Posted on Jun 29, 2018
SPC Preventive Medicine Specialist
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If you get the G2G AD scholarship to complete your masters, can you commission into the MSC as 72D ((ESEO) assuming you get your masters in a directly related field)? Is your branch/AOC filled based on needs of the army, or is it reserved for you until you complete the scholarship program? Would I be better off just applying for a DC if my ultimate goal is to get into the 72D AOC?
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COL Environmental Science and Engineering
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I’m unsure of the G2G route but everyone I know is a DC in 72D. There are specific educational requirements including science and math. An AMEDD recruiter is necessary for this. Besides the DC is so much easier. One thing you can count on is that they are all filled based on the needs of the Army.
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CPT Environmental Science and Engineering
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There are a number of factors, that when combined, will make you competitive for the 72D selection board. I was selected via Direct Commission in October 2018, and am transitioning from AD Air Force.
Academics: Having a BS/BA (or higher) in an environmental discipline is the cornerstone to being competitive. Personally, I earned a BS in Environmental Health through Missouri Southern State University (mostly distance learning). A key thing to note (this comes directly from the 72D Consultant): 45 semester hours must be a combination of science and math courses (any combination). Course titles like geology, botany, biology, epidemiology, environmental science, etc., all count towards adding up to 45. Online programs that would count: BS in Environmental Science from Southern New Hampshire University, or BS in Environmental Management from University of Maryland University College.
Certification/Licenses: Personally, I had already earned a state-level license as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and had the Dept. of Defense Pest Management Applicators License (ties into disease vector control). Any kind of public health, environmental, or related professional certification increases your competitiveness.
Letters of Recommendation: You must have at least 3, but you can have up to 5. At least 3 of my letters were from Lt. Col’s or higher, and 2 were from my academic program. Definitely aim for 5 letters from people that matter.
Military Experience: In general, being prior service is a huge plus. Likewise, having completed service schools (NCO Academy, etc), are a plus. If you already work in military health, that will give you a slight edge, especially if your MOS is related to 68S or another preventive medicine or veterinary corps MOS.
Volunteer Experience: For 4 years, I volunteered as a merit badge instructor for the Boy Scouts, teaching the Environmental Science Badge, and the Public Health Badge. Doing this in your free time really communicates to the selection board that you embody the 72D MOS.
To conclude, all of these factors combined is what got me selected, and definitely made competing much easier. Good luck.
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SPC Preventive Medicine Specialist
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I appreciate all of the information and feedback. I think I’ll just put in a DC packet. Just more of my background and journey thus far..... I graduated with my degree in Public Health in 2016 (about 3.1 GPA). I played varsity sports and volunteered throughout my high school and college experience. I boarded for a DC 72D in 2016 and 2017 and got OML’d both years. After being OML’d twice, I decided to enlist 68S, as this is the closest thing enlisted side to 72D and my ultimate goal is to serve. I’m hoping this MOS helps increases my competitiveness for the board after I serve a few years enlisted. By nature, I am a “planner” and try to look as far out as possible. I’ve been doing some research online and saw that someone branched AMEDD out of G2G, hence why I was asking the above question. Scored 96 on my ASVAB with line scores 130+ in all areas. Having said these thing, I’m hoping to board after 2 years enlisted, and hitting E-5 (oh, and I ship to BCT at FLW in a couple weeks). What are your thoughts about my competitiveness? How hard is it to board while being AD enlist. Advance apologies if formatting and grammar aren’t the best, I’m on my phone. Thank you!
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SFC Recruiter
SFC (Join to see)
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I would say have the military experience will defiantly help. I have boarded current soldiers against civilians with higher gpa’s and the soldiers got selected. At the end of the day the army takes care of their own. Also getting released from active duty is a pain but not hard. My station has done 5 this year so far.
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SPC Preventive Medicine Specialist
SPC (Join to see)
>1 y
Thank you for the information
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SPC (Join to see)
>1 y
@ SFC --I am currently an AD serving as a 68W, 1 year and 4 months in, BEng In Elect/Elect Engineering (3.78/4 GPA) and a Masters degree in Telecommunications and I am working on getting a DC for the 72DN2 or 72DN2 Position. What are my chances of getting approved for it?
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SGT (Non-Rated)
SGT (Join to see)
5 y
SFC (Join to see) - how do you think SFC? I applied this year. I am currently active duty solder with E5 for 6 years in Army. My current GPA is 3.5 with Master in Public health. My consultant review is qualified recommended and 1 years constructive credit to O2. Hpw do i make stronger to get selected if i don't pick up this year? Currently my packet is on board and awaiting result. Thanks
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