What can I expect going to Army BCT as an NCO, then transitioning to WOCS?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:13:39 -0400

Background: I'm cross-branching from Navy to Army in order to attend WOCS as a 350F candidate. Prior to WOCS, I have to attend BCT in Fort Jackson, SC. My EAOS/ETS is the day before my ship-date, so there will be zero break-in-service. HRC approved my grade-determination request to stay E-6. I'm currently stationed in Homestead, FL on active duty with no dependents but I will have HHG to move (permanent duty-station TBD).

Just curious if anyone has had a similar experience going through basic as an NCO, cross-branching for WOCS, or starting a PCS without a confirmed destination. I'd appreciate if you could share your insights.

I'm going in humble with the expectation that I am a trainee "just like everyone else," but I've heard from some folks that they tend to handle NCOs differently?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 13 at 2021 11:30 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:30:08 -0400

Almost all prior service join before they find out both an MOS and a Duty Station. I assume that you are going to WOCS after Basic? Are you going to your Warrant Officer Branch Qualification after that? If that is the case, you will get your orders sometime during your Branch School. Needs of the Army. I didn't go through with any E-6's, but in general they treat the Prior Service people better, or as long as they consider that you know anything anyway. Still, you are going to be in for a shock, a lot of difference between the Cultures (My Son is MA1 Navy). Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 11:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:46:41 -0400

Unless it specifically states in your orders, you shouldn’t be moving HHG to BCT. The Army should pay to move them to your first duty station, or training location if it’s over 6 months long. You will likely just have to put your stuff in storage initially.

As far as being an E6 in BCT, it’s gonna be weird. You may have Drill Sergeants who are E5s. The best advice for you is to just leave your rank at the door. Unless somebody is being blatantly disrespectful, you are just another trainee. If that happens just address it quietly and away from other trainees.

You should have separate sleeping arrangements, whether it’s a whole bay for prior service, or a small room for yourself. You will be expected to do all the training that everybody else does, however you may be leaned on to be the “responsible adult” with the trainees if you are proficient at something. You will net be expected to lead any sort of training.

Focus on learning the Army’s customs and courtesies, ranks, how we wear uniforms, and how basically how we do things in the Army.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask your DS, they are there to teach you.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 2:03 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:03:59 -0400

Hit me up.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Aug 13 at 2021 10:37 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 22:37:28 -0400

Enjoy your transition. I too changed branches of service three times and each time it’s a bit of a culture shock albeit fun. Good luck with your career!

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Aug 17 at 2021 12:12 AM

1SG Jeffrey Mullett — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:12:45 -0400

Frankly, I'm surprised they allowed you to maintain E-6. Since There are two NCO academies you need to attend. E5 without Warrior Leader is still questionable.
I am assuming, since you are attending WOC, they are allowing you to maintain pay grade.
SSG Case makes a good point, I wouldn't wear rank insignia, but staying in BT Barracks is a very important part of Basic. So, I wouldn't expect to be housed in a different location. You will need that team environment in order to get about 40% of the Basic Training experience.
I retired out of Fort Jackson last year, I also attended Basic there in 1988. It's a good post, and the largest Basic, beside Fort Bragg, in the Army. Army basic is difficult, but probably just a little more physically demanding than the basic you attended in the Navy. A different psychological environment though.