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Hello. I'm wanting to join the military, but I'm having trouble decidiing if I should enlist or try to get into OCS.
My Background: I'm 26 years old, turning 27 in May. I graduated in 2015 with a 3.96 GPA. I have a BA in Languages (specifically German) and spent a year in Germany as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant. I decided I didn't enjoy teaching and have been pursuing an education in EMS/Medicine (working on a paramedic license). However, I'm currently doubting if it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I've taken the ASVAB and scored a 98 with a GT of 138.
I would like to serve for a number of reasons. There are numerous benefits that the military offers, as well as awesome experiences/learning opportunities. Great people to meet and connect with and important responsibilities in protecting our country. With my background, I'm pretty set on either medical or Intelligence. I've been looking at 35 series as well as the IPAP program.
I feel I'd really like the hands on side of being enlisted. However the downside, at least what others have told me, is there would be a big age gap between me and other soliders as well as a significant restriction in freedoms/ being "babied" that I would have to readjust to.
As for OCS, I like the idea of increased responsibilities, freedom, pay, and the leadership opportunities. However, I'm hesitant because I don't know if I am ready/truly wanting to have more managerial-work. I also don't even know if I'd want to make a career out of military service. From what I understand being an Officer is more inline with long-term service.
There's also the time factor. I'm 26, soon to be 27. I can wait another 6+ months to maybe get into OCS. But if I'm denied, that was time I could've been enlisted. And my age means that by the time my contract would be up I'd be 31+. Which I believe is too old to go to OCS at that point.
I'm not sure what to do and advice and input would be appreciated. What do you guys think?
My Background: I'm 26 years old, turning 27 in May. I graduated in 2015 with a 3.96 GPA. I have a BA in Languages (specifically German) and spent a year in Germany as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant. I decided I didn't enjoy teaching and have been pursuing an education in EMS/Medicine (working on a paramedic license). However, I'm currently doubting if it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I've taken the ASVAB and scored a 98 with a GT of 138.
I would like to serve for a number of reasons. There are numerous benefits that the military offers, as well as awesome experiences/learning opportunities. Great people to meet and connect with and important responsibilities in protecting our country. With my background, I'm pretty set on either medical or Intelligence. I've been looking at 35 series as well as the IPAP program.
I feel I'd really like the hands on side of being enlisted. However the downside, at least what others have told me, is there would be a big age gap between me and other soliders as well as a significant restriction in freedoms/ being "babied" that I would have to readjust to.
As for OCS, I like the idea of increased responsibilities, freedom, pay, and the leadership opportunities. However, I'm hesitant because I don't know if I am ready/truly wanting to have more managerial-work. I also don't even know if I'd want to make a career out of military service. From what I understand being an Officer is more inline with long-term service.
There's also the time factor. I'm 26, soon to be 27. I can wait another 6+ months to maybe get into OCS. But if I'm denied, that was time I could've been enlisted. And my age means that by the time my contract would be up I'd be 31+. Which I believe is too old to go to OCS at that point.
I'm not sure what to do and advice and input would be appreciated. What do you guys think?
Posted in these groups: 
Potential Recruit
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Potential Recruit Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 14
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Honestly, if you have an inkling of what you want out of life, and even more so your profession, go OCS. Simply put, as a commissioned officer, you’ll have WAY WAY more control of your future. And if you’re not sure about whether or not you want to make a career out of it, don’t worry, you’d be surprised how many people get out after only doing 4 years active (kinda sad though too, seeing a lot of good CPTs getting out when they’d be such an asset if they’d stay in, but that’s another subject altogether).
Not to say anything bad about being enlisted (been there done that), but from your post, I imagine you’d do a bit better with some responsibility and being treated somewhat like an adult right out the gate.
Not to say anything bad about being enlisted (been there done that), but from your post, I imagine you’d do a bit better with some responsibility and being treated somewhat like an adult right out the gate.
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I went the enlisted route first as a combat engineer for about four years and the went to OCS. Gained very valuable insight and experience as an enlisted soldier and NCO. For me worked out great and and made me a better leader.
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Look Ben- you have to be an enlisted soldier and apply for OCS, it is not an enlistment option! But you can apply or be selected/suggested for OCS while still in training.
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