Posted on Feb 7, 2023
What college degrees set you apart as an OCS Candidate?
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Are there any specific majors that would set me apart from my peers when it comes to the OCS application process. Does having a certain degree make it more likely to choose your branch. I’ve seen a mixed bag of answers on this topic so just wanted some clarification. Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 4
From my experience, it has absolutely no impact on getting into OCS. The degree requirement is an objective one (do you have one or not?) and not a subjective one (what type of degree do you have?). In this case, you could have a degree in underwater basket weaving and still make it through.
Regarding the branch, yes - the the degree you have does become a subjective qualification. However, this doesn't mean you won't become an engineer if you have a liberal arts degree, but it IS more likely if you have a technical degree that you will be placed into a technical branch (i.e., Computer Science degree and you put down Cyber as your branch preference, you're more likely to get it).
Of course, if you have that degree in underwater basket weaving, you'll end up in the Infantry. That's where we put all our underwater basket weavers.
Regarding the branch, yes - the the degree you have does become a subjective qualification. However, this doesn't mean you won't become an engineer if you have a liberal arts degree, but it IS more likely if you have a technical degree that you will be placed into a technical branch (i.e., Computer Science degree and you put down Cyber as your branch preference, you're more likely to get it).
Of course, if you have that degree in underwater basket weaving, you'll end up in the Infantry. That's where we put all our underwater basket weavers.
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COL Randall C.
SPC (Join to see) - Regarding your question about what makes up the OML for OCS ... God knows, but he's not telling. It seems to be some hidden secret, unlike ROTC OML which is easy to find out (https://inside.ewu.edu/rotc/overview-of-army-rotcs-new-talent-based-branching-process/).
You can make a good educated guess that it follows a similar process to ROTC, but you can't take anything for granted. If it's graded in OCS, then it's going to count in the OML. Things like leadership and peer reviews are going to count.
The main question for all those criteria is "How much" are they going to count. Your guess is as good as mine (unless there is someone on RP who was an OCS instructor and feels like violating their blood oath not to let the cat out of the bag).
You can make a good educated guess that it follows a similar process to ROTC, but you can't take anything for granted. If it's graded in OCS, then it's going to count in the OML. Things like leadership and peer reviews are going to count.
The main question for all those criteria is "How much" are they going to count. Your guess is as good as mine (unless there is someone on RP who was an OCS instructor and feels like violating their blood oath not to let the cat out of the bag).
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) Apft score, Academic average, inspections and a whole lot of it your evaluations of your rotations in the leadership positions.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
COL Randall C. Yes, I understand that part. The reason I didn't have a problem with a branch is that I tie for top candidate. Didn't ask my Basic classmates that didn't choose Infantry where they landed on the OML, but probably not at the top. This was mid 80's with the expansion of the light divisions, so unlike today, they had a lot of Infantry slots to fill. I suspect that if you weren't toward the top of the OML, you "volunteered" Infantry.
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Let me make one final comment. I know you have been though BCT and AIT, but OCS is not Basic Training and TAC's (Training and Counseling Officer) are not your Drill Sergeants. OCS is made as difficult/miserable as possible and the TAC's aren't there to make sure you pass. I finished tied for top spot in the class, but nothing about it was fun and I still don't like my TAC's.
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I have seen more than my share of transitions throughout my career and never seen any degree carry more weight, that comes into play for direct commission and specialties (the good Col. Would know that process much better than I. If that is your goal decide what is best for your future post military. To keep it simple, civilian education in the early years of being an officer are the soft skills developed. The military itself and its training and developmental programs are what Carrie’s them through the long hall provided they continue to serve. Trust me, you will feel like you are back for in developmental status all the time.
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