Where do I begin the process of putting in a packet for OCS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 13:02:09 -0400

I’m an E4 reservist who has been in for about two years now. Came in as an E4 as well but made the mistake of not commissioning back then. I am now interested in putting in a packet but don’t know where to start. Who should I speak to first?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 13 at 2021 2:18 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 14:18:29 -0400

I would start with talking to my chain of command, in particular you CO. You will need his recommendation to apply.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 13 at 2021 3:07 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 15:07:33 -0400

Speak to an officer recruiter and speak to your career planner. They will be a good start.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2021 3:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 15:09:01 -0400

Find your local accessions office and NCO's. They will likely help you drive that administrative process.

Next, go through your chain of command 1SG and Commander. At the very least you will need your Company Commander letter of recommendation and your CO will be signing off on validating your ACFT and H/W and that you are not flagged.

1) Your chain of command needs to be in on this, and are a central part to your success.
2) Accessions Office will be your administrative channel.

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As a reservist you are in a VERY POWERFUL position in that you are not anchored by an Active Duty daily work schedule. Meaning, you are going to be surprised by many things being thrown at you to add to your packet. Remember, you're not having to ask everyone in your chain for permission for the time to execute those actions. You just work it into your civilian schedule and make it happen.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2021 6:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:28:25 -0400

Milper message 20-307, is the principal guide for FY21. Gloss over it, few things might change for FY22 but most won't.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2021 7:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 19:21:17 -0400

If you have any interest in getting a masters a great way to commission is through ROTC.

Response by SFC Chris Boston made Jun 16 at 2021 4:40 PM

SFC Chris Boston — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:40:21 -0400

What I can tell you from the perspective of someone who is an RA retiree but who knows two Guard officers, try for the RA OCS. One officer went that route the other went the expedited NG OCS camp and wished she had gone the RA OCS since it took her so long to get federal recognition. That federal recognition thing is alien to us RA folks but is a real concdern with the Army Guard. Both indicated the third route of the year long weekend OCS was by far the least preferred option. Apparently, in addition to the federal recognition issue the completion rate for the weekend OCS is abysmal.