Different ways to become an officer.

[gruffwolf]

I hate to create another thread for this topic but I don't have time to search this whole forum to try and piece together the information I need.

I am a prior-service Marine E5, MOS 2631 (Electronic Intelligence) who is looking into joining the PA Guard. I have talked to the enlisted recruiter but I'm not sure I completely understand what he was trying to tell me so here I am. I am 33, Reentry code RE-4A (no idea what that means), and I have an active TS/SCI clearance.

I have about 90 credit hours from a few different colleges and I want to take advantage of the Guard programs to finish my schooling (I plan on continuing on to Law School). From what I've read, the SMP program will let me go to school full-time while collecting pay as an E5-6. The recruiter then told me that the most money was available to people who enlist, finish school, and then apply to OCS.

I would prefer to join as an officer but I need some advice on whether or not the enlisted route is better/preferable.

Also, I need some career advice as far as job selection goes. After the Marines, I worked as a consultant in DC and spent 2 years supporting CENTCOM during OEF and OIF. I have a lot of great experience that I don't want to waste. Are there Homeland Security liaison positions in the Guard? Decent MI options?

Thanks in advance for your help in this matter.

[andrew.tischner]

Well If you are interested I can refer you to the NJ army National Officer assestion Manager, maybe she can get you info about the Officer side, You can enlist as 09S which you will go to state OCS during the period of time you go to college or you can just come enlisted. Career wise thats up to you.

[matthew.ritchie]

There are several ways to skin the cat. If you're attending college full time, then ROTC is the way to go. If not, then OCS is your only option. Each state has a different force structure, but I think you'll find that you'll have a hard time getting an MI slot as a lieutenant. You need to look at combat arms branches, or perhaps Chemical (the CBRNE defense component is certainly desirable from a homeland defense perspective). Any LNO slots will take you years to reach. You need to be thinking about platoon leader and company XO jobs right now.

[gruffwolf]

Great, more things to think about!! :D

Thanks for your help, I'll have to sit down with the recruiters and get all the info about each option so I can make the most informed decision.

I am going to go out to visit the MI unit during their two week drill period next week. That may help me make my decision.

Of course, before all that happens, I am going to try to find out why the Marine Corps gave me a re-up code of RE-4A. I was honorably discharged and the narrative line on my DD214 says I was released because my contract was up. So why the 4A?? I was never in trouble, no medical issues, and I was promoted ahead of all my peers... I hope this isn't their way of screwing me over because I didn't re-enlist.

[2ndglance]

I tried looking up your RE but for Marines I dont see a 4A.

Hopefully the Marine RE-4A differs from the Army because the Army 4A is
RE-4A - Individuals who did not meet basic eligibility citizenship requirement of Chapter 2, AR 601-280, at time of last separation foam active duty. Ineligible for enlistment unless requirements of table 2-1 can be met. Citizenship requirements are nonwaiverable. Applicable to EM who fail to meet citizenship requirements.

Edit:
Well did some more searching, still didnt find a 4A but I have 4 and 4B:
RE-4 Not recommended for reenlistment.
RE-4B Assign when there is a military or civil record of in-service illegal drug involvement and there is no potential for further service.
http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/2dmardiv/aabn/CarPlan/Career%20Planner%20Web%20Sight/reenlistment_eligibility_codes.htm

[slathrop]

I recently began the application process for direct commission into the ARMY Reserves in 70B but was told today that there will not be a review board for 70B until MAYBE next year. I just turned 33 last Saturday and I don't want to risk being too old to join.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services and about 10 years experience in the mental health/behavioral health field.
What kind of direct commission options would there be for someone like me in the National Guard?
I have already heard that song and dance about enlisting and then applying for OCS and all of my friends who are serving or have served have told me that it is almost impossible to go that route or it at least takes years to do it.

[gruffwolf]

I tried looking up your RE but for Marines I dont see a 4A.

Hopefully the Marine RE-4A differs from the Army because the Army 4A is
RE-4A - Individuals who did not meet basic eligibility citizenship requirement of Chapter 2, AR 601-280, at time of last separation foam active duty. Ineligible for enlistment unless requirements of table 2-1 can be met. Citizenship requirements are nonwaiverable. Applicable to EM who fail to meet citizenship requirements.

Edit:
Well did some more searching, still didnt find a 4A but I have 4 and 4B:
RE-4 Not recommended for reenlistment.
RE-4B Assign when there is a military or civil record of in-service illegal drug involvement and there is no potential for further service.
http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/2dmardiv/aabn/CarPlan/Career%20Planner%20Web%20Sight/reenlistment_eligibility_codes.htm


Thanks for the help. I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to call my old unit so I still haven't been able to run this to ground.

I don't know what 4A means but it can't be anything bad. I was an excellent Marine and I was never in any trouble... and I am a US citizen so that's out. AND there's nothing bad in the narrative lines. Whatever it is, it is sure to cause me a boatload of grief.

And they (the Marines) wonder why people want to get out and move into the private sector.

[leilani miller]

I this probably off your guys subject but can any of you guys ask my qudtions?

[?ARNG]

Gruffwolf,

Have you considered going Warrant Officer? I believe your experience would be put to better use as a WO than as CO (altho WO do become commissioned officers after a certain rank). At least in the short term.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[matthew.ritchie]

I recently began the application process for direct commission into the ARMY Reserves in 70B but was told today that there will not be a review board for 70B until MAYBE next year. I just turned 33 last Saturday and I don't want to risk being too old to join.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services and about 10 years experience in the mental health/behavioral health field.
What kind of direct commission options would there be for someone like me in the National Guard?
I have already heard that song and dance about enlisting and then applying for OCS and all of my friends who are serving or have served have told me that it is almost impossible to go that route or it at least takes years to do it.

Speak to your state's Officer Strength Manager about direct appointment in Medical Service Corps based on your civilian experience.

[port454]

4a means they would have let you re-enlist. as I recall it's the best rating.

[GracieLou]

By any chance, do you mean 1A instead of 4A? I was discharged from the Marines with a RE-1A, which is the best one that you can receive...