What should I consider when deciding between putting in a packet for OCS or AECP?

2024-11-22T14:23:33-05:00

Good afternoon to those reading my post. I need help. I find my self stuck on making a decision to putting a packet for AECP (becoming a 66H) in which if I get accepted i will become an army nurse or putting in a packet for OCS.

I do have a masters in public health and I do plan on trying to go for my EdD (in which I'm still looking at different majors)

The nursing route will be beneficial especially for becoming an nurse in the civ side but from calculating how long it will take to become an RN and commission as an officer will be almost 4 to 5 years since I have to apply for next year.

OCS I have a board interview in January 6 and I don't know how picking a job is like since I hear it is what the army needs, in which I will get my job from that. Ocs is an intense 12 weeks but it is faster to commission.

If I do the ocs route could I also go to school for RN? Or would I have to do it once i get out the military.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Nov 22 at 2024 3:09 PM

2024-11-22T15:09:14-05:00

There are a ton of threads on RP regarding commissioning routes. Your choice is how you want serve.

Going through OCS, you may not get what you want unless you have some sort of guarantee that you get nursing school. You'll really want to get that locked down before attending.

You could go the nursing school route too for a direct commission. That's not a bad way to go, but you'll probably have to ETS and themn come back in. Or you may get accepted into the nursing program staying in service. Again, you'll want that locked down if it's your choice to do it that way.

Good luck whichever way you go.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 22 at 2024 3:10 PM

2024-11-22T15:10:46-05:00

If you want to become a Medical Officer, you'll go through AECP as the different AMEDD Corps are not an option in OCS (Basic branches only - no special branches*)

As to going into the Army Nurse Corps at a later point after you've completed OCS ... it's possible, not probable, but possible.

There is a process to request a branch transfer for officer, but unless the needs of the Army line up (i.e., somehow the branch you were just appointed into has become very overstrength and the AMEDD Corp you want to go to is very short...) or your qualifications show that you are a 'unicorn that was put in the wrong pasture', it's not going to be very likely.

If you want to do something else, then OCS is the route you'd want to pursue right now.

For the majority of individuals that go through OCS, they will have a ranked matching process. You can find videos about how the Army's Talent Matching process works, but OML ranking is still one of the key factors in getting the branch you want.
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* Available officer branches through OCS - https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/199th/ocs/content/PDF/OCS-Branch-Descriptions.pdf

OCS-Branch-Descriptions.pdf

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Nov 22 at 2024 6:14 PM

2024-11-22T18:14:24-05:00

Good afternoon SGT Private RallyPoint Member. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this Brother Christian. :->

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2024 7:04 PM

2024-11-22T19:04:49-05:00

You want to become an RN, but keep in mind that this is not the only career path where you can achieve success. Sometimes things happen and it doesn’t work out the way you want it. What I would do if I were you is do two packets: one for AECP and one for OCS. If your preference is nursing, submit for AECP first. If it doesn’t work out, send through the OCS packet and try a different pathway to RN.

I submitted for AECP and got selected as an alternate. I was too far down the OML and it didn’t work out, but honestly, I’m glad that it didn’t. I’m involved in other focus areas that are highly marketable and interesting. I had a backup plan and I found success elsewhere. Keep that in mind if you don’t get your first choice. There are plenty of other highly marketable officer jobs—AMEDD Comptroller, Logistics officers, Intel officers, etc. You might end up finding something else where you are a perfect fit.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Nov 22 at 2024 8:51 PM

2024-11-22T20:51:32-05:00

Go with where your heart is.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 4 at 2024 7:39 AM

2024-12-04T07:39:40-05:00

I made two great decisions over 30 years ago, nursing and the Army. At age 50 and retired from the Army, nursing has been an incredible decision. I had the opportunity to take care of combat wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan, then completed the critical care nursing course with the Army, and now because of those experiences, am one of the best RNs at my civilian ER job. The Army Nurse Corps makes great nurses and leaders and if taking care of people is your calling, AECP is much better than OCS.