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I just enlisted in the army reserve as an E4. I do want to commission at some point (if I can, before my 32nd birthday if possible .. I’m 29 now)… I was told by an old friend (who’s a captain) that I wouldn’t be able to commission until I make E5. And because I am reserve, I probably wouldn’t be able to get to that rank until my 6th year. Is he correct?
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Army Reserve Elements
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) Army Reserve Elements
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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There are a few things happening here.
Do you need to be a Sgt to apply to OCS? Negative. If you are eligible and have a degree drop your package to OCS immediately.
Does it take 6 years to promote to E5? Negative. Though it may take some that long to acheive you can certainly pin on Sgt within 3-4 years. You will also see the occasional unicorn who pin on Sgt around the 24 - 32 month mark. But I would say that in the reserves that Unicorn situation would be even more rare than it is in the AD realm.
Bottom line - If you want to commission and meet the requirements drop your package immediately and speak to a recruiter instead of using a Barracks Lawyer.
Do you need to be a Sgt to apply to OCS? Negative. If you are eligible and have a degree drop your package to OCS immediately.
Does it take 6 years to promote to E5? Negative. Though it may take some that long to acheive you can certainly pin on Sgt within 3-4 years. You will also see the occasional unicorn who pin on Sgt around the 24 - 32 month mark. But I would say that in the reserves that Unicorn situation would be even more rare than it is in the AD realm.
Bottom line - If you want to commission and meet the requirements drop your package immediately and speak to a recruiter instead of using a Barracks Lawyer.
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You don't need to be an E5 to qualify for OCS, you only need a degree.
You can apply today.
Once you become an OCS candidate, your pay grade will actually go up to E5 if you were an E4.
But your choice of branch is not guaranteed.
If you like your MOS, you can just go warrant in that, and you can do that as soon as you are an E5 with BLC complete if your civilian career experience is in the same field, with civilian appraisals/reviews, and you already have the certs.
You can apply today.
Once you become an OCS candidate, your pay grade will actually go up to E5 if you were an E4.
But your choice of branch is not guaranteed.
If you like your MOS, you can just go warrant in that, and you can do that as soon as you are an E5 with BLC complete if your civilian career experience is in the same field, with civilian appraisals/reviews, and you already have the certs.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
Only thing I have ever heard is that for a DC you have to be a SGT with 4 years time in service and some amount of time on the line, which I forget. Other than that, I think there is no rank requirement for a commission.
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SGM (Join to see)
DC is 24 months of service, at least E5 or E4 with BLC complete.
But the timeframe to get a DC done, at least in this state, is as long as just signing up and completing OCS, about 9-12 months.
But the timeframe to get a DC done, at least in this state, is as long as just signing up and completing OCS, about 9-12 months.
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SGM (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - Direct Commission.
It's mostly used for AMEDD and JAG.
It's considered a last choice for basic branches, as there is consideration of "commissioning source" in boards and assignments, and DC isn't considered one.
It's mostly used for AMEDD and JAG.
It's considered a last choice for basic branches, as there is consideration of "commissioning source" in boards and assignments, and DC isn't considered one.
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You could make SGT in 3-4 years if you drive hard enough. As for needing to be a SGT first before OCS application drop, never heard of that. However, see this link
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/ocs.html
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/ocs.html
OCS: Army Officer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School (OCS) trains Army Officers. At OCS, put your college degree to use, learn important leadership skills, and prepare for a career as an Army Officer.
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