Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Ms. Bedell:

Thank you for your past responses. I've got one more question for you. Is it possible to receive an OCS rider on my army enlistment contract being a 38 year old male? I am non-prior service, possess a Master's of Science 3.7 GPA, licensed pilot, and in excellent health. Does it depend on which MOS I choose? Oh, by the way, I am seeking 'active first' with the Guard. Thank you again.

ANSWER: Dear Steve --

You are not too old to to get an OCS rider, since you have your masters degree (only an associates degree is required, bachelors degree preferred).  You will need an age waiver for OCS since you are over 35 years of age.  The enlisted job series you choose will not affect whether or not you qualify for the OCS rider.  

However, you cannot choose your commissioned officer job specialty until you have completed your OCS requirements.  Then you will receive a branch assignment based on your preferences and the Army's needs.  So, if you have only a few fields in which you wish to serve, you may not want to accept OCS training.

I am uncertain whether "active first" with the Guard will allow an OCS rider.  You will need to discuss these options in detail with your National Guard recruiter.

Would you be interested in a career as a physician's assistant or an Army Nurse?  With your science Masters degree, you may be eligible for one of these education and training programs.  Both offer commissioned officer rank, and currently come with a recruitment bonus.  You would want to talk directly with a AMEDD recruiter rather than your regular Army recruiter.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ms. Bedell:

Thank you for suggesting physician's assistant. I am going to look into that MOS. For qualifications purposes, Would I already have to be current certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and already be a physician assistant in the civilian world? I am VERY interested in this MOS. But, know nothing of being a PA. Please help.

Answer
Dear Steve --

Because you have a masters degree in a science field, you should qualify to take the PA training program.  If you were already certified, you could get a direct commission.  However, since you are not already certified, you could enter the military's training program, and earn your commission, while getting your PA training.  If you qualify your basic military training and your PA training would be at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

Since few enter the military with an advanced science degree, I wanted to point out a rewarding and challenging career field for which you are likely qualified.

As I mentioned previously, you should contact the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) recruiters not the regular Army recruiters, if you are interested in a medical specialty.  You can read details about the PA program here:  http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/m_spec/corps_specialties_requir.jsp

Please note that the active federal service requirement of 3 to 8 years may be waived.  So you may be able to come directly into a PA program -- due to your advanced degree.

You can research other medical career field scholarships at this site:  http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/docs/hpsp.pdf

Good luck to you.