What is the best route to become an Army Environmental Science/Engineering Officer 72D?

SSG Marcus Payton — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:15:17 -0500

Trying to make a long story short...Im currently an E5 in the National Guard, have a BS degree in Health and was lucky enough to work my way into environmental, health, safety, and sustainability for a great company (I have my associate safety cert and working on air/waste/DOT certs). Im also in grad school and using my tuition assistance for an MS in community health while also in the 2-year ROTC program.

The industrial hygienist I work under recommended I lighten my load by dropping my face-to-face graduate program in community health, and take online graduate classes thru Columbia Southern's occupational health and environmental management program (which Im a bit hesitant about, due to it being online), but it would make my home/work/school life a lot better. However, I'll also have to drop ROTC.

My goal is to commission into med services and eventually into 72D, and I'm just looking for advice on how to do this. Can I accomplish this though my current experience, while working on an EHS degree from an online school? Or should I stick with face-to-face classes in community health, and use ROTC to commission? Thanks!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 8:32 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 20:32:17 -0500

Hey I would tell you to talk with an AMEDD recruiter. Some of the requirements have changed and additional things are needed. I would hate for you to go through all of the schooling and not have the courses that are required. Best of luck to you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 9:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:41:09 -0500

You’re on the right track and I second the advice provided by 2LT Franklin. Your AMEDD recruiter or OSM should assist you in completing a pre-determination packet for consideration as a 72D. Nothing should go forward in the direct commissioning process until approval is provided by the 72D consultant. If you receive approval at this point I would say you’re good-to-go for completing a direct commissioning packet for approval through USAREC. The caveat with this route is to attend the full-course BOLC; otherwise, attending the short-course BOLC, referred to as the RC BOLC, will drastically restrict your service to 72D. That is, should you want to pursue opportunities as a 70 series MS officer, you’ll be blocked by NGB.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 11:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:21:22 -0500

Check your email messages on Rally Point. I sent you the essentials on how I was selected for 72D in October. Your experience in occupational health and safety will certainly be competitive. Additionally, reconsider changing your masters program to an environmental discipline. For example, a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health would be much more competitive than Community Health. Two distance learning programs come to mind that don't require taking the GRE test: MPH in Environmental Health from New York Medical College, or MPH in Occupational and Environmental Health via Tulane University. Also, someone I know commissioned 72D with a MS in Environmental Management from University of Maryland University College via distance learning. Undergrad or graduate degrees in an environmental discipline will always take priority over other majors when being considered by the 72D selection board.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2021 10:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:52:41 -0500

Did you ever find out what the exact requirements (course work) for this. I have recently been asked to look into it, but am wanting to know what the actual coursework requirement is before I jump on it. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 3 at 2021 11:44 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 23:44:41 -0500

Reach out to MAJ Anthony Robinson on global. He is not only a 72D, but he is a super stud officer. Served with him in Afghanistan in the 4th BCT 101st ABN