If you have a degree already, what is the best route to become an officer, OCS or Green to Gold?

2016-06-08T13:39:15-04:00

I have a BA In Political Science and want to be an officer. Thank you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-06-08T13:56:43-04:00

If you already have a BA then you could only really use the green to gold route if you plan on going for a masters. If you're not really looking into that , I recommend just going to OCS since you already meet the requirements.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-06-08T15:51:05-04:00

If you do OCS realize that it's an attrition game. You got to be on your stuff and be physically fit.

Response by MAJ L. Nicholas Smith made Jun 9 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-06-09T09:43:09-04:00

There are a few points that should be cleared up first. To begin, what is your age? This can become a factor as OCS has changed their policy in recent years. Second, are you actively seeking a post-graduate degree? Since your question specifically inquires "what is the best route to become an officer" I would have to say OCS. This would be the more direct means of obtaining a commission unless you are set on obtaining a masters degree and are young enough to be under the age requirement..

My recommendations are:
1. Review OCS requirements to ensure you can meet the age/other criteria. http://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html
2. Review Green to Gold requirements: http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/green-to-gold/green-to-gold-active-duty.html

Do some analysis and determine what course of action aligns best with your personal and professional needs. I used OCS and it was an efficient process and overall good school.

Officer Candidate School and Army OCS Requirements

Army Officer Candidate School gives college graduates an opportunity to be leaders and officers for Active Duty or Army Reserve. Learn about Army OCS requirements.

Response by 2ndLt Fulton Recepcion made Jun 9 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-06-09T12:13:37-04:00

>I had a dui in college and people are saying that it will most likely make me a no-go for ocs

Good news is, DUIs ARE waivable throughout the armed forces. I know of people who got commissioned with DUIs on their record.

The bad news is, like most or all waivers, approval is based on the needs of the service. If that military branch is meeting/exceeding recruiting mission for OCS and the majority of the applicants have little to no issues that need waiving, then your chances are not good for that year. (There are times when they can even put a hold on waivers.)

Remember, you have to demonstrate to that OCS board that you have SOMETHING TO OFFER THE ARMY and that doesn't mean (just) your tangible qualifications (like a degree and superb military service). In other words, PERSONALITY IS EVERYTHING.

You can graduate Magna Cum Laude (and have all the other desired tangible qualifications to boot) and still get denied because something about you didn't measure up to the OCS board.

With your DUI, you're going to have to work twice as hard to convince that board (if they are entertaining moral waivers that is).

So give careful thought before you start submitting your OCS packet on how you will present yourself.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 5 at 2019 3:01 AM

2019-08-05T03:01:04-04:00

I would say Green to Gold.