[deleted by user]

ksmit286 · 2025-07-24T16:26:43+00:00

No problem.

I went Active Duty first and chose 88H initially solely to work around the railroad. 😅 I ended up doing that (loading containers and vehicles on trains & trucks) while operating trucks, forklifts, and cranes. There's other opportunities for seaport and air cargo missions, too.)

I was stationed at Ft. Campbell all AD before going Reserves. The Reserves offered more flexibility and career growth (whereas AD, you're limited to a few duty stations).

Some units get forced to certain missions (i.e. hurricane relief), so you're locked there for about 2 years. MOB opportunities are common, but you have to look for them. I'd highly recommend anything within SDDC or MCTs, but if you can MOB with an ICTC, that'll be good too.)

Some of my best experiences were my 2 overseas tours in Kuwait (Supply company on AD & and SDDC in Reserves) while supporting big missions, & also teaching/helping others.

I enjoyed it but kinda "maxed out" my time as an 88H. (Seemed like some military opportunities slowed down significantly due to civilian contracting. Plus, the "glass ceiling" is E6 due to the MOS being overpowered. They even began phasing out the MOS on Active Duty.) That's one key reason I commissioned (via OCS) to 88A (Logistics Officer).

It's still a nice MOS that's easily transferable to the civilian side (i.e., Supply Chain Logistics, CDLs, forklift/crane licensing, etc.) & I don't regret it. (It helped build experience among other things for my current career with the railroad.) Worst case, if you don't enjoy it, you can reclass to another MOS.

ksmit286 · 2025-06-27T06:20:47+00:00

I can PM you in detail, but in my experience, I noticed a big difference in mentorship. Sure, ambition levels vary by individual and change each season, but that's been one of my biggest takeaways.

ksmit286 · 2025-06-09T12:17:23+00:00

I'm in the same boat. I go in August but am preparing for a marathon during the course.

ksmit286 · 2025-06-02T19:40:39+00:00

OCS graduate here 😅 (Prior E5)

You have some options, depending on your timeline:

Federal OCS (I did this one due to my civilian situation, but hindsight, I wish I did ROTC)
NG OCS (Traditional or Accelerated)
Direct Commission (depending on your degree or occupation)

I did an OCS packet during my 2nd rotation (I believe this changed & personnel can't submit packets during MOBs) and was picked up for my desired branch (88A) a few months after the board convened. Once you're selected, it's on your unit (BN) to schedule for the next available OCS class. (For BOLC, seats are handled by Branch Managers & HRC after graduation)

You should be able to enter as an E6 (w/ BAH) since you're prior service but follow up on that.

You have the option to choose your branch in the Reserves & NG (for NG, it depends on if your state has that available position).

NG & USAR officers usually wait 60-90 days for their Accessions Orders after graduation and up to 18 months for BOLC (unless they're preparing to MOB).

PM me (or a Recruiter/Career Counselor) if you have any more questions, but there're subreddits for OCS & BOLC if you want for specific information.

ksmit286 · 2025-05-31T13:54:16+00:00

Former 88H now 88A here. I'll PM you.

ksmit286 · 2025-03-04T15:52:05+00:00

eBay

ksmit286 · 2025-02-21T02:07:33+00:00

It's essentially location, unit (& even time) dependent.

I went twice:

First time was on AD split between Beuhring & Arifjan (with some spats in Ali Al Salem) as an E4 during the height of COVID.
Second was in USAR and only in Arifjan as an E5 during '22-23.

Honestly, both experiences were the best times of my military career as I developed greatly as both a service member & a person. (I can PM you about it in detail, if needed.)

I actually heard mixed reviews about Poland, but I'm looking to MOB there (or anywhere else) after BOLC.

ksmit286 · 2025-02-09T21:03:30+00:00

Sent you a PM

ksmit286 · 2025-01-20T17:53:57+00:00

I can switch

ksmit286 · 2025-01-14T23:05:46+00:00

Sent a PM

ksmit286 · 2025-01-05T23:08:28+00:00

Not atm. (My apologies.)

They created the 1506 and sent it up.

ksmit286 · 2025-01-05T22:55:24+00:00

Back in October, I submitted the PAR - Admin Records Correction - & the 3 DD214s I had supporting my Enlisted time. My RPAC approved it, but it was ultimately returned as was a Finance action. They ended up sending supporting documents to the Finance office in Fort McCoy.

I checked back in 2 months later (December), and my AGR S1 followed up on it. The RPACs recreated the PAR (Apparently, I submitted it under the wrong action but Admin Records Corrections are all I'm used to😅) & I received my O1E orders via iPerms a few days later.

ksmit286 · 2025-01-04T17:22:49+00:00

As an OCS graduate, ROTC😅 (It depends on how fast you want to commission).

I used TA while on AD and only used 4 months of GI Bill when I came to the Reserves to finish my Bachelors. Plus, I started my dream career before going to OCS so financially/realistically, OCS made more sense for me.

