Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/22/2009

Question
Dear Cynthia
I am currently a SPC(P) in the Army, I have been to Iraq and Korea.
I am 4 classes away from getting my bachelor degree and planning to put an OCS packet.
My question is:
Can I go active green to gold and do a Masters degree?
Will it be better to go OCS and then apply to get a master? Will I be able to just go to school?
Will the time I am in school count towards time in service eventually retirement?
What is the safest route to get the branch of my choice?
Sincerely
GP


Answer
Dear Guillermo --

You can do either option that works for you.  

Given the current environment, I would recommend the Green to Gold ROTC program for a Masters degree.  That will allow you to go to school full time immediately.  Then you have no question that when you graduate you will be an officer and have your masters.

If you take the OCS option, you will have to serve until you are promoted to Captain before you can apply to go to grad school full time.  That's only 3 to 4 years serving as an officer, but can feel like a long time when you are ready to go to school, and have to wait.

Unfortunately, no route guarantees your first choice branch.  Even with OCS you will not receive your branch assignment until close to graduation.  In ROTC you will get to name your top choices early in your senior year, and know your branch assignment early your final semester.  Earning a Distinguished Military Scholar rating gets you a higher priority on your preferences, but still does not guarantee you the branch of choice.

Please write back, if you have additional questions or concerns.  Good luck to you in achieving your goals.  Thank you for your service.