Is it better to take the opportunity to do Green to Gold or wait another 1 1/2 to get Bachelors degree and attend OCS?

2019-10-26T07:11:18-04:00

I am currently trying to decide if I want to enroll into the Green to Gold Program or go OCS. I have enough credits now to do the Green to Gold Program. It will be another 1 1/2 before I can attend OCS because I don’t have my Bachelors degree yet. The packets for Green to Gold selection are due 28 NOV 19. I am 28 years old and will be 29 in December. I believe I meet all age requirements for both. My question is: Which route is best to go? I know I want to commission but I can’t decide if I want to go right now Into the Green to Gold Program or just wait to go OCS. Thank you for help in advance.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:21 AM

2019-10-26T09:21:07-04:00

I actually think you will be better off in GTG. I already had a degree, which is why I went OCS from enlisted but having worked with the ROTC at K State and seen how the cadets live, I think the ROTC provides a quality transition to the officer corps and you still can live a life. I think OCS is perfect for people like me but if you don’t have your degree yet, this works better.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 26 at 2019 10:49 AM

2019-10-26T10:49:19-04:00

Would recommend GTG. I think with the changes in branching, you'll have better branch options. Provided you can support yourself while there, I think GTG would allow you to focus on your last year's in college and nail down the degree. I think if you wait for OCS there is a higher likelihood of other life events intervening.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 26 at 2019 2:49 PM

2019-10-26T14:49:16-04:00

Definitely GTG. You will get paid your salary and go to school. That is an incredible deal. OCS has more risk because you might not be accepted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:31 PM

2019-10-26T21:31:41-04:00

Commissioning programs really come down to what works best for your lifestyle/quality of life/circumstances.One isn't "better" than the other, they all lead to a commission with a branch of the Army's need. You just have to figure out what you and your family are willing and financially able to bear and choose the path that works best for you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-10-26T21:39:11-04:00

Apply for GTG. If you don’t get it, finish your degree and apply for OCS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-10-26T23:24:14-04:00

Green to Gold all the way!!! Who else is going to pay for your school and give you a paycheck at the same time. I did it, and I never looked back.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2019 10:58 PM

2019-10-27T22:58:29-04:00

I agree with everyone. I can add something though: It is exactly because you're an NCO that you really should go GTG. I am going on 30, wife and 3 kids, dual military, hear me out.

First, you'll be able to really focus on your education... on Uncle Sam's dime. Take advantage of that!

Second, I've seen a lot of us prior enlisted cadets come and go through the ranks in the past four years. 2/3 of them were cut for the same problem; they didn't have the right attitude.

There is an adjustment period in the transition from an enlisted mentality to a comissioned mentality. Hell, I was almost cut my first year because I didn't get it, cadre said I had my head up my ass. Our E-8 wanted me out. My ROTC BN is top notch, they expect the best. Luckily, one cadre member, a Ranger and Desert Storm vet, stood up for me and I got a second chance to get my shit together. With every damn excusal form I could get for doing shit wrong, I am now commissiong as a distinguished military graduate, top of my class. I appreciate the time given me to re-learn the Army, if you will.

In my opinion, OCS will be more along the lines of what you expect. You'll most likely be able to quickly identify the targets you need to knock down to succeed and then do so like second nature.

ROTC however will be an uncomfortable, painful, and drawn out experience. You'll be around some complete idiots... total flippin idiots that will someday lead other men and women in war. And then, you'll find that they're best friend is some young punk who is twice the soldier you'll ever be and you just can't compete with them. Lastly, you will be treated like absolute shit by most everyone else in the army, regardless of your past, and you'll be incredibly frustrated that you can no longer lead like an NCO and that no one really respects you or expects you to be capable of anything.

And if you let it, it will all humble you deeply and give you time to make low-cost mistakes. You'll learn about yourself and how to look past age and experience to see the worth of a soldier in new ways... and you'll never regret it.

Let us know what you decide any other way. Hope you get what you want, good luck!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 5:47 PM

2019-12-08T17:47:20-05:00

I am currently a Green to Gold Active Duty Option Soldier . 2 years of vacation what’s been my experience so far. So worth it!