Considering Military Service through an OCS program, looking for advise, information and experience.

[Darkbloodmon]

As the title states.

Just graduated from UNCC with a BS in Political Science last December and I'm now looking to get some advise, information and experience from others on OCS programs before talking to a recruiter about it. I don't come from a military family, so my knowledge is limited. If anyone has any time to talk about their service during and after an OCS program I'd really appreciate it.

I've done a good bit of research already(primarily on the Marine Corps) and have a list of questions for recruiters as well as an MOS list of jobs I'd be interested in. Currently I'm reading up on the fiscal changes of the branches and other news on CSIS as well as formal enrollment numbers and statistics.

 

[BigSouth]

I have a lot to say about this so I may end up making several posts as they come to mind.

1. Recruiters have their own agenda that don’t necessarily fit what you want. They have quota’s to make and might try to sway you into a different career path.

2. I went Navy to serve my country, but to also have a small bit of control over my fate (read that as on a warship and not the sandbox).

3. Although my family, friends, and the general public appreciated my service, I didn’t get that same sentiment from other service members.

4. Choose a career path that translates over to a civilian job. I joined up planning for 20+ years. Met my wife 1 year in, first kid 6 years in, couldn’t get out fast enough.

 

[NickMaul]

What exactly is your career plan? Full military career? Get a few years service then transition into civilian sector?

Just something to think about before signing up for such a transition in life. Most of my college buddies who did an officer route through the military are making the transition to civilian life and it doesn’t equate a direct handout for a job.

Also ask what sort of leader you are. If you aren’t into baby sitting 18 year olds then I would avoid USMC and Army

 

[R Q]

Do like others I know and get into a specialized tech field and once you get out be a subcontractor for that job to the gov't or the companies that you have dealt with all along. You'll have all of the needed contacts and knowledge but won't be on military salary anymore but you'll have some of the benefits.

 

[Atla]

Screw all that.

Go Marine Corps. Infantry. Drop bodies and panties.

Have you SEEN our dress blues? They look even better if you get plugged and survive.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

What exactly is your career plan? Full military career? Get a few years service then transition into civilian sector?

Just something to think about before signing up for such a transition in life. Most of my college buddies who did an officer route through the military are making the transition to civilian life and it doesn’t equate a direct handout for a job.

Also ask what sort of leader you are. If you aren’t into baby sitting 18 year olds then I would avoid USMC and Army

It really depends. I'd like to make a 20 year plus career out of it if possible , but military culture and politics are one of my concerns turning me away from that idea. Ideally I'd do 20+ or so for retirement benefits and transfer too federal job potentially. What are some of the issues transitioning out into civilian life?

I'm pretty good with kids. But seriously speaking how would you define leadership?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I have a lot to say about this so I may end up making several posts as they come to mind.

1. Recruiters have their own agenda that don’t necessarily fit what you want. They have quota’s to make and might try to sway you into a different career path.

2. I went Navy to serve my country, but to also have a small bit of control over my fate (read that as on a warship and not the sandbox).

3. Although my family, friends, and the general public appreciated my service, I didn’t get that same sentiment from other service members.

4. Choose a career path that translates over to a civilian job. I joined up planning for 20+ years. Met my wife 1 year in, first kid 6 years in, couldn’t get out fast enough.

If you don't mind could you elaborate on number 3?

Shortly after you posted your reply I was on my way out the door to talk to a neighbor who severed about this topic. I've done a few mobile mechanic jobs for him and he was always in my ear about the military as a former recruiter for the Air Force. He's currently on reserve after 28 1/2 years in the Marine Corps. A few of the core take always from our conversation were "Flexibility in how things are done under different superior officers" , "The networking politics of the military are push and pull" and something his Master Gunnery Srgt. told him when he was around my age that he says is still true today "Don't be so quick to call someone your friend, ""friends"" fuck you over"

On number 4 I think I have a decent MOS list that would transfer over in the federal intelligence sector, but I need to run some ASVAB practice tests to see what would be open to me. The farthest thing from my mind is getting married and having a kid. I'm not sure if its just a me thing or other people my age having a similar mindset. I've got loans to pay off and I like the flexibility of picking up and moving.

