Enlisted to Officer??

[gymmer13]

Just wondering if it is possible to go in enlisted, go to EOD (imagine you go through and pass all the school) and after being in EOD for a while, then go to OCS??

I just feel like I wouldn't be qualified to lead a group of people like this until I have seen what happens in the unit and can see it from an enlisted point of view.

-Curtis

[AnnaD]

Gymmer,

Any enlisted U.S. citizen can apply for commission, although stipulations vary for different communities and programs (OCS is for those who already have a degree; if not, STA-21 is the route to go. Also, they have LDO's and Warrant Officers for senior enlisted).

The STA-21 picked up some EOD enlisted this year, so I am pretty sure you won't have a problem.

By the way, it's interesting that you would consider enlisting before being commissioned... I am enlisted and was selected for STA (although I am a Bee, not EOD), and the consensus among both the troops and prior enlisted Ensigns is that they make superior officers. Just thought it was cool that you considered that.

I would love to try for EOD (I almost did a few years ago, but I was a chicken **** and backed out), and now I think I will be too old by the time I graduate from college. But best of luck to you!!

R/ Anna

[gymmer13]

the consensus among both the troops and prior enlisted Ensigns is that they make superior officers. Just thought it was cool that you considered that.


Well I figured I didn't want to be the one giving commands if I didn't know what the hell the until was about. It makes more sense to me to go in enlisted figure the entire thing out as much as i can and then go officer. But first I have to finish college. Only 1.5 years left, thank goodness.

-Curtis

[eodjw]

EOD is a strange animal. There is, of course, the rank structure. After that, there is the Badge, (Basic/Senior/Master, soon also, the EOD Officer Badge), and then there is the Team Leader Qualification coming on line. As an Ensign/JG your job will be to learn. From your enlisted, from officers senior to you, but most imprtantly, from your Chief. You will not be walking in and running the show. Your Chief is your coorperate knowledge. You may have the final decision because of rank, but to go against your det or your Chief is ill advised. I've seen some great former enlisted go officer. I've seen some less than stellar officers that were former enlisted. If you're good, you're good. Doesn't matter what side of the line you're on. If you want to operate as an EOD Technician, you should come in enlisted. The operational time for an officer is one to two deployments. After that, possibly a shore detachment and then off to admin hell.