because sometimes they actually do come true...

I've been chasing a commission, a shot at Jump School and/or Rigger School for close to 25 years.

This post may seem, well, off-forum-topic, but I'm posting here because, 1) I am a member of the Grey Brigade, and 2) most, if not all, of the friends I've made on Mil.Com have been on the WTC site...

The 28 Nov 07 board at HRC selected my name, among many other individuals, to receive a Direct Commission in the U.S. Army Reserve - bringing a life-long dream of achieving an Officer's Commission to reality.

My unit, the 421st QM CO (LAS) is a Reserve Aerial Delivery Company with an airborne mission. When I checked into the unit this past Friday, I became the Platoon Leader for the Rigger Platoon. What this means is that upon checking in I was handed both a unit patch and an Airborne tab to go on my left sleeve. Once I graduate from BAC (and really earn the tab) I'll also be authorized to wear the Maroon Beret of an Airborne Soldier. This is the second dream come true.

Finally, because this is a QM-branched unit, when I finish QM OBC, I will immediately begin the ADMOC course - Aerial Delivery Material Officers Course. This is the Officer's version of Rigger School. Dream #3 will soon be a reality.

During a conversation with the Commander he also passed on that - should I have the motivation and drive (and desire) I would also have opportunities to attend Air Assault, Pathfinder and Ranger School. I don't know about Ranger School - but these others are all real possibilities.

For the rest of you, I pass on one other bit of information: The unit is undermanned - Opsec forbids me from giving specific numbers - but if any of you live within commuting distance of Ft. Valley, Georgia (15 minutes to Robins AFB in Macon and 90 minutes to Ft. Benning - I drive in from Atlanta) and are interested in an Airborne slot with a unit that does not sit idle then drop me a line and I'll put you in contact with the right people.

Semper Fi,

David L. Strickland
2Lt/USAR
Plt Commander, First Platoon
421st QM CO (LAS)

Welcome back LT.! Great news and congratz...

ummmm, Platoon COMMANDER? or Platoon Leader? hahhaha, no seriously, I am glad that you have achieved your dream. Perseverance and a GREAT attitude like yours will a great asset to those that serve with you. Congrats LT! So now you get a real cool call sign huh?

grats lt!learn something new everyday is my motto.

Woohoo!! Congratz M64, er rather, LTM64!!

My thanks to all your congrats! And Ninja - I've got a lot to learn... I guess Platoon Commander was a carry over from too many years playing Smurf for the AF...

Don't know about the call sign, though. Not that creative... Maybe someone else will come up with a good one for me.

Semper Fi.

I wouldnt worry about being lost and confused on the words and such. Ya know the old saying goes, ya can't spell lost without LT

quote:

Originally posted by Slovdog:
I wouldnt worry about being lost and confused on the words and such. Ya know the old saying goes, ya can't spell lost without LT

Amen, Dog. Amen!

Semper Fi.

Hey!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!

And just to add on to the theme.... it took me two years, I got into the Guard, then - after 6 months- did a 368 into Army Reserves... I am now in the 407th Civil Affairs BN.

I know what you mean about having an Airborne tab on again... though I earned mine 28 years ago. It is funny that I was in the Army and Airborne before a lot of the kids in the unit were born. Ah well, what I lack in speed and brute strength, I make up for in common sense, wisdom and endurance... LOL

the Grey Brigade is awesome!

quote:

the Grey Brigade is awesome!

You got that RIGHT!!

Hey, Colleen. Great to hear from you again. Also good to hear you're doing well.

More to follow...

Semper Fi.

So Marine64, are you still a dirty nasty LEG?

quote:

Originally posted by 12803542:
So Marine64, are you still a dirty nasty LEG?

Sadly, yes, for the time being I am still a Leg. Although the unit has slots for all the schools, I still have to at least go through the motions. The physical I did for the GA ARNG in Jan 07 was NOT a airborne physical - so that's the first step. After that the unit will have to administer a APFT for record - plus the 5 mile run - so the commander can certify that this old fart can actually step up to the table with the kids at BAC. I figure by March or April I should be ready for Benning (although I want to go NOW!!!). This is okay with me cuz most of the cold will be gone by then...

Semper Fi.

LOL.... yeah, it actually gets "cold" in GA... just a little tho...

of course, it is 8 below (actual) with a windchill of 25 below at the moment, so the 30's seem balmy!

you will do great at BAC - at least you won't do your runs in boots!

quote:

Originally posted by Marine64:

quote:

Originally posted by 12803542:
So Marine64, are you still a dirty nasty LEG?

