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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.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Civil Affairs
Military Career
Age
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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.
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 (Join to see)
What if I commission as a Specialist? Does this give me TIS at some advantage to make CPT?
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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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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.
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 (Join to see)
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.
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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It wouldn't matter once you commission you have to choose a branch or one is assigned to you. But you can not branch CA
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CPT Robert Boshears
If CA is still under the SF sphere, airborne would be a great choice. As I was still an Infantry Captain, you had to be a senior 03 or promatable to get into CA. My case could have been this way as I had already finished IN advance course.
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2LT (Join to see) ,
Leans towards the opportunity that has the window closing the fastest, so that you can at least give it a try before discriminators come into play; such as age. Best of luck!
Leans towards the opportunity that has the window closing the fastest, so that you can at least give it a try before discriminators come into play; such as age. Best of luck!
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I want to thank you all again for your input. To be honest, it's been challenging staying motivated to do OCS being currently enlisted. SORB reached out and that put me in the 'mode' again, if you know what I mean. After reaching out to many officers in person and through this thread, I've decided to push to get my packet done. I know my age places me in a negative position, but I'm hoping my time of enlistment, COA's and PT score and my essay will give me an edge. Once again, thank you all for your input. God Bless.
P.S. If you can recommend any books to read. I'm all ears.
P.S. If you can recommend any books to read. I'm all ears.
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CPT (Join to see)
If you're serious about going for CA, I'd recommend Counterinsurgency by David Kilcullen. He's an expert on counterinsurgency strategy, which in a nutshell is what CA does.
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Since you'll be required to go to the CA Officer's Qualification Course anyway after you receive a commission, I would encourage you to go to OCS first unless an opportunity such as DLI is part of the package. Absent that, there is little advantage to going to the CA enlisted course if your plan is to get a commission.
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OCS should come first. When you commission you will gain another MOS. If you're RC, then it wouldn't be too hard to transfer to CA after you commission and get your PL time completed.
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I would have you check the regulations reguarding your age and receiving a commission.
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Well, I just found out that I'm not getting an endorsement because I have an attitude problem. Apparently, I asked my commander the question "Ma'am, is there reason why I should score a 290 to get an endorsement when the requirements for OCS is a 240?" She didn't like that. I'm trying not to hate the Army right now...
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