- Dec 28, 2001
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Haven't been around in a while, but I thought I'd post this here - let's get to the point, it's a long post!
I want to join the US Army.
Politics/opinions aside, I have my personal reasons and I want to do it - so let's not go there!
I've been talking to a recruiter, and they want me to enlist - they're saying that there's too long of a wait to be an officer, it'd be quicker if I enlisted and then went up while in active duty, the review board aren't accepting any applicants for at least a year, etc. Basically, I feel that they're blowing smoke up my ass just so they can get their quota and frankly I know better than just go along with what they say.
So I'm looking things up on my own. And I read one little blurb that says if I'm applying for OCS, I'd have to be no older than 29 but a waiver can be issued.
At this point, I know that due to the economy that the military is "full" and they can be selective in choosing their soldiers - so my questions are:
Of course, any other advice would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE:
Just a quick update:
Went to see the recruiter today, as he sounded like he was going to explain other ways of going "green to gold" - I figured I'd hear him out at the very least, but do my own homework as well.
Well, he still wanted to recommend that I enlist and go from there: I held my ground, and politely thanked him for his time and left. Got a call from him an hour later, and I will be applying for OCS and going in front of the review board on 10/05!
Thanks for all your advice and especially thank you Datalink on taking your time to talk to me!
I want to join the US Army.
Politics/opinions aside, I have my personal reasons and I want to do it - so let's not go there!
- I am currently 29
- I'm clean - no drugs, violations, etc
- I'm in good shape - active, height/wight proportionate, etc
- I do have a BA in a liberal arts field (philosophy)
- I am married, and my wife understands that I may be away for training but ultimately I want to apply for shared housing/is okay with moving anywhere
- I want to apply for OCS
I've been talking to a recruiter, and they want me to enlist - they're saying that there's too long of a wait to be an officer, it'd be quicker if I enlisted and then went up while in active duty, the review board aren't accepting any applicants for at least a year, etc. Basically, I feel that they're blowing smoke up my ass just so they can get their quota and frankly I know better than just go along with what they say.
So I'm looking things up on my own. And I read one little blurb that says if I'm applying for OCS, I'd have to be no older than 29 but a waiver can be issued.
At this point, I know that due to the economy that the military is "full" and they can be selective in choosing their soldiers - so my questions are:
- Does my age count when I go in front of the review board, or when I step into basic? I've heard that even if I sign, there can be a wait of up to one full year at this time!
- How often does the Army issue an age waiver, and how hard is it to obtain?
- Is there an actual "fast track" enlisted-to-officer program in active duty that I can join?
- I read a random blurb that 70% of the officers in the Army are direct recruits and only 30% promoted from enlisted; would it be harder to get accepted to OCS if I enlist first?
- Is there another resource I can look up/call (I've looked up the army website/other recruiters and plan on giving the ROTC program at my alma mater a call) to obtain more information?
Of course, any other advice would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE:
Just a quick update:
Went to see the recruiter today, as he sounded like he was going to explain other ways of going "green to gold" - I figured I'd hear him out at the very least, but do my own homework as well.
Well, he still wanted to recommend that I enlist and go from there: I held my ground, and politely thanked him for his time and left. Got a call from him an hour later, and I will be applying for OCS and going in front of the review board on 10/05!
Thanks for all your advice and especially thank you Datalink on taking your time to talk to me!
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