Since I have four years on active duty, will I get O-1E pay when going through ARNG OCS?

Cpl Alexander Hill — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:50:34 -0400

Hi everyone, I’m prior service, and thinking about joining the Kansas ARNG by way of going through Officer Candidate School, as I have my Bachelor’s. I’m 32, married with one, soon to be two children, and I’ve heard conflicting information on pay. Namely, would I get O-1E pay during OCS as I did four years on active duty? Would I also rate BAH during this time? And lastly would it make any difference if I decided to do State OCS as opposed to accelerated, as it would be minimally disruptive with work and family life.

Thank You all in advance!

Response by SGM Matthew Rubin made Jun 26 at 2018 9:06 AM

SGM Matthew Rubin — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:06:06 -0400

CPL Hill,

I believe that during OCS you will receive pay at the E-6 level due to the fact that you do not hold a commission until successfully completing the OCS program. On that note, no, you would not receive BAG.

Good luck, and welcome to the KSARNG!
1SG Rubin

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jun 26 at 2018 9:14 AM

CW2 Michael Bodnar — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:14:58 -0400

It depends on what you got out as and are coming back in as. Typically, if you were an E-4, they would administratively promote you to E5 for the duration of OCS. If you were an E6 or E7, you would more than likely be brought back in at the rate. Your BAH rate would be the same for your rank in the area where your HOR is. State OCS will take you upwards of 18 months (drill weekends and AT's) and the accelerated program would of course take much less time and you get it all done in one shot. The only drawback I can see is that unless you are guaranteed a branch going in, you are going to get whatever the needs of the Army are - food for thought. Hope that helps you out......

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 10:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 10:55:02 -0400

You won't receive 0-1E pay in OCS. You will be paid as an E6. After that you will submit the form for the pay change. But with your four years in active duty you will get the pay after you commission.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 1:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 13:46:09 -0500

O1-E pay will not be paid until you are an O-1

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 3:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 15:34:39 -0500

You won't be an O1 until you're commissioned. But at that point you will get O1E pay.