Sadly, yes, for the time being I am still a Leg. Although the unit has slots for all the schools, I still have to at least go through the motions. The physical I did for the GA ARNG in Jan 07 was NOT a airborne physical - so that's the first step. After that the unit will have to administer a APFT for record - plus the 5 mile run - so the commander can certify that this old fart can actually step up to the table with the kids at BAC. I figure by March or April I should be ready for Benning (although I want to go NOW!!!). This is okay with me cuz most of the cold will be gone by then...

Semper Fi.

Well congrats on your commission LT!

HUGE CONGRATS Marine64!! I'm happy for ya, I'm truly glad it has all worked out for you.
Myself, I was just discharged last week. Everything fell appart in front of my eyes. They found out about a prior medical condition and gave me the boot. I fought the bastards like mad, but in the end, I wasn't good enough for the Army. I'm a little bitter now to be honest, but it does make me feel good to know you guys are making a successful go of it.

I'm gona be a truck driver I guess.

Congrats Lt. Strickland!!!

Please tell us more about the Direct Commission.What are the steps? Is there an age limit? Any info would be appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Isotep:
HUGE CONGRATS Marine64!! I'm happy for ya, I'm truly glad it has all worked out for you.
Myself, I was just discharged last week. Everything fell appart in front of my eyes. They found out about a prior medical condition and gave me the boot. I fought the bastards like mad, but in the end, I wasn't good enough for the Army. I'm a little bitter now to be honest, but it does make me feel good to know you guys are making a successful go of it.

I'm gona be a truck driver I guess.

Mark, I'm sorry to hear about your discharge. I know you wanted it badly. Is that it?. Is the prior condition a perm DQ or something they said you tried to hide from them?

Can you try later - or has the fat lady truly left the building...?

Man, that sux... God bless you and take care of yourself and check in every now and then.

Semper Fi.

quote:

Originally posted by ozzy37F:
Congrats Lt. Strickland!!!

Please tell us more about the Direct Commission.What are the steps? Is there an age limit? Any info would be appreciated.

Ozzy, I'll tell you what I can - but there's a boat load of info out there.

A DC is the Army Reserve's short term answer to a severe lack of new blood in the Officer Corps. You can pick your unit and job. Call the units that interest you and talk to the commander and ask if the unit has open 2Lt slots. You MUST have an actual line number - and the commander must provide a letter detailing the slot - to be considered for a DC. Maybe even take the time to go and talk to the CO in person and get a feel for the unit. After that its just a matter of your recruiter being locked on and getting your packet through.

In a nut shell, for a DC you need:

* a full degree (you can apply for Fed OCS with 90 credits - but you then have to really compete with the younguns in OCS...)

* Pass the physical and the Army PFT.

* Get by a local commissioning board (mine was done with here in Atlanta at one of the regional command locations before 3 majors).

* Have something to offer the Army that is better than the average Joe walking in off the street (I brought 24 years of service and a proven track record in leadership - and the performance evals to prove it).

****************

As for the age question... Yes, there is an age limit but it is waiverable. Depending on what reg you're reading - and who's interpretation you're accepting - the limit is somewhere between 35 and 42. My recruiter put a 47yo butterbar in right before beginning work on my packet. Just like so much on this board - the attitude of your recruiter can make all the difference. With mine, I went from a phone call conversation in September 07 to being selected by the 28 Nov DC board at HRC to joining my unit in Jan. All of this in less than 4 months.

If this sounds like something you're interested in, send an email to my profile address and I'll forward the contact info for my recruiter.

Semper Fi.

Great information.

I sent you a message through your profile on this board.

It is done...
I've fought my last fight, unstrapped my ruck, put away my rifle and reverently stowed away my uniform.
Aside from successfully, and with much enjoyment, completing WTC, moving on to and Blazing through Ft. Benning with sand from the hill in my smile, completing every task asked of me with a resounding HOOAH.... only to fight against the very people and organization I wanted to be a part of so desperately.
Why? For what? To be told, "Hey, you are what the Army needs more of, you will be remembered, but we cant use you. You are broke."

I am home now, and Drill Sgt's from the hill still call me to see how I'm doing, telling me they will write letters for me. My CO and 1st SGT have vouched for my fortitude. But still, I am only told I am broke and can be of no use.

I need not name name's, you all know who you are. I thank you from the heart. I will miss you all, my family.

I am so lost. I need my uniform....