 

[BigSouth]

elaborate on number 3

In my experience, the people that climbed the ladder higher than me were driven by the power or authority that came with the rank and title. Most were plagued with some sort of family issue that made them happier away from home. Didn’t matter if it were officer or enlisted. To me, we were all out there, putting our lives on the line, to serve a greater purpose than ourselves. Even the dumbest, weakest link in the chain, signed their name and swore an oath. That has to mean something. It really changed my opinion of the armed forces to see how those people were viewed and treated. To be clear with the facts, I was Navy enlisted, Nuclear mechanic, very specialized, and we could make rank very quickly. Hell, I went to boot camp as an E-3, graduated A-School as an E-4, and put on E-5 at 2 years in. At that point, you outrank half the ship and you’ve only been to sea for a couple months. A lot of those guys and gals were 20 years old, couldn’t legally drink, but found themselves in charge. That rank and authority goes to a lot of peoples heads. I put on E-6 at 6 years in and just couldn’t stomach the idea of putting on khakis as a Chief. I had lost all respect for the idea of the brotherhood. Military life is no different than corporate America. That’s probably a lot of rambling….

 

[Loganwayne]

Do like others I know and get into a specialized tech field and once you get out be a subcontractor for that job to the gov't or the companies that you have dealt with all along. You'll have all of the needed contacts and knowledge but won't be on military salary anymore but you'll have some of the benefits.

This.

My sister fiancé was in the army received a lot of special training and security clearances that would cost an employer a shit ton to pay for out of pocket. They just found out she got accepted for a grad program in another state and he made a call and has a job lined up whenever they move

 

[Croatan_Kid]

Well, when you get out, depot level aircraft maintenance aint too bad.

 

[NickMaul]

It really depends. I'd like to make a 20 year plus career out of it if possible , but military culture and politics are one of my concerns turning me away from that idea. Ideally I'd do 20+ or so for retirement benefits and transfer too federal job potentially. What are some of the issues transitioning out into civilian life?

I'm pretty good with kids. But seriously speaking how would you define leadership?

I recommend looking into the different “types” of leaders. I think the Army even has a basic guide haha.

I’m curious why you went through an entire BS Degree program and didn’t do ROTC at school. You could have been steps ahead of the curve.

 

[77GreenMachine]

Not everyone can go down in the well, someones gotta hold the rope. So one day when you’re a veteran, don’t snub the folks who aren’t. Be a good person, accept the appreciation and don’t look down on those who’s path wasn’t the same.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

In my experience, the people that climbed the ladder higher than me were driven by the power or authority that came with the rank and title. Most were plagued with some sort of family issue that made them happier away from home. Didn’t matter if it were officer or enlisted. To me, we were all out there, putting our lives on the line, to serve a greater purpose than ourselves. Even the dumbest, weakest link in the chain, signed their name and swore an oath. That has to mean something. It really changed my opinion of the armed forces to see how those people were viewed and treated. To be clear with the facts, I was Navy enlisted, Nuclear mechanic, very specialized, and we could make rank very quickly. Hell, I went to boot camp as an E-3, graduated A-School as an E-4, and put on E-5 at 2 years in. At that point, you outrank half the ship and you’ve only been to sea for a couple months. A lot of those guys and gals were 20 years old, couldn’t legally drink, but found themselves in charge. That rank and authority goes to a lot of peoples heads. I put on E-6 at 6 years in and just couldn’t stomach the idea of putting on khakis as a Chief. I had lost all respect for the idea of the brotherhood. Military life is no different than corporate America. That’s probably a lot of rambling….

I appreciate you sharing that, I find these insights really valuable. They help me put together a more realistic picture past the brochures, professionally filmed videos and polished words of recruiters.

Not that every branch doesn't have its own issues, contradictories and short comings. But in passing during my search about the Navy I came across the "Fat Lenard Scandal" I'm not exactly enthused about how it was handled top officials get pushed into retirement early, lower level Officers and Enlisted members got martyred while gaged.

