Dealing with a recruiter - Becoming an 18A

[MilkTheFunk]

MG,

I had a similar experience in my lead up to signing an 18x contract. I posted an almost exact recruiter experience question on SOCNET and received some good feedback, like you have in this thread. Of course, this was back when I was naive, flippant and less educated on forum rules and respect (thank God I got that out of my system before opening an account here). Like you, I chose to go enlisted rather than OCS as SF is my aspiration. I know it's after the fact, but I hope you find the link below helpful.

http://socnet.com/showthread.php?t=100321

Back in my lane and off to run 6 miles during my lunch break.

[cornelyj]

I cannot speak about anything regarding to the designation 18. BUT... I can speak about Sand Hill Basic, OCS , IBOLC and the process it takes to put in a packet as a college op candidate. I waited 1 1/2 year for my packet to even get a chance to be seen by three CPTs and got the worst possible time of year to go. I had a 3.7 double major, no waivers etc.


What everyone on this forum is trying to tell you guys is there is no 18A contract you have to want to be an officer first .

I pushed my way through all the paper work. I kept my head down through the DI assaults. I worked my ass off to make sure I commissioned and branched IN. I did it cause I wanted to, it's the reason I wake up everyday at 0415 and get to PT early. Shoot and I am just a lonely cherry IN LT. If I never get a chance to go to SFAS it wouldn't be the end of the world and I would not have wasted anything. I would have got to be an Officer in the best branch in the best Military in the world if that's not you look else where cause I don't want you leading soldiers.

The point the Quiet Professionals are politely trying to make is this is not a choice it is a living and a way of life you can not force yourself to enjoy no matter how many cool youtube videos motivate you or how many threads you post in or how awesome you are at airsoft.

Good luck on your enlistment and I hope you make it through and I too get a chance to be a visitor on your ODA one day.

[JRV3]

If someone isn't sure, I think going in enlisted first is a good option. It gives you valuable and practical experience which can be relied on later no matter which path you choose. On a team, I find myself relying heavily on my Infantry background and I can only imagine how much more knowledgable I would be with enlisted experience.

The only downside to going enlisted first, then wanting to remain in the SF Community as a CPT is the 3-4 years you have to spend in CF as a PL before you can go back to the Q. But then again, that is also a valuable perspective for a SF Officer which has to maintain good relations with the CF battle space "owners". IMHO, you have to take a more "zen" approach to this path and find value in the journey and not just the payoff of reaching your long term destination.

[1stindoor]

Originally Posted by JRV3

IMHO, you have to take a more "zen" approach to this path and find value in the journey and not just the payoff of reaching your long term destination.

This whole Army thing is marathon...not a sprint. You have 20-30 years to try and do it all.