Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: COL Howell,

Back in December of 2010 I took a trip to MEPS in order to get some answers regarding student loan repayment questions and somehow ended up signing a Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) contract for a 35N MOS scheduled to ship out in May, 2011.

I have since been working with my recruiter to complete my OCS packet. A security clearance/background investigation has been ongoing since the middle of February, 2011 and to the best of my knowledge has been expedited so that I can interview for OCS before my ship date. It is my understanding that the PT test results are the only remaining incomplete portion of my OCS packet - my job is travel-intensive and I am having difficulties arranging a time to complete the PT test.

I am currently working to complete my Masters thesis with an expected defense date in mid-April (giving me enough time to complete my degree before ship date). Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts of professors on my thesis committee (of which I am at the mercy of), my defense is now needing to be pushed back another semester to sometime in late July or early August, 2011.

Because I am determined to complete my Masters degree before I ship, am I correct to assume that I can/will need to renegotiate my DEP contract ship date to accommodate me earning my degree? If so, it is to my knowledge that October is the beginning/end of the Military's fiscal year - would it be beneficial to use October as the renegotiated ship date?

Please let me know if you need additional information or clarification.

Thank you for you time and service,
Matthew

ANSWER: Matthew,
I don't know how you wound up signing a contract to be a Signals Intelligence Analyst, but if you wish to go to OCS you better get that PT test done now.  When you enter the Service you'll have to give up the job anyway, so take some sick time off and get that PT test done now before you're stuck.

You didn't say your current ship date is, but the should be willing to work with you.  October is a good idea.

Enjoy,
Colonel H

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

QUESTION: COL Howell, thank you for your timely and informative response.

My ship date is set for May 17, 2011.

To what extent does this initial PT test play in determining what role I will have as an Officer? Will I have additional chances to improve my PT score before OCS (ie BCT)?

Thank you again for your time and service,
Matthew

Answer
Matthew,
The PT test is designed to see if you're in good overall health and physical condition.  Other than that, it's worthless.  But it's something we all have to do.  It has no part in determining what kind of officer you will be.  It's basically a one-try deal and you can't try it over again just to improve your score.  If you fail, you'll get 2 more tries and then you're out on a third failure.  If you can stay in somewhat decent shape you'll have no problem.

Remember, there is not BCT for officers.  All you get is OCS only.

Good luck,
Colonel H