Should I build my packet with my unit or with a recruiter?

2020-11-21T09:57:59-05:00

I drank the tea and enlisted instead of going the officer route like I wanted when I started. Now that I am 2 classes shy of completing my Master's degree, I am finally going to take the leap and drop this packet. It seems that this process is heavily reliant on unit support which is beyond me. What are some issues that you've encountered throughout the process beyond typical hurry up and wait? Is it easier to conduct the process with a recruiter or through ones unit?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2020 10:05 AM

2020-11-21T10:05:09-05:00

From what I'm tracking, you'll need to go through your unit. Future Soldiers are required to go through a recruiter because they do not have a unit or chain of command, but since you are already in, the process has to go through your chain. Hope that helps. Good luck!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2020 12:30 PM

2020-11-21T12:30:09-05:00

A recruiter won’t be helpful if you are still serving. Talk to your retention NCO. Since you have a degree, you could do OCS or Direct Commission. You should never do a packet on your own. Find someone that has done it or has experience so you don’t screw yourself.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2020 1:07 PM

2020-11-21T13:07:06-05:00

I don’t think you can go through a recruiter if you are currently serving.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2020 1:58 PM

2020-11-21T13:58:16-05:00

Alternate solution, you could talk to a recruiter and join straight to OCS on Active Duty.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 21 at 2020 2:40 PM

2020-11-21T14:40:28-05:00

With a recruiter? Don’t waste your time. You need to find out your current organizations’ OCS protocol. Perhaps an office call with your Company Commander would be a good way to fire up the process!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2020 3:02 PM

2020-11-21T15:02:03-05:00

I’m currently AGR/USAR and was directed to a recruiter to apply for OCS. I am sure that this recruiter is an accession (Enlisted to Commissioned) recruiter. When I was TPU, I looked into commissioning as well, and was directed to a team of accession recruiters. Much like others have said, though, on TPU, the Career Counselor is the one who directed me to the accession team.

Bottom line, contact your career counselor, let him/her know your intent, and they will likely direct you to who you need to work with. The packet building will consist of your and your CoC, and your assessions recruiter will guide you through the process as needed.

Good luck and hope this helps!

Response by SFC Philip Ogden made Nov 21 at 2020 3:49 PM

2020-11-21T15:49:14-05:00

Your unit administrator can do a packet. A recruiter would lie to you to sign the contract.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2020 4:18 PM

2020-11-21T16:18:24-05:00

Ask PAC to get you a packet. Then you will see what the requirements are. That will help paint the
broad picture.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 12:59 PM

2020-12-07T12:59:09-05:00

Please layout your situation so that people can provide a better answer for you.
If you're in reserve and want to become an officer on active duty, you will work with a recruiter to submit your OCS package.
If you're in reserve and want to become an officer in reserve, you will have to go through your unit S1 to process OCS. There is a MILPER message published annually when the OCS board convene (twice a year) and the deadline to submit your package. It will outline what you need to have within your package. You will be responsible for 90% of your package. The only outside resources you will need are getting at least three letters of recommendation, two of which come from your current company and battalion commander. The third one can be anyone that can validate your motivation, your personal attributes, and leadership. The S1 only reviews your package once completed and pushes it up the BDE S1 for the local board. Once you're recommended, it will forward to HRC, where another board can select "qualified" applicants. The board will release the result through a MILPER message, and if you're selected, you will get in touch with HRC to schedule a class. Reserve officer has the option to attend the state OCS course or active duty OCS, whereas, the active-duty officer can only attend OCS at Fort Benning.
Good luck.