OT - Son Seriously Considering Army OCS

[swartj]

Brandon if you can let this be here for a bit I would appreciate it.

My son is graduating from UMD this Maywith a bachelors in finance. This evening he told his mom and me that he was very seriously considering joining the Army and going to OCS school. I want him to talk to as many people as possible about what he can expect both good and bad so he can make an informed decision. Not having any military experience myself I am like a fish out of water in this area. I know some of you guys are either in the military or not out very long. If you would be willing to talk to him please PM me. Thanks for your help.

[Jerkbait-PA]

I was never in myself but my opinion is if he wants to do this just support his decision. The Army needs contracting offices and when he gets out he can get a good job.

Jerkbait_PA

[27 sailfish]

One plus is - no lay offs.My niece just married a Naval academy graduate - he plans to be a carrer officer, like his father.

I get his number and pass it on to you.

[mrobertson]

Never been in myself, but if i could rewind and do it all again i would have joined the coast guard right out of school

[jaynik]

He'll get good experience if he does it. My recommendation is to ask him if he's willing to let you go with him to talk with the recruiter. Ask all your questions up front and see how it sounds.

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Jerry,
I'm a USNA Grad, I'll send you a PM....
Mark

[SeaStrike]

I've been out for 10 years now, so probably not a lot I could tell him - that said, I did 20 years Army and it's more than just a job.

Even if he decides to not make a career of it, it's a good opportunity that will set him up for lots of future success.

Being an Army Officer is an honorable choice.

[Wiredawg]

I am a 22 active duty career Marine Chief Warrant Officer. I want my son or daughter to go the officer route from the beginning, if they choose the military as a career (vice starting out as enlisted as I did).

Your son will have a very promising future if he can make it thru the first few years (learning the ropes, and believe me you do not really understand what is really going on till late into your second tour, and then you continue to learn what is really happening as you progress thru the ranks as you are exposed to more and more responsibilities).
FWIW in the beginning I only wanted to come in for 4 years then get out and become a cop. I had a position waiting for me when my 4 years was up after desert storm. I decided to stay in and make it a career.

After all these years I will say the hardest part is moving every 3 years when you have kids. The early years seemed hard but when I reflect back they were some of my finest years.

Jay

[Singletjeff]

I spent 10 years in and can assure you I wouldn't be the person I am today without that experience. I wasn't an officer, but I can tell you that OCS officers were the best I worked with. West Pointers and ROTCers could be a royal pain. After 4-5 years your son will have experiences that most people 3 times his age couldn't even fathom. My only word of advice to him would be to make sure he listens to his NCO's. That is where he'll get 75% of his day to day army knowledge.

[bigd9116]

coming up on six years in the cg would not have it any other way! love every day of my job and what it has gave me