How long should I wait before talking to my chain of command about going officer?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 09:35:40 -0400

Getting ready to go to my first line unit as a prior enlisted specialist

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 9:39 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 09:39:22 -0400

Start the conversation early. I enlisted in 1999 and had I talked to my CoC earlier, I might have been commissioned earlier. Might be a little different for you but you should always have an open line if communication about your career goals. They should mentor you towards those goals...if they are decent leaders.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 11:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:44:55 -0400

ASAP, try and get mentor that's a 2LT (I say 2LT only because they are closest to the current way things are done) and went through the process you are planning on. ROTC, OCS, Green to Gold, Direct, etc..... I'd have soldiers come to me, and I'd point them to platoon leaders who had a similar path. I'd give them as much, but I for one have no idea how ROTC or OCS works when it comes down to the details.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 1:14 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 13:14:12 -0400

Really it should be in your initial counselling with your FLL. They should be asking about your career goals, and you should be let them know. It takes about a year to even get accepted and you need your CMD team to sign off, so you'll want to include them as soon as possible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 3:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 15:52:29 -0400

What's the route you want to go? The requirements for G2G are different than OCS. If you don't know that then the first step is to get to those briefings and learn the process before asking for your CoC letters of recommendation

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 5:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:33:07 -0400

My recommendation for you is to state your intentions right away with your chain of command so they can support you and your career. They can help you with which options you should choose and start looking at the MILPER message requirements and the deadline for each program. When you're ready to submit the package, make sure you meet all the requirements and importantly draft a letter of recommendation for both the company and battalion commander so they can endorse it. It's important because you're new to the unit and they don't have a chance to assess you and your potential yet. By giving them a draft, at least they can have something to write about you.
I earned my commission through OCS on the active-duty side and sat on a couple of brigade OCS boards. If you need help with your OCS package or have questions about the OCS board, I'm more willing to help you out.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 10 at 2020 5:51 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 05:51:05 -0400

Ask for an office call with your Company Commander. Put yourself on their radar so that they can observe your performance and assess your capability and potential for becoming an officer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 6:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 06:56:53 -0400

Josh.... you should talk to them right after you talk to PSG and LT. (I thought you were already on track) I still have you on FB so hit me up there also if you have questions!

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 10 at 2020 10:49 AM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:49:50 -0400

Now. The moment is ,"Now".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2020 12:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:24:12 -0400

- Start early. Be ready to talk to your commander about why you want to be an officer. The commander would be smart enough to know you don't have the requisite tactical knowledge and will not go into that direction. Talk with conviction.
- Prove that you are an absolute stud. Become a PT stud if it means you have to do extra PT on your own.
- Don't brag about trying to go OCS. Some will resent you.
- Go to your S-1 to determine what the OCS packet entails.
- Keep us posted as we can guide you further.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 10 at 2020 1:52 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:52:02 -0400

DON'T WAIT!!!

Response by Wayne Soares made Aug 13 at 2020 3:17 PM

Wayne Soares — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 15:17:05 -0400

Great share brother josh

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Oct 5 at 2020 2:22 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:22:09 -0400

Likely ASAP if not ASAPier. But you need to pay attention afterwards because the folks you let know will be depending on your sergeants and bosses and your counseling statements for an opinion of you. We had a PFC, later Specialist, who wanted a commission but he was lazy and had a reputation for not being too bright in spite of a Bachelor's degree. He could never pass a room inspection and his boots and uniform were always wrinkled and scuffed. Even though you have the prerequisites, hold yourself to a higher standard. The person in question retired as a Sergeant. We had him transferred to Admin at Battalion because he was holding our Firing Platoon back from the live fire exercise and the V Corps Distinguished Small Unit Award.