Posted on Oct 23, 2015
SGT Larry Prentice
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I retired in 2011 and now that I have a Bachelors I am thinking about getting back in as an Officer. Whats your thoughts on this?
Posted in these groups: General of the army rank insignia Officer2316986927 56807405 scaled 231x260 xlarge Prior ServiceEnlisted logo Enlisted
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Responses: 44
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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SGT Larry Prentice not at all in a life time. The NCO Corps is what made me into a solid Soldier and taught me about life. Simply " No one is more professional than I, I am an Noncommisoned Officer for life.
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SSG Audwin Scott
SSG Audwin Scott
9 y
I would definitely go back in as an officer, huge difference in retirement pay for sure!
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SGT Larry Prentice
SGT Larry Prentice
9 y
Thanks for the input!!
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SGT Patrick Reno
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No, I would have to give up all my map reading skills.
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SGT Paul Dare
SGT Paul Dare
9 y
lol!
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MSG Brad Sand
MSG Brad Sand
9 y
SGT Patrick Reno

That knowledge actually leaks out of your brain when you get pinned. Scientist are studying this but have not come up with any answers?

Additionally, who uses maps anymore?
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SGT Patrick Reno
SGT Patrick Reno
9 y
MSG Sand
Are you telling me you don't use a map anymore?
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CPT Physical Therapist
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That was my path. That is why I am a 47-year old Captain. Worse yet, that is why I was a 44-year old 1LT. I brought 100% of my E-6(P) with me (after a 9-year break in service) and try to influence my fellow Officers (especially on the AMEDD side) to reflect proper Military Bearing as I would mentor Junior Enlisted when I had that responsibility. I do find myself more hands-on with Soldiers than most of the other Officers, which I attribute to my NCO experience.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
COL Vincent Stoneking
9 y
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - It's all about timing and the fine print. GENERALLY, the age caps are for non-prior service and allow waiver on a year for year with prior service. (i.e. if the cap is 35 and you are 44, but have 10 years of prior service, you can make the cut).

Of course, they change both requirements and waiver criteria all the time. Right now, with the drawdowns, I would expect them to be rather on the strict side.

You would want to do a deep dive on that service's regs and then sit down with a highly qualified personnelist (Not just the recruiters - no ding against them - but they don't always know all the tricks and gotchas, especially for more complicated situations).
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
MSG Brad Sand & @vincent stoneking The Chaplain option has always interested me, but I just lack the Calling. I'm more Dr Phil (Hospital administrator) than Dr Oz (Surgeon) so the med side is probably a no go as well. I've been doing some research recently on the Reserve Commisioning programs, and they look promising though. This is all exploritory though. I "think" it's feasible. Now it's finding the right person to tell me yea/nea.
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MSG Brad Sand
MSG Brad Sand
9 y
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
A little known 'fact' of Commissioning and Enlistment regulations is that EVERYTHING is waiver able...EVERYTHING. The problem is that you will normally need pretty good reason to ignore those regulations...like we need surgeons, so we are willing to ignore the physical, moral, citizenship requirements for a MD with that qualification. What do you have that we cannot do without or train someone to do? If you can answer that question, you will always have a chance.
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SGT(P) Khalid Wise
SGT(P) Khalid Wise
9 y
Mustangs always have been trailblazers
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