How do I get into OCS?

2020-08-18T21:24:46-04:00

I eventually would like to commission and become an officer in the next few years. To do this I know I will have to attend and pass OCS. I already have a degree I just don’t know how to start the process. Do I need a packet, letters of rec, who should I talk to ect.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 18 at 2020 9:54 PM

2020-08-18T21:54:57-04:00

Go to S-1 to get a packet and read the requirements. Then get back with us with your questions.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 18 at 2020 9:55 PM

2020-08-18T21:55:51-04:00

From everything I have ever heard, going from Enlisted to Officer requires that you get Letters of Recommendation from your CoC and usually you cannot do that until you haves served at least a year with that command. You need to impress, lead and be squared away as heck.

Start with talking to your CoC and tell them your intentions and ask for guidance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 10:03 PM

2020-08-18T22:03:58-04:00

There should be an accessions office (the recruiters that make NCO's officers) local to you, S1 was also mentioned. Ideally, you'll find a mentor with a new LT who went through the OCS process. The packet is lengthy and more than just a few letters of recommendation (of which your commander would be your lowest ranking recommendation).

The best chance of success is having a CoC that is backing your path (which is effectively required to jump through the hoops to get the packet fully completed). Then again, on top of that a fresh LT with the same commission path to help you through the bumps no one will anticipate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 10:49 PM

2020-08-18T22:49:28-04:00

Pull up the MILPER message for the annual OCS announcement. They just announced this years selectees so they’re due to put out next year’s announcement soon. You can look at last years to see what you’ll need, but the most important part will be this years schedule for the events.

Don’t expect too much help in way of processing your packet. Officer world is very sink or swim, and many people will assume that if you can’t figure this out, you won’t survive when you get handed a FLIPL as the IO and get told to figure it out.

Good luck!

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made Aug 18 at 2020 10:54 PM

2020-08-18T22:54:36-04:00

I say this everyone somebody wants to attend OCS, read the MILPER message on federal OCS. They post usually every 6 months..... To get an idea of the requirements, look at the last MILPER, and see when the board dates are, finally backwards plan all the requirements. See your S1 on packet submission. Ask tons of questions, and do research.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2020 1:26 PM

2020-08-19T13:26:15-04:00

Two things to remember; 1) OCS is a hazing, not a training event. Pass everything and don't quit. Try to be a team player and supportive of your peers even though your TACs will try to divide you and pit you against each other. 2) PT your butt off. You'll need to run and ruck a lot so be sure to be in shape long before you go to Benning.

Federal OCS isn't quite as labor intensive as State OCS but it's longer and still pretty physical. I guess the feds want Guard guys to suffer more since they don't have to do it as long.

Lastly, no one will care what you did as enlisted unless you got a badge or a tab out of it. Be prepared to be treated like an idiot for a while until you make 1LT.