Talking to the recruiter

[PCHomerun_4]

I put a thread up about applying. But I'm also wanting to know when should I start talking to the recruiter. I'm a freshman in JuCo and going to Miss State in about a year. When Should I first contact an officer recruiter?
So far I haven't called or met with any recruiters. Thanks for the advice.

 

[tiger84]

I'm not sure exactly when the earliest is that you can apply, but make sure you apply early and often. I made the mistake of not applying until after I graduated, and now I'm sitting around doing nothing while I wait for my OCS date.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

I know you have to apply around 24 months till graduation to apply (unless engineering major), but when should I start speaking to an officer recruiter? Not necessarily applying, but just letting the recruiter know my plans.

 

[MasterBates]

If you are an engineer, I would start talking to the recruiter 2nd semester Freshman year. Assuming you are a 4 year program.

Not sure how Jr. College will affect selection. They may want to see how you perform at a "real" college.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

I heard before applying that I should be in a university. I will be more competitive if currently enrolled in a university.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Talk to a recruiter for heaven's sake. He/she will tell you exactly what you need to do.

 

[thull]

^^Beat me to it, Lewie. Talk to a recruiter whenever the heck you want. that's what they're there for.

 

[Tom]

I called my recruiter in the spring of my first year. He asked me a bunch of questions about myself and gave me a good time line for getting things done. They can also probably give you some good advice so you can be more competitive when you formally apply.

As for the time for formal application, technical degrees have to be within 36 months and non-technical degrees 24 months. Formal application means actually sending your package to the board. I started my application, getting letters of recommendation, took the ASTB, went to MEPS and took my PRT all before when I sent my application in. This allows you to get paid longer if you get in or make some changes if you do not get in on the first try.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

lol, I got ya, just don't want to screw anything up

 

[BackOrdered]

From personal experience, you should apply after you have spent a full term at your chosen 4 year university. My first app had only JC credits on it and was denied, the second one with my first semester's grades from the university on it (along with other improvements) got picked up.

As far as when you should see your recruiter, if I could go back in time, I would have seen my OCS recruiter 2-3 months before my first term at 4 year university began. Instead, I met him half way into the term. Live and learn.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

I think I'm going to met with one soon and see if he'll have any advice.

 

[USAdefender]

Hey, I'm going to MSU right now and have already submitted my package but if you have any questions let me know. I can also get you in touch with my recruiter if you haven't talked to one yet.

 

[Rossi]

I think I'm going to met with one soon and see if he'll have any advice.

Thats a good idea. Even if your not gonna be applying for awhile you might as well get in touch with a recruiter. He can give you information on stuff that will bolster your application, and if you stay in touch he will know how serious you are.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

Thanks USAdefender, Where is your recruiter? I'm gonna go to the recruiter in Hattiesburg, but any lil bit a help will be good.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

I just found out that the nearest OSO is in New Orleans and not Hattiesburg. USAdefender if you don't mind, send me your recruiters info by PM. Thanks.