New Guy, Sean.

[Steadfast]

Welcome Sean.

Be a good idea to read all you can in Recruiters Q & A forums.

Do the right thing by allowing your injury to completely heal to allow yourself to get back into shape.

When you are healthy again post a sitrep & let us know you are ready to train fully once again.

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Welcome to the site, Sean.


RLTW!!!

[harley123]

Sean, what's the word on ROTC vs. Enlisting?

I did ROTC-Infantry-RASP 2, maybe I can help with some advice. 11A is far from impossible brother.

[Jim]

A lot of us began our life's adventure by enlisting. I was a Staff Sergeant who went to OCS, and got my degree while of active duty. You have to make your own decisions, but I can tell you what worked for me.

[harley123]

Sean,

A great aspect of this military of ours is the multitude of options. With a some perseverance and flexibility, you should be able to find what you want.

With that said, send me a PM with your details (name and contact number for CPT Clay), also, where are you at school? I'm actually from Pittsburgh and worked at RMU's ROTC for a minute prior to starting my pipeline. I'll get in touch with CPT Clay (or another cadre) and have someone contact you.

As for options, it's all on you to start prioritizing. You've began it already with keywords such as "I would like to finish school" and "get into the fight soon". This forum is an excellent source for help in prioritizing. Read as much as you can and pick some brains.

I look forward to your PM.

[Elmo]

Sean,
If your desire is to get into the fight soon, enlisting is the quickest route. Even if you could start basic training today with an OCS contract, you are looking at 2 months of basic training, 3 months of OCS, 4 months of IOBC (if branched Infantry), a month (3 weeks) at Airborne, and 2 months (minimum) at Ranger school. That is a minimum of 12 months before you could be on your way to your first unit. Take into account potential gaps between schools, recycles at Ranger school, and any other courses you may go to like Mech Leaders or Mortar Leaders, you are looking at 14+ months. Also, assignment as an Officer to a Ranger Battalion would not be a first assignment, that would only be a possibility after completing your first tour as a PL.

I'm not at all trying to discourage going the Officer route, but just know that if you want to get into the fight as quick as possible, that is not the way.

[goon175]

If that caught your interest, then read this:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2 ... eart_n.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jim]

All I can say is: Wow. Talk about determination. Thanks for that link, that's nuts. SFC Kapacziewski is a warrior, no doubt.

I met Joe Kap when he and three of his squad members were MEDEVACed to Walter Reed. His troops were all on wheelchairs with relatively minor wounds. The staff were constantly having to keep his young Rangers from jamming his room with their wheel chairs. They did not want to let their squad leader out of their sight. Initially, the physicians thought they could save his legs -- but they were mistaken. Ranger Kapacziewski underwent extensive rehabilitation and continues to serve in the Ranger Regiment. He is one of the most determined Rangers I know. Joe is fortunate, indeed, to have the love and support of his lovely wife Kimberly, and two sons. You have the good fortune to gain a perspective of a very small world -- one that I'm proud to have earned a place.

[Jim]

but that is really cool even though it's also pretty sad.

Nothing sad about Joe or his situation. You get dealt your hand and you have to play it to the best of your ability.

[Jim]

Right now I'm taking a hard look at taking next semester off, then during the summer going down to Benning for Infantry OSUT on the Simultaneous Membership Program with the Nation Guard. According to Ranger Harley, if I do that I can go back to school in the fall as an ROTC cadet and then upon graduation branch to active duty Infantry like he did. From there, I get a tour knocked out, go to Airborne School and Ranger School, then put in my package for RASP 2 I believe. It's a long road, but doable. I just have to do as you say and play my hand as best I can.

The elephant in that room is that the Pennsylvania Army National Guard has to release you before you can go on AD.

[harley123]

Ranger Jim, not neccessarily. Your OML standing will dictate if you are able to branch AD. Enlisting in the guard will have no influence on your commission, both with respect to branch and status...assuming nothing has changed since I commissioned in 08. Sean, to error on the safe side, broach this topic with CPT Clay and the NG recruiter, keep me Cc'd when doing so.

Also, as an Infantry LT you will do airborne/Ranger prior to arriving at you first duty station. We'll talk more off line about setting some near and far term goals but assume now that you must earn your tab before leading troops.

[Jim]

Joe Kap photos:

http://mediagallery.usatoday.com/S14092 ... s.facebook" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[goon175]

Just FYI if no one has told you yet, it's a 6 month wait after you get the screws removed before they can submit your med docs to be reviewed by the MEPS doc, who has to give the go ahead for you to come to MEPS to take the physical.

[goon175]

It is MEPCOM policy that you not take a physical within 6 months of surgery. Since it will obviously require surgery to remove the pins or screws or whatever....yeah. Best of luck either way.

[Jim]

Good SITREP. Earn this. Never, never quit!