What is the best path to become an officer for a 34-year old Army Reservist with a masters degree who is heading off to BCT?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:20:03 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 10:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:36:30 -0500

Hello SPC Zina,
I was also 34, with a Master's Degree and learned a lot about what I should of/could of done.
First, here is what I did.
I wanted something "cool" and as a seasoned IT professional, owning a business and working for a fortune 100 company - I wanted a bit of adventure. Be careful with this. Why? Because you will soon be in a line of shaved heads where no one cares about your level of education or success. You are Roster 123.
I went to BCT, then directly onto OCS, and then held over two weeks on staff duty at the 199th waiting for my slot in Airborne to start. Then, directly home - out on a couple of missions while I waiting for BOLC to start. All the while, no one caring a single bit of my background.
Then....we had a huge planning meeting in the S3 about a year after being home and they were planning for S6 capacity and supply. Then, after sliding a full S6 annex to the OPORD across the table to the S3 major....did that 2LT all of a sudden gain some respect and traction.
You have to leave whatever ego you have at the door. You will be tossed into a group of 19 year olds that will give you zero respect.

What I should have done. I had a M.S. degree in engineering and found out much later that I could have direct commissioned as a 1LT. WTF? Thanks recruiting. Check to see if your M.S. degree qualifies you to direct commission before heading to MEPS.
All in all, and to be honest. I wouldn't have changed a thing. I found that going up through the same crap everyone else did better prepared me to be an officer. I hit the ground with more respect and operated much better with my soldiers than any other officer that may have direct commissioned.
No offense to our Medical staff that direct commissions, but it MY OPINION that they lack that "depth" of feeling and understanding when it comes to soldiering - by skipping BCT / OCS, etc...

Feel free to reach out. You have a long but fun year ahead of you. Dig deep, because by about week four....you will find that your age, (and hopefully maturity) will be a safe haven for the younger crowd seeking leadership and guidance. THAT right there will be the springboard to your success as a new LT. Good luck!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 18 at 2018 5:32 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 17:32:51 -0500

When I was in, there was an age requirement... except for Warrant Officers if memory serves correct. I was commissioned through MECEP and when I put in for it, I was 25 years old. I turned 26 after I got selected and the age waiver cutoff was 26. I just remember that it was my first and last chance to put in without any waivers and I would have required an age waiver the following year. You may want to check on the requirements for each commissioning program and see which you qualify for and then focus from there...