Would anybody have any information on joining the NG as Officer with an AA Degree?

2017-07-06T10:19:51-04:00

I want to join the NG soon and wanted to go in as an officer. I have an AA with some credits towards my BA (just over 90 credits). I will be 32 in August and wanted to know what should I be doing to prep. I spoke with a recruiter and he said I could do BTC, then go to OCS and I would be eligible for Education on duty to pay for school while at OCS. Is this true? What other info should I know?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 10:31 AM

2017-07-06T10:31:58-04:00

Any reason you can't do two years of ROTC? Many of the individuals I've known to commission through an Early commissioning program failed to get their degree within the timeline and were escorted out of the Army, sadly much of that time was on deployment.

I highly recommend getting your degree first.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 6 at 2017 10:53 AM

2017-07-06T10:53:43-04:00

OK. You have over 90 credits, so you have the educational requirements filled for now. My biggest suggestion for prep for BCT/OSUT is to get in shape, good enough to pass the PT tests with substantially over minimum score. The Guard has a couple of options for OCS, two 14 day "annual training" events with once a month weekend drills in between. That would allow you to continue your schooling while you go. Some states offer a full time 8 week course, but I know absolutely nothing about it since it isn't offered around here. You would be eligible for the GI Bill for Reservist, plus you will get paid for AT and Weekends. Some states offer paid tuition for state Guardsmen, check with your recruiter on that one. After you commission, you will be required to attend a Basic Leadership Course for the branch you chose, the shortest one is about 20 weeks or so.
I found OCS a pain in the butt, but not particularly hard. Get in shape and work on staying in shape, read the sections listed syllabus and being able to answer all the sample questions will keep you ahead of the curve on the academic side.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 12:45 PM

2017-07-06T12:45:19-04:00

F E, looks like these gentleman have a handle on your question so I'll just say good luck and hope to see you soon in the FLARNG!

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 6 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-07-06T14:58:40-04:00

Are you asking just to validate what a recruiter has already told you? Have you been to the NG recruiting website to research the qualifications for NG OCS? Every enlistment program is backed by a regulation, policy letter, or operational message, and the basic info is published in the official recruiting publications (both print or website) available to any prospective applicant. But yes, the ARNG and Army Reserve both have what is called a split option training program. (at least they did, but things change). As a college student currently enrolled, if you have enough credits to be considered a Junior, and can obtain written verification from your college that you will graduate with a Bachelors degree on schedule if all requirements are met, then it is possible that you can enlist OCS as a split option- BCT in the summer between your Junior and Senior year, and OCS in the summer after graduating, PROVIDED, that you are otherwise qualified and accepted for an OCS enlistment. There is more to it than having a degree, which is why I advise that you do your own research and ask the questions to your recruiter who should be aware of the current policies and your qualifications. Good Luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 11:08 PM

2017-07-06T23:08:59-04:00

This will vary by state. Some states no longer accept 90 Credits go get a commission. Some states had issues with officers not finishing their degree and never being eligible to make it to CPT. If at all possible you should go finish this up. But when you join the guard and hit a unit you should be able to start drawing educational benefits. I would say that you should only listen to a person in your state if you are joining the National Guard. I have seen this go down sour a few times. Every state is different. One issue you may have is if you go to basic and you come out without being able to get into your state's OCS program or if they just give you an MOS so they can get you in the door. You should be asking a lot of questions about this.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 1:12 AM

2017-07-07T01:12:31-04:00

If you enlist now I think you can go in as a Specialist with an AA, then when you get back you can go the ROTC route and apparently get E5 pay while you're finishing school. I would get confirmation on this though before attempting as I don't have all the details, I have a buddy in the Tennessee Guard who's trying this now.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jul 10 at 2017 8:49 PM

2017-07-10T20:49:58-04:00

I would suggest that you enter the NG under a Strips for Skills Program (if it still exists), and inform the Recruiter that you are interested in ROTC at your 4 year college. Many individuals I know have utilized ROTC in conjunction with the NG enlistment. They were immediately promoted to SSG E-5 while attending ROTC. And of course, if you have an AFQT Score in the upper 5%, you could request from the onset of your Enlistment consulting that you wish to validate qualification eligibility for OCS as a condition of the enlistment. KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN!