If I get accepted into OCS, but my unit is deploying or considering me as essential personnel, is there a way to delay my OCS start date?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:07:11 -0500

I'm an in-service Army OCS applicant, and my OCS packet is nearly done. One question that I have is if I get accepted into OCS but if my unit is deploying or considering me as essential personnel, is there any way to delay my OCS start date?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2019 11:16 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:16:10 -0500

Your unit has to submit your ATRRS application so you'll pick which start date works best.
You should try and get an early date to complete OCS before your deployment. You may get placement preference if you're on the deployment roster.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2019 11:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:17:28 -0500

So this happened to me. I got accepted into OCS but my unit was slated to deploy. There is some reg or directive somewhere that says you must attend OCS on the date specified once accepted. So your unit must comply with this. They will either redeploy you or you will be assigned rear det. I was assigned rear det.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2019 11:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:24:30 -0500

If you are accepted for OCS, the MILPER message will be very clear in describing your status. Once accepted, you are not to be deployed. I know because it happened to me. The Army as a whole needs an Officer more than your unit needs you. Your unit can’t deem you critical or essential; it’s out of their hands at that point.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 11 at 2019 9:01 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 09:01:07 -0500

I had a more awkward deal. I was selected for OIS, hence was commissioned in a recruiter's office and on AD while still with the unit. So what do they do with an E-4 that shows up wearing a butter bar aboard ship? Turned out I couldn't flop in the old compartment with 31 other sailors. I was too unclean to be put in O 'Country. The CPO community took pity on me and put me up. In return, the new Ensign made them waffles for breakfast. As I was only one of two qualified Electronic Warfare types and the EW shack had one battle chair, I was out of sight and out of mind mostly. Three days later, I had closed out my paperwork and happily left. Skipper and XO were good folk but were just as glad as I was to see me go over the side.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 8:08 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:08:56 -0500

Even in the peacetime 1990s Marine Corps, it was the same: you’re more valuable to the service as a whole if you get your commission on time and get to the fleet as a new officer, than pretty much any enlisted alternative. My unit said, “We need to send someone here,” or “Who will volunteer for this interesting school?” And after I raised my hand, it was always, “Youre not going to be here long enough for us to get any bank out of you. Denied. Finish OCS, finish college, get your commission, and get out of here. We’ve got 20 more of you we can send, but only one is getting commissioned.” The only way I ever got to pull rank in my favor was getting to qualify on the pistol range while enlisted; my argument was that it’ll prepare me for qualifying as a lieutenant.