What is it like going through full Army BCT as a prior service Marine NCO?

2019-05-24T22:26:13-04:00

I'm putting together an Army OCS package and was told that I will have the option of going to BCT or skipping and going straight to OCS because I'm a Marine (only 1 year break in service). I was thinking of going through BCT anyway because it'll get me closer with soldiers I will, hopefully, eventually lead as we will have a shared experience. Any insight into what it's like going through full army BCT as a prior service NCO would be appreciated!

Response by SSG William Jones made May 24 at 2019 11:04 PM

2019-05-24T23:04:43-04:00

Depends on your age and how hard you've "been ridden". Much the same as far as the basics, I would think.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2019 11:30 PM

2019-05-24T23:30:00-04:00

I asked to go back through when I rejoined and was denied. I think it would be fun. I didn't think it was particularly hard when I was younger and the worst part was we just didn't get a whole lot of sleep.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2019 5:36 AM

2019-05-25T05:36:50-04:00

I had a navy sergeant transitioning to OCS after basic. The drill sergeants should give you a bit more freedom of movement, but also, you’re expected to be a leader. TRADOC 350-6 will give you a basic idea of the cadre approach.

But it’s really an opportunity to learn the Army way rather than having to adjust on the fly. Valuable experience- and what’s 9-weeks out of your life?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 25 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-05-25T08:08:24-04:00

Attend if you can, if this is part of a direct commission it is likely that many in the class will be headed for a similar roll. You will gain a lot as you believe, you are already a leader and that with shine through, go for it. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 25 at 2019 12:10 PM

2019-05-25T12:10:45-04:00

I strongly advise against doing BCT enroute to OCS. OCS is hard enough on your body and what you will gain from BCT will be minimal compared to the risk of injury. Right now you need to focus on completing OCS which in my opinion, is the toughest way to commission. You already have a shared experience with soldiers, you completed the toughest basic training in DOD and made SGT. That is enough in my book to begin respecting you however it is only a beginning and again please focus on your primary goal right now, completing OCS.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 25 at 2019 3:07 PM

2019-05-25T15:07:54-04:00

Screw BCT and focus on OCS! BCT you’ll get some of the same BS you did during Boot Camp but for a few shorter weeks. Just get in shape and go directly to OCS, get it over, commission and do great thing for this glorious country!

Response by SPC Paul Byler made Jul 21 at 2019 4:17 PM

2019-07-21T16:17:28-04:00

Do NOT go through BCT for the hell of it. I’ve been at Benning for the past three months, almost done with OSUT. You will absolutely hate your life coming from the Corps. I had a longer break in service from active duty and had no choice having missed my cutoff by three months going straight to an operational infantry unit. Army BCT is a joke, it’s purely a numbers game and by the end you will be questioning why you ever left the corps. The majority of drills either do not know or don’t care about the army’s own Tradoc regs with regard to prior service and the level of pure unprofessionalism you encounter will blow your mind. This is not across the board of course and I’ve been blessed with being in the right platoon with drills whose respect I earned and who are solid NCO’s but the NCO corps in the army I’ll just say leaves allot to be desired and will not be close to what you’re used to or expecting. Feel free to PM me if you have an questions I’m not here to put tradoc on blast. If for some reason you do decide to do it anyway find and print out a copy of the tradoc reg 350-6 on prior service and take that with you.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 4:45 AM

2020-05-25T04:45:02-04:00

Did you ever get the option to attend? I am considering doing the same thing. I would just like to "un-learn" the Marine Corps jargon and mannerisms and integrate into the Army.

Response by MAJ Carlos Valenzuela-Durr made Oct 12 at 2020 8:23 PM

2020-10-12T20:23:48-04:00

There is an exception from Marines to BCT as Marine training is longer and more intense. I was a Marine and went to OCS right away. OCS training is also intense and geared towards leader tasks and command tasks. You will be surprise of how many Marines go this way.