What advice do you have for someone pursuing OCS? Am I too old in Army years?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:19:06 -0500

currently active duty with a masters in business. joined the army as a SPC(NON citizen ) I'm currently starting my OCS packet. I am in great shape physically but leadership has been telling me that the switch is very hard. I already have a degree and i want to remain active duty. any advice ? am I too old in army years?

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made Nov 23 at 2020 9:52 PM

MAJ Jason Sierakowski — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:52:51 -0500

Stay motivated. The transition isn't hard, just different! There is nothing to really prepare for. Submit an OCS packet, get selected, and ship to Fort Benning!

Response by SPC Thomas Swindle made Nov 23 at 2020 10:14 PM

SPC Thomas Swindle — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:14:38 -0500

From what I understand, the transition from enlisted to officer is a difficult one because its like being a pvt all over again, In my unit, most that wanted to make the change went for the warrant officer packet instead. Still reap the reward without all the hoops and hurdles though there are still a few. Look into that before you make a final decision.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2020 11:03 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 23:03:36 -0500

I can tell you that the application process is long. Be patient and don't expect that you will be going to OCS within the next year. But if you remain vigilant, persistent and patient, then it will be worth it in the end.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2020 11:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 23:24:58 -0500

Going from lower enlisted to Officer is not hard at all. You get to "start over" competency wise, little is expected of you (basically where a SPC is anyway), or you can play it that way if you want. If you stay in your lane, CSM problems will never be your problems.

I can potentially see it being hard for a SSG or SFC jumping the boat, but an E4?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 23 at 2020 11:50 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 23:50:46 -0500

How old are you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 12:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:04:36 -0500

If nobody pointed this out to you yet, you are not eligible to become an officer until you are a US Citizen. That's non-waiverable

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 24 at 2020 2:07 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:07:43 -0500

As SFC Private RallyPoint Member points out, citizenship is required to be an officer in any of the Armed Services. There are age and other requirements. Each Service lists the basic requirements on their web page. If you're Army Active Duty, you should work through your chain of command to apply for OCS. Alternatively, you can serve out your contract, leave the Army, and then apply for a commission through all or some of the 6 Armed Services. The Reserve Components also offer pathways to a commission, so you could go that way if you find employment in the private sector and want to serve part-time.

We have no idea how old you are, so advice on the "too old in Army years" is impossible to answer. I served with Air Force officers who were at all parts of the age spectrum from 2d Lts barely 21 years old to prior service Capts in their late 40s. Of course the Colonels and Generals were really old to me at the time. Most were in their 40s and 50s.

Lots of variables here. The folks on RP could provide much better advice if you profile was more complete.