Midwestern111
Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2020
- Messages
- 13
Pretty much the title, I know a guy is who is at MAPS and he swears this is the way to go about it.
A question to ask yourself.Pretty much the title, I know a guy is who is at MAPS and he swears this is the way to go about it.
The respect part is true. It doesn't necessarily make them a better officer, but it may. None of this indicates it's the wisest path to chose to a commission. It's just one of many, and lengthens the process. But it can be viable for some.From everything I have seen as an ROTC cadet and USMA re-applicant, Green to Gold folks are generally very respected in ROTC programs and at USMA. Additionally, when they commission they tend to have more respect from the enlisted folks. Gaining perspective from both sides of the house would help you tremendously in a career.
I am actually a freshman in college.Actually, not that dumb. I've known a few Cadets who did this. Just understand the possible consequences. The information below assumes you are a junior in high school.
1. You can do split training. Go to basic the summer between your junior and senior year. You get paid. You learn about yourself. Get in shape. Your AIT (Advanced Individual Training) is done after you graduate from high school. But don't expect to show up to a recruiter in April thinking you can go to basic in May. Won't happen. If you are a junior you need to look into it now.
2. Once you return, you drill one weekend a month. Make sure transportation won't be an issue as they expect you to show up. You might be able to do split drills if high school activities interfere, but you have to go through your COC (Chain of Command) to get these approved. Usually, this isn't an issue.
3. If you get accepted to a service academy or ROTC those contracts trump your enlistment contract.
4. If your unit is mobilized during high school you do not go with them. You finish high school then go to AIT. Or, see number 3.
5. You must work with your COC to get a service-related nomination, but you are still eligible for other nominations. Being enlisted usually helps here as well.
6. If you don't get into a service academy or ROTC they will expect you to go to advanced training the summer after you graduate. For this reason, I recommend one of the shorter AITs such as infantry so you can get it done between graduation and the start of college.
7. If this occurs and you will be going to a college away from your home you can always request a transfer to a different Guard/Reserve unit. It's not an issue.
8. If you don't get into a SA straight from high school, go through the process outlined above and reapply. Going to AIT, drilling with the Reserves/Guard, and going to college will look good on your application.
I would add that you don’t apply to MAPS. You apply to USMA. Your goal is a direct appointment. If that doesn’t happen your plan B is an offer of MAPS. It’s not guaranteed.
Good luck, no matter your decision.
I’m assuming you have not applied and would be applying your sophomore year (next year)?I am actually a freshman in college.
Enlisting in the Guard/Reserve would do nothing to the length of the process. Assuming he attends basic training this summer and applies in the fall of 2021.The respect part is true. It doesn't necessarily make them a better officer, but it may. None of this indicates it's the wisest path to chose to a commission. It's just one of many, and lengthens the process. But it can be viable for some.
Yes for the OP, but the poster i was replying to was referencing the Green to Gold program which is what I was responding to.Enlisting in the Guard/Reserve would do nothing to the length of the process. Assuming he attends basic training this summer and applies in the fall of 2021.