Is it possible to go from active duty to NG OCS while still active?

2018-12-23T19:17:37-05:00

I'm over 35 and would like the opportunity to become an officer. NG allows you to commission all the way til age 42.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2018 7:20 PM

2018-12-23T19:20:04-05:00

I was not active duty when I became commissioned at 33 years 9 months. I am listed when I was 31 and a half. Which officer candidate school are you going to? Are you going to Fort Benning or are you going to a state OCS?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2018 7:20 PM

2018-12-23T19:20:13-05:00

Will you still be in the Active component?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 23 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-12-23T19:42:36-05:00

So I've looked into this myself (over 10 years AFS, so fed OCS wouldn't even look at my packet), and from everything I've read and everyone I've talked to, the only way to do it is within 6 months of ETS get with the NG and prepare to contract with them, the day after you ETS you can be in the Guard with no MEPS nonsense.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-12-23T19:55:07-05:00

Do you have a 4-year Degree? If so, why not apply for a waiver to attend RA OCS? They can waive TIS if your packet is very strong. When Congress signed the NDAA for 2017 and 2019, they lifted the age restrictions written into law. The services are still reviewing possible changes and may implement some in the next 5-10 years. I know that doesn’t help you now, but you never know if an OCS board may consider your waivers more favorably with these changes coming soon. I was also 35 years old with 17 years of active duty before I commissioned. But I allied back in late 2009, the needs of the Army were very different back then. Good luck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2018 11:07 PM

2018-12-23T23:07:29-05:00

I doubt that the NG will allow you to maintain your title 10 status while conducting NG OCS training. You would have to get out of the AD transition into the NG then go to OCS. I would recommend the accelerated course. Once commissioned I would then recommend getting a technician slot and work your way into the AGR program...could be a couple of years. You might also be able to transfer into AD after you commission. Either way you'd have to get out of the AD for a period of time.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 8:05 AM

2018-12-24T08:05:13-05:00

Depending on which designator you choose, the Navy also lets you commission through OCS until age 42. I know quite a few Civil Engineer Corps officers who commissioned in their late 30's through OCS. OCS is much more difficult than boot camp, but it's doable.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-12-24T17:10:27-05:00

Short answer is absolutely. Call the Guard recruiter in your State you want to attend.