If I plan to go to college to commission through ROTC, would you recommend I deploy before college (for enlisted experience)?

2018-02-01T08:20:08-05:00

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 1 at 2018 8:43 AM

2018-02-01T08:43:30-05:00

Experience would be helpful, but I personally wouldn't recommend unnecessarily delaying college just for that reason.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 1 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-02-01T08:55:27-05:00

Deployments do not suddenly grant you some kind of mysterious treasure trove of experience and knowledge. If you happen to deploy, good on you; have fun and stay alive. If you don't happen to deploy, so be it, pal. I'll let you in on a little trade secret: there aren't many butter bars that show up with deployment patches anyways... Keep that to yourself though.
If you want to go green to gold then do it. Don't postpone your education and development because of some imagined importance surrounding deploying. Believe me when I say that there will always be another opportunity to go and deal with that suckfest after you come back as a 2LT.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 9:02 AM

2018-02-01T09:02:02-05:00

I agree with LTC Kevin B. . I also enlisted in the National Guard prior to attending ROTC. The order of merit list which determines your component and branch is based off of GPA, leadership potential, APFT score, and voluntary contributions to the organization via extracurricular activities, not prior-service. You would be better off in my opinion contracting with ROTC immediately and participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). With SMP, you participate in both the Guard and your college's ROTC program at the same time. During this two to four year course, you'll be paired with and mentored by a unit officer. In some instances you will be the acting platoon leader of a real platoon. More information on this program can be found at:
https://www.nationalguard.com/simultaneous-membership-program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpAUYNdZlVs
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me or your projected university's ROTC Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO).

Simultaneous Membership Program | National Guard

Simultaneous Membership Program smp you participate in both the Guard and your college&#039;s ROTC program at the same time two-year course GRFD scholarship cash bonus monthly allowance Montgomery GI Bill and Guard Kicker commission as a second lieutenant

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 9:55 AM

2018-02-01T09:55:22-05:00

Sure enlisted experience is great before becoming an officer. But, if you have an opportunity to commission through ROTC I say take it. If you're wanting to be an Infantry PL then enlisted time will help you a lot in understanding your role as a PL vs PSG and keeping good relationships with your NCOs. But, if you're looking to branch something in Logistics, Adjutant General, Chemical, etc. than understand you may be looking at a lot of staff assignments...

Response by SGT David T. made Feb 1 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-02-01T13:51:26-05:00

I will be very direct. My experience with prior enlisted officers have been mixed. Some were among the best officers I have ever seen and others were absolutely terrible. There didn't seem to be a middle ground. I would suggest start college as soon as you can because waiting makes it harder to go back. Don't be in a rush to deploy. If it happens it happens. If it doesn't that's awesome too. Frankly, I envy those who haven't deployed. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Do what you think is best for you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-02-01T16:39:34-05:00

Of course, any experience is more experience. What a silly question.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-02-01T20:56:15-05:00

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about that, worry more about your own goals. Deployments will happen. The opportunity to go to school and earn a commission is something that shouldn’t be put off, fot anything. You’ll be better off as a younger officer then an old crusty one, take it from me.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 1 at 2018 9:44 PM

2018-02-01T21:44:10-05:00

And let me tell you what happens if peace breaks out and there is no more war? The folks with the scare me medals and combat patches rapidly disappear within a matter of a few short years and the majority of the folks remaining have no combat deployments. So no impact via the peace breaking out across the world scenario either.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-02-04T16:11:07-05:00

I recommend you take advantage of any opportunity provided before you to develop yourself personally and professionally, particularly if these means you wish to lead Soldiers at some point in your career (NCO or Officer). If this means you can deploy as an enlisted (I assume you have never deployed), then do so. You are a young PV2 with your whole life ahead of you...focus on your 5M target. Try to excel at your assigned duties daily and be an example to your peers. Many of the things we want come with time, effort, and patience. You will get there one step at a time.

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made Feb 4 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-02-04T20:28:57-05:00

Education is a first priority, all else is second. Think, you're not going to be in the military forever. Stay focused on education as long as you can, and follow your dreams!