Keyboard Ninja
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2008
- Messages
- 157
Found this thread http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f30/military-folks-anyone-crossed-over-e-o-32255.html and decided to make my own hoping to find more "personal" advice I suppose. I have a few different questions, and they may not seem related at all. I'm just hoping that some of you could share your experiences with me.
Warrant Officer option:
Recently the Army had a CW4 and his team of WO recruiters here to brief us about applying for WO commission. I've been looking at the program via their usarec.com website, and there are 3 MOS's that I'd like to go for . One is Intel (what I do now) and the other two are aviator, and psyop.
Intel: I like what I do, and I see alot of potential in it. I recently received an email from contractor in IRAQ and she mentions that WO intel officers are more of a "liason" or briefer between E's and the O's. I'd prefer to be more hands on.
Aviator: Who wouldn't want to fly a helicopter? Plus the monetary incentives looked really good.
Psyop: I don't have a clue, but it sounded cool. I excel in one on one sales, and I was told that those skills might be good in this field.
Active Duty Officer (USAF or Army)
I would prefer USAF, but the Army would allow me to commission sooner with only 90 credit hours. I currently have 72 credit hours towards a degree in Asian Studies (Japanese). I'm hoping to pick up another 21 credit hours this year via CLEPS and DANTES (upper level elective courses). Should I even finish this degree plan? I've got all the basics done, and just need to finish the upper level stuff. At this point I'm wondering if a degree in communications (or public speaking) would be better since that sort of training seems to fit an Officer. From what I've seen Officers are in front of their troops quite a bit. Wouldn't it be beneficial then to get as much training in public speaking as possible?
I also wanted to stay Active Duty because I'd like to do the 20 and get out. If I really like what I'm doing I could stay longer, but that is a long ways off. Being in the Guard or Reserves seemed like a good idea, but at times I just see them getting jerked around in life (going from a civilian job to active duty with no end in sight at times). I don't mind changes, but the consistency of being active duty just seems more stable. I know I don't know jack about that side of the fence really so if anyone wants to put me in my place you are more than welcome.
I like where I'm at, but one of the obvious reasons for me to even consider these options is because of the money. Most people I've talked to say that if I'm doing it for the money then I shouldn't be doing it. Figured this forum might see it differently and would offer up experiences and advice looking at it from my perspective: being the best troop I can be, teaching others and also preparing myself for the next phase of my life (aka retirement). I've only been in for 2 years, but I know its never too late to learn from others.
That's all I can think of at this moment, but rest assured that I'll have plenty of other things to ask as this thread grows (I hope!).
Warrant Officer option:
Recently the Army had a CW4 and his team of WO recruiters here to brief us about applying for WO commission. I've been looking at the program via their usarec.com website, and there are 3 MOS's that I'd like to go for . One is Intel (what I do now) and the other two are aviator, and psyop.
Intel: I like what I do, and I see alot of potential in it. I recently received an email from contractor in IRAQ and she mentions that WO intel officers are more of a "liason" or briefer between E's and the O's. I'd prefer to be more hands on.
Aviator: Who wouldn't want to fly a helicopter? Plus the monetary incentives looked really good.
Psyop: I don't have a clue, but it sounded cool. I excel in one on one sales, and I was told that those skills might be good in this field.
Active Duty Officer (USAF or Army)
I would prefer USAF, but the Army would allow me to commission sooner with only 90 credit hours. I currently have 72 credit hours towards a degree in Asian Studies (Japanese). I'm hoping to pick up another 21 credit hours this year via CLEPS and DANTES (upper level elective courses). Should I even finish this degree plan? I've got all the basics done, and just need to finish the upper level stuff. At this point I'm wondering if a degree in communications (or public speaking) would be better since that sort of training seems to fit an Officer. From what I've seen Officers are in front of their troops quite a bit. Wouldn't it be beneficial then to get as much training in public speaking as possible?
I also wanted to stay Active Duty because I'd like to do the 20 and get out. If I really like what I'm doing I could stay longer, but that is a long ways off. Being in the Guard or Reserves seemed like a good idea, but at times I just see them getting jerked around in life (going from a civilian job to active duty with no end in sight at times). I don't mind changes, but the consistency of being active duty just seems more stable. I know I don't know jack about that side of the fence really so if anyone wants to put me in my place you are more than welcome.
I like where I'm at, but one of the obvious reasons for me to even consider these options is because of the money. Most people I've talked to say that if I'm doing it for the money then I shouldn't be doing it. Figured this forum might see it differently and would offer up experiences and advice looking at it from my perspective: being the best troop I can be, teaching others and also preparing myself for the next phase of my life (aka retirement). I've only been in for 2 years, but I know its never too late to learn from others.
That's all I can think of at this moment, but rest assured that I'll have plenty of other things to ask as this thread grows (I hope!).
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