Civilian to Army OCS? MEPS question. What’s the process?

2021-05-22T14:26:26-04:00

So, I am a little confused and tried to find post about this with no luck. So I am a civilian with no prior service. I have a bachelors and masters degree so I am going to OCS route. So far I have done MEPS physical, my OCS packet and finger prints. I go back to MEPS for the board interview. What I have read it says that they look at you PT score. I haven’t officially done a pt test so that is not on there. Is that correct for OCS enlistment option?
I am trying to be able to swear in as 09S and go to basic within a month, fingers crossed. Anybody got insight on if I need to do a physical fitness test? Also anyone know the kinds of questions I should practice?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 22 at 2021 3:02 PM

2021-05-22T15:02:04-04:00

We didn't have a PT test. What we had was a general test of fitness, flexibility, etc...by the time you graduate OCS you will be in shape

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-05-22T15:52:18-04:00

They will not ask tactical or technical questions at the board. Asking those types of questions will be unfair to most of the OCS applicants because they don't know the requiste tactics like formations to march, preparing for the defense and offense, and what are the react to contact drills. They will ask you questions like what civilian recruiters will ask. It was over 30 years ago, but I remember one question, "What did you like or dislike about your latest boss and why?"

Did you write your essay?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-05-22T15:55:34-04:00

I went through the OCS recruiting process back in 2018 and had to do a PT test.. I would ask your recruiter because I had to do that prior to submitting my packet. Yes they look at your pt scores but it’s not always a deciding factor

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 9:18 AM

2021-05-23T09:18:25-04:00

Taking the PT test is part of your packet. And sadly with how long this process takes for board results and then school dates, you won't be in basic training within a month. The selection rate is very low at the moment, so if you do get selected, its going to take some time to get you your training seat.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 7:32 PM

2021-05-23T19:32:07-04:00

Your recruiter has the answer to your question. However, the Army has not instituted the Army Combat Fitness Test and the Army Physical Fitness Test is no longer administered as of September 2020. There are exceptions to the aforementioned in the regulation (AR 350-1), but I don't believe it covers recruits.

Response by Capt Nate Le made May 24 at 2021 11:39 PM

2021-05-24T23:39:33-04:00

I did not have to take a PT test when I went to MEPS for commissioning [,I was a direct commission,] only a physical mobility test. When I enlisted, however, we were required to demonstrate that we could do pull-ups (Marines) and perform a physical mobility test.

However, it wouldn’t hurt you to have a good fitness score now.

Response by MAJ Tracey Nash, CISSP, MS, GCIA made Jul 4 at 2021 11:23 AM

2021-07-04T11:23:42-04:00

I did this dance a while back.......The simple answer is NO. However, you do need to meet height and weight standards.