Posted on Jan 29, 2021
What are my chances of going to OCS directly after basic? What advice do you have for trying out for RASP?
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I have a 2.7 GPA in BA Biochemisty and was wondering what my chances are to go to OCS directly after basic.
I want to try out for RASP and would like some feedback/advice on what I should do. I am currently 31 years old and have been thinking about joining the army and going to officer school. If possible, I would like to serve in the Army as an officer with a ranger battalion. What should I do?
I want to try out for RASP and would like some feedback/advice on what I should do. I am currently 31 years old and have been thinking about joining the army and going to officer school. If possible, I would like to serve in the Army as an officer with a ranger battalion. What should I do?
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Enlisted
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP)
College
Posted >1 y ago
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I would talk to a recruiter about enlisting to go directly to OCS after basic. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply for the Ranger battalions as an officer. But your first hurdle is to get accepted into OCS. I do not recommend enlisting first then trying to get accepted into OCS. I recommend getting accepted to OCS as a civilian as the process is easier as a civilian versus as a Soldier. Hope that helps.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
This is especially true since you are coming up close to age requirements that will take a waiver. Ask to talk to a recruiter that deals with O9D OCS contracts and go to Basic, then to OCS.
If you aspire to be a Ranger, at OCS you will want to choose Infantry as a Branch. I am told that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, so you will need to be in the top of the class ranking to make it. Infantry Officer Basic Leadership Course will get you the opportunity to attend Ranger School, but that is also a competitive position since there are always more Officers than school seats. Also be aware that Ranger School isn't Selection to the Regiment, you will still have to compete in RASP II for Officers.
Oh, you need to try and pickup Airborne after OCS too.
If you aspire to be a Ranger, at OCS you will want to choose Infantry as a Branch. I am told that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, so you will need to be in the top of the class ranking to make it. Infantry Officer Basic Leadership Course will get you the opportunity to attend Ranger School, but that is also a competitive position since there are always more Officers than school seats. Also be aware that Ranger School isn't Selection to the Regiment, you will still have to compete in RASP II for Officers.
Oh, you need to try and pickup Airborne after OCS too.
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Look over the requirements to be an officer one the Army web site. If you think you can meet those requirements then start applying for OCS. Do not enlist right away. Talk to recruiters from all Six armed services. Your STEM degree is a plus. It may take a year or so to get into OCS in any of the Services, but it’s worth the wait. Take the offer from the Service that gives you the best deal.
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If you don’t get OCS in your contract up front, your chances are 0%. I recommend getting with your recruiter to get your OCS packet together. For Ranger school, I’d recommend trying to brace Infantry. It’s difficult to go to Ranger school if you branch anything else.
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Kowon Kook
I talked to one recently. They told me to go to basic, advanced training, then apply for OCS. He was telling me the advanced training is only about a year long.
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1LT (Join to see)
Kowon Kook Don't do that!!! If you come in under an enlisted, you will have to be recommended by your chain of command to apply for OCS. They may not support that decision or make you wait. It's a lot easier to get approved for OCS on the front end instead of on the back end when you're already in. Trust me on this. Coming from someone who came in enlisted first
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Kowon Kook
1LT (Join to see)
This is exactly the type of information I needed when I talked to a recruiter but it’s all a numbers game in the end. My recruiter was very insistent that I go basic first. Thanks for your insight.
This is exactly the type of information I needed when I talked to a recruiter but it’s all a numbers game in the end. My recruiter was very insistent that I go basic first. Thanks for your insight.
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It's already been said multiple times. I enlisted, with a Master's degree, and the officer path took 4 years. I too enlisted because of age, but if you try and go the officer path while currently serving your administrative pathway has additional hurdles you will not have to deal with submitting an OCS packet as a civilian. Mainly, your letters of recommendation can be anyone. Obviously the more accomplished the better, but they can be anyone. If you are enlisted, you now have to navigate a chain of command of individuals that may or may not want to see your success. If you are a civilian you get to work on our packet at your pleasure and can react to additional hurdles on the spot verses having to ask permission to get time to work every action that requires a waiver, or incomplete aspect of your packet.
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You need to be selected to attend OCS prior to enlistment and ensure that's part of your contract. If you don't then I guarantee you won't be able to. You will "age out" before you can even submit an OCS packet if you enlist first and try to submit a packet later. You need to graduate OCS prior to turning 34. You won't be able to submit an OCS packet until after you complete Basic Training and AIT and I can practically guarantee no commander will write you a Letter of Recommendation until you've been in their unit for at least a year and demonstrated you're worthy.
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This information maybe so dated that it is of no value: Late 60's, Vietnam and manditory draft. I suggested my brother-in-law request a direct commission into MI. He was successful once he spent OCS at Ft. Knox. Earlier I had a friend in my MI ATI class (after Basic) that went to OCS and was fortunate to allowed to return MI.
I understand that things are much different and this advice may not be valid.
I understand that things are much different and this advice may not be valid.
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