What is an Officer?

Looking into my options to go into reserves as an officer, I'm starting the process of going back to college for my Bachelors (I currently have my Associates) and the reserves seem to be the way to go along with my current career path.

I'm looking mainly into Coast Guard, Navy, or Army.
But here's the deal, I don't know WTF an Officer is nor what the joining process is to be an officer.

Would one of you gentleman (or Ladies) care to give a brief (or not brief, you choice) explanation of how to join the service as an officer?

 

Enlisted - anyone can be enlisted. Tends to me more hands on and technical in their jobs

Officer - needs a degree, tends to be a more managerial role, makes a lot more money

That's the really basic down and dirty.

 

I want the ME (CG) rate, or MP MOS with O-x benefits
It seems like that is not an option though.
I've PM'd with "3 tacos never enough" some and have a very basic understanding but looking at the USCG reserve site it appears that I may have to be enlisted (or at least prior service) before becoming an officer, unless I want to go in as a PA (Physicians Assistant).

 

If you have a degree, my unit is looking for pilots right now. I live in Mississippi and I have been in the Air National Guard for 38 years. You should definitely give the Air Guard a look, there is 2 units in my state.

 

Yeah I really don't know a whole lot about becoming an officer, or what it takes. You're on the right path though as far as talking to people and doing your own research, and not talking to a recruiter. They're not the most reliable source for info.

Another option is to become enlisted, work on your degree (they'll pay for it via Tuition assistance) and then once you get it, there are paths to submit a package and become an officer. It will take a little longer but always an option.

 

Keesler? I'm 30 minutes from Keesler, also in Ms.
I'll look at the Air Guard, I have a few friends who were Air Force (16 years and medically retired for one and I think the other did his full 20) and they loved it.

I've heard some slimy stories about recruiters.
I have considered that, in fact the navy sent me an email a few months ago offering to hook me up with a recruiter to talk about that option.

 

I just got out of the navy after almost 8 years, and I don't regret it one bit. Your experience depends a lot on your job though. I basically worked an office job the whole time, and never deployed, ever. And I set myself up for when I got out as far as experience and certifications.

I've heard some bad stories too, but luckily my recruiter was pretty cool.

 

I am in Meridian, come check us out. If you would like, I can get a recruiter to call you. We are a KC-135 unit,plus we get the best trips to go on. There is a C-130 reserve unit at Kessler if you want to start closer to home.

 

Why do you want to be in the military?

 

I may be able to make some time in my schedule to visit around the middle of the year, I would like to visit.
I'll have to check out the differences between the KC-135 and C-130 before I would make a decision.

Because I want to buy a Charger at 28% interest, travel the world, and marry a stripper.

I kid.....

It's been childhood dream, just never acted on it or really looked into it until recently.
It seems like a great life/learning experience, can only help me grow, plus if I do the full 20 the retirement is a plus.

The big pull for me towards the Coast Guard is working on/around boats and the possibility of doing Law Enforcement oriented work.

 

Cost guard does some bad ass stuff. I know a couple people in it and it's legit. @4x4Runner has been in the CG for a long time, and could provide some insight.

 

@4x4Runner is CG

 

Definitely go officer lol
Or warrant officer. Probably warrant officer. If you join the Army.

 

If....

 

C-130 hauls cargo, the KC-135 does air to air refueling. Plus the KC-135 hauls butt. Good luck with your decision.

 

OP: A Physician (no 'S' - my daughter had to constantly correct me) Assistant degree is typically a Master's degree. My daughter got her BS in Biology @ Pitt and then worked a year as a nurse aid/assistant to get her required clinical hours to get into grad school. First year is all class work - her worst grades were 2 A-'s. The rest were A's or A+'s, but she didn't get a 4.0 as the A+'s didn't cancel out the A-'s. The second year is a series of 5 week rotations at various specialties - ex: pediatrics, OBGYN, internal medicine, ER, surgical, HEM-ONC, etc. She graduated in December, took her national test in January and passed, started her job in February - has one more week of training, then she starts seeing patients on her own. Pretty much a doctor (she can prescribe drugs/narcotics) except she isn't one. PA degree was from Pitt, also and she works @ UPMC Shadyside Hospital/Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh.

Great degree and job, if you can do it - don't forget the needed clinical hours (I think she needed 500 for Pitt??) before you can even get in, or maybe even apply for PA school.

 

Real talk.
I was that guy. I was in all three Army options at some points in my career, active duty, reserves, and national guard. Light Infantry all the way.
I was enlisted, made it to E6 in just over 4 years. Got out after 3rd tour overseas.

Here’s the straight dope from an enlisted man.
Enlisted is a good experience, and you really see the real side of the service.
If I were to do it all over again, I’d stay active duty enlisted or try green to gold (enlisted to officer or OCS) or warrant officer. But I had no college education at the time (joined when I was 17, 1 year after 9/11) IF I had or was going to have a college education I would 100% go officer. Or warrant officer. Unless you make a career out of being enlisted, my personal opinion is being an officer will take you further. Again, this is just my personal opinion.
Further, I had the worst time being in the reserves. If you want the part time deal, do your state national guard. They get the best stuff when they deploy.

Side note. I was a navy legacy. Should have gone that route. Army recruiter was first to call me.

 

If a law enforcement related job is the goal then there are no warrant officer opportunities for him. Last I checked aviation was the only branch open to direct accessions as a civilian.

@95 taco - the choice will really come down to whether you want to do the job or supervise the people doing the job. There are a few exceptions but the majority of officers in the military are not the actual people doing the work.

 

In the army there can be warrant officers in any “field” just have to find the right positions, and if they’re available.

 

This. This is fact.