OT - Son Seriously Considering Army OCS

[swartj]

Brandon if you can let this be here for a bit I would appreciate it.

My son is graduating from UMD this Maywith a bachelors in finance. This evening he told his mom and me that he was very seriously considering joining the Army and going to OCS school. I want him to talk to as many people as possible about what he can expect both good and bad so he can make an informed decision. Not having any military experience myself I am like a fish out of water in this area. I know some of you guys are either in the military or not out very long. If you would be willing to talk to him please PM me. Thanks for your help.

[Jerkbait-PA]

I was never in myself but my opinion is if he wants to do this just support his decision. The Army needs contracting offices and when he gets out he can get a good job.

Jerkbait_PA

[27 sailfish]

One plus is - no lay offs.My niece just married a Naval academy graduate - he plans to be a carrer officer, like his father.

I get his number and pass it on to you.

[mrobertson]

Never been in myself, but if i could rewind and do it all again i would have joined the coast guard right out of school

[jaynik]

He'll get good experience if he does it. My recommendation is to ask him if he's willing to let you go with him to talk with the recruiter. Ask all your questions up front and see how it sounds.

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Jerry,
I'm a USNA Grad, I'll send you a PM....
Mark

[SeaStrike]

I've been out for 10 years now, so probably not a lot I could tell him - that said, I did 20 years Army and it's more than just a job.

Even if he decides to not make a career of it, it's a good opportunity that will set him up for lots of future success.

Being an Army Officer is an honorable choice.

[Wiredawg]

I am a 22 active duty career Marine Chief Warrant Officer. I want my son or daughter to go the officer route from the beginning, if they choose the military as a career (vice starting out as enlisted as I did).

Your son will have a very promising future if he can make it thru the first few years (learning the ropes, and believe me you do not really understand what is really going on till late into your second tour, and then you continue to learn what is really happening as you progress thru the ranks as you are exposed to more and more responsibilities).
FWIW in the beginning I only wanted to come in for 4 years then get out and become a cop. I had a position waiting for me when my 4 years was up after desert storm. I decided to stay in and make it a career.

After all these years I will say the hardest part is moving every 3 years when you have kids. The early years seemed hard but when I reflect back they were some of my finest years.

Jay

[Singletjeff]

I spent 10 years in and can assure you I wouldn't be the person I am today without that experience. I wasn't an officer, but I can tell you that OCS officers were the best I worked with. West Pointers and ROTCers could be a royal pain. After 4-5 years your son will have experiences that most people 3 times his age couldn't even fathom. My only word of advice to him would be to make sure he listens to his NCO's. That is where he'll get 75% of his day to day army knowledge.

[bigd9116]

coming up on six years in the cg would not have it any other way! love every day of my job and what it has gave me

[capt.george]

As a former Marine , that got Nines in Proficinty & Threes in conduct , during my younger years 53--58 --joined at 17 after being raised by a retired Navy " MUSTANG " Captain the military was something I Loved & thrived on & felt it was a just a Extention of my Naval disipline Upbringing--

--But in this day & age ( somewhat) like the forgotten " Police Action " in Korea -there is probably a NEED for 2nd Lts, & I'm thinking there is Always is the posobility for your son becoming a Line officer in charge of a bunch of Grunts , I know recruters may paint one picture , but Realaity is the canvas he needs to look at ---Promises of a Job in one Field of work , sometimes can go Astray in wartime --Lets face it , his OCS training will be to make a Young Man a Combat Leader , as well as what his job description is on his enlistment papers --Love to meet him , ever in Deale , give me a call I'll be on one of my boats or close by Semper Fi--geo.

[MIKE BURGESS]

I wish my son went in the service :clap:

[AIK68J]

Came from a nonmilitary family and was only encourged to go into the Food Service industry. I had always wanted join the coast guard wish I did. Good luck on whatever he picks. My little cousin grauduated with a Accounting degree is working for the IRS as a Field agent in Southern Florida.

[Tawn]

I am an Active Duty, U.S. Navy Master Chief, (STSCM(SS)) Submarine Sonar Technician). I have been in for 21 years and I can only tell you it's been good to me. The change towards political correctness and the zero tolerance mentality are sometimes hard to take but the experiences, the people and the job have all made it worthwhile and I wouldn't change a thing. I plan to do 30 and retire with 30% of my pay - not many jobs today can offer that, not that the Military should ever be classified as a "job". I concur with your recommendation that he speak with as many Actice Duty Army Officers as possible - recruiters have a tough job and they are very good at painting a pretty picture.

STSCM(SS) Tawn Tipsword

[ragnad]

I never served, but I've worked for and with the military (primarily Air Force) for the past 22 years. My experience has been that a lot is expected from the young officers, and I am always impressed at the focus, leadership, and skills that they are able to wring out of these young men and women. I can also tell you that former officers often have an edge in recruting decisions after they leave the military and enter the private workforce.

It's a challenging, but honorable and rewarding career choice.

Is there something particular about the Army that draws him ? In today's climate, it would appear that Navy or Air Force might be more likely to follow through on the assignment promises made by the recruiter if he's looking for something other than a direct combat role.

[Chumbucket]

Might be worth checking on the various intricacies of all things OCS....If I'm not mistaking, and I may very well be, I think he may have to enter as enlisted with some assurance of an OCS slot and if for some reason something goes wrong or changes, he does his remaining time enlisted....This may not be exactly what he had in mind....Basically, find out what the drill is, it's not the same deal as ROTC or one of the service academies...

Maybe Ski or somebody current in the officer corps can chime in...