Will my degree affect my chances to go to OCS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:53:25 -0500

I am active duty, currently working on my degree. Will my degree affect my chances to go to OCS? What I mean is it does any difference a degree in medicine or liberal arts? Also can I ask for OCS option when I finish my first contract ?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 12:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:02:56 -0500

If you are looking to commission into the Medical services or JAG, your degree will matter. If you just want to commission into a basic branch (IN, FA, SC, MI, etc.) it doesn’t seem to matter whether your degree is in Comp Sci or underwater BB stacking. I’ve seen Comp Sci majors go to Infantry and Art History majors go to Signal.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 12:08 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:08:33 -0500

I'd say 80% of all 2LTs from ROTC come with a standard issue Criminal Justice degree and then branch Infantry, Armor, Intel, Signal, etc... so no it doesn't matter unless you want JAG, Medical, or Chaplain.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 12:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:14:26 -0500

A Bachelor's degree is a Bachelor's degree - it doesn't matter what it's in.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2021 12:35 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:35:02 -0500

When you mean ask for OCS as an option, are you talking about reenlisting for OCS or getting out then trying to come back in through OCS? There are no options for reenlisting for OCS. That process has to go through your current chain of command. I would talk to a recruiter if you plan to ETS, then go the OCS route. Hope that helps.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Jan 14 at 2021 1:14 PM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:14:30 -0500

First, keep rocking along and get the degree. Second, unless the degree is mandatory as a prerequisite (law and medicine for example) your degree should be sufficient. Hope you finish strong.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 14 at 2021 5:01 PM

Wayne Soares — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:01:01 -0500

Thanks for the question Leonardo

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2021 9:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:25:39 -0500

What is your GPA?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 14 at 2021 10:56 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 22:56:00 -0500

Commissioning requirements state that a 4 year degree is needed. Unless you are going for something in medicine, clergy or Legal (JAG) any 4 year degree will suffice. If you are going into one of those three degree specific field you will need that respective degree. If you want to commission talk to a recruiter that puts in Officers. You can't re-up for OCS so it sounds like you may need some guidance for your specific scenario.