Enlist or Officer for Army Reserves

[proudpapa]

I would like some solid info on wether or not enlisted guys have better access to schools in the army reserves. I want to go intel, I have heard that enlisted guys get more hands on training in the field as opposed to an officer, is this true? If I want to begin a career in intel, is this a logical step to take or am I going backwards?

I have a college degree, language ability and have lived and travelled all over the world.

Any imput would help, my recruiter just blows smoke up my arse to get me to sign.

Thanks

[HAVEGUNWILLTRVL]

Papa,

Those Damn Recruiters!!! LOL. I am an Army Recruiter for both Active and Reserves. You can go straight to OCS from Basic Training. That is an option, but the only problem with that is you will not be guaranteed the branch you desire, in your case Intel. Officers are based on needs of the Army. You will get a wish list in OCS if you go and may get one of your top three choices. Not only that you will not be eligible for any incentives i.e. bonus money, college loan repayment etc.

If you enlist you will get your job in Intel guaranteed plus be eligible for the bonus, college fund,and or college loan repayment. You can get a combo of two of the above but not all of the incentives. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Take care.

Ski

[Schmaltzy]

Alot of your questions maybe answered on a thread I posted earlier a page back in the history... Check it out.

[RoscoeRuhl]

I can tell that Havegun is a recruiter or has the background because he knows the program! I doubt that the recruiter is blowing smoke to get you to sign. If he's good at what he does, he probably couldn't care less if you sign or not. A good recruiter isn't interested in doing anything except for making sure you have the answers to your questions before you sign. There isn't anyone forcing you to sign the papers. What you want is guaranteed in writing before you sign, or you don't do it. It's as simple as that! With that said, lets answer the question you asked. There are going to be difficulties attending schools while you're in the reserve or guard only to the extent that there will be some budgetary constraints and potential conflicts with your normal job outside the reserves. Aside from that, open training slots are what's driving the train. Most likely, the officer will have the first opportunity and then the worker bees when it comes to training opportunities. As far as hands on training, the enlisted soldier is going to have the edge. The officer isn't going to get any of the actual hands on training for practical application back at unit level, because he/she isn't going to be doing the work, just overseeing the operation. If you want to do the job, go enlisted. If you want to see the job being done, go officer.

Have a great day!

[CA_ARNG_LT]

I have 7 years mil. experience. I know how this works.
I have been an enlisted soldier and I am now an officer in the CA National guard. If you want hands on experience and direct application of the intel equipment go enlisted. Enlisted soldiers do the work, officers supervise and ensure the work is done to standard, along with evaluate mentor etc.. Your recruiter should be able to get you an automatic rank of E-4 because of your education. Although the reserves is the slowest way to get experience it is a start, the mil. intel school will teach you alot. Maybe think about active tour of 3 years you will learn alot more. You might also choose a signal type job if you are thinking about jamming, decoding, SATCOM (sattelite communications). You have many options that are logistical. any more questions just send them my way.

[HAVEGUNWILLTRVL]

Proudpapa,

Decisions, Decisions... Roscoe and the LT. are right on the money. Good luck!

Ski:rambo:

[Forensic Auditor]

I have been told by some NCO's that with a degree and i think 2 yrs experience in the field, I can get a Direct Commission (DC) into the Army Reserves (such as MP, Admn, etc..). This would mean I would bypass OCS and go directly to OBC. I was shown tthe Army Reg that specifies this option and the fields one can go into. (AR) 135-100.

www.usapa.army.mil/gils/epubs3.html

Can anyone clarify/varify this information and regulation?

[CA_ARNG_LT]

I am not positive of this reg, I can research it. I have heard of DC before and thats sounds about right. A degree and prior service will give you a commission although you might have to go to a 6 week OCS then OBC. Either way it is a small price to pay for the increase in pay and retirement. Though I would suggest that you make sure you are positive on the decision. Becoming an officer is a bigger change than many people, even prior service, think it is. Officers are not NCO's and a good NCO is not neccessarily a good officer. Remember that some NCO's and soldier might respect you for your prior service and some might reject you because you changed teams. You have become one of them. Officers rate NCO's and hold their careers in their hands. You also hold the ability and responsibility of removing soldiers and NCO's from the ranks that are not worth the Army's time or money. You will also have to put down the gear and pick up paperwork and OPORD's. You must be ready to make the switch. Officers dont complain, break reg, look sloppy, be buddy buddy, or any other thing that NCO's can get away with. You play a political role and answer to much more rank. OCS helps with that change but is not that great at it. I have seen some officers that should have remained NCO's. Good luck!

[Forensic Auditor]

Can anyone tell me what the requirements of this positon (USAR Unit Administrator) is? Do you apply to the position then join the reserves, go to basic, AIT and pick any MOS? How does it work? I see it offered all the time on the OPM website. It says you must e willing to be a reserve member...??
Here is the website: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/TM5134.HTM

[CA_ARNG_LT]

You have to be a reserve member. Yes you will need to go to basic and AIT, unless you have prior service. These jobs are basically administrative assistants for unit. You will handle pay, orders, and school dates etc. for the soldiers of the unit. You will work as a civilian during the month when everyone else is doing there regular jobs. We had one of these positions in a reserve unit I was with. You can apply before or after basic and ait but you might have to have a certain MOS so I would contact them first. The number is on the bulletin. Its easy work but this position can be the backbone of the unit while everyone else is at home so we need good soldiers in these positions. Good luck!

[Forensic Auditor]

Thanks!
I was in the Army Guard previously. I have Basic training behind me but not AIT. (long story).
I have a degree in Finance and an MBA (masters).
Would love to go Officer, but the 2 yr guard OCS is to long and much for me right now..lol
Looks like a neat positon.