Posted on Nov 15, 2020
What Branch would be my best chances at getting an OCS slot?
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I figured this might be a good place to get some advice regarding this topic. I am currently discharged from the National Guard RE1. I was a Combat Medic. In my civilian world I have both my bachelor's (Criminal Justice) and master's degree (Counter-Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism) in which I graduated top of my class. I am in good shape and will have no problem with any pt test, or physical. I am 28 years old, and I turn 29 in December. Due to unforeseen career changes due to COVID (My DHS position/academy is backed up 3 years) I wish to further serve my country in the Active Duty world, as well as getting experience. My overall goal in the military is to commission, and I was planning on pursuing this post academy back in the guard. So my question, out of all the branches, and difficulties getting a OCS slot which one would be my best chance? Honestly the job does not matter too much as long as I am serving my country, but anything combat related would be ideal.
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Posted 4 y ago
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You are already Army and Army is by far the largest branch of the Military, so I would stay with what I know. The OCS program is competitive, but you look like you are competitive, but I've been out of that loop for a long time. If you really want to know the possibilities, go talk to a recruiter about enlisting with an OCS option. Be aware that sometimes recruiters will try to steer you away from that option and tell you that you can apply at your first unit, which is not a lie, but you don't need to take that route.
OCS is not fun. I still detest my TAC Officers. They are the test you need to survive to get a commission.
As far as commissioning branches, I served as both an Infantry Officer and an Engineer Officer and I don't regret either decisions. Infantry and Armor is where the Rubber Meets the Road and Engineers make sure there is a Road. I understand that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, which was not the case in 1985. I guess I should explain that OCS Officers get a wish list of Branches, but the choice depends on your class placement and needs of the Army.
OCS is not fun. I still detest my TAC Officers. They are the test you need to survive to get a commission.
As far as commissioning branches, I served as both an Infantry Officer and an Engineer Officer and I don't regret either decisions. Infantry and Armor is where the Rubber Meets the Road and Engineers make sure there is a Road. I understand that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, which was not the case in 1985. I guess I should explain that OCS Officers get a wish list of Branches, but the choice depends on your class placement and needs of the Army.
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Army OCS is your best bet because of your background and Army Officer slots are more numerous than Marines. Are you planning on doing this via DHS Military Leave program or are you planning to quit DHS entirely. If I were you I would try to keep your DHS job position and do this on Military Leave (you can always quit DHS later and drop out of their Military Leave program). It just provides more options for you when it come time to leave the Army, then having to search for a job all over again or if something happens and your not able to complete OCS. Best to have the open option. If your keeping the DHS job then the Military Intel Branch would go nice with it.
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