Would I be considered a competitive Army OCS candidate with a graduate degree in Cybersecurity?

2019-06-04T22:01:13-04:00

So I am in the beginning phase of this process. But I was wondering if I would be considered competitive candidate? My recruiter has not been exactly helpful (he has the personality of a cactus). I currently have a graduate degree in Cybersecurity, perform cyber work for DoD supporting a USAF program, have a recommendation letter from a flag officer and a O-6 as well as my org's security manager, and posses technical certificates.

I just want to make sure this is a good option for me. I have a lot of the same concerns as previous posters but just want some insight and opinion from the greater community.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2019 10:04 PM

2019-06-04T22:04:40-04:00

Why OCS? Why not pursue a direct commission? I know that is happening for some highly qualified people.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 4 at 2019 10:40 PM

2019-06-04T22:40:44-04:00

What do you have for the army?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-06-04T23:11:24-04:00

You certainly would. I just graduated. I would recommend though that you pursue the Direct Commission Program for Cyber. Cyber is very competitive in OCS.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 4 at 2019 11:20 PM

2019-06-04T23:20:51-04:00

I agree with Major (Anonymous). I have friends who served in the Army and although they had specialized skills they were not guaranteed they would work in those fields, needs of the Army came first.

I would recommend you consider Air Force OTS. From my AF experience they are good at fitting existing skill sets with AF needs.

As a former Navy Recruiter, I would take my candidates to speak with recruiters from the other services. I wanted them to discover what each sister service had to offer. By doing so I only lost one candidate and was ranked top 4% of recruiters nationwide. You, have an opportunity to make a great decision and continue to contribute by wearing the uniform, and seeking what other sister services may offer could be eye opening.

I wish you all the best.

Response by CPT Ray Gilmore made Jun 4 at 2019 11:41 PM

2019-06-04T23:41:38-04:00

Why Army?

Why not Air Force?

Also, look for a direct commission into a guard a reserve unit, where you can get a guarantee on your slot.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 8:09 AM

2019-06-05T08:09:54-04:00

Why Army OCS? You actively support a USAF program and understand that organization far better than the Army. I suggest you explore ALL options.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jun 5 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-06-05T09:24:45-04:00

There are additional factors for OCS. Medical readiness, age, family size and others are also important. Check the OCS website to see if you qualify.

Like others also said, consider direct commission for Cyber since you already have degrees.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 10:35 AM

2019-06-05T10:35:51-04:00

Private RallyPoint Member You could decide to purse a direct commission, but I'm glad I got mine through Officer Candidate School (OCS).... it was worth all the effort in the end, when I pinned on my 2LT rank by my parents at the OCS Graduation ceremony. Service Academy, ROTC, OCS, Direct... there are many ways to get commissioned... and unless you come in as a JAG or Doctor, all will commission at the lowest junior officer rank. Then, it's up to you to make your career the best that it can be! Good Luck to you, any way you'd like to go...

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 5 at 2019 10:55 AM

2019-06-05T10:55:41-04:00

Well I see some folks better in the know than me are recommending Direct Commission. I would agree that would be excellent for you and you would skip over significant levels of BS, if you can land a Direct Commission based on your educational background and experience.......then go for it. You could even enter at an advanced rank like 1LT or CPT in some programs. I have no clue how the cybersecurity program works.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jun 5 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-06-05T11:28:11-04:00

Join the Air Force Reserve and pound out 2 careers at once....Military and Civilian... I've served in the Air Force, Marine Corps and Army... The Army and the Marine Corps crippled me for life. I took the risks but the Army and the Marine Corps never stood behind me....

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Jun 5 at 2019 7:37 PM

2019-06-05T19:37:30-04:00

I would be more concerned with Graduating OCS.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Jun 7 at 2019 1:35 AM

2019-06-07T01:35:46-04:00

Why not? I know of an officer who was commissioned with a degree in Interior Decorating.