Those who are/have served, could use some insight...

Alright, I've been a military brat most my life. My dad was a Lt. Colonel in the AF about to become full bird but had to be retired due to colon cancer(worked in Space Command and was one of the AF's "babied"...he was right on his way to becoming General). One of my cousins is now an Army Ranger, Grandpa was a Korea Vet., best bud from HS is Marine Spec Ops stationed in Japan right now...so I've known military my whole life...that happens alot in Colorado Springs . So I have definately been inclined to feeling the duty of serving, as it has always felt like something I have wanted to do. I've always been the type to watch the military channel, Futureweapons, always fascinated by WWI and WWII, etc. My first choice was AF, but this is regarding the Army. I am currently going to CSU for my Mech. Eng. degree, and want to complete it here. I got a call from a recruiter a couple days ago, and I figured I'de go in and see what they could offer, as I know they give you some decent money towards school. I scored an 80 out of 99 on the EST test without trying to hard, so he liked that for sure. I was told (I know some recruiters like to spew stuff to get you to join), that I would be an officer upon recieving my degree (after OCS). Just got off the phone with my mom, who had some questions for the recruiter, and basically heres what I would be doing: Reserve status undeployable while im at CSU, would train 1 weekend/month with an engineering unit here in Fort Collins, recieve 1200/month for being in, 4500/year tuition assistance, once I finish school I go to OCS (not sure how long that is or where it is in the Army), then once finished with that I could be deployed. Once I graduate from OCS, I would be a 2nd Lieutenent with possibility of being 1st. I would for sure get everything in writing from the recruiter and so on. I just want to know those of you who have served, how long and was it worth it, experiences, etc.? I know I could be deployed anywhere from Iraq to Germany depending on where they would need me (most likely machinist Core?). I know I just typed a sh*tload, but Im really thinking about it, and its ALOT to think about.

I did 6 years in the Army, highest rank was a squad leader (E-5). I loved the experience and the stuff I learned. Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat. Would I suggest the service to my sons? Yup. Infact my oldest is now in the NAVY.

Please keep in mind, as a butter bar (2nd LT.) you are still considered a noob and get little respect. As a 1st LT. you get a lil respect if you are worth a shit. For officers, Captain is where it is a bit better. One thing to keep in mind.... listen to what you NCO's say. Period. Booksmarts are fine, but experience of the NCO's will help you succeed. Never forget that.

Hoboken Hobo said:

I did 6 years in the Army, highest rank was a squad leader (E-5). I loved the experience and the stuff I learned. Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat. Would I suggest the service to my sons? Yup. Infact my oldest is now in the NAVY.

Please keep in mind, as a butter bar (2nd LT.) you are still considered a noob and get little respect. As a 1st LT. you get a lil respect if you are worth a shit. For officers, Captain is where it is a bit better. One thing to keep in mind.... listen to what you NCO's say. Period. Booksmarts are fine, but experience of the NCO's will help you succeed. Never forget that.

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x2

In a heartbeat. If you become an officer, never forget that your enlisted troops are the backbone of your organization.

I don't entirely understand what you're relaying from this recruiter. Are you enlisting into the reserves? Are you going to OCS immediately, or will you have to apply later after you've completed your enlisted training and degree. This could be years from now.

$1,200 / month is what a new E-1 earns full-time. It's far less for just a few drill periods per month.
Reserve pay: http://www.dod.mil/militarypay/pay/bp/paytables/fy2007_4drill.html

Undeployable reservist? maybe. Can you somehow not get activated? sounds like ROTC is what you want.

sounds like you are undeployable during school, going to OCS and becomes fulltime.

I would personally go enlisted after school, spend 1 year as e-2/3 and go for OCS. It takes a little longer, its less money and it is harder work however you will get an understanding about the core of the military that you cannot read about in a book or learn from a teacher.
after my 4 in the Corps ending as a E-4 I have spent 8 years living in the real world to find that I really did enjoy what I had and the security it brought me, more so now that I have a family and I am going back in once my mother is stable again.
good luck, Jeremy

in2fords said:

sounds like you are undeployable during school

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...and this is suspect. Peculiar. Dare I say "stupid" to believe.

All of his information is based upon the maximums and best-case scenarios. $4,500/year for college... go to OCS (leave out the other requirements)... no deployments (until you're trained up buddy!)...

I did 10 years in the AF best officers we ever had were guys who listened to the NCO's and didnt come off with a high and mighty attitude.. do the OCS the first time . If you go enlisted chances are you wont be able to finish school because of deployments ... ask me how i know LOL

Hoboken Hobo said:

Please keep in mind, as a butter bar (2nd LT.) you are still considered a noob and get little respect.

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Q: What's the difference between a 2nd Lieutenant and a PFC?
A: The PFC's been promoted once

It's a great choice for many. Finish your degree FIRST! OCS, deployments and everything else are secondary to having your degree before you raise your right hand. And has been noted, listen to your NCO's - they've already done whatever it is you're thinking about.

alsodon said:

And has been noted, listen to your NCO's - they've already done whatever it is you're thinking about.