More recently LCS-8 USS Montgomery top CO's "fired"(re-assigned) over "loss of confidence in ability to lead" (handling of sexual harassment investigation)

As you said, they signed their name and swore an oath. What is it worth if you have people acting like this? Are the core values just lip service while no one ranking you is watching?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Well, when you get out, depot level aircraft maintenance aint too bad.

The Marine reserve member I spoke to today said 6001-05 were solid pics for a transferable skill set when I brought up my MOS list I was interested in.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I’m curious why you went through an entire BS Degree program and didn’t do ROTC at school. You could have been steps ahead of the curve.

Not coming from a military family; It wasn't in an option considered. Considering military now as one of my parents is showing their true colors and failing on the promise to help repay back my student loans. Sallie Mae caps interest rates from going past 5% for active duty service members. Realistically speaking I could be closer to a career I enjoy after military service experience. I'm interested in intelligence.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Not everyone can go down in the well, someones gotta hold the rope. So one day when you’re a veteran, don’t snub the folks who aren’t. Be a good person, accept the appreciation and don’t look down on those who’s path wasn’t the same.

I'm just inquiring and considering, not chizzling my name in anything till I know enough to make an informed decision.

 

[Atla]

Why is everyone ignoring my post?

USMC infantry is where its at.

Our entire existance is to kill human beings through fire and maneuver.

And you look badass at the same time.

I went in enlisted at 26 years old with a degree in Criminal Justice. It was the best decision of my life. I was a stupid man child with no ambition, drive, or discipline. The corps beat that into me. If I hadn't been cock blocked from re-upping due to a stupid tattoo policy we had at the time, I'd still be there as a grunt. (Ironically it was my Bible verse tattoo of Romans 13:4 about the justification of killing that blocked me...)

Forget MOS's that translate to a stable civilian job. Learn how to fight and kill people. Be part of a warrior cult. Eat crayons and go to Valhalla when you die. Learn to butt stroke with your rifle and stab people in the chest with bayonets while screaming the Marine Corps battle hymn. 0311 is the best MOS out there. As long as you can sign your name, your in.

Holy shit.

It's glorious and I miss the hell out of it.

There's nothing like it on the planet.

All this talk about 'well when I serve my country I want something out of it that will pay me back ..' naw, screw that.

Be a bullet sponge, a crunchie, a trigger puller. Kill for your country and laugh about being called baby killers by beta males who eat soy, cry at the sight of blood, and know less about sex than they do feminism.

Semper Fi.

 

[BigSouth]

Why is everyone ignoring my post?

USMC infantry is where its at.

Our entire existance is to kill human beings through fire and maneuver.

And you look badass at the same time.

I went in enlisted at 26 years old with a degree in Criminal Justice. It was the best decision of my life. I was a stupid man child with no ambition, drive, or discipline. The corps beat that into me. If I hadn't been cock blocked from re-upping due to a stupid tattoo policy we had at the time, I'd still be there as a grunt. (Ironically it was my Bible verse tattoo of Romans 13:4 about the justification of killing that blocked me...)

Forget MOS's that translate to a stable civilian job. Learn how to fight and kill people. Be part of a warrior cult. Eat crayons and go to Valhalla when you die. Learn to butt stroke with your rifle and stab people in the chest with bayonets while screaming the Marine Corps battle hymn. 0311 is the best MOS out there. As long as you can sign your name, your in.

Holy shit.

It's glorious and I miss the hell out of it.

There's nothing like it on the planet.

All this talk about 'well when I serve my country I want something out of it that will pay me back ..' naw, screw that.

Be a bullet sponge, a crunchie, a trigger puller. Kill for your country and laugh about being called baby killers by beta males who eat soy, cry at the sight of blood, and know less about sex than they do feminism.

Semper Fi.

There’s a lot going on here. Can’t say it really helps the OP make a life decision. I do see a few tidbits of info in there that need to be conveyed.

1. You wanted to stay and they wouldn’t let you. I saw this multiple times for various reasons. Tattoos and weight were big ones. The military has “standards” that’ll prevent you from staying in regardless of how well you do your job or how passionate you are to serve.

2. The military is full of guys acting like they’re the Alpha. Truth is, there’s always a bigger dog. Stay humble and treat your brothers as equals.

