Is it a good thing to be on an OML for a Direct Commission as a 72D, Environmental Science/Engineering Officer?

As the CPT below mentioned, the OML is essentially a standby list. If someone from the primary selection list drops out, they go, in order, to the next name for a replacement. I was a primary selectee in Oct 2018. For 72D, we usually get about 10 to 15 slots per fiscal year, with about 200 applicants competing for them. Because you were OML'ed, it typically means some area of your package couldn't fully compete with those selected on the primary. The selection board assigns points across a spectrum of indicators: 1) Relevant degree title; 2) overall GPA; 3) GPA in advanced science/math courses, along with having the right amount of preferred coursework (e.g., 45+ semester hours in courses like: environmental science, epidemiology, biostatistics, industrial hygiene, environmental health, microbiology, etc); 4) Relevant public health experience; and 5) Relevant public health credentialing. You could hit the mark on any of those areas, but miss the mark on others. If you need advice on how to boost your package, shoot me a message with some info, e.g., experience, degree title, etc.

It's a good thing. You're on the list. You just have to wait your turn.

Just means all the slots were filled for the fiscal year. It means they felt you were worthy of direct commissioning, but they had already filled all the slots for the year.

So what happens now?
Someone could decide last minute to decline the commission or get a DUI (it happens!) etc and then they would go to the next name on the OML and contact them.

They could possibly get more slots for tour AOC depending on the needs of the military and then you might get picked up this fiscal year.

You might have to wait out until the next fiscal year and re-board again or just be pulled off the OML without reboarding and offered a commission.

I was option 3. I sat out for a year and then had to board again and was selected for commission for my AOC. It’s not fun waiting but it was worth the wait.

My suggestion is keep in frequent contact with your recruiter and check in often. Keep your fitness up. Keep your credentials up and current including continuing education.

Just be patient. Be prepared to complete paperwork again and have letters of recommendation completed again.