Should I attend West Point or Green to Gold?

2019-12-25T15:36:40-05:00

Hello,
I am PFC Segovia, and I am currently in IET studying at DLI. I have recently completed all of my medical and physical requirements for the West Point application and received a Letter of Assurance (LOA). I am now awaiting my Letter of Admission. My question is should I continue on the enlisted route and try to obtain a G2G scholarship/program offer?

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Dec 25 at 2019 3:40 PM

2019-12-25T15:40:09-05:00

If you are accepted to the USMA, that would be your best bet you making Flag Rank down the road.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 4:52 PM

2019-12-25T16:52:42-05:00

If the end goal is to be a commissioned officer, don’t turn down a more sure route for a less sure one.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 5:11 PM

2019-12-25T17:11:40-05:00

No formula for success, other than lots of hard work and being brutally honest with yourself. Put in the work and get the bennies. No secret sauce other than your motivation, drive and ethos for success. There are usually many paths to the same destination, so it's totally up to you. If you want quick results you may strive for it, and miss much that is important along the way. It's all up to you. Good luck.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 25 at 2019 5:29 PM

2019-12-25T17:29:08-05:00

Often I express my opinion that enlisted personnel should take ROTC or OCS route to a commission. In your case, PFC Private RallyPoint Member, I say go for the USMA appointment. It sounds like you're well down that road. The major benefits of West Point are a completely free four-year college education, opportunity to learn from a highly respected academic staff, concentrated leadership training, and a "leg up" on many of your peers after you're commissioned. This may be the ultimate good deal.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 25 at 2019 6:56 PM

2019-12-25T18:56:59-05:00

It depends on what type of college experience that you want to have. Service academies are prestigious, but have very rigid rules and insular culture. Green to Gold normally means ROTC at a civilian college, but you must have personal self-discipline.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 25 at 2019 8:10 PM

2019-12-25T20:10:27-05:00

Yes two avenues of approach is better than one. Given I had two options I would go G2G because the army will give you a salary and pay for your education. That is a sweet deal if it is true.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 9:57 PM

2019-12-25T21:57:56-05:00

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 26 at 2019 6:30 AM

2019-12-26T06:30:35-05:00

As a guy who went to West Point as a 35 series (98CMF back in the day), I say go for it now. You've not yet gone to your permanent duty station -- the aforementioned rigidness of the academy won't shock your system as much. And of course the goal is becoming an officer, so do it now while you meet the age requirements - G2G is a solid back-up plan. Might I add, staying enlisted is not a bad gig either -- Good Luck on your decision. If you have questions of my experience...send a note...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 1:09 PM

2019-12-26T13:09:33-05:00

That depends on what you want to do and what you can afford. If you can afford to be a poor college kid then go to a traditional school that has an ROTC. USMA has a great program that will enable you to go to school full time without needing to work a part time job to eat and pay for rent. For most commissioning routes, the best choice comes down to what fits your life's needs. Once you commission you are like every other 2LT and no one cares how you earned your commission.

Response by MAJ Richard Jones made Dec 26 at 2019 4:32 PM

2019-12-26T16:32:57-05:00

West Point in my opinion. You will receive a degree and it gives you a leg up as far as I am concern. I served as an enlisted in the USMC and got out and went thru ROTC receiving my commission in the US Army and went back in as a LT. finally retiring.

Response by MAJ Richard Jones made Dec 26 at 2019 4:33 PM

2019-12-26T16:33:18-05:00

USMC

Response by LCpl Sandy Moran made Dec 26 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-12-26T23:17:57-05:00

Well My Son was thinking of green to gold.Cause he had the scores[marks, grades] and 2yrs college. And was told the waiting line was long, so, if you can go to west point go for it.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 28 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-12-28T20:13:37-05:00

Consider the USMA as the best option available. I taught there during intersession. No big thing. Also as a liaison officer for USMA. My thoughts are. Attending and graduating will give you one of the best educations you will ever have access to. By far better than any ROTC program. Period!!
What if you do not finish West Point for whatever legitimate reason. To include on a resume that you applied and was accepted to the academy will be an eye opener to any prospective employer.

Take the high road here. Shoot for the best opportunity and fly where few have have your opportunity. Be prepared to work and study like never before.

The very best to you and good luck.