Should specialized degrees be utilized inline with Officer career selection by the Army

SFC Robert Trodahl — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:25:49 -0500

For example, I have served with a Captain with a degree in electrical engineering but was selected as HR. It seems a waste of knowledge/resources for the Army.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 22 at 2014 11:35 AM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:35:17 -0500

Had a friend who was a RN and was branched Transportation. I too have always been amazed at the selection process.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 10:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 22:58:26 -0400

I agree with this. Some of it matters what the Officer wants to be branched. I wanted Signal, as I have a BSBA for Computer Information Systems. The Army decided I was going to be Chemical. They could have looked, as I also have a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and already had HAZMAT certs. Do I think they actually looked? No.

I do feel that it should be easier for people to change. I do feel that, as a whole, we do a poor job utilizing internal resources. The government wants to make cuts; they could use the people they already have to do things they are qualified for, even though that is not part of their MOS.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 10:20 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:20:36 -0400

In a word, yes. That's one of the reasons why I went Warrant instead of taking a direct commission or going OCS. I earned nine degrees, the highest of which is a Master of Software Engineering. God knows where the Army would branch a LT Walker....never going to happen.