AIT versus OCS

AB_Shorts_Momma

AB_Shorts_Momma

Milforum Otaku
I am bumping against the age deadline to go into OCS, especially if I go to AIT first. I am a little confused on a few items, and thought I'd throw them out for thought on here. My MOS is 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist). I am still exploring my options on what areas (I was told to pick 3) I'd like for the officer training, but I definitely prefer Administration.

The dilemma:
If I go to AIT (there was a $20K bonus + education) my understanding is that I will have to return it when I turn in my OCS packet. I have heard something about a 1 year time line, but it is unclear whether it is 1 year from the date of my contract or 1 year from when I finish AIT.

The timeline:
I turn 40 at the end of October.
I am scheduled to finish AIT in the beginning of November.
1-year from the signing of my contract is the beginning of January.

Questions:
Why give me money to return right away? Why go to AIT, take money from the government (the bonus and reg. pay) when I want to go to OCS, this seems like a waste of time and money (esp. in light of the whole economic situation). Why would the Army National Guard want me to go to AIT first, and then to OCS? Will the extra few weeks of learning a MOS make me a better officer?

The main thing I am trying to decide (right now) is: If given a choice, would it be better to go to AIT and then to OCS or would it be better to go straight to OCS.


Any advise, or other items I should consider would be greatly appreciated!
 
They'd have to give you the money because it's in your enlistment package. I'm assuming that if you go to OCS it would void the contract and you'd be under another obligation and as far as I know OCS offers no bonus's.

No a few extra weeks in an MOS wouldn't make you any better.

If you want a commission then put in your OCS package and go that route especially if your pushing the age limit.
 
Actually... OCS is offering $10K...

But honestly, it isn't about the money. It is more about the family honor, the fact that I can trace our military history back to the Revolutionary War, and in almost every war since that one. It is that I am young enough to serve, and I have no reason not to serve, and finally, I want to be an officer because it would be an honor to be the first officer in my family, and I believe I have the qualifications to do so.

I'm confused on the consequences of breaking my contract. How would I find out what those consequences would be?
 
You wouldn't be breaking the contract. The contract is for enlistment. If you were commissioned then you would first have to be discharged as an enlisted solider then sworn as a commissioned officer. So technically you wouldn't have completed your enlistment. Your enlistment bonus hinges on completing your enlistment. Thats why you'd be required to return the bonus.

Your enlistment contract would be voided not broken by way of commission and replaced by your term of service agreement as an officer instead of enlisted.
 
My opinion doesn't matter. It's your opinion that does. If you want to be an officer then yeah I'd skip AIT and go to OCS.
 
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