enlisting after college - advantages?

[Anonymous]

Hi I am planning to apply to AF OTS after college, but if I don't get in ( I heard they only take like 30%) then I am going to enlist. Are there any advantages to enlisting with a college degree? Also, is it possible to enlist in the reserves while in college and then apply to OTS or go to active duty? Thanks!!

silverblatt@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

The only advantage I see is that you get the experience of learning what its like to be enlisted and those military experiences can add to your resume when you apply for OTS. Not to mention the addition of your education is good for the enlisted. According to the lastest Airman published for January- the stats read that 20% of the officers came from OTS, 42% from ROTC and so forth. In addition, 4% of the enlisted ranks has a BA/BS degree. You would be one of the few, to say the least. They pay as an E-3 is not comparable to an O-1 ($1214.70 : $1997.70) so you need to concern yourself with money/budgets. Another point is that as an enlisted, depending on your age and the agreement of your first shirt- you may live on the base for awhile, but then you might as an officer, too. Its a decision to really think about and be informed of in all respects.

Remember that the Reserves also attend BT so you would have to set aside a college semester to do so. As far as going OTS after enlisting, I believe there is an amount of time you can do that. I think it takes a little bit longer to apply for OTS from enlisted/reserves than it does going from civilian to OTS.I thought about doing the same thing, but everyone I talked to said that it would take me 2 years to get in my pkg and be able to apply because of all the BT, tech. training and things youneed to accomplish as an enlisted active duty.

I understand your concerns about being accepted, I and a few others I exchange with, are in the same boat. But do your best and if you dont pass the 1st board, there is a 2nd. I wonder too- should I enlist if I dont get into OTS? I dont know. I was going to enlist when I first started this process, but decided that I would be more useful and apply my eight years of college & experiences at the Officer level.

Please continue to talk to officers and other enlisted at a near base to you. I have a feeling that many E's would encourage you to go O. I met the same response and feeling when I did some shadowing at my local AFB.

Hope things work out- keep a good/positive attitude and GO FOR IT!

Jen


:
: Hi I am planning to apply to AF OTS after college, but if I don't get in ( I
: heard they only take like 30%) then I am going to enlist. Are there any
: advantages to enlisting with a college degree? Also, is it possible to
: enlist in the reserves while in college and then apply to OTS or go to
: active duty? Thanks!!


jenatasu_2000@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat! At first, I was going to go the ROTC route (right now they're offering a One Year college program), but I can't get classes to fit into my schedule and work out to graduate in one year. So I'm going to start the application process for OTS as soon as possible.

I asked my recruiter what advantages there are to enlisting with a college degree. He told me 1.) you gain a better understanding of the Air Force 2.) enlisted people respect officers who have previously walked in their shoes 3.) you can apply for OTS a year after your original enlistment.

Also, if I remember correctly, when you get an advanced degree as an officer, you incur more of an obligation to the AF, while you do not if enlisted. And you have a slightly better chance of getting into OTS from active duty than as a civilian.

Another thing to think about: you can go ROTC to get your Master's degree if you want. I just don't know if I want to be in school any longer! :)

Good luck and keep me informed on your decision!

-Kristi

kmcgarey@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

: Hi I am planning to apply to AF OTS after college, but if I don't get in ( I
: heard they only take like 30%) then I am going to enlist. Are there any
: advantages to enlisting with a college degree? Also, is it possible to
: enlist in the reserves while in college and then apply to OTS or go to
: active duty? Thanks!!


Actually the selection process overall tends to be like this: active duty selectees + civilian/ROTC selectees comprise approx 50% (+ - 3-5%) of the total applicants selected. Of those selectees approx 50% are active duty and 50% civilian/ROTC. For instance, the last board (of which I was selected) there were approx. 458 applicants. 255 were selected and of those 114 were active duty. Thats a 55% selection rate overall with 35% prior enlisted and 44% civilian/ROTC. The #'s do not breakout between ROTC and civlian selectees.

Sure there are advantages to enlisting then going OTS, but then leadership is also about knowing who you are as a member, what you can do, that you earn your rannk-not wear it, and respect all those you work with. I think it gives enlisted a bad rap to think that they would only, truley appreciate and respect someone who has only been in their shoes. That right there establishes the rigid lines of enlisted vs. officer. Officers need to respect the work and service of those who are doing it, and the enlisted likewise. Its a mutual relationship that is fostered with communication, knowledge of people and their abilities, leadership/pride and the understanding/adherence of the AF's core values.

I think my background of work, education, and community service gives me an advantage to be a good officer/leader. But its something I KNOW of myself. If you dont have the same feeling to do so, then enlisting might be the better way for you.

I hope you can find the right path for you. It will reflect in your work and relationships with others in the long run. Additionally, if you enlist after college and then apply for OTS, it could take up to 2 years and if you are in an undermanned AFSC- not to say they will deny you the ability to promote yourself- it could prove challenging. Where does it say that you will incure more service years for taking advantage of higher education benefits as an officer? The AF pays 75% of your college expenses and EXPECTS you to attain a Master's/ Ph.D degrees for promotion. That is where you gain years- if you sign on for more, not due to taking advantage of an AF benefit.

Good luck! Jen



jenatasu_2000@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

As of 31-March-01 this is the breakout of current 2Lt's in the USAF and their source of commission

MEN/WOMEN combined 2Lt's USAFA- 1837= 20.8% AFROTC- 4155= 47.1% OTS- 2452= 27.8% other- 381= 4.3%

total 8825= 100%

WOMEN 2Lt's USAFA 298= 16.4% AFROTC 902= 49.5% OTS 463= 25.4% other 159= 8.7%

http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/demograf/SOCGRD.html



jenatasu_2000@yahoo.com