If my MOS is a Mental Health specialist, and I become an officer, what branch would I be in?

Question

Would I go into the medical branch when, and if comissioned? Or is there a way for me to become a mental health Officer, just wondering.

Answer 1

I can only speak regarding the Army on this one - branching is determined near the end phase (usually Phase III) of the commissioning process. Each branch has its different qualification requirements; specifically, the medical branch (MD, DDS, RN, Vet etc.) requires that you have a board certified license (like a medical from the AMA etc.). As you are closing in on graduation for commissioning, you will provide a "wish" list of the three branches you are qualified for and would like to serve in. DA will then send your commissioning source a list, by number, of the branches that will be assigned to your entire commissioning class (based on a roll-up of the lists from all the cadets/candidates). Then, based on your class ranking, you will select your branch based on what is available and what you qualify for (for example, whomever is first in class gets first pick at the selections that DA has provided - just out of experience Aviation usually goes first and then the maneuver Combat Arms branches - Infantry, Armor, Artillery - go next). HOWEVER, if you are NOT qualified you cannot branch - last selections are usually the Combat Service Support Branches (Quartermaster, Ordnance and Transportation). Also, certain branches have bonus commissions - that is where they are NOT commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants but 1st LT's or even CPT's (these are normally MD's and Lawyers). If this is very confusing and you would like more information, feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail] and I will do my best to clarify.

Answer 2

You will be helping the psychologists and/or psychiatrists provide mental health counseling and other related services to soldiers (active duty, retirees, etc) and dependents, most likely in a hospital or clinic setting. Anything you do in that regard will pretty much be at their direction/supervision. You will be expected to identify whether any given soldier needs acute assistance (i.e like they sound suicidal) and get the docs involved to provide a safe environment for him and others. You may have heard on the news recently about a soldier in Iraq who, while seeking mental health servcies for combat stress, killed several soldiers in what was likely an acute psychiatric episode. His case represents a rather extreme example of what you will encounter and be expected to manage with mental health services. All servicemembers are required to qualify on weapons and you will be deployed at some point. And everyone gets "additional duty" that has nothing specifically to do with your MOS (like pulling guard duty). You probably won't be in any direct combat, but will be expected to use your weapon should the situation require.

Answer 3

I assume you mean as a mental health nurse 66c, if you are talking about social work you may have difficulty in the Army they are civilians as a rule, in the Air Force its 46c for officers

Answer 4

Maybe you should look into the reserves, I know a lot of Navy officers who do it that way, and I am almost positive that you will be in the field that your degree is in.

Answer 5

You would be under the Medical Corps. Have a great day.

Answer 6

Honestly...I'd say Navy. hell...i dunno
or i guess i could be missing your point...