Is it possible to drop an OCS packet after arriving to your first duty station?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 17:36:07 -0400

Is it possible to drop an OCS packet after arriving to your first duty station? Is anyone aware if there is a specific wait time or time that one needs to be at their duty station for this to happen? I have my degree already but wanted to enlist first to have some understanding how the army worked. I want to attend OCS but am also willing to go back to school for my masters. Who could i talk to at ft Irwin about this

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 5:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 17:46:25 -0400

This is your first duty station? You’re straight out of AIT? What experience in the Army do you have? Technically, there is not a limit but your chain of command has to support your packet. Each chain of command is different, but they might not be positively influenced by you taking the expensive AIT training and then dropping OCS as soon as you arrive. When I went OCS there were a few of us who were mid level NCOs (I was a SSG) and a few E4s. The chain would not support the E4 packets except one and that was because he was a hard charger who led a team during our last deployment and led them very well. I will be honest, I don’t know what your chain is going to be like but everyone from your platoon sergeant/platoon leader to your BC and CSM need to be in support of this packet. To me, any officer should be very selective as to who they endorse for commission into this institution because we all know what happens when people who shouldn’t become officers, become officers. I would recommend you put in a bit more time, maybe even wait until you pin on your stripes so that you really learn operationally and in garrison what the Army is about. Trust me when I tell you, it will help you out a ton during your platoon leader and company commander time.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jul 24 at 2018 9:46 PM

LTC John Mohor — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 21:46:09 -0400

Some great advice being said here. As long as you're pursuing another degree as an enlisted Soldier that Tuition Assistance is a great benefit you don't get as an officer. Before you have all the responsibility on your Shoulders working on or achieving that second degree won't hurt!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jul 25 at 2018 7:50 AM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 07:50:30 -0400

My recommendation is to do your 4 years, then commission (work on your masters while in... use your TA). If you look at the pay charts, there is a significant difference in pay between an O1 and an O1E.

Response by SGT Terrell Houston made Jul 25 at 2018 3:21 PM

SGT Terrell Houston — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:21:47 -0400

I am in the same postition as you. Slightly different as I done 10 years in the Marines and am now in the Army. I checked in July 9 and my command is totally behind my OCS packet already. I have a bachelors degree and graduate with my MBA this Friday. Again, slightly different but nearly the same.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 8:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 20:47:20 -0400

No time limit that I am aware of, guys in the Guard go to Basic, then OCS all the time without an MOS, it’s a 09S identifier.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Dec 27 at 2018 4:24 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 16:24:56 -0500

Anything is possible. Is it probable that the packet will be approved??? Talk to the Retention NCO at the post reenlistment office.