Can I change my contract's MOS from enlisted to officer candidate if I haven't shipped out yet?

George Callas — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:14:39 -0400

Hello everybody. Back in October, I signed an enlistment contract in the US Army Reserves. Joining the army was an easy decision as I knew I wanted to follow my grandfather's footsteps, yet since I didn't know much about the inner workings and considerations of choosing an MOS and difference in career paths I foolishly just relied on my recruiter. But, as my appointment at MEPS was approaching, I had family members approach me about holding off because I was set to graduate with my undergraduate degree in December 2020 and it would make more sense for me to enlist as an officer candidate and go straight to OCS after BCT. When I expressed this interest to my recruiter, he brought in the state's recruiting CO and I was kind of pressured into the enlisted MOS we had planned on. I haven't thought a lot about it since then, but as my ship date to BCT quickly approaches in late May I have been having serious regrets about my decision. I still want to serve, but I want to make sure I do what's best for me. If I stay on track with my academics, I would be graduating in December 2020 and would be eligible to apply directly to OCS. But, under the contract I'm currently signed on as just enlisted, my graduation is pushed to May 2021 because I'd be out for BCT/AIT from May thru December and now charted path to become an officer in the future. Since I haven't shipped out yet, could I still change my contract? If I back out of this contract, will this negatively affect me when I try to apply directly to OCS when I graduate?

Response by LTC Tom McNew made Mar 24 at 2020 5:30 PM

LTC Tom McNew — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:30:08 -0400

IMHO, spending a few years as an Enlisted man, before you go to OCS will give you a much better perspective of the stupid things that come out of every Officer's mouth!!!

I was enlisted for four years before I went to OCS and I wouldn't have done it any other way. Go to Basic Training, work in your MOS for a while, do all the crappy "hey-you" stuff for a few years, learn to be led so that you can learn to Lead!!!

Good Luck and God Speed

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 5:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:30:18 -0400

George Callas not sure how your unit would handle, or the Army in particular, for that matter. But, one of my flight mates made same decision last year; initially enlisted, but decided wanted to commission. He went to the officer recruiter and boarded w/ a unit that is in the process of fully standing up. He got picked up. He remains drilling until his OTS date later this August.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Mar 24 at 2020 5:32 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:32:55 -0400

Backing out of enlistment contract will adversely affect you applying for OCS. Although you may have future academic qualifications, OCS selection is competitive even with an undergraduate degree. My suggestion would be to complete BCT and AIT for now. After you return home and start drilling, prove yourself at your unit with duty performance. Inquire about OCS after you build a reputation because you will have both degree and chain-of-command recommendations to improve your application.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 6:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 18:17:28 -0400

No, you cannot. Once you sign a reserve component contract your service begins. It's not like an Active Duty contract with the Delayed Entry Program that doesn't really bind you until you ship out. There is no backing out of a RC contract, you're already obligated. At this point you can only be a no show and be discharged for unsatisfactory performance

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 8:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 20:27:01 -0400

You are unable to change your contract because you physically signed it. You are now contractually obligated to fulfil the terms of your contract unless discharged earlier. Additionally, you are unable to obtain an OCS contract or slot without first obtaining your degree, meaning that the Army cant give you a slot until you physically show them a degree. If they did that, what would happen if you didn't graduate on time. Doesn't make any sense.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2020 10:13 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 22:13:50 -0400

NO you cant enlist for OCS anyway, you have to apply and meet the requirements.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 11:56 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 23:56:09 -0400

These are some well written comments. I don't think I could have said it any better. I'm in OCS now on the National Guard side. You have to have a degree to even be considered for a slot. And failure to adhere to your contractual agreement in the Reserves will probably affect you adversely. You don't want to do that.

Additionally....I've had experience as an NCO before going for OCS. I'm nearly done with OCS (this pandemic is just delaying the completion of the course....no fault of mine or any of my classmates, obviously).

Stay the course. You'll get insight into how the Army works a little better when you go along the path you've set. Plus you get a bit more respect when you spend a little time on the enlisted side and then go officer. The ones who go straight into commission get looked at differently. Trust me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2020 6:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:20:01 -0400

Remember, having a college degree does not guarantee an OCS enlistment. There is a board process and selection required. I’ve sat on several OVS boards and we never selected everyone and USAREC doesn’t select everyone. You may do all rhis and them not be selected for OCS. I agree with what a few of the officers here have said, at the end of the day you joined the Army Reserve. Complete your training and then apply for OCS (which is Active Duty). You will grow as an enlisted Soldier. Having a degree doesn’t entitle you to serve as an officer, it’s simply a minimum requirement. Do you possess the key attributes? Good luck with your decision.