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Old 07-21-2011, 7:18 PM
themailman themailman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoopy47 View Post
You’ll have to take a risk and “enlist” if you want things to go faster.

If you want to ensure you become an officer at entry you need to take the long and competitive process of applying for OCS. There are a lot of hoops to jump through.

I’m 38 and an E4 (Specialist). My mentality is I’ve pretty much given up on “rank” aspirations. I can only hope for a direct commission after I get back from training. If I don’t get it, then I’m pretty much resigned to just doing my gig, likely getting to E6 in my first contract and just taking it from there.

If I do get a commission I expect I’ll never get beyond O4 given my age, but once again, I’ll be a 40 year old O1 (so big deal).

The army I think officers something more than all the other services, and that is it is MUCH larger than all the other services and if you walked into a recruiter’s office he’d have more opportunities for you to find something you like.

Also, with a 4 year degree you come in the army as an E4 (a specialist with the same pay as a Corporal, but none of the NCO responsibility, but your first promotion will put you at Sgt.).

Here’s an interesting thing I’ve found out now that I have access to all the reserve unit openings. While it might seem like enlisting or there being limited things you are interested in I’ve found that there are over ONE THOUSAND positions open in various reserve units for MAJORS!!!!!!!!

Over ONE THOUSAND. My theory is Lt’s and Cpt’s simply bail when contracts expire and don’t fill up the ranks, and the military is particular in filling in sr. positions. So if there isn’t anyone within the army to fill it these positions remain open.

There are only a few Lt openings because those are the positions new officers have to come in as, and everyone wanting to be an officer is going after them.

Don’t knock the other services. Especially if your motivations are merely experience and education related. If it’s your dream to be in the USAF then yes, stick to it. Otherwise they all pay the same money.
Good post. The Military as a whole needs more guys with your outlook.
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