Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/13/2007

Question
Dear Col.Bedell,


Synopsis:

I have a Master of Science in Leadership & trained and experience in a process called Six Sigma (Black Belt Level). I have been thinking about joining the military since I worked for MWR back in 2001 as a 55 hours a week Trainer while in graduate school. After completing school in 2004 and all the other technical courses in Six Sigma, I basically worked Per Diem; including a year teaching at a Junior College.
To shorten my story, I am 36 (May 1st 2007), and I want to pursue the Intelligence Program in the Navy or Army Reserves. I told some of my military friends and they screamed at me, because I was choosing to go ENLISTED. I asked them what was their reason behind their non-supportive attitude and got an ear full of vague answers that were more emotional than critical assessment. I have done my research into the field and it appeals to me tremendously. MY FRIENDS...want me to go as an Officer, but at 36, I think the cut off age is 35. I am not a Medical Doctor, Nurse, Chaplain, Lawyer, etc. that are the exceptions for Direct Commission.

MY PLAN:
I would like to pursue a leadership role, since I have held those in my civilian life, but I think I would be more qualified in the selection process if I served two years in the Reserve Intelligence/Crypto roles to E-4 or E-5, prove my worth and then state my value to the panel making the decision.
I know for my friends (who do not have degrees, even though they have served over 8 years), it is an ego issue. For me, like in the civilian sector, titles mean nothing, if you can not be a true leader that adds value to a company.

My questions to you are:

1. What is the new maximum age to become an Officer with an advance degree, other training, and 17 years work experience that includes workshop presenter etc.?

2. Would I need a nomination?

3. Would going Reserve then trying for Officer (at age 38) be silly?

4. When I was working for MWR, the C.O on that base (now Admiral) personally recognized me for my work at the base and popularity programs. It was not a ceremony...he came on his own time by himself and shook my hands and gave me a Coin "Sails to Atoms" for my work, which is still there.
I was such an influence on people, I could not even convince people I was not military or Chief or anything like that.

Your answer or input would greatly be appreciated. Please if you can; send it to my personal email too.

Sincerely

Lou

Answer
Dear Lou --

You have done your research very well.  You have outlined some options that sound like they would suit you.  And you understand that you should do what satisfies you, not your friends.

You can enlist in the Army up until the age of 42, now.  So at 36 you are well within the limit.  The regulation says that you cannot go to OCS, if you are older than 30 years of age.  However, I know that age limit is waiverable up to the age of 39.  Since you would be younger than 39 when you go to OCS, and you have a Masters degree, you can ask to have your enlistment contract stipulate the opportunity to attend OCS immediately after basic training, if you perform sufficiently well at basic training.  

A different option is to forgo the OCS, and have your contract stipulate that you will be promoted to private first class upon graduation from basic, specialist or corporal (E-4), upon graduation from advanced individual training, and promotion to sergeant after serving 6 months acceptably at your first duty assignment.  These are options open to you since you already have an advanced degree.

Since you only want to work in the intelligence field, you will have fewer trump cards to play as you negotiate with your recruiter.  If you were interested in more specialties, you would have more negotiating power.  But since you know what you want, find a recruiter that will work with you.

If you really want to be an officer, insist on the "OCS immediately after basic training" option.  Your experience and leadership from the business world will be put to good use that much faster.  The trouble with the OCS option is that you will have to forgo insisting on a specialty.  You will get assigned your officer specialty when you graduate from OCS.  You will get to list your preferences, but assignments will be made based on performance at OCS and Army needs.

Unfortunately, the site does not provide me with your email address.  You can send it in the body of a follow-up question and I will be glad to forward the answer to you.

Best of luck.