Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 2/6/2011

Question
I am trying to do some research for my husband about career decisions.  His commission is up soon, and we are facing the re-up or get out decision. He is an MI CPT and loves serving in our country's military, but my husband is a very active man, and the staff desk job is making him a little crazy.  If he were to give up his commission and go enlisted, would he be starting at the bottom of the totem pole, or would he be given a higher enlisted rank?  Or are there some jobs for Army officers that would get him away from a desk and using his physical strength more?

Answer
Ma'am:
First.. your husband, as a commissioned officer, doesn't technically re-enlist; he just stays in or asks to get out.  I've never heard of someone giving up a commission and going enlisted and enjoying it.  He would likely start as a SPC (E4) and have to work his way up.  There are many jobs in the Army that may suit your husband.. he needs to do some research into Functional Areas that the Army allows him to designate (usually around 5-7 years of service depending on the functional area).. or, if he hasn't been to the career course yet, he could potentially switch branches altogether.