Posted on Sep 22, 2021
What advice do you have for someone deciding between going to OCS or taking a direct commission to become a Medical Service Corps Officer?
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Hello,
I am currently an SPC (pending promotion to SGT) in the ARNG. I'm a 68W, and was in the middle of reclassifying as a 68X. In the civilian world, I'm a clinical psychologist. Yes, I've tried direct commissioning, but my doctoral program was not accredited by what Army wants it accredited by. Due to this, I've been given two options, and four choices for comissioning.
1) Go OCS, traditional accelerated for the ARNG. Afterwards, I'd commission as a 2LT, and depending on what's available, timing, etc... Accept my commission.
2) Commission (directly) as a medical service corps officer. However, I'd be locked in as a 68W. I don't really know about this option, but my understanding is I'd be a glorified paper pusher.
3) Wait a year, go to 68X school then commission as a medical service corp officer. Lock in as a 68X.
4) Do nothing, go to 68X school, and not commission anytime soon.
My reasoning for commissioning are both professional and financial. Officer pay is good versus. enlisted. Additionally, I want to become an officer so I can be more involved with the Army on the leadership level.
Insights and advice appreciated.
I am currently an SPC (pending promotion to SGT) in the ARNG. I'm a 68W, and was in the middle of reclassifying as a 68X. In the civilian world, I'm a clinical psychologist. Yes, I've tried direct commissioning, but my doctoral program was not accredited by what Army wants it accredited by. Due to this, I've been given two options, and four choices for comissioning.
1) Go OCS, traditional accelerated for the ARNG. Afterwards, I'd commission as a 2LT, and depending on what's available, timing, etc... Accept my commission.
2) Commission (directly) as a medical service corps officer. However, I'd be locked in as a 68W. I don't really know about this option, but my understanding is I'd be a glorified paper pusher.
3) Wait a year, go to 68X school then commission as a medical service corp officer. Lock in as a 68X.
4) Do nothing, go to 68X school, and not commission anytime soon.
My reasoning for commissioning are both professional and financial. Officer pay is good versus. enlisted. Additionally, I want to become an officer so I can be more involved with the Army on the leadership level.
Insights and advice appreciated.
230x: Medical Service Corps Officer
68X: Behavioral Health Specialist
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Career Counselor
Career Advice
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 3
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Have you talked to an accredited school to see if you can transfer your credits, pay a modest fee, and "graduate" from there? Even if you had to take a few classes, in the long run this would save you time. As a clinical psychologist, you would likely commission as AT LEAST an O3. It would take you 3 years to get to this point if you commission as a 2LT MSC officer.
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Sounds as though you have your mind set to become an officer. Reading your statement you really have 3 options IF you can be a 68X as a commissioned officer which is more closely related to your civilian job; sounds like first choice! Is there a 68X officer position??
If not, then it’s do you want to be a 68W MSC commissioned officer or…as a 2Lt in whatever the Army needs to fill billet.
You need to talk to a recruiter/officer accession I would think and start eliminating what is not doable or available anytime soon. I wouldn’t necessarily wait a year + for something that may not materialize. At some point in your commissioned career you will be doing more admin as it’s a natural career progression. A lot of NCOs (Mustang officers) have initial problems stepping back and being an officer first but you’ll learn soon enough.
With your degree you can possibly have a more fulfilling career as a 2Lt in a different career field, especially so if you decide active duty is not for you. You can enhance your personal and professional life doing something outside your comfort box. No one here can make your decision for you, but hopefully provide some food for thought and possibly guidance to get you on the commissioned road. My advice, don’t let an opportunity escape with sitting on the fence or waiting for mighta-coulda-shoulda!
Good luck!
If not, then it’s do you want to be a 68W MSC commissioned officer or…as a 2Lt in whatever the Army needs to fill billet.
You need to talk to a recruiter/officer accession I would think and start eliminating what is not doable or available anytime soon. I wouldn’t necessarily wait a year + for something that may not materialize. At some point in your commissioned career you will be doing more admin as it’s a natural career progression. A lot of NCOs (Mustang officers) have initial problems stepping back and being an officer first but you’ll learn soon enough.
With your degree you can possibly have a more fulfilling career as a 2Lt in a different career field, especially so if you decide active duty is not for you. You can enhance your personal and professional life doing something outside your comfort box. No one here can make your decision for you, but hopefully provide some food for thought and possibly guidance to get you on the commissioned road. My advice, don’t let an opportunity escape with sitting on the fence or waiting for mighta-coulda-shoulda!
Good luck!
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Correct me if am wrong, but how do you get an MOS(68W &68X) if you are an officer? As far as I know officers are assigned AOC. Secondly, some of the MSC AOCs are like 780% over strength, I recommend you do a thorough research on Army AOCs and then narrow to specialty of interest. imo, 73B might be your best fit to get the three desires of your heart (leadership, professional dev't & $$)
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