What are the requirements to go to OCS as a reservist in the Army?

2021-07-26T16:56:38-04:00

Graduating in a couple of months and have 4 yrs of active duty and 3 yrs in the reserves. Still got 3 more years left on my contract. What is all I need to be able to go to OCS? Am I eligible with just the degree or am I missing something?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-07-26T17:06:05-04:00

In order to qualify for Officer Candidate School as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, you must be:

A college graduate with at least a four-year degree
Must not have more than six years of Active Federal Service (AFS) upon arrival at OCS
Between 18 and 32 years old (you must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday and accept commission prior to age 34)
Eligible for a secret security clearance

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-07-26T17:07:42-04:00

Speak to a retention NCO to lay out your path, and your chain of command to your Company CO of your goal. Personally, I would nearly bend over backwards to get a soldier of mine interested to lay out the ground work ahead.

I'm telling you right now, if you are current USAR, and want to go USAR Officer the path is paved in Gold. There's no short cuts per say, but the competition is not all that fierce. For example, if your package needs a little polishing and leeway on time to compile you'll get that buffer zone, verses simply being put in the trash and told to apply again next year.

I see you are in IT, if you managed to meet the Cyber Branch requirements then you are GOLDEN!!!!!

If you don't get selected for OCS, it's not because another candidate bumped you out. It's because you didn't jump through the hoops.

*****
Seriously.......... the only thing that's probably going to set you back is a problem medically or not having a passing APFT/ACFT. Don't be flagged, and be a reliable soldier your chain of command can be dependent on.