Posted on Jul 3, 2020
SSG Detachment Ncoic
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Currently evaluating my next step in my Army career. I love being an NCO but I know I have what it takes to be a solid officer. That being said, I want to hear from those who have gone through this process before and what to expect.

29 years old, 8 years TIS, 4 years AFS, bachelors in nutrition with 4.0 gpa summa cum laude, 260 apft/ at least 80 in each event ACFT, 6 letters of rec, 1 LTC, 1 MAJ, 2 CPT, 1 civilian MD, and 1 GS-13.

I know PT is my weakest point, unfortunately I am recovering from an injury at the moment.
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Responses: 3
MAJ Operations Research/Systems Analysis (Orsa)
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You are pretty much exactly where I was when I transitioned. I was a SSG, 8 years of service. I would advise two things. First, get healed and get that PT score up. If things haven’t changed much since I went, your PT score and other physical tasks such as the Downey Mile and air assault obstacle course time figure into the OML. The higher you are on the OML the higher the likelihood of getting the branch you want. Second, increase your platoon / company doctrinal knowledge. Your leadership assessment successes are based on your ability to understand doctrine, form a plan, brief the plan, and then lead a platoon to execute the plan.
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CPT Headquarters And Headquarters Battery (Hhb) Commander
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Your brief summary of your military looks good. I was in the Reserves and applied for an active duty contract through a recruiter. The board members saw my packet and before we even started the interview process, the BN CDR said he already approved my packet. They had me go in to the board for formality reasons. If you are lucky, which ever board you go to (because you still need an endorsement) I hope yours will be just as easy.
Having Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from two field grades, two company grades, and two civilians is good. I recommend getting another two from senior NCOs and see if those two are stronger than the civilian ones. I believe, my LORs were solid... the BN CDR that interviewed me mentioned them. I had one from a GO and two from field grades (BDE & BN CDRs) and then three from senior NCOs, one from a DIV CSM, one from a BN CSM, and one from a SFC (who was my first team leader). Have a strategy... for example: I chose my very first team leader to show the long history of “me” as a Soldier.
You seem like a strong candidate. Remain confident but not arrogant. Find a good balance. Make them want to approve your packet even before hearing your show up or speak. Good luck, SSG!
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CPT Tommy Curtis
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You will have to be in great shape as you are not allowed to walk anywhere out of formation during phase one. I will say that you will be a star among the candidates in OCS with all of your experience. The E6's and .7's that I went through with were well respected, especially during Ranger phase. I was an E5 going through and I could have had a direct commission based on my college and experience but I chose OCS. I am so glad I did. The senior ncos going through OCS were essential in teaching us the right way to.lead soldiers.
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