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Best way to put that, period.

I'm currently enlisted in the AF, I don't believe recruiters and their BS. Half of the stuff I was told in the recruitment office changed when you actually get to MEPS-Military Enlistment Processing Station. You get your physical and they take blood and urine. And then you sit down with somebody that starts your actual paperwork. I was garunteed a job as a Jet Engine Mech. with $4500 signing bonus. When I got to MEPS the bonus was taken away and they said my career field was full, I said screw it whatever I'll sign anyway I just want to enlist. Then I went through basic and all that and then had to pick a new Mechanical job so I picked Jet Engines again and got it. Moral, if the job was full 3 weeks earlier how is it open right now and where is my $4500? The recruiter will tell you only what you want to hear at the time to meet his quota. Am I mad about it? No, I am very proud of what I do and am going to re-enlist. But don't listen to a recruiter, as Gaurd or Reserve in the AirForce you deploy more than active duty so I don't believe the non-deploying status. Once you sign your enlistment papers everything is off, they can make changes for the mission. If we go to war with Korea per-say they aren't going to keep you back because of your status. If they need you over there you are going to go. And since you signed your life away for X amount of years, you don't have a choice or you face UCMJ punishment in the order of fines or jailtime.

Don't take this the wrong way, if given the chance to take my enlistment back and become a civilian again. I would'nt think twice about enlisting again. I never thought I would see Afghanistan, Alaska, Japan, Thailand, Ireland, Kazakstan, Kyrgystan but this has given me the chance. Those all might not have been the best parts and even when getting shot at I look back and love the memories. Just don't think that because when you said those words your contract said you couldn't deploy that you wont. Sorry this has been really long I just think people should be more informed than what the recruiters say.

Tyler-

So from what I take it, though the stuff is in writing, none of it really can be guaranteed? Im going to go talk to an AF recruiter and see what all they might be able to offer, can't hurt I figure. I know the marines aren't what im after really, and I don't think I could be a squid My main concern is while in school, I wasn't deployable (unless something REALLY bad happened to where even I would have to go), and that the 1 weekend/month deal were true. Not sure how much different it is AF vs. Army, so Im hoping to go find out.

PolishX said:

If you go enlisted chances are you wont be able to finish school because of deployments ... ask me how i know LOL

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This is one thing i thought about when enlisting as a junior (but really already a year behind due to switching majors) in college. I have 3 friends here who are 25 years old and sophomores becasue of 2 deployments. Its deffinatly something to think about before you enlist. For me, it doesnt really matter how long it takes me to graduate. I already waited too long to enlist in the first place, I wasnt gonna wait until i graduated, especially with all that is going on now. If your enlisted, and your in school and they need you, guess what, your going. Something to deffinatly think about

Do not go in till you have your degree, period. Also check out All the services and their offerings.

It sounds like SMP. This info was taken directly from the CSU website.


SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM (SMP)

The SMP is a volunteer officer training program that allows Army National Guard and Army Reserve enlisted members to participate in the ROTC Program. Upon completion of Basic Training, a reserve component solider that is completing a four year degree can join ROTC and earn a commission as an officer in the United States Army upon graduation.

In addition, contracted non-active duty scholarship ROTC cadets and Reserve Forces Duty (RFD) scholarship cadets can join a reserve component unit and the SMP.

The intent of SMP is to increase officer accessions into the Reserve Components by increasing ROTC enrollment from enlisted National Guard and Reserve members who are attending college.

WHAT IS SMP TO ME?

The SMP program provides:

An opportunity to gain both a commission as a Second Lieutenant and a college degree.
Hands-on management and leadership training.
An ROTC cadet stipend as a contracted ROTC cadet plus E-5 drill pay as a serving Guardsmen or Reservist.
Annual Training and ROTC Advanced Camp pay.
An opportunity to win a 2-year RFD scholarship.
An opportunity for volunteer training in Airborne, Air Assault, Northern or Mountain Warfare Training.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Anyone who:

Has completed Basic Training.
Is an academic sophomore and in the National Guard or Reserve.
Is physically qualified.
Is under 30 years of age upon commissioning (waiverable through age 34).
Has a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Has a current military obligation.
Is a full time student.
Is a U.S. citizen
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ENROLL IN SMP?

The individual must:

Enlist in the Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve if not already a member.
• Discuss his/her interest with the unit commander, and gain a letter of acceptance into the SMP program.
Interview with the ROTC Recruiting Operations Officer COL Peter Bleich or Professor of Military Science MAJ Andrew Groeger.
Take a physical or have a previous one reviewed.
Register for Military Science.
Provide ROTC unit with:
Birth Certificate.
Social Security Card.
Copy of DD 214 / NGB 220.
DA 4836 if less than 4 years are left on your current enlistment.
-NGB 594-1 or DA 4892.
-APFT Card (DA 705).
-Copy of college transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.

