I’m thinking going to OCS within the next two years. For former NCOs who became officers, what drove you to make that decision?

I wanted to expand my horizons. That plan worked.

It depends on what you want out of life and the paths you choose. For me, post Nam E-4/5 had a slow future. I wanted to be an engineer. So I finished school and took a direct appointment. I was the first CEC to go to OIS vs. OCS. The Service eventually went back to OCS because it was one thing sending a NCO to OIS and another sending a Greenie. Too many crashes and burns. The part most don't pay attention to is how shrewd you need to be about looking out for Number One. You work hard at the right things to get noticed by the right people who will then treat you right. Much of the O-2 quitters sit back and coast, and then wonder why their career isn't going anywhere. There's less politics at the O-1 to O-4 level and everyday focus moving forward counts most. Politics gets heavy O-5 on up. So you have to grow into different animals as you progress. It helps if you at least don't mind the politics. My jumping off point was when the Flag looks came around. I sent my no thanks in and chose my own exit strategy vs. someone else deciding for me. 32 years and never looked back.

Can’t say it any better than the MG! So far, I’ve had a lot of oppty to expand myself. I can’t say I wouldn’t have had that staying enlisted, but am incredibly grateful for the opportunities presented.