How can I determine if I would even stand a chance for applying to Army OCS?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:07:41 -0400

I am currently a SSG with nine years in service. I have a permanent profile (which I am working to come off of as I have made significant progress with my physical issues over the last few years. I currently have ADHD and am deployable (was diagnosed six year ago by an Army Doctor) and I know I will need a waiver for OCS. I am 33 (about to turn 34) and I know that will require a waiver as well. I have a BA in Political Science (had prior joining the Army) but my GPA is 1.9. Since being diagnosed with ADHD six years ago I have taken some graduate level courses and received nothing less than a B+ in all of the classes that I took. I have two deployments, one overseas tour to Korea, and lots of time leading soldiers and junior NCO,s. My question is, would it even be worth my time to apply for OCS? I am confident that I would make a very good officer and hope that I would be able to explain the shortcomings of my past.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 10:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:14:20 -0400

I am also confident that I could get strong recommendations from multiple 04's and above due to the many staff positions that I have worked in.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 10:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:14:36 -0400

Honestly, I don’t think you’re a good candidate. Your grades alone won’t help your case, along with the permanent profile (they are turning down LTCs for Command with them), and your age. I mean, it can never hurt to try but the hill is steep for your transition to the officer corps. Thank you for your service and good luck if you decide to try. May the odds ever be in your favor.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jun 23 at 2021 10:33 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:33:16 -0400

Two years too old. Not great chance at an age waiver with those medical issues. Best of luck!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 23 at 2021 10:51 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:51:38 -0400

Do you want to be an officer and do you meet requirements with waivers? If both are yes, then get the application done. If you need people to convince you that 'it is worth your time,' then it probably is not worth the people's time writing recommendations and looking at you before the board. If you think that is brash, imagine if a private came to you and said, "Gee SSG Smith, I do not know if it is worth my time to advance my career." How would you respond to that private? Having been enlisted, I have a pretty good idea how you would respond and PFC Oyler would not have enjoyed your response. Only one group should tell you NO and that is the board, everything else is does not matter.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 23 at 2021 10:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:54:14 -0400

Not with that GPA. I will say no more.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 11:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:31:17 -0400

Go for warrant officer. When I was commissioned, I was in the Army National Guard and they had the age maximum at 35. My GPA was 2.5. I will have only been in the guard for a year-and-a-half. My PT score was above 270. This was back in the 90s. I would apply for OCS and see what happens. The most they can say is no and you are an NCO so keep pushing forward!

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jun 24 at 2021 7:20 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:20:38 -0400

David - I'm your polar opposite. I was drafted at 19, had no college (though accepted to Cornell), and knew nothing about OCS prior to being tested for it in Basic. Was nearly the youngest graduate of my class (8/67). I know by current standards I'd not have become an Officer. I also know that if I hadn't applied and done everything I could to succeed, I wouldn't have become one. You get to choose whether to proceed or not. Others will decide whether you have the opportunity to go to OCS, and in fact, graduate. I'll wish you well. I have absolutely no regrets about serving our Country in my
capacity as a junior officer. Reaping benefits to this day for my decision and the training I received.