Graduate Student Thinking of Joining

[Polo08816]

I am currently a student at Rutgers University, State University of New Jersey. I am enrolled in the School of Pharmacy (Doctorate of Pharmacy) and majoring in Economics as well. I intend to graduate in May 2011 (yes, it is a long time from now).

I want to join because I want to serve my country and I want an experience that will forever change me and make me a better person. I've always been interested in military service.

I am particularly interested in MOS 11A and 96-98A (MI).

What is the typical progression or pipeline for each MOS? I'd highly appreciate it if someone could list the names of each stage of training and the approximate time for completion. What is the service obligation as an officer of both MOS?

Thank you all for helping.

[matthew.ritchie]

I recommend speaking with your ROTC department on campus. If you are otherwise qualified, you can earn a two year National Guard ROTC scholarship (two years is the max award for graduate students). Contact MAJ Carmen Tucker, (609) 562-0719. In NJ, the state pays tuition for Guard Soldiers (even at graduate programs), so you can use the scholarship for room & board on campus. Call her today!

[Polo08816]

PharmD program is incompatible with ROTC because it already makes you take 18-20 credits per semester of science courses. On top of that, rotations are required during the summer in order to graduate with a degree in the last two years of pharmacy. The only way is either through OCS or DC (if it's even possible).

[matthew.ritchie]

If he has no time for ROTC, I can't imagine he'll have time for OCS. Perhaps this individual should pursue a traditional enlistment now, and do OCS after his degree is complete.

[Polo08816]

If he has no time for ROTC, I can't imagine he'll have time for OCS. Perhaps this individual should pursue a traditional enlistment now, and do OCS after his degree is complete.

If anything, I will do OCS after my degree is complete because I can't afford/risk being deployed before I can complete my PharmD.

I just wanted to know the progression and timeline of the training if I wanted to become an infantry officer.

OCS, IOBC (these two are required I believe?), Airborne, Air Assault, etc. Ranger School (voluntary?)? If that's even possible in the NG.

[June7568]

I am currently a student at Rutgers University, State University of New Jersey. I am enrolled in the School of Pharmacy (Doctorate of Pharmacy) and majoring in Economics as well. I intend to graduate in May 2011 (yes, it is a long time from now).

I want to join because I want to serve my country and I want an experience that will forever change me and make me a better person. I've always been interested in military service.

I am particularly interested in MOS 11A and 96-98A (MI).

What is the typical progression or pipeline for each MOS? I'd highly appreciate it if someone could list the names of each stage of training and the approximate time for completion. What is the service obligation as an officer of both MOS?

Thank you all for helping.


I would certainly not enlist given the fact that you are pursuing a professional degree (Pharm.D.). You can obtain a commission as a Captain once you graduate and obtain a license to practice in any of the union's states. Contact a local recruiter and request to be placed in touch w/a health care recruiter. In addition you might (the loan repayment amounts may vary by the time you graduate) qualify for a significant amount in repayments upon gaining a commission into the army. I know that in 2004, the amount stood at nearly up to $80K. Gather all the required information prior to making the decision. Good luck.

[Polo08816]

I would certainly not enlist given the fact that you are pursuing a professional degree (Pharm.D.). You can obtain a commission as a Captain once you graduate and obtain a license to practice in any of the union's states. Contact a local recruiter and request to be placed in touch w/a health care recruiter. In addition you might (the loan repayment amounts may vary by the time you graduate) qualify for a significant amount in repayments upon gaining a commission into the army. I know that in 2004, the amount stood at nearly up to $80K. Gather all the required information prior to making the decision. Good luck.

I understand that with a PharmD I could commission as a Captain, but I believe that is only the case if you become an Army pharmacist. I wanted to become an infantry officer.

I don't know if this is correct, but is it true in many cases using the Army to finance loans for education may extend my service obligation? I'd rather have the option of extending it by my own choice in the future, than have it extended from the get-go.

Can officers opt for the 3/5 (3 years drilling, 5 years IRR) split? At the end of the third year of drilling, can an officer volunteer to continue drilling perhaps at a different location?

[matthew.ritchie]

I understand that with a PharmD I could commission as a Captain, but I believe that is only the case if you become an Army pharmacist. I wanted to become an infantry officer.

I don't know if this is correct, but is it true in many cases using the Army to finance loans for education may extend my service obligation? I'd rather have the option of extending it by my own choice in the future, than have it extended from the get-go.

Can officers opt for the 3/5 (3 years drilling, 5 years IRR) split? At the end of the third year of drilling, can an officer volunteer to continue drilling perhaps at a different location?

Generally speaking, financial incentives carry a service obligation.

For new commissions out of state OCS, you have a six year drilling obligation (see previous post). Thus, the 3x5 service is not available to you. You can enlist for this service option, however you will have few if any financial incentives available to you.

Your unit of assignment works independently of your service obligation. The obligation is to serve in the Army National Guard -- any state, any unit. As long as you serve the Guard in a satisfactory manner (i.e., meet performance standards), then you shall have met your service obligation.

Financial incentives over and above regular base pay may have more specific requirements. Ensure that you understand these requirements, and are willing to fulfill them, before you accept any financial incentives.