Posted on Jun 8, 2016
SPC Medical Laboratory Specialist
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I have a BA In Political Science and want to be an officer. Thank you.
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If you already have a BA then you could only really use the green to gold route if you plan on going for a masters. If you're not really looking into that , I recommend just going to OCS since you already meet the requirements.
SPC Medical Laboratory Specialist
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That's what I thought but I had a dui in college and people are saying that it will most likely make me a no-go for ocs
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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SPC (Join to see) - Only one way to find out. Drop that packet and see what goes.
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MAJ Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Officer
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Look into having it expunged. Then apply.
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2ndLt Fulton Recepcion
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>I had a dui in college and people are saying that it will most likely make me a no-go for ocs

Good news is, DUIs ARE waivable throughout the armed forces. I know of people who got commissioned with DUIs on their record.

The bad news is, like most or all waivers, approval is based on the needs of the service. If that military branch is meeting/exceeding recruiting mission for OCS and the majority of the applicants have little to no issues that need waiving, then your chances are not good for that year. (There are times when they can even put a hold on waivers.)

Remember, you have to demonstrate to that OCS board that you have SOMETHING TO OFFER THE ARMY and that doesn't mean (just) your tangible qualifications (like a degree and superb military service). In other words, PERSONALITY IS EVERYTHING.

You can graduate Magna Cum Laude (and have all the other desired tangible qualifications to boot) and still get denied because something about you didn't measure up to the OCS board.

With your DUI, you're going to have to work twice as hard to convince that board (if they are entertaining moral waivers that is).

So give careful thought before you start submitting your OCS packet on how you will present yourself.
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2ndLt Fulton Recepcion
2ndLt Fulton Recepcion
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One more thing. . .remember, the first person you have to convince is your commander. There is no way around this. If they have even the slightest doubt about your ability to hold a commission, then your buck stops there. Though not the end-all-be-all, your C.O.'s endorsement can hold a lot of weight. If you're a stellar performer, you should have no problem getting their positive endorsement.
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SPC Medical Laboratory Specialist
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I have spoken to my company commander already, and we have a good relationship, so I believe he would support me.
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2ndLt Fulton Recepcion
2ndLt Fulton Recepcion
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SPC (Join to see) - Remember, it has to be a good working relationship. Have you been upfront with your DUI with your company commander?
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MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
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There are a few points that should be cleared up first. To begin, what is your age? This can become a factor as OCS has changed their policy in recent years. Second, are you actively seeking a post-graduate degree? Since your question specifically inquires "what is the best route to become an officer" I would have to say OCS. This would be the more direct means of obtaining a commission unless you are set on obtaining a masters degree and are young enough to be under the age requirement..

My recommendations are:
1. Review OCS requirements to ensure you can meet the age/other criteria. http://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html
2. Review Green to Gold requirements: http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/green-to-gold/green-to-gold-active-duty.html

Do some analysis and determine what course of action aligns best with your personal and professional needs. I used OCS and it was an efficient process and overall good school.
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SPC Medical Laboratory Specialist
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I am 24 years old, my only concern with ocs is the fact that I would require a waiver for the dumb mistake of a dui four years ago while in college and have been told that it almost ensures that my packet won't be picked up, however I plan on applying anyway because nothing ventured nothing gained
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MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
>1 y
Here is the ringer Matthew: Do you currently have or can you obtain a security clearance. You can gain some information by discussing this with your battalion S-2 as they are your primary POC for processing it (and you will need to at least have an interim clearance when you submit your packet). Hope that helps and of course you can always submit the packet anyway. How far along are you in the process?
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SPC Medical Laboratory Specialist
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I currently have a secret clearance. As of now, I am improving my pt score and working to make myself more marketable, but I have already spoken to my ncoic and company commander. I just don't want to waste anyone's time by having my dui make it where they don't even look at my packet
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MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
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If you really want to be certain, contact the school itself.
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