Makes no sense

ltm5032

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I have been debating for a while now to either 1.) enlist in the army reserve and then contract with ROTC my 2nd year in college or 2.) just contract with ROTC. But I heard some thing I thought was strange, you can be found medically quilified to serve in the enlisted ranks but you can be found medically unquilifed to contract with ROTC through dodmerb. you would think that if you could do one you would be able to do the other one. Is this true ?
 
The medical standards used for enlistment and for programs leading to a commission are the same. The waiver process is different, and in certain cases can be easier for the enlisted side.
 
From my own sea service experience, there are rates in the US Coast Guard which may be exempt from certain automatic, non-waiverable medical disqualifiers. While I cannot be color blind as an officer (that whole red and green buoy thing...), someone can enlist in the Coast Guard to be, for example, a Food Service Specialist. They are not medically disqualified to enlist in specific rates, however, they are medically disqualified for a commission.
 
Another thing to consider is that, as an enlisted, just because you WANT to enter an officer ascention program such as ROTC doesn't mean you are going to. Your chain of command has to approve such requests, and that can, conceivably, give some trouble if you end up with the "wrong" people in your chain.

Not saying don't do it, just be aware of the risks you take with each option.

Best of luck. :smile:
 
ltm5032, zaphod is referring to the Navy and I think you are interested in Army programs. I am relatively certain the following is that to which you are alluding. Check into the Army SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program.} Join the National Guard under enlisted medical requirements, attend two years of college at a school with Army ROTC, and you are guaranteed acceptance into their Advanced ROTC program upon entering your Junior year. After graduation, you can accept either a reserve or an active duty commission. Sounds like a good program to me. Of course you have to pass your classes and keep your nose clean.

Good luck.
 
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USNA69!! Wow - you are brushing up on your Army-speak! Welcome to the greatest institution in the world! lol- :shake:

ltm5032 - If you take part in the SMP - are you deployable? I think you might be - this could interrupt your college education. I have heard of some guys who don't mind that and choose the Guard/Reserves regardless.
 
USNA69!! Wow - you are brushing up on your Army-speak!

In my ventures as a BGO, I am continuously meeting candidates who don't quite have what it takes for USNA. Therefore, I must keep up to speed on other options such as USAFA and USMA and all the ROTC programs.
 
I am continuously meeting candidates who don't quite have what it takes for USNA.

Yes certainly some are color blind or have sea sickness issues that would preclude them from serving on a ship or flying.....
Fortunately - the US Army provides plenty of opportunities and many diverse options for service.
 
In my ventures as a BGO, I am continuously meeting candidates who don't quite have what it takes for USNA. Therefore, I must keep up to speed on other options such as USAFA and USMA and all the ROTC programs.

USNA69 -- My husband has told many people over the years that Navy was his first choice, but unfortunately they found out at the last moment that his parents were married when he was born, so he ended up in the Army instead! :biggrin:
 
^^^^^^^^That is the oldest joke in the world. I think you have actually already used it once on this forum. And I have never come up with a rebuttal. My work is cut out. I will get back to you tomorrow on this.
 
I can see not allowing sleep-walkers on their boats, too...that's a deal killer.
 
My husband has told many people over the years that Navy was his first choice, but unfortunately they found out at the last moment that his parents were married when he was born, so he ended up in the Army instead! :biggrin:


Considering what I saw during two days at West Point this past weekend, I'd have to wonder if that's true.

I was easy to spot. I wore my Navy shirts with pride! :biggrin:

Nothing like flying your colors high while behind enemy lines! :thumb:

I can see not allowing sleep-walkers on their boats, too...that's a deal killer.

First off, they're not boats. They're SHIPS.

Secondly, I wouldn't be too quick to point fingers on the subject of sleep-walking on the job:

m1heavytankstuckinthemudofiraqicanal.jpg


Or maybe the TC really wanted to be a sub-driver? :biggrin:
 
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:rofl: LOL LOL LOL And check out the guy's hands that is holding the shovel....
Its like he's saying, "Yeah. The driver missed the road by this much. No worries. I'll dig him out." LOL LOL LOL
 
It's a boat not a ship???

Hey Zaph,

Watch this trailer for the PBS documentary "Carrier"; there are members of the crew who refer to the Nimitz as a boat.

The film/documentary folks consistently call the Nimitz a ship, however.
It makes me wonder what's goin' on. Seems kinda reverse.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/video.php

It's a long trailer and the boat references start during the crew interviews.
 
Sailors retain the absolute right to refer to their beloved vessels in any way they choose.

Grubby landlubbers, however, are required to toe the line. Please make a note of it. :biggrin:

I'm not sure if carriers are commonly referred to as "boats". Submarines, OTOH ARE, in fact, routinely referred to as "boats". In fact, the only time I remember a submarine being referred to as a "ship" is when the order from the CO to the OOD came down as "Officer of the Deck, submerge the ship."
 
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