Posted on Jul 26, 2016
2LT Chaplain Candidate
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I want to accomplish both but I'm trying to figure which would be better. I'm considering my age at this point (34) and I'm leaning towards Civil Affairs school first then commissioning. Any insight you give would be appreciated.
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Responses: 12
LTC Yinon Weiss
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You can't go to Special Forces selection until you have been commissioned for several years. There are no lieutenants in the Special Forces. So even if you commission tomorrow, you wouldn't be going to SFAS until age 37. Keep in mind though that if you go through Selection as enlisted, you still have to repeat parts of it as an officer, so in a way, it doesn't make any sense to do it twice if you know you want to commission.

Keep in mind also that commissioning may not be an option for a while after a new MOS changing school due to committed service. I'm not sure what the current status of that is for these fields.
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2LT Chaplain Candidate
2LT (Join to see)
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What if I commission as a Specialist? Does this give me TIS at some advantage to make CPT?
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Would consider OCS first, window may already be shut. CA is a non-accession branch, so when you are a senior 1LT, that window will just be opening.
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LTC Stephen C.
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Based on your age, and assuming that you're accepted, I'd consider attending OCS first, 2LT (Join to see).
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
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Thus far, 2LT (Join to see), three out of five respondents say OCS first! LTC Jason Mackay CPT (Join to see)
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CPT Team Chief
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I'm going through the CA pipeline now. It's different for officers than enlisted (like any MOSQ Course) it seems like it'd be a waste of time to go CA and then to OCS, and have to go back through CA training.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
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2LT (Join to see), State (NG) OCS (traditional or accelerated) could be a viable option for you, if your age is of concern. The current age requirements are: "Be at least 18 and not have reached your 35th birthday prior to enlistment and be able to complete the State OCS course and commissioning requirements prior to reaching age 42. Prior service personnel are eligible to enlist after age 35, if otherwise eligible based on prior Active or Reserve service computation and be eligible for non-regular retirement by age 60." CPT (Join to see)
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