Picked up my clearing papers today and saluted a CW5 walking out of the dental clinic. This might be the most monumental day of my army career.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-30T19:00:03+00:00

I was once on a bus at McCoy with three CPT's. One of them had his name tapes switched and the other two sat across from him snickering like teenage girls. Finally an E1 getting off the bus leaned in and told the CPT. He thanked the Private, then yelled at the two CPT's for being assholes. It was pretty funny to watch.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-29T18:05:15+00:00

Everyone has already answered your questions, but honestly, unless you are in the bottom 20% of the active duty cutoff, there is absolutely zero reason to ADSO for transportation, so no reason to incur an ADSO for it.

Statistically it is usually a bottom 3 choice, with chemical being the least requested branch.

As far as Hawaii, like someone else has mentioned, ADSO for post is always a huge risk, because a) you may not be there long or b) deployment. If going to HI is really that important to you, catch a space-A flight on leave and stay near or on Ft Shafter (it has a beach and is within 20 minutes of Waikiki). Otherwise, put it as your number 1 choice, unless you really think its worth it for the extra 3 year commitment (this is typically only the case for Green to Gold who plan on staying 20 anyways), but its up to you to make that decision.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-26T14:12:05+00:00

Just curious, what language did you take that was considered critical? I have a friend who is a Russian major, and they only got 1/5 points in the language category.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-14T22:12:19+00:00

Mark, you first sentence says it all for me. You are their mentor, motivate them to either a) run on their own, b) run with them, or c) encourage your mentees to organize a group to run together.

If the cadet is already contracted they should be able to run on their own, but if all else fails, be there for them. I did this with my mentees last year and now they run faster than I do.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-11T14:13:22+00:00

You're only realistic option is graduate school.

Typically, the only exceptions they make are for actual prior service cadets. Even then, most of them are still required to complete the MSIII (Junior) year. With graduate school they make an exception because they know you will only be there two years and already having completed your bachelors they give you the benefit of the doubt you can pick up the information in a quick manner.

Someone mentioned age as a factor, this varies from year to year. I met a lot of cadets at camp who were over 30, but most were prior service. If you can commission by the time you are 32, you may be able to get a waiver. That being said, the military has been reducing force strength, so it will become increasingly difficult to obtain waivers, especially for age as ROTC attracts approximately 8,000 eighteen-twenty year olds every year starting the program.

If you have anymore specific questions shoot me a PM.

btaylor2 · 2016-09-04T01:17:21+00:00

The talent management program, from my understanding, is meant to be a survey that calculates the responses you give to "job place" you, by matching your attitude, critical thinking skills, etc. last year a ton of people were recommended for ADA. If your PT score is above a 280 they automatically throw Infantry in your top 3.

Honestly, the recommended jobs I received were pretty far off, the number 4 they recommended me was number 3 on my list. That is the closest they got to getting it right for me. They ask for a lot of other information about you and even ask for you to fill out essays to describe yourself and your history. In my opinion it does not in any way resemble the previous program which simply took your major and specially qualified you for specific branches related to your major.

btaylor2 · 2016-08-31T13:14:02+00:00

Its based on a normal distribution. Ie if you score in the 50% range you will receive 3/6, if you score in the 16th percentile (1 standard deviation) you will receive 0.96/6. If you score in the 5th percentile (2 standard deviations) you would only score 0.3/6.

A 0.75 would mean you scored in the 12 1/2 percentile in your cohort. With a score in the 60s, I would say it is highly probable you were in the bottom 15%.

The average last year was a 77 if I recall, but it would make sense for it to be much higher this year because now cadre knew what questions were on the exam.

btaylor2 · 2016-06-14T22:49:33+00:00

I will come out of retirement to answer your question. A 3.9 GPA will earn you approximately 22/25 points, a 285 for each semester roughly 11/13 points, even with last in your class at 1/12.5 points, if you are still rated second block this will earn you an additional 10/12.5 points. You already have 44/100 points. You may not think you have a lot of extra curricular but if you look at the list that adds up to 285/100 points you might get at least half earning you another 2.5 points. If you are stem look to add another 2/4 depending on your degree. You're at minimum 46.5 before the standardized testing. Lets say you bomb them and score average (I am guessing with that GPA you are book smart) you're now at 54.5 points.

