Can Florida National Guard/Reserve pick an Officer MOS prior to OCS?

John Marder — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:16:05 -0400

I have heard a lot of conflicting information information regarding the process. I am committed to the Intelligence field would want to go 35A. However I will not risk getting branched to a non-Intel MOS if the procedure is the same as active duty.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 9:24 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:24:42 -0400

My understanding is no. I believe state OCS uses the same accessions process. Some states NG is first come first serve, but that’s less common.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 9:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:41:29 -0400

All NG/Reserve officers know their Branch prior to arriving at OCS with very rare exceptions (generally those coming from states with a smaller NG). However, it is the Army and things can change based on your states manning needs. Nothing is guaranteed until you actually commission and even then the state can change your branch, but again that’s pretty rare.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 11:30 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0400

You should know your branch and unit in the Guard.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 6:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:06:05 -0400

If you go Guard you have zero choice. It’s need of the State. You put in your top 3...good luck. Reserves can likely guarantee you your Branch.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 28 at 2021 7:53 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:53:44 -0400

It depends on the state. Many states have already slotted OCS candidates before they start and the Candidates usually get to chose from the positions available. That apparently isn't true in every State and some closely mirror the method used by Federal OCS. Call your State HQ and talk to Officer Accessions (or whatever they call it these days).
This come up in another thread and I'll mention it here. If you want to commission and 35A slot isn't available, take one that interests you. It's not hard to branch transfer as a 1LT or CPT, my guess is that the majority of the Army Officers on this board have more than one Branch Qualification, including myself.

Response by CPT Carlos Ribadeneira made May 6 at 2021 4:30 PM

CPT Carlos Ribadeneira — Thu, 06 May 2021 16:30:31 -0400

Procedure is the same as active. It is based on the need of the service, or so they told me when they selected Field Artillery fir me, instead of Military Intelligence. Good luck!