3. MARINE stands for “My ass riding in Navy equipment”.

4. NAVY stands for “Never again volunteer yourself”.

 

[benXJ]

Sounds like student loan payments are a big driving factor. That is no reason to join the military. Recipe for regret.

 

[NickMaul]

Not coming from a military family; It wasn't in an option considered. Considering military now as one of my parents is showing their true colors and failing on the promise to help repay back my student loans. Sallie Mae caps interest rates from going past 5% for active duty service members. Realistically speaking I could be closer to a career I enjoy after military service experience. I'm interested in intelligence.

Something else to consider is that you can’t always pick your MOS. Yeah you can make a preferred MOS but the military can switch that up and stick you anywhere they want. You would have to max out your PFT score, have a super high GPA, and be a top performer at your training to hand pick an MOS in my experience.

Have you looked into all of the military’s preferred standards? Mainly physical fitness.

 

[Atla]

In all seriousness, and not a 3am post, the Marine Corps was really good to me.

I'd recommend them.

And go officer, don't be like me with a degree and go enlisted. I got out as a grunt Sergeant at 6 years and I still wasn't making what a fresh LT would. Everything is nicer. And most likely, you can get some sort of college money out of the branch.

Personally, I never considered another branch since I was about six. Always wanted to go USMC and infantry. And I smoked the ASVAB test for MOS eligibility. They threw a fit over me going infantry instead of some more brainier gig.

But I grew up on the Sands of Iwo Jima with John Wayne, no way I was going to do anything else.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Sounds like student loan payments are a big driving factor. That is no reason to join the military. Recipe for regret.

Could you explain why? I'm not chasing the promises of 10-20K bonuses recruiters lie about. Plenty of people join to pay for college.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Something else to consider is that you can’t always pick your MOS. Yeah you can make a preferred MOS but the military can switch that up and stick you anywhere they want. You would have to max out your PFT score, have a super high GPA, and be a top performer at your training to hand pick an MOS in my experience.

Have you looked into all of the military’s preferred standards? Mainly physical fitness.

The GPA was talked about when I spoke with my neighbor yesterday about it. He said as well that no longer is a degree enough, but they look at GPA as well as your ASVAB scores amongst other things.

I haven't looked into the PT standards, its the least of my concerns about this decision, not that I'm cut but I'm more concerned about what's to come during service.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

In all seriousness, and not a 3am post, the Marine Corps was really good to me.

I'd recommend them.

And go officer, don't be like me with a degree and go enlisted. I got out as a grunt Sergeant at 6 years and I still wasn't making what a fresh LT would. Everything is nicer. And most likely, you can get some sort of college money out of the branch.

Personally, I never considered another branch since I was about six. Always wanted to go USMC and infantry. And I smoked the ASVAB test for MOS eligibility. They threw a fit over me going infantry instead of some more brainier gig.

But I grew up on the Sands of Iwo Jima with John Wayne, no way I was going to do anything else.

What was the culture like on the day to day? Another point my neighbor made about going officer is the divide between those who enlisted and became officers ("Mustangs") and those who just start as officers(I forget the term he used for this one)

I'm not one for titles or name dropping who I know, But I don't have a lot of patience for mindless bullshit and unnecessary drama.

 

[Wes]

Don’t know if it’s been said, but in the army officers don’t always get to choose their branch. I’m an instructor on Ft Jackson at the moment. I teach the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). I get a ton of officers coming through that didn’t choose the branch they wanted. Some wanted infantry or some form of combat arms and they ended up in finance. It has to do with your performance and the needs of the army. Recruiters are used car salesmen but they don’t decide what branch you get usually. I’m not a fan of them. Make sure you get what you want from him or her. They have quotas to meet. They’ll stick you wherever as long as they “make mission”. Get everything in a contract you want down to the detail. Example: I want x branch, and I want to be stationed at x duty station, with x school enroute, and so on. If you don’t get it in writing it likely won’t happen. As others have said, do something that’ll make you money on the outside. Combat arms is fun , but if you want to qualify for anything other than a cop or security guard find another job. Check out usajobs. Look at all of the GS positions that are posted. Most are in the medical field, HR, aviation, contracting, or logistics. Choose wisely.