LOL ... I was USMC many moons ago ... glad to hear some things haven't changed.
My best to your son.
Posted on 06/14/2012 12:41:36 PM PDT by John Will
It's been a while since I've posted but I'm just finishing up my First year of a PhD in Chemistry and so far I'm hating the academia, I've talked with a Recruiter and So far Army OCS looks good. I'm looking for some advice on what to do. I'm 27 so I'm reaching the end of eligibility so it's now or never for me. I already have B.S. and M.S. degrees in the subject.
My son is in the Army right now. They are being very picky with new recruits, and it is VERY easy to either get out or be kicked out. Of course, if you do get in and change you mind you really want to be honorably discharged. My son is loving his experience.
On the other hand, a friend of mine was in the Navy in their nuclear subs. He now makes big bucks in the nuclear energy field.
Hope that helps.
I know that a lot has probably changed since I got out in 1972, but keep in mind that whatever a recruiter promises you is not necessarily going to be what you get. If you enlist for OCS, you will get sent there. The question is what happens if you wash out? I don’t know if the current terms of enlistment allow you to walk away in such a case or if you would be obligated to complete your term of service in whatever field they choose. Be certain of what you’re getting into.
Can't because they're all dead. ;^)
I spent 12 years in the USMC. Fighter Pilot in F-8’s. Once I went career I wound up with crappy jobs to “broaden my experience as a Regular Officer”.
I think the Coast Guard looks really interesting now. They are involved in many different activities. Sounds like daily fun.
Thanks for the reminder bert!
I was afforded the opportunity to attend a week-long NBC Warfare course at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany.
That would be a sweet assignment for a Chemical Corps officer.
Google "Oberammergau" and you'll see why.
The Army has more options, more variety.
You are 27 and have a BS and an MS degree?
How about get a job?
My father was an OCS graduate. He was proud of his accomplishment and said he saw more than one man quit and get walked right out the front gate. I don’t know if it’s as grueling now as it was for him way back when, but it’s definitely a ‘feather in your hat’ once achieved.
In a some areas maybe, but not in all areas. Certainly not biotech.
Get the Chemistry PhD unless you absolutely must experience the Navy. Very good pay in many areas, but avoid organic synthesis - that area has imploded.
Your comment reminds me of a conversation with my next-door neighbor and my son, just before said son was leaving for USMC Recruit Training Depot. The neighbor asked, “what are you getting for guarantees?”, and my son kind of shrugged, and I said, “he’s getting a haircut”.
I suggest OCS because the services need Conservatives and it is good job security when you finish.
The services have oodles of education programs and might even pay you to get your doctorate later on.
Plus, in the final analysis, I think serving in uniform is one of those things that people simply need to do. It will provide invaluable experience and insights later in life.
I’m an Army OCS grad, (FA Ft. Sill 21-67)
Do not drop out of grad school.
If you want military, great, but get the doctorate, then get a direct commission,
My best high school friend was neither Academy nor OCS. Went to Pensacola, became a helicopter pilot, served for thirty years and got out as a captain (USN - O6). That’s not quite a peonage.
Sounds like “burn out.” Stick it out and get the Phd. This wretched economy will not last forever and you do not have to restrict yourself to teaching.
At least that's what I THINK I think.
BTW, son in law has MS Chem from Memphis, Ph. D. Chem from Illinois. Now a Senior Director at Glaxo
Just called him. He says “suck it up, get the doctorate!”
If nothing else, “Dr. Will” gets a better table at a restaurant, hotter chicks, and more $ than “Mr. Will.”
Go into service and then when you retire (or finish your term of service), go back to school (GI Bill).
You can always go to school wherever you wish. Not so with the service.
I know two PHd’s in Chemistry - one of them is a Colonel in the Army. The other works for a chemical company back East in a lab. The Colonel now has a “Project Manager” MOS and is going through an Army Grad school right at the moment. He had command of troops in Iraq just before I met him.
I wonder who has more interesting life?
Compare - and you decide!
What? Dregs?
OTS/OCS are every bit as good as all other commissioning schools.
ROTC vs OTS/OCS vs Academy. . .they are all the same regarding knowledge, skills and ability. Academy types get the extra-lift, career-wise, because they are academy.
I went to OTS after a few years as a police officer. My peers were from all sources and the academy types were no better or worse than anyone else. This was true my entire career. The only difference observed was between engineers and liberal arts types.
Engineers were linear thinkers while liberal arts types were more free thinking. . .and that gave them an edge when flying jets—they could adapt slightly quicker and “feel” the jet, as opposed to over analyzing like engineers do.
From second of the bottom of my HS class to serving as a political-military adviser to the Sec AF (International Affairs), not bad for a “dreg.”
Our office was packed with all sorts, and the reason we have OTS/OCS is simple: The number of officers needed each year fluctuates. Academy numbers are hard-wired, ROTC seems to flux a little and OTS/OCS class numbers go up and down in accordance with the needs of the service to make their officer numbers. Too many flunk out of the Academy or ROTC graduation delayed, then OTS/OCS picks up the slack.
Go to OTS/OCS.
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