I got a question that someone might know the answer to. Friends of mine who are in the guard say you can join the guard as a officer with only 90 college credits. And I have heard this from several people who do not know each other.

Does this hold water? And do you need to meet certain criteria (like say beable to get bachelors within a certain time frame)?

I took am kicking the idea of the military around. I'm a military brat and have 87 credits in college. Been going for... this is year 4.5. I didn't know what I wanted to do so I just took a few classes here and there.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Robert

I'm currently enlisted in the Army. I've been in 4 1/2 years. Here's what I know:

If you've still got 4 years of college you can apply for ROTC and receive your commision that way. Then you'll go to Officer's Basic Course for the Branch you receive. You will have a branch preference, but that doesn't guarantee anything. You could end up in Ordinance Corps (Maintenance and whatnot), or you could easily end up in the Infantry. (not trying to scare you).

If you choose to join and go to OCS after you attain your 4-year degree you will go to Basic Training as an E-4 (Specialist). Then you will go to OCS in Ft. Benning, GA. When you graduate OCS you will be commissioned as a 2LT. I've NEVER heard of anyone getting 1LT straight out of OCS. Then you will go to OBC. Then maybe Basic Officer's Leadership Course (BOLC). THEN you will receive your orders for whatever Army Post, then your unit.

Hope that helps.
Army Strong!! Hooah!

MetViper said:

I'm currently enlisted in the Army. I've been in 4 1/2 years. Here's what I know:

If you've still got 4 years of college you can apply for ROTC and receive your commision that way. Then you'll go to Officer's Basic Course for the Branch you receive. You will have a branch preference, but that doesn't guarantee anything. You could end up in Ordinance Corps (Maintenance and whatnot), or you could easily end up in the Infantry. (not trying to scare you).

If you choose to join and go to OCS after you attain your 4-year degree you will go to Basic Training as an E-4 (Specialist). Then you will go to OCS in Ft. Benning, GA. When you graduate OCS you will be commissioned as a 2LT. I've NEVER heard of anyone getting 1LT straight out of OCS. Then you will go to OBC. Then maybe Basic Officer's Leadership Course (BOLC). THEN you will receive your orders for whatever Army Post, then your unit.

Hope that helps.
Army Strong!! Hooah!

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Wow, I never saw an E-4 in basic training. Must be the new "softer Army"? If so, that is almost as bad as the ChAir Force. When I was in (early 80's) highest we saw was an E-3 PFC. Somehow, I think something is amiss with your post.

Hoboken Hobo said:

Wow, I never saw an E-4 in basic training. Must be the new "softer Army"? If so, that is almost as bad as the ChAir Force. When I was in (early 80's) highest we saw was an E-3 PFC. Somehow, I think something is amiss with your post.

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Afraid nothing is amiss Hobo, I did Basic with 4 guys in my platoon who were going to OCS. They were all receiving pay as E-4. We weren't allowed to wear rank on our utility uniforms, but their class-A's had Specialist on them. Also, if you have a 4-year degree and don't want to go OCS you can join the Army as an E-4. I've seen it MANY MANY times!

MetViper said:

Afraid nothing is amiss Hobo, I did Basic with 4 guys in my platoon who were going to OCS. They were all receiving pay as E-4. We weren't allowed to wear rank on our utility uniforms, but their class-A's had Specialist on them. Also, if you have a 4-year degree and don't want to go OCS you can join the Army as an E-4. I've seen it MANY MANY times!

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Still, I think that is odd, at best. You state they are receiving E-4 pay, yet not allowed to wear the rank on their uniforms? But if they wore their class A uniforms, they could? Please clarify for us old farts. In my day, an E-4 was either a Spc 4 or a Corporal. Either way, the rank was on the uniform.... no if, ands or butts. Are you saying that some OCS child can hide his rank?

Oh... and this is odd:

MetViper said:

Afraid nothing is amiss Hobo, I did Basic with 4 guys in my platoon who were going to OCS. They were all receiving pay as E-4. We weren't allowed to wear rank on our utility uniforms, but their class-A's had Specialist on them. Also, if you have a 4-year degree and don't want to go OCS you can join the Army as an E-4. I've seen it MANY MANY times!

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If you are promoted to a certain rank, who was not allowing you to wear it on your uniform? You had orders, right?

Hoboken Hobo said:

Still, I think that is odd, at best. You state they are receiving E-4 pay, yet not allowed to wear the rank on their uniforms? But if they wore their class A uniforms, they could? Please clarify for us old farts. In my day, an E-4 was either a Spc 4 or a Corporal. Either way, the rank was on the uniform.... no if, ands or butts. Are you saying that some OCS child can hide his rank?

Oh... and this is odd:


If you are promoted to a certain rank, who was not allowing you to wear it on your uniform? You had orders, right?

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This is true. When I went through basic, there were 2 E-4s with me and they were not allowed to wear the rank (according to the D.I.) because they had not graduated basic yet. I think it has to do with everyone is new, and nobody has the rank until you graduate. While in AIT they were allowed.