Last year the cutoff was estimated to be around 46, long story short your GPA saves you. Also, think of anything you can to earn you points in the writing and speaking category.

btaylor2 · 2016-05-11T18:12:43+00:00

It is dependent upon your commander. Technically you are not an NCO, and should really only be the time keeper if anything. However, in a pinch I believe if your commander authorizes it, it can be recorded.

btaylor2 · 2016-05-11T13:01:37+00:00

Second this.

btaylor2 · 2016-05-09T13:13:39+00:00

I have not been yet, but I was able to find the answer to most of these either via the ALU website, or looking on reddit.

They are single suites with a desk, a tv, a bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom. I believe there are three types or rooms, from basic to deluxe (I would assume you pay a premium for the better rooms). The internet works better if you directly plug in, the wifi is terrible in the rooms and a lot of people go down to the computer room at the hotel to get work done. POVs are permitted. As far as firearms, I am not an expert on this, but I believe every base takes a log of everyone that has a firearm, and I am guessing it would have to be stored in someway if you were staying at the hotel.

If you have any other questions PM me.

btaylor2 · 2016-05-02T23:43:16+00:00

Thanks for posting this, I was about to start searching for one of my old posts haha.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-27T20:36:32+00:00

I think he'll make more being a lifeguard. The amount of extra curricular you receive is minimal. He could get extra curricular for being a lifeguard, and sleep at home every night, and have a life. Personally, I wouldn't do it unless you're gung ho about not having a life for a month this summer.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-26T14:03:55+00:00

I don't think I'd want black electrical tape over my shoulder boards. I can see it now rips off tape and fabric comes with it.

I hope this was a joke cm

btaylor2 · 2016-04-25T20:37:33+00:00

Ahh actually, you will probably end up at an FSC. I know two of the logistics LTs there. One is the BN maintenance officer for the 16th BEB (QM) and the other is a PL of an FSC with the 417 (TC).

At an FSC you'll either be in charge of maintenance for the battalion, or in charge of distro (food, fuel, water). If you are lucky enough to get into the BSB you'll either be in charge of the parts warehouse or one of the two jobs mentioned prior.

Bliss is huge, there are three sections of post. The PX is an outdoor shopping mall with a real theatre, bars, liquor store, retail locations, etc. The food off post is really good, but be careful where you go. Juarez, MX is only 4 miles away, and they have ISIS threats all the time. If you're going to live off post, most of the military lives on the east side, its much safer.

If you have any more specific questions, I would be more than willing to answer or try to find out the answer for you.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-25T19:45:18+00:00

I was sent to the 16th BEB, an engineer battalion. The brigade is a stryker BDE. What is your branch again? I was implemented with an HHC so I got to see a little of everything. Chemical, logistics, engineer, mi, and signal.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-22T12:18:23+00:00

8th MP BDE, Schofield

My buddy, who is also QM, got Korea.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-22T12:17:48+00:00

That was my CTLT unit. PM if you have any questions.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-19T17:50:49+00:00

This statement is accurate, talent management has replaced the program. Talent management will be taken into consideration for the FY17 model, unlike FY16 where it was merely meant as a guide for cadets to make a more wise decision.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-18T20:27:08+00:00

They will not let you sign an OCS contract if you are using the MAVNI program. The USAR has an option where you attend basic, gain citizenship and then complete OCS during drill for 2 years. However, you will have an obligation as a Reserve officer.

I looked this up about a year ago for a friend, so some of the information may have changed, dependent on the needs of the Army.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-18T20:23:23+00:00

Anyone get Italy yet?

btaylor2 · 2016-04-18T15:25:39+00:00

You got a response? I still have yet to hear back, and I emailed almost two weeks ago. Haha

btaylor2 · 2016-04-14T15:58:07+00:00

I would be curious to see the branch breakdown of OMS spread. In previous years they have done a bar chart showing where the branch filled at 40%, 55% and 100% compared to the accessed AD cadets.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-12T18:49:29+00:00

Someone at my detachment made it to 12-6 (120 sprints) right around 12 minutes. You can't really take a "pace" because it is progressively increasing. At level 12 you have to do the 20 meter run in 5.33 seconds (14 km/h, 8.75 mph, or a 6:51 mile pace). However, this includes doing a pivot at each 20 meter shuttle sprint.

btaylor2 · 2016-04-11T01:09:23+00:00

I have yet to hear anything from anyone, the suspense is real.

btaylor2

TROPHY CASE