Army prior-service OCS, do we have to repeat BCT?

SPC Benjamin Norman — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 02:55:38 -0500

I’ve been out since 2011, and thinking about coming back in via OCS. I was active duty enlisted from 08-11 with honorable discharge. Would I have to do BCT again? Everyone is giving me different answers.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Feb 26 at 2018 5:10 AM

PVT Mark Brown — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:10:30 -0500

It would seem to me a prior service person will still have the education gleaned through basic training, an them some, actually. However, the component that may be missing is physical conditioning. This would certainly be addressed in OCS. Therefore, I feel, yes, all things being equal, prior (honorable) service reentry directly to OCS without returnign via BCT would be appropriate. Returning to service without plans on attending OCS could be accomplished through the use of some sort of rentry testing program, perhaps a week long reentry training, conditioning and refreshing course.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 5:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:53:14 -0500

My understanding is that if your break in service is less than 8 years, you do not have to attend BCT again.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Feb 26 at 2018 8:08 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:08:39 -0500

We got around the same time and I just re-enlisted back into the service and i am “schedule” to attend basic training. If ou have a break more than 3 years of service it is required but with OCS IDK I’m just speaking upon the enlisted side

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 10:30 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:30:24 -0500

It's all in the contract. I have seen soldiers go through a condensed BCT. but again, that is something your recruiter would need to answer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 4:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:24:56 -0500

Once you have 3yrs break in service after the expiration of IRR, you will have to attend BCT. until then you are good.

Response by PO2 Jim Hayes made Feb 26 at 2018 6:35 PM

PO2 Jim Hayes — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:35:39 -0500

Knife and Fork school and some PT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2018 9:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:24:33 -0500

No BCT. Be aware. There is an OCS board. One question that you are almost guaranteed to get asked is,”if you aren’t selected for OCS, would you enlist anyway?” If you say “no”, you will NOT be selected.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:18:45 -0500

Just had a guy go in OCS prior service. It is not full NOT but a form of it and you only have to it after a 3 year break from service but that is counted after your FOR time.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 8 at 2018 10:46 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:46:15 -0500

As I understand it- the requirement for prior service going to BCT is based on the length of time out. Any recruiter should know.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Apr 4 at 2018 3:39 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:39:17 -0400

My best guess, and keep in mind, regs change like our underwear. It depends on how long you have been separated? But more than likely, No...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 12:43 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:43:02 -0400

I know that years ago you had to be at least an E5, and 2 yrs minimum college for the OCS program