What is an Officer?

Yes, but nearly all of them require prior service as a NCO in their feeder MOS and are not open to civilians. Unless @95 taco is dedicated to the long game or wants to fly in the Army being a warrant officer isn’t really an option.

 

I’d only join if there were incentives for whatever degree/profession you are going after.

I went the medical route and it’s been good to me, but the military is on the verge of undergoing some serious cuts in the overall scheme of things and some interesting restructuring at least of medical professions, so much so that questions were raised by higher ups on why the fuck we even have military hospitals. My profession is facing major cuts so we shall see how it plays out. Active duty positions will be converted to civilian. This is likely not so much an issue in reserves, but if you want to go active duty it may be depending on what you want to do.

It’s also likely that we are seeing the typical period of time where big cuts are the current fad until we get a few years or a decade down the road and the realization hits that we need people back.

 

311A looks interesting.

I don't really go to parties.

Air to Air refunding sounds more challenging.
Thank you Sir.

Thanks for the correction.
I'm halfway to my Applied Technology BS so I don't think I'll be switching to PA, I had just mentioned it because it appears that they are the only degree that are a direct acceptance.

Every prior service guy (and gal) I've talked to has said to definitely go officer so you just weighted the scale even further that direction.
I've looked at OCS and it seems like a good option if I were to go enlisted first, but I don't know that I want to go E first.

Typically I enjoy doing the job itself, but supervisory is bearable.

 

I would get an $8K bonus for Navy.

I'm going with a general Applied Tech BS so it's applicable to several different rates.

I'll read up on Blended, the guys I've talked to were grandfathered in so they know nothing about it.

Interesting, so if you go in as an Officer can you Re-Up as Enlisted?

Thank you for the Information.

 

The path to get there is not easy. You must be an E5 or higher and have a minimum of two years experience in the 31D MOS. To become a 31D you must have a minimum of two years experience in the 31B MOS. In other words to become a CID warrant officer you’re looking at a about five years after you first enlist as an Army MP (31B) before it is even possible to put in a packet for selection.

 

Enlisted may be my best option for CG, at least for a few years and then look at SRDC to go Officer.
Thank you for the Link, and the clarification.

 

That's an awful lot of work, I think I would be happier going enlisted reserve in CG and going for ME or Investigator.

I think the most recent one got out 4 years ago, but it could've been longer.

Interesting, that is good info.
I'll read up on Direct Commission, from what I understand OCS is a 12 week condensed school.

 

Have you checked on any ROTC programs at your school. The way I understand it if you're accepted into the program it's like a scholarship, and you get a per diem at E-5 rate. When you graduate you hit OCS if you haven't completed all the requirements...but pretty sure that's what you spend summers doing. Anyhow, at the end you receive your commission.

 

This option is actually out there believe it or not.

 

ME and PA A schools opened back up 04/01/2019 according to what was sent to me and posted on this forum.

Non rate sounds interesting, your particular job doesn’t sound like a party though.
From my understanding you’re a non rate until you are accepted into your A school, correct?

It’s interesting they had you do ships drawing, I can understand why but it seems unorthodox.

 

I have not, I know almost nothing about ROTC but I’ll look into it. I hadn’t thought about it working with me already being partway through my degree.

 

I retired as an USAF JAG after 20 years. Had both active duty and reserve. Although the JAG accession process is a bit different as we direct commission, the regular path to be an officer is to go through ROTC, the Academy or the various OCS/OTS variables. So, first, get a Bachelors. Investigate ROTC especially if you can then move into the reserves. Army OCS is essentially going to basic with enlisted and then going on to OCS where you also go through that version of basic. The Navy requires you to take an accession test. Once you get a score of over 50, you'll go to their version of OCS in Rhode Island. No going through the enlisted basic like the Army. The Air Force does Officer Training School (OTS). Right now, I don't think they are bringing anyone on as they are getting most of their officers right now from the Academy and ROTC. Definitely check on that with an officer recruiter as with any of the other services. That also sets you up for getting real time information in regard to the details in terms of the various OCS/OTS opportunities.
I can tell you from experience that the reserves are the best part time job with a retirement! if you get to retirement, you get a version of the medical plan, base access/benefits and a host of the benefits. Also, there are some employers that will keep paying your salary while you are doing your training. A job with the Federal Government gives you those benefits as an example.

Finally, if you are called upon to deploy or take an extended tour, due to USERRA, your job and benefits are preserved. Enforcing those rights is also protected through the application of penalties and attorneys fees.

 

Really surprised by the flood of information here versus what military want to respond to when asked this question. As enlisted and an officer, you can be as involved and hands on as you want. Show respect, treat people with dignity and be willing to learn. Or you can be satisfied as a blissfully ignorant manager of your field. It is really up to you. Coast guard probably provides the least flexibility because they are small and can be picky when recruiting. They are in high demand. Army is probably the most versatile. My wife retired as a Marine. The Army recruits the equivalent of the entire Marine Corps in one year. There are always options, where there is a will there is a waiver. Whatever you do, it will be what you make of it. Don’t do it for the money, even officer.

 

Over paid idiot between O1 and O3. Hopefully he knows what he's doing by O4.

 

Ahhhhh, there it is!!! Tally.