How does an enlisted Soldier go about applying for OCS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 05:16:06 -0400

I am a new 11B in the Army. I enlisted with a degree and I really want to apply for OCS in about a year.

I want to take this year to learn my job well, improve my PT/marksmanship, and become a good team member. After that, I'd like the opportunity to attend OCS and become an Officer. I was wondering what the best way to go about this is.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 6:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 06:46:26 -0400

Go talk to the retention NCO assigned to your unit. That person can get you the info you need

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 24 at 2021 8:20 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:20:45 -0400

I would have an open door conversation with my PL and CO, since you will need the Commanders endorsement to apply. Next step would be the retention NCO, who should be able to get you the paperwork need to apply and insure that you have all the boxes checked. You will also need an essay on why you want to be an Officer. If there are other OCS officers in your Company, I would speak to them about how to approach that task, it was not a requirement in my day.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 5:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 17:20:20 -0400

Packets have a very long lead time. You should start the conversation early with your CO and PL. It may take 6-12 months to get it through. It is very extensive and there are tons of documents to fill out. Search “HRC Army OCS Application Check List” for the list of forms and also see your retention NCO (BN-Level). The packet will require an appearance before a board of officers (2x CPTs and a MAJ), then endorsement from your Company, Battalion, and Brigade Commanders. Then, it goes to a board at HRC for review and decision.

Start asking for letters of recommendation from your supervisors. They need to mention performance and potential. Try to keep them in memo format and 1-2 pages.

Some questions you will be asked:
“What motivates you to become an officer?” (Your answer should not be “to outrank my parents,” that one did not go over well)
“Why did you join the Army?”
“What have you done for self-development?”
“Do you have a mentor?”
“What do you do to develop others?”

It is a lot of work, but it can be done.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 5:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 17:33:26 -0400

Are you active or Reserve or guard?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2021 6:15 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 May 2021 06:15:32 -0400

I was once in the same boat as you are now. 1st thing is you need to have a Security clearance atleast an interim clearance to drop the packet i think and an approved clearance which was definitely a road block for me as it took 3 to 4 yrs for the big army to give it. Secondly Wait for 1st OCT 2021 for the new Milper Message for OCS to come out. It will have all the requirements for your packet. But you dont need to wait for the milper message to start working on your packet. the Miper message usually has minor changes about do's and dont's everything else is pretty standard. go to this link and it will have everything you need for dropping your packet. Also check with your Unit or your base education center for the OCS interview board.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Officer%20Candidate%20School

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