Posted on May 24, 2019
Sgt George Kinyaevsky
20.9K
39
11
5
5
0
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!
Posted in these groups: Drill Drill SergeantBCT Student
Avatar feed
Responses: 9
MAJ Javier Rivera
7
7
0
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!
(7)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Byron Oyler
6
6
0
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.
(6)
Comment
(0)
SSG William Jones
SSG William Jones
>1 y
OUTSTANDING advice. I would say that the Major has nailed it!!!

MAJ Byron Oyler CSM Darieus ZaGara SFC (Join to see) SFC Christopher Adame Sgt George Kinyaevsky
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Retention Operations Nco
5
5
0
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.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
What is it like going through full Army BCT as a prior service Marine NCO?
CSM Darieus ZaGara
4
4
0
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.
(4)
Comment
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
>1 y
He is looking at OCS which is far different and much tougher than a direct commission. I respect those commissioned in a different light.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
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?
SSG William Jones
3
3
0
Depends on your age and how hard you've "been ridden". Much the same as far as the basics, I would think.
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Carlos Valenzuela-Durr
1
1
0
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.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Cpl Personnel Clerk
1
1
0
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.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Paul Byler
1
1
0
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.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close