Posted on Aug 17, 2017
MAJ Corporate Buyer
9.54K
10
10
3
3
0
My nephew is an E-3 in the Guard and is trying to submit a packet for NG OCS and I'm wondering how easy that is (I went through ROTC). His unit deploys next year so I'm trying to find out what his chances are of getting accepted to OCS in lieu of that as it would mean he'd miss the deployment. I would think they're low but I'm not sure how this works. I'm fairly new to the Guard myself.
Posted in these groups: Size0 OCSMississippi ARNGOfficers logo Officers
Avatar feed
Responses: 4
CPT Lawrence Cable
2
2
0
Unless it has changes since I came out, most states recruit for OCS once a year. In Ohio, it used to be in the late fall when the Commanders would forward any packets they recommended and schedule the aptitude test for OCS (do they still make you take that?). Any soldier accepted would get orders about 90 days before the start of the class, which was in June at the time. Ohio did not offer an accelerated course when I was there and it was difficult to get orders to attend it Regular Army, but a lot has changed since 2001.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SP5 Norman McGill
1
1
0
In my Guard unit it was up to the CO to recommend candidates for OCS and in our case pilot training. He would approach you rather than you approaching him but it never hurts to ask. Every time I had enough time in grade and was doing the job of the next position up I went and asked to be promoted to the job I was doing and got it every time. Nobody ever came to me and asked if I wanted to be promoted or put me up for promotion until after I asked for it. OCS is different as there has to be a slot open for you to go to after graduation. Should you be promoted you will most likely be transferred to some other unit unless your present unit has an opening for you. My CO did encourage me to go to OCS and pilot school at Rucker but I would have gotten transferred from Atlanta to Savanna, Ga. and I couldn't do that because of my civilian job. I did say that if he ordered me to go I would go and do my best but that never happened. By then I was a cook anyway and had it made so I'm glad I didn't get promoted to officer.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Billy Herrington
1
1
0
How many hours of college does he have? If I remember correct he needs 90 to get accepted into OCS. If he doesn't get locked in now it's doubtful he will before the BDE goes.

Why not deploy and get the experience then try OCS? I might be reading this wrong but it sounds like he is looking to dodge a deployment by going the OCS route.

I can give you/him the contact info for the OCS training company if you would like it.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SGM Billy Herrington
SGM Billy Herrington
>1 y
MAJ (Join to see) - I wasn't trying to sound assholish. I'm glad you didn't take it that way. Maybe one COA is ask him who wants an officer.......or what kind of officer dodges a deployment? That's my initial reaction to it.
(0)
Reply
(0)
MAJ Corporate Buyer
MAJ (Join to see)
>1 y
SGM Billy Herrington - You didn't sound that way at all. You just said what I was already thinking. I believe we're dealing with a case of "this isn't as cool as the recruiting posters made it look" along with "I'm in love". I've stressed the point that he made a commitment and does not need to be "that guy" that tries to get out of this but honors his obligation. But he's 24 and I can only advise him on what's best. It's up to him to sink or swim. I just can't imagine a commander letting someone (who was recently removed from ROTC) go to OCS during the deployment. Especially when they need people as bad as I'm hearing that they do. Even I'm not out of the woods yet for getting called.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGM Billy Herrington
SGM Billy Herrington
>1 y
MAJ (Join to see) - OCS is hurting for numbers as well. I think there are four in the current class or last class?

It happens every time the BDE gets mobilized. They flood into OCS. Kinda chaps my ass, but it is what it is.
(0)
Reply
(0)
MAJ Corporate Buyer
MAJ (Join to see)
>1 y
SGM Billy Herrington - Interesting. Thanks for the info!
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close