How do I become commissioned in the army?would I have to move?If already an NCO would I start at an O1? thanks
960491
go to west point, college R.O.T.C,  or O.C.S.
123615
You left the Corps for the Army?\n\nAw man go back to the Marines. Email the Army, they might know something. Try www.goarmy.com to contact recruiters. If you need to keep your rank, then tell the recruiter you cannot join unless you know for sure.\n\nIn the Marines, that is like full corporal, right? E4?
492417
You have more opportunities in the Army reserves, but if you ask any one, the Air Force treats their soldiers the best/ closest to civilian. Not only that, but as mentioned above, Army reservists are more likely to be over seas at the current time... Although I have heard rumors of a coming shift from Army to AF and Navy. But honestly I would say it would depend on your MOS preference and if you want an Army style life or an AF style life. Fixed wing aviation related careers, go AF. Rotary or infantry related, go Army. The Army also has more bases from which the guard can opperate than the AF, giving more flexibility for location. Sorry, probably more than you wanted, long story short, it depends. In my opinion, I say AF all the way.
139941
Go to college, get a degree, join the Army as an officer...  Get out and go into the public sector.  When you get done being an Army officer everyone will want you and you move right into management.  So once you're there you just move up the chain and become CEO.
1037654
What is the Army Reserves units in your area?  That's something that most people forget to think about.  When you sign up for the Reserves/Guard, you will be assigned to the closest unit with your MOS requirement.  That means that you may be driving clear across the state to do your weekend drills.  I don't say this to discourage you, just that you keep this in mind.\n\nYour first step is to talk to the recruiter and take the ASVAB.  We always told people to NOT lock down on a particular job, because you still have to qualify for it, and an opening has to be there.  Have several different MOSs in mind that sound interesting.  \n\nPlease don't get discouraged no matter what the results are.  Good luck, and congratulations on your decision.
875784
Well since you are not at WEST POINT (USMA) you are not going to get a RA commission (REGULAR ARMY) you will get a RESERVE COMMISSION (99% of new officers get these so no big deal ) and since the DEMS won and will likely take back the white house and the coming withdrawl from Iraq, you would do well to take somethig you like and something to fall back on-I am a civ employee on McChord AFB and some RIF's(reduction in force- military version of LAYOFF!)have happened to at least 2 LT's here. If you are going INF and planning on going AIRBORNE that degree might be ok for a "HOOAH" lifer ,but if you think the army will be a SKATE job ,wait til you are competing with decorated VETS for the few active slots left after a 7 year $100 billion dollar war and a dem government-good luck!
359105
act like the CSM on "We were soldiers". Actually, the best thing you as an officer can do is let your NCO mold and train your young trainee... as an officer be a role model in what you know and do. Be the best commander you can...by letting your NCO work his/her soldiers as they know how to... beacuse when you leave he and everyone else will still be there,...then have to do the whole thing over again with someone new!
991342
First and foremost I would say do your research. They all have great benefits it just depends on your motive for joining. I chose the Army when it was me in your shoes. Mostly because I was really young and had a lot of growing up to do after high school. I wanted the discipline I got from the "Be All You Can Be" Army and the freedom to choose my job. Other services don't allow that. On the other hand the Army is the only branch serving 1 year rotations in Iraq at this time. \n    Just do your research and talk to your parents. Remember though you are the one who will have to live with this decision so let it be yours. Good Luck\n\nIn case you were wondering, no I don't regret joining the Army, I have had some hard times but ultimately I have gained so much. I have had more experiences, been more places, and met more people than I could have ever dreamed of had I stayed at home.
362794
There's room for anyone in good shape.  I was in recently but was medically discharged before I could go to Iraq unfortunately.\n\nFirst of all, when you talk to the recruiter, ask him about something called the "trail blazer" during basic training.  They change the name occasionally.  It basically involves being able to max out the AIT PT test at day 1.  You want to do that.\n\nSince you're married, you'll probably want to get a non-combat MOS.  (Although I took a combat MOS because I'm married) Try for something along the lines of supply clerk, mechanic, or something of the like.  Don't worry if you aren't trained, they'll teach you everything.  Mortician is a messy and unpleasant job, but if you can handle, it usually has a great signing bonus.  DO NOT GO 88M!  Those are truck drivers.  They have the highest mortality rate in Iraq and they need everyone they can get.  It sound good and easy, but it's not cool.\n\nSigning bonuses are paid after AIT, as much as 6 months later depending on the MOS.  Married people should stay away from counter intelligence since that could keep you away 10 months out of the year, but it's my number one suggestion for single people.\n\nJust so you know, Basic Training is all about messing with your mind.  When you get on base, just turn your personality off for about 3 or 4 months.\n\nInjuries in the Army.  The Army is mean on this one.  If you get injured during anytime you get handed your orders and taken to the airport and the end of AIT, THEY WILL TRY to pass it off as a prior injury, no matter how stupid.  I saw guys getting general discharge on collapsed arches.  Not a pleasant thing, but I did see an honorable on a hernia.\n\nWell, the first few months are hell, after that, it's sweet.  It's good job, you're taken care of, and if you learn well, you have plenty of potential.  If you go to Iraq, you can still get free college there.  And you should take every opportunity for college credits possible.  A degree means eligibility for officer training and a good position in the army.\n\nAnd finally, make sure you fill out the paper work correctly.  Take your time, especially when calculating income.  Being married, I made more than the lieutenant as a PVT.\n\nIt's a good life, but it is the Army and the Army is about war.  For some reason a bunch of kids these days forget that when they sign the papers.  They think about travel and college and easy money and forget that it's about fighting.\n\nWell, I encourage it and wish you luck.
