Posted on Mar 31, 2018
2LT Military Police
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I am currently in a unit where the company level commander is a CW4. With that being said, how do I begin the OCS application process? Do I go through my Chain of Command and ask for help? Do I go straight to my S1 to inquire about the process? Or do I begin some sort of paper work and then proceed to ask about the OCS process?
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Responses: 9
CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana
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Damon; always begin any process in the uniformed services with your COC (Chain of Command).

Complete your DA Form 4187 for your COC's approval and endorsement. Attach copies of your educational qualifications, physical fitness test record, awards and recognition. Make your packet appealing with recommendations from your Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and above. Prove to your Command that you follow rules, the CoC and Service Values; you are not alone and your superiors, peers and subordinates support your objective of becoming a Commissioned Officer.

Finally; understand it is best to get endorsements from your CSMs and other commissioned officers. The more the merrier. Members of Congress letters of recommendation weigh gold in this process and GOs weigh platinum. See how your influence can best serve your purpose to achieve your objective.

Thanks.
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SGT Eric Davis
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I just wanted to know what you mean “with that being said.” After you said the CO is a CW4?
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2LT Military Police
2LT (Join to see)
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I mentioned it because I did not know if or if not the CO being a Warrant Officer played any effect on me beginning the OCS packet process.
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SGT Eric Davis
SGT Eric Davis
>1 y
Nawl it don’t just like the CO being a male or female don’t make a difference but yeah go to your S-1 or retention NCO
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Capt Ron Lane
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Talk to your First Sgt.
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As an enlisted soldier, how would I begin the process of starting an OCS Packet?
1LT Benjamin Flasher
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2LT (Join to see) I was in your exact position about a year ago. Coming from a CID unit, my whole office was comprised of warrants and civilians. They were very much supportive of my going to OCS, but were not certain as to the process. Turns out it is not that dissimilar to applying for WOC school, even to the point that you use many of the same forms. I mostly worked with my Detachment Sergeant to get the necessary documents from S1 and so on, but it was ultimately my BN XO who took me under his wing and helped me through the process. The interview portion was also a point of friction as my Group was located on the other side of the country and we ended up having to do it over VTC.
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Capt Daniel Goodman
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http://www.ocsfoundation.org

I'd sent this in before, I didn't know ofmyoud seen it, the regular OCS programs are all covered, OIS indoc programs, incl those under USPHS and NOAA aremtz also, Army WOCS is left out, howecerz purely for info or discussion, I think you might find invaluable, you know? Enjoy....
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Capt Daniel Goodman
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Sorry, I hit enter by mistake, the more concretely you explain your background and/or ambitions, Tue more concretely you can ne given suggestions, so explain more, list actual course titles, GPAs, possibly, go into that level of detail, I'd be most eager to here !ore, OK?
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2LT Military Police
2LT (Join to see)
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Sir, my background includes a bachelor's degree in Accounting with a 3.4 cumulative GPA. I recently graduated college where I was the head captain of my university's football team. If I were accepted into OCS I'd have a big interest in being an Infantry, Armor, or Field Artillery Officer.
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Capt Daniel Goodman
Capt Daniel Goodman
>1 y
OK, that helps a good deal...now, would you want other svcs as well? Have you asked about USAF, Navy, USMC, USCG? Would you want any of those, I omlymask as, given your background, with accounting, USCG law enforcement, possibly USCG SWAT, Navy Special Warfarin Combat Crewman (SWCC), much seem to suit your area, you know? Do you actually want to ne in budget and accounting? Are you getting your CPA? Are you going for a !asters yet? What are your thoughts about grad school, and maybe getting a DBA, a doctorate in business admin, or possibly mgmt? Have you thohght about law, as there are numerous JD-CPAs, law and accounting go well together also, elaborate OK? Ambitions for other services? I realize you said you want combat arms, I follow, didmyou also possibly want flight for Army WOCS two go helicopters at all? Whether as pilot or nav/WWo, is that something you'd think about at all? Would you want flight in USAF, Navy, or USMC, as pilot/aviator, or nav/NFO/WSo at all? I'm just trying to gauge your interests and motivations, to see if I can suggest more, you might also look u the USFG law enforce!ent academy, I realize those are suggestions you might not have considered or might not want, I !erepy offer ideas, your background interests me, I'd be most eager to hear more...any !martial arts? Any other serious sports? Have you tried at all for the Army Combatives Program I've seen YouTube videos on for Army !artial arts training? I'd expect in what you do, you'd get a good deal, I was merely curious, as I'd said, also, I've known of instances where ROTC can be done in grad school, in all svcs, to so!e extent...did you look at USMC Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) also at all? It's less well known, I'd just known of it as one Univ near us has it, I figured I'd mention it...I honestly think USCG OCS could ne a good possibility for!you as well, esp for their SWAT and boarding units, as well, you know? And I merely !mention this as get another thought have you considered going Navy OCS and trying for Navy SEAL at all? I'd just wondered give your interests and inclinations, just another thought besides Navy SWCC, you know? I'd be most eager yo hear more, as I'd said, many thanks...
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Capt Daniel Goodman
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Elaborate if you can, OK? What bachelors are you getting or do you have? Any assicates also? What majors? What GPAs? What branch of Army would you want? Would you also want Army WOCS for flight as well, whether pilot or WSO/nav? Would you want other svcs at all? What field or fields interest you? What type of work? Give a detailed bio sketch, reading, hobbies, interests, sports, be as detailed as you possibly can be, the more you send in here, I've observed, the more concrete tho
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A1C Ian Williams
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and one more thing 2LT (Join to see) NEVER give up.
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A1C Ian Williams
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Edited >1 y ago
2LT (Join to see) a lot of people ask this question. Gauge the temperature of the response of your chain of command. Seek multiple avenues and have multiple back-up plans. Even if you are the best, keep it that way. Stay healthy and study in your free time.
If you really want this, some sacrifices will have to be made.
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