Can I apply to active duty OCS while still being part of the IRR?

2019-01-14T18:37:23-05:00

I ETSed from the Army in Aug 2015. I have two semesters left of college. I want to apply to the OCS board in the hope of commissioning for active duty. However, when I talked to a recruiter, they explained to me that since I am still on IRR, the only way of applying to OCS is by re-enlisting after I graduate college. Then I will be able to apply to OCS while on active duty. Also, they told me I can't wait until my IRR is complete because by that point, I will be 33 years old. I want to know if there is any other way I can bypass the re-enlisting part and apply straight to OCS after I graduate.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-01-14T20:44:10-05:00

Is transferring back to TPU status an option?
That will allow you to drop an OCS packet.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 7:15 AM

2019-01-15T07:15:36-05:00

Weird I've never heard of this. We actually had a LT the other year who received his commission while in the IRR and joined our unit as an 2nd LT. Maybe that was apart of his commission not sure he isn't with our unit anymore so I can't ask him.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 9:22 AM

2019-01-15T09:22:15-05:00

So, the recruiter who recruits for active duty answered your question?
If I understand correctly, you're saying the Subject Matter Expert of bringing people onto Active Duty, who has every incentive to try to recruit you, answered your question, and you think there is a back door that you can find on some internet forum?

Are you sure you're really ready to be an officer?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 15 at 2019 1:21 PM

2019-01-15T13:21:52-05:00

No law against applying to OCS now and I would shop recruiters until you have two recruiters telling you the same things or one that gives you the answers you seek. Only person that is going to advocate for you is you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-01-15T16:28:22-05:00

You have been in the IRR for almost 3 1/2 years? What kind of contract did you sign? I have never known anyone to be IRR for more than 2 years. Also I would suggest you do as the MAJ suggested and get a second opinion on the situation.