Are You Likely To Get Hired By a 3 Letter Agency While You Are In State OCS NG?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:43:32 -0400

I am deciding if I should enlist for 3 years as a 35M or 35N (or another 35 series job that will give me a top secret clearance).Or going into State OCS which is 16-18 months to become an officer. My goal is to get a job with a 3 letter agency. My concern is that I will not be as marketable if I go the officer route during OCS which is 16-18 months and 3 letter agencies will not consider me until I complete OCS.

I was thinking to enlist for 3 years as a 35M or 35N, apply for a 3 letter agency, hopefully get hired and eventually put in a packet for officer. Keep in mind, I am joining the guard and my recruiter said that the commander would put me in Federal OCS as soon as I complete my last class for my degree (which will be in Sep 2020). However, I am not sure if I can rely on this. I would hate to miss the opportunity to become an officer. I was wondering if anyone has experience in this area or could offer any helpful advice?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 3:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:46:10 -0400

If you really want to work for a three letter agency, stop posting about it online. You’ve just eliminated yourself from CIA consideration.

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made Jul 12 at 2020 4:38 PM

MAJ Jason Sierakowski — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:38:51 -0400

If you want to be an officer, do it. Do it sooner than later. Don't put it off, delay, or any reason that prevents you from receiving a commission. Your more marketable as an officer.

Don't rely on your command to submit anything. Take initive once your enlisted (from what your describing, you are not currently in the Army). Federal OCS is 3 months. Complete this, commission, be competitive for what your trying to accomplish.

I'm not sure what advise your seeking. Do you want to be an officer? Are you just trying to be competitive for an agency? Do you even want to be in the Army? Think through your descision making.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 4:59 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:59:28 -0400

Finish your degree and then decide what you want to do. RallyPoint members can not make the decision for you. Keep in mind that you are not guaranteed a job at any agency.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2020 10:41 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:41:51 -0400

You should be looking at your 25 meter targets (short term goals.) Getting into OCS is not guaranteed, nor is successfully "classing-up" or even graduating. So it's good you have a long-term goal, but don't try to plan out your entire military career before you even enlist. Things change, things that you didn't expect or know about present themselves, and you could even change your mind about your long-term goals.

As a few have said here, enlist into the MOS you WANT to do, not what you *think* will get you where you think you want to go later on. I'm not an expert on governmental agencies, but from what I have *heard* if you're good enough, certain "alphabet agencies" will come looking for you.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 13 at 2020 2:21 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:21:25 -0400

I don't know why you think submitting to an agency wouldn't be successful if you weren't an officer. If you want to be an officer submit your package. If you want to join an agency submit a package.