What makes one competitive for Army OCS?

2021-04-26T16:56:57-04:00

I just want to preface this by saying I'm sorry if you all get asked this question a lot, but any answers really help me a lot.

I'm a senior studying Operations Management, my problem is I had a few "mess around" years my sophomore and beginning of junior year, so my GPA is far less-than-good (around a 2.5). I started to take care of my life more these past few years, and I got a ton of good work experience, including a ton of volunteer work and an internship with a pretty big hospital system, among other things. I have good faith that I can max out the PT test, as I like to think that I'm in very good shape, and have been in athletics all through school.

I guess my big question is, how realistically competitive am I, if at all, with my low GPA? I have a lot of good bonuses to complement it, but I'm concerned that my GPA is going to hold me back a lot. For the first time in a long time, I found something I'm very seriously dedicated to committing to, and getting a commission in the Army would really fulfill a dream for me, so I'm willing to put in the extra work if that's what it takes.

Thanks in advance for the help everyone!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-04-26T17:09:20-04:00

You have 2 very significant things going against you:
1. Low GPA
2. Low numbers of people off the streets to OCS.

The army will focus on promoting from within who have good GPAs and other metrics. Here is some life advice. Don't burn down the bridges you want to take in the future. I am adamant that you seek another course of action instead of OCS. You can still apply, but highly doubt you will have a favorite outcome.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-04-26T17:12:37-04:00

With this low of a GPA, probably not very good. If you aren't too old you will have better luck enlisting and then applying when you have some more achievements on your resume

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Apr 26 at 2021 6:14 PM

2021-04-26T18:14:07-04:00

You need to contact an Army recruiter and ask about an OCS Enlistment Option on the Delayed Entry Program. You'll be boarded while you are waiting to ship, and if you don't get selected for OCS, be given the choice of a DEP discharge or selecting an enlisted MOS.

You should also look at the other services, which all make a determination on officer school before enlistment. The USAF normally wants a 3.2 GPA or better. The Navy has a minimum 2.8 GPA, preferring a 3.3-3.5. Marines don't say, you'll have to talk to a recruiter or officer selection officer. The Coast Guard has a 2.5 minimum.

In any event, only a recruiter can really answer these questions for you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 6:25 PM

2021-04-26T18:25:25-04:00

How many years do you have left in school?
ROTC will be your best bet to get a commission. The local staff have the ability to take factors other than grades into account. Talk to them.

Best of luck

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-04-26T19:08:21-04:00

Not sure if this answer helps or not...but I just completed traditional State OCS with the New York Army National Guard. I had a 2.3 GPA before I left college. That was in 2003 & I've since enlisted (2011) with 6 years in the Army Reserve (and made E-5 before adding 2 years in the Air National Guard). I've had some jumping around lol.

My point is....it isn't impossible. You might have to go another route....but I think you can do it.

Maybe go Guard? *wink wink*

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 9:22 PM

2021-04-26T21:22:13-04:00

I commissioned ROTC, but my GPA was a 2.8 and I got my first choice of branch and competent. That may be a route for you if you decide to get another degree. You only need 2 years of ROTC.

Response by CPT Steve Martin made Apr 28 at 2021 1:38 AM

2021-04-28T01:38:41-04:00

After graduation, enlist in the NG in a related MOS, complete basic/AIT, and then get a second similar or at least a degree that opens you up to more job opportunities after service at a different school that allows credit transfers with your current school. If accepted, enroll in ROTC immediately. Many state’s have state GI Bills that can assist with the new tuition costs. You might even be able to apply your NG years to your active pay scale like I did.

ROTC accessions, at least in 1998, will use the new school’s GPA in your current degree program as the basis of what choices and duty stations you get preference for.

I did almost exactly what I explained, and it helped me immensely. I graduated second in my class as a Distinguished Military Graduate, got my first pick for my branch (MOS), and my first pick at duty location, after my lackluster performance at my first school.

Otherwise, enlisting and rolling your dice for OCS is an option, but there’s a lot of factors for getting accepted. ROTC is a lot easier to get in, but it will add years to your schooling. Take it from me, anything that can give you a leg up in promotion boards, or potential civilian employers, is worth it. I was medically discharged 6 years into my career, so a second degree would help in promotions or civilian opportunities.