Military service - anyone done it?

[Lorenzo_H]

I am heavily considering trying to join the military as an officer. If there is anyone out there who has some advice for me regarding this, or on what the army is like?

I will be eligible to join the US, British or Italian forces, but most likely I would join the US, second option UK.

I would want to join not as a last resort, but mainly for the experience, and also to serve my country (whichever I choose in this case).


On the same topic, I found this article about possible US conscription: http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/11/20...ice/index.html

[KrooK]

Ask Wolf_Kanuni - he was in turkish army.

[Redleg]

I am heavily considering trying to join the military as an officer. If there is anyone out there who has some advice for me regarding this, or on what the army is like?

I will be eligible to join the US, British or Italian forces, but most likely I would join the US, second option UK.

I would want to join not as a last resort, but mainly for the experience, and also to serve my country (whichever I choose in this case).

Depending on what you want to do - the best way to get a commission is to use the ROTC program at any university in the United States. Direct commissions are possible in selected fields of study, but for the most part those commissions are done in the medicial fields. If you have a college degree alreadly you will need to talk to a military recruiter to see about Officer Canidate School. If you go that route, make sure OCS is in the enlistment contract before you sign.

But the easiest route to get an active duty commission is one of the Service Schools. The ROTC route will require a board that meets every year that selects among all the soon to be commissioned ROTC students which officers will go active duty. Some years the percentage of newly commissioned officers for active duty is extremely high, some years not. For instance my selection board only 70% of all eligable ROTC students were selected for active duty. But I would image now with the mission cycles that selection rate his higher. IF you go ROTC the best way to ensure your selected for active duty is to apply and get one of the ROTC scholarships available when you speak with the ROTC recruiter at the university or college that you attend in the state.

Branch of duty - for active duty is also for the most part a selection process. WIthin the ROTC method you get to chose 5 branches in order of preference, for instance my first choice was the Armor Branch, and my second choice was Field Artillery. I was initially selected for my first choice of Armor, but because of several reasons I did not graduate from college in time to pick up that branch, I was re-boarded and picked up my second preference of Field Artillery.

[Lorenzo_H]

Oh, and are you assigned to the regiment for your region?

[Redleg]

Oh, and are you assigned to the regiment for your region?

Not in the United States. As an officer you will be assigned to mulitiple units during your time in the military. About every 3-4 years you can expect to move. Because of the way the service schools are geared to help with career progression.

2nd Lt - Officer Basic for your branch
Captain - Officer Advance course for your branch
Major - CGCS

Those three schools basically cover your first 10-12 years in the United States Army. Each school is considered a Change in Station move which means the unit you were serving with prior to the school loses you for the school, and you get re-assigned to a new unit while at the school.

[Lorenzo_H]

Ok, not the same as here in Britain then.

Another few questions:

What does the fitness test entail?

Also, how many years is one full term? Here in UK its 6 years (enlisted).

[Redleg]

Ok, not the same as here in Britain then.

Another few questions:

What does the fitness test entail?

Also, how many years is one full term? Here in UK its 6 years (enlisted).

Its the same as the enlisted soldiers - Officers are expected to score in the 80-90% range of each catergory - but its not an offical policy, just kind of inherient in the chain of command. Anything below 70% will definitily be frowned upon. Officers are expected to lead by examble in all things to include physical fitness.

The test is broken down by age - so one would have to look at the scale to understand the scoring system, but it basically consisted (during my time in service) Minimum passing scores were 40 pushup, 40 situps, in two minutes, and run the two miles in 16:15. Getting the minimum score in each area was frowned upon - so you will want to train to maintain in the above 60 in each area and below 14 minutes in the run.

Most contracts read 4 years active 4 years inactive duty for a total of eight years. Once selected for active duty its not hard to stay in, if you make the promotion sequences on time. 1st Lt is basically an automatic promotion unless you have a major screwup. All other ranks have a promotion board. For instance the captain board should happen between your 3rd and 4th year. If you are selected you get an indefinite status which basically allows you to stay in until the next selection board or your resignation from service. The process is more detailed then that - but that is the gest of it.