729754
I can only speak to US Army Officer promotions. First, check out AR 600-8-29 (Army Regulation - I linked it below). Second, there are several unwritten rules regarding specific positions and OER (Officer Evaluation Reports) ratings that one has to have. Then there are the educational requirements (both OES - military schools - and civilian). If you would like, please feel free to email me @ sofgrant@hotmail.com and I will provide you with more specifics.
109456
ok being in the army, it has been my experience that 22 yr old college rotc grads who become officers suck.  the good ones, are the ones that were enlisted, made it to spec 4 or sgt or ssg, then went through ocs.  theyve dug the fighting positions and burned human waste and led teams and squads and sections.  they have the backbone to stand up to a captain or light bird or full bird colonel.  so when they get their commission they know what theyre doing, know how to take care of troops and make it happen.  the lower enlisted usually don't mess with em as much like, like dipping their desert boots in the blue dye in the porta john, or tape to a flag pole or anything like that.  they have the respect of their men because he was their once.  i hope that makes sense.  so deciding on whether or not to become an officer, my advice is go enlisted first, it will make your job easier as an officer in the long run. if youre looking rotc, look into the green to gold program.  it is an amazing program with very good results.  hope this helps
236909
The above answer is great.\n\nI would only add the following.\n\nTry military.com and AKO (Army Knowlage Online)\n\nMost troops are registered on both.\n\nGood Luck
999455
I went to basic in fort jackson....i went on june 2nd 2004. Dont bring a damn thing.....When you get there...they give you a 'smart card' and they make you buy shoes...clothes..socks..etc. Keep in mind everything you bring you will be holding with your arms straight out for atleast an hour... so dont buy anything. Try to be what we call'high speed' dont kiss ass..and DONT ASSUME THE DRILL SERGEANTS LIKE YOU..BUT do everything your told to the best of your ability and as fast as possible. Try to become the bay leader or the platoon leader. Work your ass off in pt and dont cry or whine. Whether you like the training..(rifle,landnav,bayonette courses..etc) or not have fun with it but dont smile. Say YES DRILL SEARGEANT , NO DRILL SERGEANT as loud as possible. Keep your area clean and learn how to do hospital corners on your bed BEFORE you go to basic. Start drinking plenty of water now....youll have what is called force hydration where you have to drink 2 qts so you might as well start now so you dont get sick. Make sure your 'battle buddies' dont fuck up...stay on them even if they hate you tellin them what to do itll look good on your part and youll have a smoother ride. Be aware that theyre will be some 'crazies' when you get there...people will try to pull some bullsh it and kill themselves, run away, talk back....just ignore them and do what your supposed to do. The red phase is the worst. Oh and once you get to the blue phase ( last phase) youll be right back to red phase...they like to mind fu ck you like that. Dont stress it though. Youlll learn to like the chow...no soda or dessert but youll be alright...umm if you have anymore questions you can message me on im whatever496@yahoo.com
598480
I am currently in the Army and am writing this from Southwest Asia.  I love being in the Army.  Where else can you get paid to jump out of planes, go to the range, and travel.  Sometimes these experiences have their downsides but I wouldn't trade any of it.  You meet people with backgrounds very different from your own and that helps you grow.  The Army offers a lot of opportunities that you can't find anywhere else.  Even people who decide not to stay in often say how the Army gave them a direction and helped them to be more disciplined.  The other answers on being wary when you talk to a recruiter are good.  Really research what you want to do in the Army and make sure you get it in writing.  Good luck.
704980
ROTC will by far and away be the least complicated way to do it. There are other commissioning sources, but based on your situation - ROTC will be simpler. (P.S. The benefits/status for these sources are all identical - theonly one that may have more prestige - a Service Academy is not an option for you - so I'd go with the most available option for you).
698303
In the Army NCO rank is E5-E9 (SGT-CSM). Officers start at O1 (Second Lieutenant).The link below is the rank system for all branches of the military.
241364
That is an oxymoron,there is no army knowledge!Just kidding best of luck to you!