Competitive for a active duty OCS Packet? and what to know when going to boards?

2020-08-12T18:28:46-04:00

Currently, I am 28 years old and recently honorably discharged from the Army National Guard. I was in for 6 years as a 68W with no bad remarks, and left with a re1. Currently, I work full-time for a city as a EMT in which I earned to medals for my actions during a active shooter scenario I responded to that killed 11 people, and I also have no bad remarks in my workplace. Also, I have a bachelor's in Criminal Justice from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Counter Intelligence with a focus in Counter-Terrorism from Point Park University finishing with a gpa of 3.70. My GT score is 114, and my ST score is 116. I wanted to know if my current background will be competitive enough to get accepted into Army active duty OCS. I know since I am a civilian now I do not have to take the APFT/ACFT to get in, but I am also in the 500-540 range for a current ACFT score. I have no medical issues or prior surgeries. I also have no tattoos or criminal history. I do have a rough credit history due to a ex-fiance roughly 4 years ago maxing out my credit cards before we split apart. Any information regarding the OCS packet process for this upcoming FY21 would be greatly helpful, and what to look for when talking with a recruiter. I have already went to a recruiting office and filled out initial paperwork, but my recruiter is on leave until next week and told me he would have to look up how to do a 09S packet because he has never done one.

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made Aug 12 at 2020 8:53 PM

2020-08-12T20:53:01-04:00

Active Duty Recruiters know how to put together an OCS packet. 09S it's simply the MOS tag for you as you're in federal OCS. I recommend going to see another recruiting station, with a recruiter that is the officer recruiter. You will find one in your area that has put in these packets.

your packet seems competitive as far as your qualifications. But I'm not the selection board. Your officer recruiter will have all the answers for you because they will have access to the latest MILPER messages that have came out for requirements for federal OCS.

Bottom line it's like a doctor, would you want to go get a surgery done on your brain from somebody that's never done it before? Let that sink in.

Keep looking in your ear for the officer recruiters.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 13 at 2020 12:00 AM

2020-08-13T00:00:46-04:00

The credit rating should not really play a part until your secret clearance comes about and then it could play a big role.

Response by SPC(P) Timeo Williams made Aug 13 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-08-13T12:12:52-04:00

Decent PT score. I'm curious as to your time in the NG. Did you exceed the standard? For 6 years of service, one may question why you didn't achieve the rank of SGT?

Did you receive any medals during you're time in the NG? I assume you have the letters of recommendation taken care of?

Also, out if curiosity, which branch are you interested in?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 12:18 PM

2020-08-18T12:18:35-04:00

You're very competitive for Federal OCS. If you crap out though look into State OCS. Federal is the way to go if you can but a Guard commission is better than none. Something you should know up front though: If you do even one day in OCS you can never commission through any other source, by regulation. You're also required to spend 10 years as an officer to retire as an officer. Having missed my first opportunity at commissioning in 1988 (turned down USMA like an idiot) and going through State OCS at the age of 39, I don't recommend waiting too long. I'm older than most of the GOs and colonels I work for. It's kind of frustrating at times to be talked down to by someone who hadn't even hit puberty when you were on the front line of the Cold War in Germany...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 9:08 PM

2020-08-20T21:08:17-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Would you have any advice on this? Figured you might be able to further my research after reading your profile.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Aug 21 at 2020 5:13 AM

2020-08-21T05:13:46-04:00

Take care of your credit, and don’t use your ex as an excuse. I get a background check every 5 years.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2020 4:26 PM

2020-08-22T16:26:43-04:00

You are absolutely competitive. with those scores and your background, I have no doubt that you will get accepted at your bored.