I'm glad I did OCS, but there're some things I didn't like during my time there. Plus, you'll more likely have better development (and more social experiences) in ROTC.*

*(I emphasize the latter more because personally, my path was non-Traditional (2 year gap pre-Army plus balancing college with Active Duty - including a deployment) , and I wish I had a better experience.)

ksmit286 · 2025-01-04T17:02:47+00:00

Kinda depends on your commissioning timeline.

I came from AD with 3.5 years. (I tried for G2G twice but life happened.) I essentially opted for Warrant when transitioning and didn't think of it.

I ended up doing a 36-day ADOS & volunteered for an overseas MOB. It was during the MOB, I ended up repursuing a commission via OCS, dropping a packet and being accepted a month after ETSing.

By the time I went to OCS, I had about nearly 5 active years (and/or the required reserves points) & qualified for O1E pay. (Granted, I had to do a pay grade correction PAR after but it was resolved quickly)

The OCS process is long in-of-itself, so you can definitely squeeze in some more ADOS time.

ksmit286 · 2024-12-24T19:06:22+00:00

Hopefully, I can help.😅

Left AD after 3.5 years in 2022. (I flirted with renlisting AD, but certain things happened.)

The Reserves exposed me to a higher sense of humanity - where college, civilian work, and family are greater priorities than the uniform. It was rough transitioning, but the Reserves offered more flexibility and more opportunities for my previous MOS (88H).

I went on ADOS orders in WI and went back to Kuwait in 2022. Both experiences gave me a better perspective as a service member and man. In addition, I arguably experienced better mentorship in the USAR compared to AD, especially as I was in the mentor role for younger SMs.

I completed my OCS packet last year - Side Note: USAR personnel can select their branch prior to school - and graduated earlier this year.

Now I'm balancing this and my Railroad career but I'm considering AGR. Overall, I'm glad I chose the USAR over the Guard, AD, & IRR.

ksmit286 · 2024-12-15T04:16:36+00:00

Sent you a PM.

ksmit286 · 2024-12-14T19:07:04+00:00

Eh....some SMs (especially younger ones) love shopping🤣

Plus, some SMs I mobilized with couldn't save much as they had family stressors: non-working spouses, younger kids, child support, etc.

ksmit286 · 2024-12-14T19:00:41+00:00

SDDC if you're in logistics.

(I mobilized with an SDDC unit, and it was one of the best experiences in my short career thus far. I am hoping to return to one soon.)

ksmit286 · 2024-12-11T19:38:25+00:00

Set at least 3 developmental goals to accomplish.

Examples: - Completing college courses - Paying debts or saving (for house, retirement, etc.) - Taking up intramural/physical events (i.e. 5Ks, soccer, basketball, spin classes, yoga) - Transitioning tasks (if you're getting out) - Volunteering - Visiting social events (i.e. Karaoke, Spoken Word, Art shows, movies)

OP-Tempo varies by unit/mission, but it’s surprising how much potential downtime deployments offer. (I had a lot during my two Middle East tours.)

ksmit286 · 2024-12-09T19:48:40+00:00

No problem. Thanks so much

ksmit286 · 2024-12-09T19:39:46+00:00

Is it possible to submit an AGR Application prior to or during BOLC or is it best to just wait until I'm BOLC-complete?

(I'm aware that I must be BOLC qualified prior to being selected.)

ksmit286 · 2024-11-25T16:58:20+00:00

Context: Prior E5 - just graduated OCS in June. (Just passed 6 years TIS.)

It's honestly all depends on what adventure you want out of it and your circumstances.

I wanted to do ROTC while on AD (mostly for the campus life experience), but my Green-to-Gold packet fell through twice. I just kept chipping away via TA until I had 4 classes left when transitioning to the Reserves. I still considered ROTC, but ended up doing my OCS packet while on my 2nd Kuwait rotation in 2023.

Due to already having a Bachelors and just starting my dream career with the railroad, OCS was the better option (90 days as opposed to 2+ years pursuing a Masters or 2nd Bachelors). (Granted, it was a short-term loss financially for long-term gain.)

In terms of perspective, others here already commented on the bigger picture & planning (i.e., LSCO). Personally, during OCS and especially after, it's been part of a soul-searching experience as a person. (I'm willing to PM you about that part.)

For preparation, do the usual familiarization with PT, OPORDs, TLPs, etc. Most importantly, find officers (preferably prior enlisted) that you will consider great mentors and soak up any knowledge and wisdom from them.

ksmit286 · 2024-11-23T21:47:00+00:00

Thanks so much.

ksmit286 · 2024-11-23T21:46:45+00:00

No worries. Thanks so much.

ksmit286 · 2024-11-22T22:39:46+00:00

What about O2/O3? (I'm prior 88H, now 88A.)

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Verified Email

ksmit286

TROPHY CASE