If I have a high GPA in AIT, do I have more say in what jobs I do as a 68W?

2018-04-14T22:13:11-04:00

I know there is a GPA system in AIT, and there are some jobs for 68W that have requirements regarding that. If I am at the top of my class, and have a very high GPA, do I have any more say in my job after AIT? What would my choices be?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 3:05 AM

2018-04-15T03:05:48-04:00

You may get promotion points, bout it with just a high GPA. Don't get me wrong there may be slots for other schools after ait but those are 100% pending on what's in your contract or needs of the army. And if it's not in your contract but there is a slot, your GPA won't mean much without a good pt score in ait. That was my experience.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-04-15T09:57:11-04:00

No it is needs of the army. A good GPA is good for school and you may get something for it in AIT however don't expect that to go past AIT.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 15 at 2018 10:29 AM

2018-04-15T10:29:06-04:00

Normally NO- the higher the GPA the better chance for a promotion before leaving AIT- It will help you possibly in your new unit- but that decision will be in the hands of your new chain of command.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 12:56 PM

2018-04-15T12:56:16-04:00

A high GPA does not necessarily mean your the full package soldier. Most of the time soldiers that are book smart are not always the best at everything else. There are many different dimensions and characteristic that make up a quality soldier. For example you can have a high gpa but not take pride in your uniform or appearance. The best thing for a new soldier arriving to their fort unit to do is stay motivated, take pride in their apprance/ uniform, improve physical fitness and PT, volunteer on duty/off duty, and study their mos on their own. 68w has a lot of perishable medical skills that only you can keep on top of. 4 years ago when I got to my Infantry unit I was assigned to the medic headquarters platoon for three Months. Typical week was pmcs vehicles/motor pool on mondays then layouts, range medical coverages, training/hip pocket training until the weekend came. Opportunities came up where I asked if I wanted to go to the Jungle school and later on to try out for the Scout Platoons Scout Assesment. I then chosen for the Scout Platoon where I was the medic to 20+ infantry recon and sniper soldiers. I focused my 2 years time there training these soldiers who soon became my brothers on CLS and shared all medical knowledge I had to prepare them just Incase something where to happen on mission. I also focused a lot on vertical and horizontal hoist with skeds due to the nature of work a infantry Scout does and the environment they work in. I went to air assault school and got my efmb while with scouts. After 2 years with scouts I volunteered to work at the clinic where I learned from MDs and PAs and more about patient care, patient interaction, and the different types a assesments and that are done for patients .

Honestly the best advice I have is to be observant of everyone around you, ask questions when you don’t know what to do, do not ask what time are we getting off unless absolutely necessary like you have an appointment, and study your craft.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 1:35 PM

2018-04-16T13:35:14-04:00

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-06-07T18:18:24-04:00

Plain and simple the answer is NO. Nobody is gonna care if you score 98’s on tests. What people are going to care about is if you’re a competent medic. You must be prepared to be well rounded, whether that’s down on the line or in a clinical/hospital setting. Don’t focus on or consider one area of Army medicine more important than the other. You’re still in AIT, focus on being a well rounded and disciplined Soldier and let the rest take care of itself. Good luck.