Am I competitive for OCS?

WO1 Jose R. — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 14:03:10 -0400

I finally got up to the point where I can start to submit an OCS packet, after pursuing my degree (BSIT 3.51 Cum Lade) and getting up to par with my GT requirements. However, I am left with the question of will it be enough to be competitive for acceptance into OCS. I currently have a PT score of 295, I am obtaining recommendation letters x4 from two MAJ, one COL, and a R. COL civilian. As far as leaderships skills go, I have been AD for 8 years (called HRC and max TIS is 10), I have been an NCOIC of a few clinics (Dental), and have attended WLC.

As far as Age goes I am currently 28 years old so I can make the cut for the age limit. Is there anything else that I need to do or get to make myself competitive? Thanks in advance.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 3:22 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 15:22:30 -0400

From everything I read you are very competitive. The only snag is TIS. I know for my board last year it was 5 years max, but they gave some waivers. If you contacted HRC they must've bumped that number up some. I had 3 years TIS, WLC, And a bunch of schools. It was also in a position above my pay grade lie you. 3.56 GPA, 291 APFT, and 123 GT. So I'd say you are good to go. Your numbers look a lot like mine. My highest LOR was from a LTC so having a couple COL help. I know they like college athletes. That was another plus for me and it seemed like the majority of in service candidates had college athletic experience or high level LOR's. Let me know how it works out and good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 8:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 20:40:21 -0400

What's going to speak well for you is that you got your degree while on active duty. Get your packet reviewed by someone you trust that has attention to detail, and try to influence your letters of recommendation by writing a "draft version" for them that has some specific accomplishments or attributes that you want to be highlighted.

If you are currently in a leadership position, will your annual NCOER be complete prior to submitting your packet? It sounds like you have a good chance of being selected, so good luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 4:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:12:29 -0400

You are competitive for sure, but the TIS actually hurts you these days. Somehow the Army in its wisdom has decided experience hurts you...I will leave that one right there. You never know until you try, so put that app in!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 12:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 12:05:36 -0400

I was picked up with the same TIS. Same general ranks for LOR, mine were actually only CPT and LTC.
Your packet is what says the most. How meticulous you are will show, and this is what the board will see.
Call the OCS program manager any time you have a question. Better to be right and feel a little silly than to preserve your pride and sacrifice a perfect packet.
You are competitive and you have the same chances as anyone else. Don't sweat your age. I was 32 when I attended.
Here's the kicker. The reason it is a selection panel vs a board is that they are not forced to abide by regulations that governs boards. Hence, why you won't see formal AARs published afterwards (i.e.- SFC and MSG boards).
Meaning, the can operate under their own set of rules and metrics for selection. So if you don't get picked up on the first try, ask for Feedback, refine your packet and resubmit.
I'm available to answer any questions you might have. I am in the field quite a bit, so email is your best bet should you have any questions.
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2LT Joshua Tetreault
OCS graduate - 19 Feb 15

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 9:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:02:26 -0500

Yes absolutely! I've helped as an S1 clerk get packets together for soldiers... In general if you put in a error free packet with good LORs you stand a great chance. I've seen soldiers with 260 pt scores get selected... I've seen a soldier with a 2.6 gpa that was embarrassed initially to put in a packet because of it, get selected... he had a maxed pt score and awesome military record to be fair. Get all your boxes checked and signatures in the right spots and you got a great chance. Generally selection rates are fifty percent... most people are disqualified for packet errors, medical forms not filled out all the way or accidentally checking boxes that aren't supposed to be. Good packets are selected at much higher rate. Just get the packet together and let the chips fall where they may.