If I join the Army Reserves as a 70B, what can I expect once I get to my unit?

James Conrad — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 22:08:41 -0400

I am looking at joining the Army Reserve as a 70B and was looking to get a little more information on what to expect once I get to my unit. Once again this is in the Reserves, so I know it is going to be different than active duty. I was told there is a Combat Support Hospital unit in my area, and I would be working with them. I believe he said BOLC was about 5-6 weeks long is that correct with some of it being online training before I went? After BOLC training would I report to my unit, and then do my training there or is there a 70B schooling? Mainly looking to see what my job duties and roll will entail once I get to the unit, but any and all information you have and can provide would be very useful, thank you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 10:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 22:25:30 -0400

Im assuming you’re looking at the AMEDD Direct Commission program. If assessed as a 2LT, you would attend AMEDD DCC (direct commission course) at Ft. Sill for 4 weeks. You will then schedule the 9 weeks of MS BOLC in San Antonio. While some reserve officer jobs in the MS Corps attend a short BOLC, 70 Series officers have to attend the active duty course for the entire length.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 10:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 22:26:49 -0400

As far as job, it really depends on where you fall in the UMR (unit manning report). You could be a medical platoon leader responsible for enlisted medical personnel or you could be in a staff section.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Sep 14 at 2018 5:54 AM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:54:51 -0400

Do you have a 4-year Degree or do you still need to earn one? If you possess a degree then you could apply for a Direct Appointment as a 2LT, 70B (Field Medical Assistant, Health Services Officer). Without Prior Service you will need to attend the Direct Commission Course which is 6 week at Fort Sill, OK. Then you would need to attend the AMEDD Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) for 10-weeks in San Antonio, TX. 70B Officers can’t attend the condensed BOLC course. AMEDD expects thier 70B Officers to have more in-depth knowledge of how the Army works. Now, if you don’t have Prior Military Service the chances of you being selected for a DAP is very slim. Usually if an applicant doesn’t have prior service they must have a Masters in Business or Healthcare Management. The training can be split over a year or two depending on your Civilian job and your situation. What are your reasons for joining?

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Sep 14 at 2018 1:04 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 13:04:23 -0400

You are right on spot in your assessment. What is your current GPA now? What about HT/WT? Do you have any current or past medical issues? Do you have or had any violations of the law, to include traffic tickets?

Response by SPC Jamie S. made Sep 15 at 2018 7:28 AM

SPC Jamie S. — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 07:28:43 -0400

James Conrad, I was considering the same thing. The recruiters I spoke with said I can't because of my age 39, turning 40 in Nov.... And apparently there are no waivers. I finished college with a 3.88 GPA, prior service and everything else is fine. My issue, age. I'm kinda frustrated.
Best of luck to you!