Posted on Aug 15, 2023
What advice do you have on the best path to fulfill my career goals?
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Currently I am a 12N Reservist with 3.5 years service in my initial 6/2 contract. It was always a goal of mine to commission as an Active Officer. I am 2/3rds toward my Bachelor's Degree and intend on finishing it by the time of my reenlistment window. Now I've been struggling to figure out the best course of action. I have a deployment (Individual Mob) coming up for OPSEC sakes I won't say when, but when I should get back it will be within my reenlistment window.
Scenario 1: Can I reenlist into the Active Component of the Army in my Reenlistment window either with a conditional release or just with a new contract, then when in Active Duty apply for OCS?
Scenario 2: Should I run out my Reserve Contract, go into the IRR and do a Conditional Release from IRR to Active since I heard it's fairly easy, much easier to from IRR to Active then Reserves to Active?
Scenario 3: Push a Conditional Release Now and try to get one and just go active now so I can finish my degree there (which I heard is harder to do classes on the active side for a lot of reasons) and then submit for OCS?
Tips and suggestions are much appreciated or alternatives to what scenarios I've been coming up with in my head so far.
Scenario 1: Can I reenlist into the Active Component of the Army in my Reenlistment window either with a conditional release or just with a new contract, then when in Active Duty apply for OCS?
Scenario 2: Should I run out my Reserve Contract, go into the IRR and do a Conditional Release from IRR to Active since I heard it's fairly easy, much easier to from IRR to Active then Reserves to Active?
Scenario 3: Push a Conditional Release Now and try to get one and just go active now so I can finish my degree there (which I heard is harder to do classes on the active side for a lot of reasons) and then submit for OCS?
Tips and suggestions are much appreciated or alternatives to what scenarios I've been coming up with in my head so far.
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Re-enlistment
Military Career
Army Reserve Elements
79S: Career Counselor
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) Re-enlistment Military Career Army Reserve Elements 79S: Career Counselor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you. My university doesn't have an ROTC program, I'm going to American Military University and am deep in the Degree Program there. I'll compare my courses at the local university with a ROTC program and see if I can slot in without back tracking in the degree program.
Thank you, sir
Thank you, sir
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CPT (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - I think the point to the LTC's recommendation is if ACTIVE is your objective it is going to be easiest by getting contracted through an ROTC commission for an active slot right out of the gate. Otherwise the many other paths that are open to commission can be a distraction toward an active officer path. A "reserve" commission is going to be pretty easy, but the USAR isn't keen to release you to active duty (they will let you go AGR easy enough). Then you end up going down the path way of an ARG officer, but really the AGR program doesn't want you until you are a CPT, and you're just better off waiting till you've knocked out your Captains Career Course because the ARG program isn't keen about you going to school while doing your full time AGR job.
So........... to avoid all that........................... go ROTC, get picked up by the active component when you graduate college.
There are moments in time in your military career where you get to change direction. It's like getting on a freeway that goes on for 100 miles before the next exit. Those onramps points only have a few wildcards to change direction, but once you make that change it's hard to undo it and you have to wait another 100 miles.
So........... to avoid all that........................... go ROTC, get picked up by the active component when you graduate college.
There are moments in time in your military career where you get to change direction. It's like getting on a freeway that goes on for 100 miles before the next exit. Those onramps points only have a few wildcards to change direction, but once you make that change it's hard to undo it and you have to wait another 100 miles.
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) I would at least contact the closest university with ROTC and see what can be worked out. It's not uncommon for individuals to attend ROTC at another university nearby.
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You can try a conditional release when you get back. I was in the National Guard and got released to go active duty. I was already an officer. I would look at finishing your degree and start working with a recruiter. I would just start working the conditional release as soon as you have your degree. I will usually take some time for it come back. I wouldn't try to go active first. You also have see when you can get an OCS date. You may have to wait a while.
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You can let your current contract expire, then join the Active Army as Prior Service. You don't need a Conditional Release to join once your contract is up.
I'm with LTC Miller, if you are wanting a commission, ROTC is by far the easiest route. Since you are MOS qualified, you can get an exemption for the first two years, join in your Junior year, go to Advance Camp and Commission at the end of your Senior year. Be aware that Active Duty Commissions are competitive and you need to be toward the top of the OML to get one.
You can finish your degree and then enlist Active Duty with an O9S Officer Candidate Option. You already have basic, so you should ship direct to OCS. I'm a Maverick and I will give you a warning, OCS isn't BCT, it isn't fun and I still don't like my TAC officers. I finsihed tied for top student and it still blows.
I'm with LTC Miller, if you are wanting a commission, ROTC is by far the easiest route. Since you are MOS qualified, you can get an exemption for the first two years, join in your Junior year, go to Advance Camp and Commission at the end of your Senior year. Be aware that Active Duty Commissions are competitive and you need to be toward the top of the OML to get one.
You can finish your degree and then enlist Active Duty with an O9S Officer Candidate Option. You already have basic, so you should ship direct to OCS. I'm a Maverick and I will give you a warning, OCS isn't BCT, it isn't fun and I still don't like my TAC officers. I finsihed tied for top student and it still blows.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
One other comment, you can stay in the Reserve/National Guard while attending ROTC and do your drill time as an SMP. You get paid as an E-5 for Drills, experience from shadowing the officers in your command and it doesn't effect your ability to get one of the Active Duty Commissions as long as you don't sign up for Guaranteed Reserve Duty.
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