What advice do you have on the best path to fulfill my career goals?

2023-08-15T20:44:25-04:00

Currently I am a 12N Reservist with 3.5 years service in my initial 6/2 contract. It was always a goal of mine to commission as an Active Officer. I am 2/3rds toward my Bachelor's Degree and intend on finishing it by the time of my reenlistment window. Now I've been struggling to figure out the best course of action. I have a deployment (Individual Mob) coming up for OPSEC sakes I won't say when, but when I should get back it will be within my reenlistment window.
Scenario 1: Can I reenlist into the Active Component of the Army in my Reenlistment window either with a conditional release or just with a new contract, then when in Active Duty apply for OCS?
Scenario 2: Should I run out my Reserve Contract, go into the IRR and do a Conditional Release from IRR to Active since I heard it's fairly easy, much easier to from IRR to Active then Reserves to Active?
Scenario 3: Push a Conditional Release Now and try to get one and just go active now so I can finish my degree there (which I heard is harder to do classes on the active side for a lot of reasons) and then submit for OCS?
Tips and suggestions are much appreciated or alternatives to what scenarios I've been coming up with in my head so far.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2023 9:17 PM

2023-08-15T21:17:30-04:00

You should join ROTC Now

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2023 10:56 PM

2023-08-15T22:56:33-04:00

You can try a conditional release when you get back. I was in the National Guard and got released to go active duty. I was already an officer. I would look at finishing your degree and start working with a recruiter. I would just start working the conditional release as soon as you have your degree. I will usually take some time for it come back. I wouldn't try to go active first. You also have see when you can get an OCS date. You may have to wait a while.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 16 at 2023 9:27 AM

2023-08-16T09:27:01-04:00

You can let your current contract expire, then join the Active Army as Prior Service. You don't need a Conditional Release to join once your contract is up.
I'm with LTC Miller, if you are wanting a commission, ROTC is by far the easiest route. Since you are MOS qualified, you can get an exemption for the first two years, join in your Junior year, go to Advance Camp and Commission at the end of your Senior year. Be aware that Active Duty Commissions are competitive and you need to be toward the top of the OML to get one.
You can finish your degree and then enlist Active Duty with an O9S Officer Candidate Option. You already have basic, so you should ship direct to OCS. I'm a Maverick and I will give you a warning, OCS isn't BCT, it isn't fun and I still don't like my TAC officers. I finsihed tied for top student and it still blows.