I'm a college senior, about to graduate with honors from Vanderbilt with liberal arts degree and likely a 3.5-6 GPA. I have wanted to serve in the military since I was about ten, and have had a few years of MCJROTC, which I loved.
Anyway, I am trying to decide precisely which branch/path I'd like to journey down. I also don't yet know if I will make a career (20 year+) of the service. My degree is a BA in Religious Studies-- this is very narrow skill set and I will likely not employ religious/philosophical research techniques in my post-military career. Now sure, things like critical reading, proficient writing, fair argumentation, etc. are skills that anyone gains from a liberal arts education-- but these are all generalist skills-- not (consciously/competitively) highly sought after by employers.
I'm going somewhere with this.
In terms a military service, a liberal arts degree reminds me of the commissioned officer-- a generalist. I have been set on attending OCS for a while (either CG, AF, or Army), but I have recently been learning about the warrant officer programs (especially in the Army). Opposite of the commissioned officer-- they seem to be technical specialists. I am very interested in flying helios, and the Army warrant officer program seems to be the most efficient/timely way to achieve this. I think this would be a great compliment to a generalist education. I hear that LTs can fly, but the process is much more competitive and that they do not fly as much.
Anyway, I was wondering, 1) from people who have had the option between OCS and WOCS (careers as a commissioned officer versus a warrant officer, specifically in the army), do you regret choosing/not choosing one or the other? Money, job environment, etc.
And 2) Can warrant officers also apply to OCS (not WOCS, but if a WO wants to become an LT)?
Both paths seem fulfilling to me, but I really considering going for the WO, despite "not needing" a degree.
Anyway, I am trying to decide precisely which branch/path I'd like to journey down. I also don't yet know if I will make a career (20 year+) of the service. My degree is a BA in Religious Studies-- this is very narrow skill set and I will likely not employ religious/philosophical research techniques in my post-military career. Now sure, things like critical reading, proficient writing, fair argumentation, etc. are skills that anyone gains from a liberal arts education-- but these are all generalist skills-- not (consciously/competitively) highly sought after by employers.
I'm going somewhere with this.
In terms a military service, a liberal arts degree reminds me of the commissioned officer-- a generalist. I have been set on attending OCS for a while (either CG, AF, or Army), but I have recently been learning about the warrant officer programs (especially in the Army). Opposite of the commissioned officer-- they seem to be technical specialists. I am very interested in flying helios, and the Army warrant officer program seems to be the most efficient/timely way to achieve this. I think this would be a great compliment to a generalist education. I hear that LTs can fly, but the process is much more competitive and that they do not fly as much.
Anyway, I was wondering, 1) from people who have had the option between OCS and WOCS (careers as a commissioned officer versus a warrant officer, specifically in the army), do you regret choosing/not choosing one or the other? Money, job environment, etc.
And 2) Can warrant officers also apply to OCS (not WOCS, but if a WO wants to become an LT)?
Both paths seem fulfilling to me, but I really considering going for the WO, despite "not needing" a degree.