Posted on Jan 2, 2019
What is the step-by-step process for prior-enlisted to apply to OCS?
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Good Morning everyone. I'm hoping to get a little assistance from anyone who has previously applied for OCS as a current/prior enlisted soldier.
I am nearly done with my packet, and everything on my end has been completed. I'm currently working with my BDE S1 to get my structured interview set up, however I have one issue with my packet. My CDR must sign a Commander's Clearance memo, part of which states that he has called the OAB for OCS and confirmed that my physical has been uploaded and cleared. However, I was under the impression that everything in my packet gets submitted through my S1 at one time, including my physical. Could anyone give me some clarification on this? I have called the OAB myself, and never got a response back, and my BDE hasn't had an OCS packet put through in a while so they also seem a little lost as to how to help. I'm just trying to figure out if it's the chicken or the egg first, and how I go about working that out.
As well, if anyone has any tips on the structure interview, or more information on what their application process looked like, that would be a great help.
Thank you!
I am nearly done with my packet, and everything on my end has been completed. I'm currently working with my BDE S1 to get my structured interview set up, however I have one issue with my packet. My CDR must sign a Commander's Clearance memo, part of which states that he has called the OAB for OCS and confirmed that my physical has been uploaded and cleared. However, I was under the impression that everything in my packet gets submitted through my S1 at one time, including my physical. Could anyone give me some clarification on this? I have called the OAB myself, and never got a response back, and my BDE hasn't had an OCS packet put through in a while so they also seem a little lost as to how to help. I'm just trying to figure out if it's the chicken or the egg first, and how I go about working that out.
As well, if anyone has any tips on the structure interview, or more information on what their application process looked like, that would be a great help.
Thank you!
Posted in these groups: 
OCS
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)Medical Services Officer (MEDO)
Enlisted
OCS Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)Medical Services Officer (MEDO) Enlisted
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 6
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SPC (Join to see) I submitted my packet a couple of months ago for the Jan 2019 board. I can confirm that everything is submitted through your BDE S1 once the structured interview is complete. Your S1 will serve as the POC between the Officer Accessions Board. The commanders clearance memo will have to be signed and added as a part of your packet before your BDE S1 submits it to HRC. Once your BDE S1 submits your packet to HRC, Mr. Preetorious of the Officer Accessions Branch will review it for corrections and will let your BDE S1 know if corrections are needed. Once S1 confirms they turned your packet in, keep a lookout for Mr. Preetorious to let them know your packet is in with no corrections. Once that happens the confirmation you will get to know your packet is turned in is a code on your ASK account that says “you have been accepted into OCS/WOCS”. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I had to go through the application process twice due to errors by my BDE S1.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thank you so much! I may message you with some more questions. I’m hoping to get it all in for the May review date but I’m in a bit of a time crunch due to various schools I have coming up.
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2LT (Join to see)
No problem! Feel free to ask whatever questions you have regarding the packet. My advice would be to not rush the packet in order to make sure you have the best packet you could possibly have. I rushed it the first time but took my time the second time I submitted it and ended up with better LOR’s and a stronger overall packet.
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2LT (Join to see)
I was in the same EXACT boat as yourself with the whole OCS process. I had a bunch of questions about the packet even after reading the MILPER and regulation. It’s through the OCS packet process that I learned there are a lot of people in the army who do not care about helping other soldiers out if it does not benefit themselves. The OCS packet is a testament to how bad you want to become an officer and I truly believe they made it intentionally challenging/confusing in order to see how bad you want to be an officer. Keep in contact with your S1 throughout the entire process and stay on top of them to ensure everything gets submitted correctly.
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If you want to be an officer, these are exactly the type of things you will be expected to hunt down the answers for. The two places you should always start are the Regulation/MILPER/ALARACT and the source. In this case, OCS has a MILPER with the instructions and a point of contact if you have questions. You need to show that you are capable of finding answers with minimal guidance.
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SPC (Join to see)
Roger SFC. As stated above, I called the OAB myself seeking guidance. I have read the MILPER message multiple times, all 16 pages, and there is no guidance on this particular question on mine. The message states the packet is submitted all at once, however that doesn’t make sense according to the commanders clearance memo.
I see no harm in reaching out to other Army leaders who may have dealt with this similar issue. Thank you for your input.
I see no harm in reaching out to other Army leaders who may have dealt with this similar issue. Thank you for your input.
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SPC (Join to see) Like the MAJ says below, call OCS. Tell them you have some questions about your package. It does 2 things, 1 it shows OCS that you are motivated and they remember you (in a good way, not like remembering in boot camp), 2 you get the latest most up to date info for what are the proper procedures. Best of luck!
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