Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: My son is considering joining the Army. In talking about it, an older friend cautioned him about rifs. How common are rifs today, and what reasons are they given for? Are there any rifs occurring because of just too many soldiers?

ANSWER: Julie,
I can believe this came from one of your older friends.  A RIF (Reduction in Force) was a product of the 1980's.  Basically a layoff, the military tried to save money by reducing the number of positions, rather than laying off specific people.  It didn't work well and was a one-time deal.

It's very hard for manpower "experts" to project the needs of the military.  They try to level out the system to employ the maximum number of troops allowed by law.  Yes, Congress determins how many people are allowed in each Branch of the Services.  It's hard to estimate how many people are going to retire, resign, or die next year…therefore it's hard to guess how many new recruits to accept.  And in the 1980's fewer people retired, resigned, or died than expected and suddenly we had more people than allowed by law.

In the 1990's, when computers became more widespread, they pretty much figured out how to maximize the force without ever having another RIF.
Your son needn't worry.
I salute his willingness to serve.
Colonel H


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

QUESTION: I appreciate your prompt response to my first question. Now I have two more. First, I do realize that there will be some conditions if my son chooses to join because he is already 28. He has a BA from the University of South Carolina and a pilot's license for commercial jets. What are the chances of getting a position anywhere close to his training? And second, since he is already 28, would he be able to apply for OCS after entering as an enlisted person? Thank you for your time and expertise.

Answer
Julie,
His age won't be a problem for the Army.  The Air Force and the Coast Guard have an age limit of 27.  All the other Services are higher and the Army actually goers up to age 42.  Along with the change in Army policy which allows individuals to enlist up to age 42 with no prior service, the Army also changed their age-limit waiver policy for OCS.  Applicants can apply for age-waivers for OCS, up to age 39.

I'm hoping you misspoke when you said "apply for OCS after entering as an enlisted person."  Since he already has a BA he should NOT, NO WAY, NEVER enter as an enlisted person.  He is eligible to enter directly into OCS.  Despite what some shady recruiters may say, it is extremely difficult to transition from enlisted to OCS.  It's possible, but so is winning the lottery.  (The odds are pretty much the same.)

Since he already has a pilot's license and a jet rating I'm surprised he's interested in the Army, where his chances of flying are slim.  The Navy and Air Force would take him as a pilot in a heartbeat.  As an Army officer, his primary chance to fly would be in helicopters.  What few fixed wing aircraft the Army has are usually flown by enlisted Warrant Officers.

However, I'm assuming he wants to fly.  If he doesn't, that's fine.  His aviation education will still give him an edge in the Army.

I'm glad to see a man with his experience and education is considering military service.
Colonel H