Can I go officer after 41, cyber branch?

2017-10-24T13:45:29-04:00

I am 42 years old and have enough credits for my bachelors degree. Is there a chance to go officer at my age? I asked my retention but they said no, but to ask around.

Details:
42 yrs old
Time is service: 8 yrs
Time in grade: 3 yrs at E5, served in several positions above my grade
GT: 140
GPA: 3.5 major cybersecurity, halfway through my masters
Goal: reclass to 17c or 25D, prefer officer though

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 24 at 2017 2:04 PM

2017-10-24T14:04:28-04:00

SSG Michael Hathaway You can call the HRC 888 number and ask the question to get the answer: 1-888-ARMYHRC ( [login to see] ).
The typical officer cutoff is age 34 and in specific branches, medical, they will waiver.
Cyber is a new area does the retention person have contacts, the cyber warrant positions seem to be the best balance of technical challenge and responsibility. The age cut off for warrant is in the 40s.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 2:55 PM

2017-10-24T14:55:05-04:00

You can request an age waiver, they may or may not approve depending on need. I range a rifle range at Ft. Jackson back in 2005 and ran into a 51 year old 2nd Lt. But he was in a medical unit and was not a doctor but a sanitation officer.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 25 at 2017 3:05 AM

2017-10-25T03:05:40-04:00

I realize this is purely a thought, however, you could conceivably ask the mother services, perhaps, or maybe try for warrant, I'd read of Army warrant shortages, I have no idea if any if that is still true, of course, nor what the requirements might be, it was merely an idea. There's also, in Navy, the limited duty officer (LDO), however, I'd expect that's principally for their own personnel, I'd expect. Then, too, there might be chances for warrant in the other services as well, apart from going commissioned. And, I only mention this, as one other here mentioned a clinical example, you might consider, though I realize you might initially not want to consider it, looking at the USPHS Commissioned Corps, their age limits tend to be higher, and they do use enfineering, comp sci, and IT grads, I've read that, and often wished I'd gone that way, for a multitude of reasons. As I said, I can only suggest things, the only other thing that occurs to me is that I'd read about of a program for senior enlisted at AFIT, the USAF grad school at Wright Pat, for senior enlisted personnel to get their doctorate. I'd also read a long time ago of another program at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) at Monterrey, CA, near the Presidio, to let enlisted personnel go for a bachelors, which you'd mentioned, you had, to let them go commissioned in Navy, and, also, possibly, though I'm not sure now, maybe USMC, though that was a long time ago. You might also consider doing a doctorate in IT, possibly, and then trying, just a thought, if you'd care to chat further at all, I'd be most eager for your thoughts. Another idea might be to go Guard or Reserve Tech, I'm not sure if that's the whole AGR thing, in your state, or elsewhere, since they're considered state or Federal civil servants, though they wear the uniform during work, and are required to drill, I just didn't know if you'd considered that all, hope was at least of some use, as I'd said, I'd be most willing to chat if you wish, many thanks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 25 at 2017 3:08 AM

2017-10-25T03:08:57-04:00

http://dmna.ny.gov/jobs/

Here's an example of what I'd been mentioning about Guard Tech, if I find anything else that might be useful, I'll try to send it, as well.

NYS DMNA Job Opportunities

State, Army and Air Force Technician and AGR job vacancies and Links to Other Job Banks, services and job-search tools through the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 25 at 2017 3:10 AM

2017-10-25T03:10:25-04:00

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2016/03/13/warrants-wanted-army-guard-offers-big-bonuses-to-qualified-troops/

Here's another...

Warrants wanted: Army Guard offers big bonuses to qualified troops

The Army National Guard is offering up to $20K to qualified candidates as it struggles to fill its warrant ranks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 25 at 2017 3:12 AM

2017-10-25T03:12:05-04:00

https://www.usphs.gov/profession/healthservices/

As I'd said, this might on t interest you, however, I just figured I'd send it anyway....

USPHS: Health Services Health Services Careers at USPHS Commissioned Corps

USPHS Commissioned Corps health services careers: biological and social sciences, optometry, medical technology, computer science, health education and more.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 1:15 AM

2017-10-26T01:15:57-04:00

As the Deputy Commander of a RTI that conducts four MOS-T courses, BLC, and OCS...you must commission before your 42nd birthday...no waivers. Will the Army approve commissions for cyber positions past age 42 like they do for doctors, nurses, lawyers, and chaplains? I guess we will soon see.