Can you apply for OCS if you have been informed of a Deployment or PCS?

WO1 Jose R. — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:53:46 -0400

Reading the new MILPER Message, it states that you can't apply to OCS if you have been informed, verbally or in writing of Deployment/PCS. I have, that being said, what is the wait time with my new unit before I can be allowed to submit my packet? If none, and unit approval, I want to try and turn it in by February 29 2015. Thanks all!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 3:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:12:20 -0400

If I remember it's different depending on where you go. If oconus it is 2 years and 1 year for conus.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 3:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:45:38 -0400

The MILPER message should give you more information on when, after (or during) your deployment you can submit your OCS packet. In order to be able to submit the packet, it will, most likely be upon returning from your deployment, just because there are many moving parts and the process can detract from the mission focus.

Probably not the answer you wanted to hear. Stay safe!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 11:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 23:26:25 -0400

SGT Rosa, great question. I haven't read the new message, but that wording seems odd. It should have more to do with time on station. As for deployment, seems like the selection process should take care of the problem itself by assigning you to a course after return from deployment. Here's what I would tell you. With very few exceptions, and I mean very few, there is a waiver for just about everything, even the "unwaiverable" things, like age was when I was accepted with an age waiver many years ago. I'd encourage you to do the packet. Submit it. Make them tell you know and why. Part of the process is to test your perseverance. How much you want it.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Nov 2 at 2015 10:21 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 10:21:14 -0500

Almost all MILPERS have POC information near the bottom of the MILPER. Fully read the MILPER to ensure your question is not answered. After that if needed, contact the POC's and ask them this question.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 9:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 09:37:58 -0500

SGT Rosa: I'd recommend you get ahold of your next unit's S1 shop to see if they know anything about the OCS Packet timeline requirements. I ran into a similar issue moving to Fort Drum, but was able to submit my packet as soon as I finished inprocessing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 10:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 10:20:19 -0500

WO1 Jose R. - My recommendation is simple. if we're referring to a PCS - Does your current command support your desire to attend OCS? If so, have the 1SG and Co CDR at minimum (CSM would be preferred) write up a short memorandum stating they support your desire to attend, as you have shown you are worthy and would be an increased asset to the Army as an officer. Then see if you can still get a LOR from your current Bn CDR to add to your packet.

Those simple things should allow your new command to understand what kind of Soldier you are and what they have inherited - and if your new Co command team is worth their weight, they won't try to implement some bs waiting time policy to feel you out.

If we're referring to a deployment - then get your packet ready to be submitted as soon as you can, prior to redeployment.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 3 at 2015 1:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:07:18 -0500

I had letters of recommendation from two chains of command. I still submitted and was approved.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 6:34 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 06:34:07 -0500

Yes you , I've brought Soldiers off of the final flight manifest, from in country and from the ramp up training to begin ROTC. HRC may elect to defer your orders until your mission is complete but there are no rules against applying for OCS (or scuba school for that matter) while on alert notice or deployment orders. As for PCS, I've had Soldiers deferred in order to complete the decision process - HRC is more inclined to delay your move if they know you're under consideration because of the costs involved.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 3:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 15:58:15 -0500

Granted this was in 2002... I came down on orders for Korea, but since I had my packet for OCS submitted prior to receiving my orders my Korea orders were deleted.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 7:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:31:11 -0500

I'm going through the same thing SGT. I also have the same question. I am trying to do the green to gold non scholarship option. I need a chapter 16 separation so I wonder how long I have spend at my next assignment. Pcs to Germany January 2016