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I am currently in the process of getting my OCS packet together, one of the requirements is to have an essay of “Why I want to become and Officer". This is a draft that I have done, during the interview it will be hand written. Any critiques are welcome. Thank you.
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Officers have the ability to overcome any situation, when knocked down, they have the ability to recover and successfully strive in completing whatever lay before them. When a stressful situation befalls them, they remain cool and collective and analyze the situation.
Being an adopted child of two parents who looked nothing like me, I was always told from outside civilians that I would not succeed, that I will not have the ability or drive to accomplish any tasks, that schooling would be out of my reach and jobs were a distant dream, that I had to be with my own kind and act like my own kind. This was my major obstacle, their words and beliefs were the hands that pushed me down, but my determination and resilience, were the legs that kept me up and moved me forward.
I had attended high school, during that time; however, I had received average grades, no honor student and was told I was not destined to graduate. I did not let that deter me and I graduated successfully. I then enlisted in the military to further myself and during that time I applied for college. During this time peers and aquaintances stated that college was tough, that it was near impossible to complete while working full time, that if I did complete college it would take me over the span of 5 years. I did not let that deter me. I successfully graduated college with two degrees, an Associates 3.61 GPA with honors, and a Bachelorettes degree, 3.51 GPA Cum Laude statuses, in a combined 3 years total.
If given the opportunity, along with my motivation, determination, and strive, I believe that I have the attributes of what dictates and officer. My confidence and responsibility will help lead soldiers and push them beyond what they think their limit is. My hard work and dedication will insure successful commands regardless of locations. These all mentioned above are the reasons I want to become an Officer. Thank you for your consideration.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Officers have the ability to overcome any situation, when knocked down, they have the ability to recover and successfully strive in completing whatever lay before them. When a stressful situation befalls them, they remain cool and collective and analyze the situation.
Being an adopted child of two parents who looked nothing like me, I was always told from outside civilians that I would not succeed, that I will not have the ability or drive to accomplish any tasks, that schooling would be out of my reach and jobs were a distant dream, that I had to be with my own kind and act like my own kind. This was my major obstacle, their words and beliefs were the hands that pushed me down, but my determination and resilience, were the legs that kept me up and moved me forward.
I had attended high school, during that time; however, I had received average grades, no honor student and was told I was not destined to graduate. I did not let that deter me and I graduated successfully. I then enlisted in the military to further myself and during that time I applied for college. During this time peers and aquaintances stated that college was tough, that it was near impossible to complete while working full time, that if I did complete college it would take me over the span of 5 years. I did not let that deter me. I successfully graduated college with two degrees, an Associates 3.61 GPA with honors, and a Bachelorettes degree, 3.51 GPA Cum Laude statuses, in a combined 3 years total.
If given the opportunity, along with my motivation, determination, and strive, I believe that I have the attributes of what dictates and officer. My confidence and responsibility will help lead soldiers and push them beyond what they think their limit is. My hard work and dedication will insure successful commands regardless of locations. These all mentioned above are the reasons I want to become an Officer. Thank you for your consideration.
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
OCS
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) OCS
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
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I did not have to write an essay but I did have to orally explain my reasoning. My first attempt was similar to yours in motivation, determination, and desires. You have written a good essay, but everything you have stated are the same qualities we want in our NCOs as well. I would not expect less. My mentor gave me the following explanation that has resonated with me through the years. You will find your reasons in whatever mix of influence and priority you choose below. There are essentially 5 reasons why someone might want to be an officer and not an NCO. The first one is authority. Officers command by establishing policy and through issuing orders. NCOs enforce and carry out those commands. The second one is (and sounds vane) is prestige. Units are identified by their officers: Eisenhower, Patton, Puller, Nimitz, etc. answer this- who were their senior NCOs? The third one is opportunity, officers get to do things that NCOs are not generally afforded such as command at various levels of the military and other government agencies. The fourth reason is potential for serving in higher capacities such as cabinet members, secretaries of state, and even President. The final reason is pay. Officers get paid more money over the course of a career than do NCOs. You can choose how much influence each of these might have or not have on your reasoning.
Godspeed on your journey and always strive for excellence in everything you do in service to your God, Family, and Country regardless of you power, position, prestige, potential, or profit.
Godspeed on your journey and always strive for excellence in everything you do in service to your God, Family, and Country regardless of you power, position, prestige, potential, or profit.
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This was my write up for when I applied to OCS. The best advice I had received was focus on how you would better your service. Being an officer isn't really about you, it's about how you can affect all those you serve with.
"Stagnation is my greatest fear. It is because of this fear that I had decided to join the Navy and pursue my goal of being a naval officer. The way that I stave off my fear of stagnation is though constantly bettering myself and those around me both professionally and personally. I look forward to all the challenges and opportunities that I will encounter as a naval officer and I know that I will provide an exemplary model for the junior troops and push them to excel. I am confident that my strong work ethic and determined spirit will motivate and guide my fellow sailors in reaching their highest potential and goals. Through this emphasis of creating an environment of constant achievement I will enhance the mission readiness and overall success of my troops and the Navy as a whole. My personal goals of achieving my architect’s registration coincide with my professional goals of leading my fellow sailors as a CEC officer. Additionally, my professional capabilities will compliment my tenacious and motivated nature within the CEC community. Most importantly for me is that I recognize my shortcomings and find paths to overcome them. It is with this mentality in mind that the CEC community will guide me in expanding my project management and construction administration skills continuing to foster my commitment to grow and excel while keeping at bay my greatest fear."
"Stagnation is my greatest fear. It is because of this fear that I had decided to join the Navy and pursue my goal of being a naval officer. The way that I stave off my fear of stagnation is though constantly bettering myself and those around me both professionally and personally. I look forward to all the challenges and opportunities that I will encounter as a naval officer and I know that I will provide an exemplary model for the junior troops and push them to excel. I am confident that my strong work ethic and determined spirit will motivate and guide my fellow sailors in reaching their highest potential and goals. Through this emphasis of creating an environment of constant achievement I will enhance the mission readiness and overall success of my troops and the Navy as a whole. My personal goals of achieving my architect’s registration coincide with my professional goals of leading my fellow sailors as a CEC officer. Additionally, my professional capabilities will compliment my tenacious and motivated nature within the CEC community. Most importantly for me is that I recognize my shortcomings and find paths to overcome them. It is with this mentality in mind that the CEC community will guide me in expanding my project management and construction administration skills continuing to foster my commitment to grow and excel while keeping at bay my greatest fear."
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I would say you are on the right path. I was SGT Rosa at a time long ago. I thought the same way. I didn't listen to the nay sayers. I am the only one that can stop me. As you can tell I commissioned. Still there are those that cast doubt. I just smile as I climb higher. Eventually you will climb high enough you won't hear them anyone.
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