an enlisted Soldier and stayed in the same field the entire time and thoroughly enjoyed it and very proud of what I accomplished. I lost out on a LOT of money going and staying enlisted but still made plenty to take care of my family and save for retirement which I am thoroughly enjoying the last 2 years.

My bottom line is that you have to do what will make you happy career wise and for future civilian opportunities when you do decide to get out... Don't do anything for the bonus or to get your foot in the door. Follow the path that you will be passionate about.

Good luck with your future

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 12 at 2019 7:34 PM

2019-07-12T19:34:10-04:00

So my board question is, why do you want to be an Army Officer?

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jul 12 at 2019 8:28 PM

2019-07-12T20:28:52-04:00

Why 88M?

With a 96 AFQT and a GT of 139, you could do so much more. Why not do an Intel MOS, i am sure the bonus for that is WAY MORE than for an 88m.

Also, you need to be careful about cutting a bonus contract short, they may make you pay that back.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 8:40 PM

2019-07-14T20:40:07-04:00

Good scores. Like many have already said, a bonus is nothing in the long run. Choose an MOS that will give you something for after; certs, clearance, job experience, etc.... If you want to go officer in the future that's a completely separate decision to make and fortunately you can make it later with no negative effect on the MOS you already got yourself. Shoot, maybe you'll like what you do enlisted and be content there, who knows??
Point is, the military got me training/experience and a clearance that made me a candidate for a very well paying job and a $25-50k bonus would've been chump change to end up with less marketable skills long term. Just my thought on the matter.
Best of luck with everything!

Response by SGT Jesus Santiago made Jul 18 at 2019 12:18 PM

2019-07-18T12:18:21-04:00

Forget about the bonus! Think career first.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2019 12:09 AM

2019-07-21T00:09:25-04:00

So I maxed the ASVAB when I enlisted and got a 140 GT. I wanted to be an MP. The recruiters would not even let me discuss MP with them and kept throwing MI brochures at me. I suspect something similar will happen to you.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Aug 4 at 2019 5:50 PM

2019-08-04T17:50:08-04:00

If your heart is in transportation, I would suggest being on transportation tugboats. You are trained at Fort Eustis, VA on the James River. Once you reach SSG/SFC, you apply as a warrant officer. Or you go to paralegal school and become a JAG warrant. Or enlist as an MP, go to night school to earn your bachelor degree, apply to the CID and become a warrant there. I did the latter and loved my time in the CID, 12 years as a warrant officer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2019 12:34 AM

2019-08-11T00:34:51-04:00

Sorry I'm late on this but 88M is not the best job for someone of your smarts. You should go into the Intel side or linguistic side and thing you can use your brain since your obviously very smart. I work with 88M and have been everyday since 2017 and it's not the best job. If you not on mission or taking care of your truck your on details like mowing grass, cleaning the Barracks, etc.. I'm my opinion you shouldn't waste your brain on a job everyone in the army can do.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Sep 3 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-09-03T19:59:30-04:00

You will probably get tons of advice and most from out house lawyers. Work with the one person that can get you what you want and square you away: the Career Counselor at Meps. It's their job. Good luck and take your career one day at a time.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Sep 16 at 2019 4:16 AM

2019-09-16T04:16:38-04:00

what you think is best for you

Response by PO1 Cb Step made Sep 27 at 2019 9:21 AM

2019-09-27T09:21:28-04:00

I am surprised you don't seem to have a clue as to what you want to do. That's something you better figure out quick! I was partial to the Navy. My husband and children serve in the Marines. My brother that Air Force. It comes down to where do you want your life to go. Is service , honor and duty important to you? How do you do yourself fulfilling that role? Tomorrow for you is wide open for you but it is not promised. It never is. So think carefully. Be honest with yourself and step out with confidence and don't look back!

Response by SGT Servando Izaguirre made Oct 8 at 2019 3:38 PM

2019-10-08T15:38:25-04:00

I was young when I joined the Army(17) my first MOS was 11 Bravo/ 11 Mike. I have no regrets because you can learn pretty much anything out there in the civilian world. example electrician, mechanic, etc. But to be a INFANTRY soldier to this great nation is unbelievable. I am now 35 and regret not becoming a more elite soldier. I am not young anymore, but I was going to college while i was serving and got my degree. I recommend to start from the basic and move up the ranks.