<p>I was just wondering what each of you think about this situation:
I wanted to enlist in the Army Reserves on my 17th Birthday, and had spent large quantities of time researching enlisted jobs. When I confronted my parents, they did not discourage me from looking even more in depth about the Army Reserves. I wanted my MOS to be Combat Engineer, if a slot was avaliable at the Reserve Center. I also looked in to becoming an MP, but I knew I'd be taking slack from the infantry for being a pogue. (they'd definately capitalize on the fact that I would have been a Wisconsin Military Police, or a WIMP) If I were to enlist, I would have started at the paygrade of an E-3, because I am an Eagle Scout, and I can past the APFT. I'd drill on reserve weekends (PT and D&C, but not my MOS as I would not have completed my AIT) and collect my check, and my BCT ship date would have been early June.<br>
I really wanted to enlist, and when I presented my case, they shot it down because apparently when they talked to their co-workers and friends about me possibly enlisting, they were strongly advised to not let me do so. They claimed that the Army is notorious for promising one thing and delivering another. I was least opposed to this, as my friend who enlisted is experiencing a SNAFU like this. Secondly, they said that if I were enlisted, the Army would make me go to BCT, and I would not be able to report for R-Day. This I had the greatest trouble with, as nomination to a service academy, when accepted, nullifies any reserve contract during my years at the academy, therefore I would not have to report for BCT. Were I to drop out of the academy, then I would resume the contract, but If I graduated, then the contract would be replaced by the 5 year Active duty stint and the 3 years reserve, as well as by the commissioning. Their third arguement was that West Point, although never declaring this, wants to recruit people to join the Army, and If I were enlisted, then when the desicion came down to choosing my file over a civilians' file which was identical to mine, WP would choose the civilian because the government has invested less money on him and they already "have me" in the military. I realized that I would first have to complete BCT and AIT before being able to be endorsed by my commander were I trying to get into the academy via the enlisted route. I just felt that becoming enlisted in the reserves shows dedication to country, and that merits consideration if not points on the application review. Also the experience of being around military personnel would benefit me for WP and help prepare me.
My parents informed me that they will not sign an enlistment waiver until I recieve a dear john letter from WP.</p>
<p>Who is right? What stance do you take on this issue? I hope I can find more and better insight from a third party.</p>
<p>Inhibitor: Correct me if my memory is incorrect - don’t you have an LOA to WP? If so - focus on getting your nom and clearing medical and then you’ll be at WP in June and enlisting won’t have made a difference. With the LOA you are virtually assured an appointment provided you get the nomination and clear medical. </p>
<p>If you don’t have an LOA then … I’m probably still on your parents side on this one, though I don’t think the argument that WP would not select you because “they already have me” would apply. I don’t see that being their mode of operation. Notice how many kids go to WP with prior enlisted time. I think that number is around 20% of the class (someone else correct me if I’m wrong). The point is that if the Army was trying to use WP in that way there would not be enlisted kids coming to WP or Prep School as cadets.</p>
<p>I heard that if you get a CO recommendation while enlisted, they HAVE to let you go to usmaps if not an appointment from the academy itself. True story?</p>
<p>Inhibitor - you have been given a LOA, and you have your application packet complete. Unfortunately all you can do now is wait. The chances of you getting your appointment are very high and enlisting now will not increase your chances.<br>
Patience is the name of the game…hang in there…</p>
<p>I was hoping to enlist before receiving my LOA, so that was not a factor at the time. I had finished my medical, and sent in the nom packets before my birthday. I was at that point as far as I could have been. I recieved my WP application packet around Semptember 1, and then my LOA around September 5. </p>
<p>My rationale was that enlisting would not hinder my ability to go to WP. I tried to explain that they take enlisted members of the Army, and that it’s a sizeable amount too. They claim that although it never would be said, If it came down to recruiting a civilian or a Future Soldier (Enlisted, Prior to BCT), then they would recruit the Civilian. I disagreed with them on this the most.</p>
<p>Mister Sinister: I heard something like that too. But in my case, I desire to attend it straight out of high school if at all possible. If I dont get in, I’ll definately apply again, but I wouldnt be able to use the enlisted route this year.</p>
<p>“I heard that if you get a CO recommendation while enlisted, they HAVE to let you go to usmaps if not an appointment from the academy itself. True story?”</p>
<p>I don’t know if that is true, but I believe that you have to be recommended by you CO to be considered for an appointment. I can tell you that WP has 85 slots for enlisted soldiers of the regular army each year - they are never all filled. The 85 slots for enlisted soldiers of reserve components are always filled - mainly from the prep school and split option.</p>
<p>Inhibitor - why don’t you ask your RC in admissions this question. I have never heard admissions advise candidates to enlist to increase their chances of an appointment.</p>
<p>Inhibitor - since you have an LOA I don’t see the problem. At this point enlisting possibly could mess things up - I would not be surprised if there was some kind of waiting period or something before you can be appointed to WP. I have no idea if that it true, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Bst bet for you is you stay on target for the nomination and med - with your LOA you will get in. If you are real concerned, talk to your MALO or admissions rep at WP and ask them to explain the LOA deal and if enlisting will help ensure an appointment or not.</p>
<p>MomofHopeful2011- Enlisting now could mess things up, that is possible. But I wanted to enlist before I even began the WP application. The only thing I had filled out was the Candidate Questionaire and the MOC noms. At the time, I saw nothing wrong with enlisting, and thought that if at all, it may help. I was not doing this to help my chances, but because I desired to serve in uniform.
Ann- As for now, yes, I am hanging tight, but it is hard to contain my excitement.</p>
<p><em>But in my case, I desire to attend it straight out of high school if at all possible.</em></p>
<p>If this is truly your stance then enlisting would be a bad option because you really wouldn’t get much of a enlisted soldier’s experience anyway before heading to R-day. I would go with everyone else one this one and say snag that appointment. </p>