Posted on Mar 6, 2023
What is the process for applying to Federal OCS as ARNG prior service? What is the likelihood of getting a slot?
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Hello. Currently a SPC with the ARNG in an airborne unit. I've got a doctorate in clinical psychology looking into OCS. Long story short, I won't be able to direct commission for sometime, so my Unit is working with me to go to OCS.
Short story explained: I was waiting to hear back on a certification I needed to commission as a psychologist. I was planning to go to State OCS, but was waiting as our OSM was wanting to see the direct commission route. After I got news that my direct commission would be delayed, they encouraged me to pursue State OCS, but I'd have to wait until 2024. Informed I could direct commission as a psychologist after OCS. We got a new OCS coordinator and we've agreed to pursue Federal OCS. My unit submitted an A-1 application and it's currently at the NGB for consideration. State is fine sending me, but we need to get an NGB slot. We applied for summer of this year as an option. Funds are cleared.
I'm curious what the process is, and the likelihood of getting a slot. I've been in for 3 years, did BLC. Good PT scores, and graduated 4.0 with my Ph.D. and Master's programs. My OSM is telling me there's nothing really I can do but wait.
Another reason I'm wanting to do OCS is I get a lot of complaints about medical officers not knowing how to write OPORDs and know basic leadership. I'm pursuing OCS so I can also learn how to be a good leader. Most of the information I'm getting is about Active Duty applications. My unit has a couple spots open, and are supportive. I'm just not sure if there's a good chance of acceptance and if there's anything I can do to prepare or make the packet stronger. Currently working on getting LoRs, which I have four committed (Two MAJ, one COL and a retired LTC).
I'm wondering if there is any input out there, or even threads that previously have asked this question that I could follow.
Thank you in advanced.
Short story explained: I was waiting to hear back on a certification I needed to commission as a psychologist. I was planning to go to State OCS, but was waiting as our OSM was wanting to see the direct commission route. After I got news that my direct commission would be delayed, they encouraged me to pursue State OCS, but I'd have to wait until 2024. Informed I could direct commission as a psychologist after OCS. We got a new OCS coordinator and we've agreed to pursue Federal OCS. My unit submitted an A-1 application and it's currently at the NGB for consideration. State is fine sending me, but we need to get an NGB slot. We applied for summer of this year as an option. Funds are cleared.
I'm curious what the process is, and the likelihood of getting a slot. I've been in for 3 years, did BLC. Good PT scores, and graduated 4.0 with my Ph.D. and Master's programs. My OSM is telling me there's nothing really I can do but wait.
Another reason I'm wanting to do OCS is I get a lot of complaints about medical officers not knowing how to write OPORDs and know basic leadership. I'm pursuing OCS so I can also learn how to be a good leader. Most of the information I'm getting is about Active Duty applications. My unit has a couple spots open, and are supportive. I'm just not sure if there's a good chance of acceptance and if there's anything I can do to prepare or make the packet stronger. Currently working on getting LoRs, which I have four committed (Two MAJ, one COL and a retired LTC).
I'm wondering if there is any input out there, or even threads that previously have asked this question that I could follow.
Thank you in advanced.
Posted in these groups: 
OCS
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Career Counselor
Career Advice
NGB
OCS Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) Career Counselor Career Advice NGB
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 6
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Going through OCS you can command troops while direct commission you can't.
I had a friend who went to OCS and he was probably the most educated person in our class. He was a chiropractor so you know he had the equivalent of a master's degree or more in medical. He ended up being an MI Military Intelligence officer but he got bored after he made the rank of Captain and decided to go to Army Med to become a Physician's assistant. Or PA. He didn't mind taking the reduction of first lieutenant but he went immediately back up to Captain. In my civil affairs in the Army reserve, the deputy Commander of the Brigade was Army Medical what hospital management. So you can always move around and use your OCS experience to set yourself ahead of your peers.
I had a friend who went to OCS and he was probably the most educated person in our class. He was a chiropractor so you know he had the equivalent of a master's degree or more in medical. He ended up being an MI Military Intelligence officer but he got bored after he made the rank of Captain and decided to go to Army Med to become a Physician's assistant. Or PA. He didn't mind taking the reduction of first lieutenant but he went immediately back up to Captain. In my civil affairs in the Army reserve, the deputy Commander of the Brigade was Army Medical what hospital management. So you can always move around and use your OCS experience to set yourself ahead of your peers.
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I am personally seeing medical and chaplain career paths cut short and forced out before they get enough years for retirement. That is much less likely to be the case if you go OCS and branch to a typical branch. So yea, it might be cool to get CPT inside of a year, but then spend the next 8 getting to MAJ and out before 15.
Now, I Direct Commissioned as 2LT, but I ended up getting in Quartermaster and then moved up to Logistics, and had a company command in there. So direct isn't impossible to lead soldiers, but the BRANCH is going to be the key.
Your enlisted time gives you a significant advantage. Essentially, you can get away with getting to your 20 years with one less Officer promotion.
Now, I was a little bummed I saw others come in as 1LTs and CPT's based on how the cards fell in their direct commission paths but now, as the years go on and they are freaking out at being CPT's and MAJ's too long I appreciate the years my LT time added to my career tenure. So keep that in mind if you are in this for the long game.
Now, I Direct Commissioned as 2LT, but I ended up getting in Quartermaster and then moved up to Logistics, and had a company command in there. So direct isn't impossible to lead soldiers, but the BRANCH is going to be the key.
Your enlisted time gives you a significant advantage. Essentially, you can get away with getting to your 20 years with one less Officer promotion.
Now, I was a little bummed I saw others come in as 1LTs and CPT's based on how the cards fell in their direct commission paths but now, as the years go on and they are freaking out at being CPT's and MAJ's too long I appreciate the years my LT time added to my career tenure. So keep that in mind if you are in this for the long game.
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CPL(P) (Join to see)
Thank you, Sir. I'd prefer to go through the OCS process and learn to be a leader before hitting CPT level.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
You truly are missing out if you don’t accept my offer. I have tactical knowledge, did well at operational planning, took care of the soldiers, and found ways to build up high levels of morale of the soldiers.
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CPL(P) (Join to see)
I would be honored, Sir. Anything to help me be a better Soldier and (hopefully) future Officer.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
CPL(P) (Join to see) - Email me [login to see] . Subject Line: Military Leadership.
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