What are my chances to get picked up for OCS while currently AD enlisted?

2022-01-04T05:00:44-05:00

Good evening everyone,
I am graduating with my Bachelor's in Science this January with a GPA of a 2.81. Unfortunately I didn't do that as well as I wanted because juggling work and school wasn't as easy as everyone said it would be but I made it to graduations. Can current and prior Mustangs or Officers provide any advice or insight regarding their experience with their application to OCS? I'm active duty Navy, applying to Navy OCS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2022 8:15 AM

2022-01-04T08:15:46-05:00

I think your GPA will be problematic (sub 3.5), but will defer to some Navy Mustangs here.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 4 at 2022 8:30 AM

2022-01-04T08:30:30-05:00

I'm way out of date, but the Army looked at the overall record of the active-duty guys applying to OCS instead of just College scores. I commissioned in 1985, at the time I felt that the Degree was just a box for them to check off. I can tell you that my GPA wasn't much higher, and I know a lot of Officers that were in the same range. OTOH, this was a rebuilding period for the Army and the process wasn't as competitive as it is today.
My advice is to get the best LOR's you can come up with, Captains and Admirals work best. Fill out the application and hope the rest of your package looks good.
If your rating has LDO's, an alternative path is to wait until you make Board as a PO1 and then apply for an LDO position.
The worst that can happen is that you get told no.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 1:49 AM

2022-01-05T01:49:00-05:00

That GPA certainly won't help you if everyone else that submitted a packet has a 3.0 or higher.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2022 8:52 AM

2022-01-06T08:52:32-05:00

What designator are you applying for? Have you looked at the commissioning programs page on myNavyHR? https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Career-Counseling/Commissioning-Programs/
There is a lot of good information there and gives you an idea about other programs that may better fit what you want to do than OCS will. If OCS is you best fit, you need to make the rest of you application as strong as possible. Have you been recommended for commissioning programs on your evals? Have you started you application yet? Talked to officers in your command? Looked for officers in your desired community? Keep reaching out if you need assistance!

Commissioning Programs

The official website for MyNavy HR / Navy Personnel Command

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jan 10 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-01-10T13:12:37-05:00

I wish you well. I'm even more "out of date" than CPT Cable, having gone from enlisted through OCS in 1967. Very different then, as I started as a 19 year old draftee with zero college. Needs of Army and other services during Viet Nam/Cold War era opened many opportunities likely not available today. I like that the one Navy LT referred you to "My Navy HR". If you truly desire the Officer career path, continue to search for others that have as similar experience as you, and take their advice.

Response by LCDR Michael Kerins made Feb 5 at 2022 4:27 PM

2022-02-05T16:27:44-05:00

If you successfully graduated I believe your military evaluations and recommendations from your chain of commend will carry significant weight. Check with your career counselor for guidance on current trends. I went through OCS in 1981. Things have likely changed.