Quick run down.... I am 37 years old. And I want to Join, I have taken the ASVAB and scored a 98 with my line scores all falling between 139 - 141. I don't really know the benefits of that, other than everyone says it's good. I have a college degree and have a good job. (I just feel like it is time to contribute) I have a wife and seven kids who are all very supportive. My question is: What is my best route to contribute the most, and as quickly as possible. I'm not getting any younger. I'm thinking OCS. What do you think?

That is really your only choice. You will need a waiver. Since you have taken the ASVAB, your recruiter should be able to tell you what needs to be done for a waiver. You will have to enlist as an 09S and go to basic, then after basic go to OCS.

I am 39, married w/ 2 young kids. I wish I had served when I was younger, but I met a NG recruiter two weeks ago, and am waiting for a medical report from an old illness (Cat Scratch Fever... no, seriously, it's not just a Ted Nugent song). I took the quickie ASVAB and scored a 92. I have 82 college hours and would like to apply for OCS. I do plan to finish a Biz or IT degree, but not joining NG for college. Like OP, I realize I have been one of the 99% being carried around by the 1%, and want to contribute.

Is it better to apply for 09S from the start or to enlist, go to IET and AIT, then apply for OCS once you are in your unit?

If I understood the recruiter, he was telling me that if I enlist 09S and either am not selected or wash out, then I may have to take whatever I can get for an MOS (I may not be able to choose). Also, he said the bonus is max of $10k if you enlist 09S.

He said if I choose an MOS, go to IET and AIT, and THEN request OCS once I am in my unit, I would get full bonus ($20k) and an MOS I want (if there is a need and slots open, of course). Then if I didn't get selected for OCS or don't make it through, I would just go back to the MOS I wanted originally and had trained for.

I would appreciate feedback on this. Thanks in advance.

The SMP-Simutaneous Member Program I'd say is the best route if your trying to be officer in the Guard. Go into the Army Guard forum seperate in the Army fourm boards, Major Hoskins is officer recruiter for california and give you some better info than. I am enlisted and have no intentions of being a officer. Just my personal take. Not that officers are bad its just seems like they don't get to do as much of day to day things us enlisted enjoy.

-Patrick

quote:

Originally posted by Liberty_2000:
I am 39, married w/ 2 young kids. I wish I had served when I was younger, but I met a NG recruiter two weeks ago, and am waiting for a medical report from an old illness (Cat Scratch Fever... no, seriously, it's not just a Ted Nugent song). I took the quickie ASVAB and scored a 92. I have 82 college hours and would like to apply for OCS. I do plan to finish a Biz or IT degree, but not joining NG for college. Like OP, I realize I have been one of the 99% being carried around by the 1%, and want to contribute.

Is it better to apply for 09S from the start or to enlist, go to IET and AIT, then apply for OCS once you are in your unit?

If I understood the recruiter, he was telling me that if I enlist 09S and either am not selected or wash out, then I may have to take whatever I can get for an MOS (I may not be able to choose). Also, he said the bonus is max of $10k if you enlist 09S.

He said if I choose an MOS, go to IET and AIT, and THEN request OCS once I am in my unit, I would get full bonus ($20k) and an MOS I want (if there is a need and slots open, of course). Then if I didn't get selected for OCS or don't make it through, I would just go back to the MOS I wanted originally and had trained for.

I would appreciate feedback on this. Thanks in advance.

In your case, I would recommend enlisting OS9. You *MUST* commission by age 42, and you are already 39 years old. If you enlist OS9, you are guaranteed a chance to go to OCS. If you enlist normally, and wait until after BCT/AIT, it is up to your unit to send you to OCS, not you.

Traditional OCS is 18 months long, and starts each March. Accelerated OCS is 8 weeks long, but is very, very, very competitive to get a slot.

So under the traditional, it's going to take you some time to go to MEPS, get a ship date, attend BCT/AIT (of which length can vary greatly depending on your MOS choice), then wait for your unit to put you in a slot for the next OCS start.

You can see how this can come dangerously close to attempting to finish before you turn 42, doing this route.

By the way, the $10K officer bonus - you won't actually receive that until after you complete BOLC II and BOLC III (after you commission). Even then, it's not guaranteed (it will not be in your original OS9 contract because that is voided when you commission and you sign a new contract). You will only be able to receive it if they are still offering it once you do commission.

There is no guarantee 18 months from now that it will still be available. The National Guard has done fantastic on its recruiting goals and is now overstrength.

So if the bonus money is the most important to you, go enlisted route (but realize you may lose your shot at commissioning due to age). If service is more important, go OS9.