Could I apply to OCS as an E4?

2023-04-04T18:55:34-04:00

I just enlisted in the army reserve as an E4. I do want to commission at some point (if I can, before my 32nd birthday if possible .. I’m 29 now)… I was told by an old friend (who’s a captain) that I wouldn’t be able to commission until I make E5. And because I am reserve, I probably wouldn’t be able to get to that rank until my 6th year. Is he correct?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2023 8:00 PM

2023-04-04T20:00:46-04:00

You could make SGT in 3-4 years if you drive hard enough. As for needing to be a SGT first before OCS application drop, never heard of that. However, see this link

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/ocs.html

OCS: Army Officer Candidate School

Officer Candidate School (OCS) trains Army Officers. At OCS, put your college degree to use, learn important leadership skills, and prepare for a career as an Army Officer.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2023 8:58 PM

2023-04-04T20:58:12-04:00

You don't need to be an E5 to qualify for OCS, you only need a degree.
You can apply today.
Once you become an OCS candidate, your pay grade will actually go up to E5 if you were an E4.
But your choice of branch is not guaranteed.

If you like your MOS, you can just go warrant in that, and you can do that as soon as you are an E5 with BLC complete if your civilian career experience is in the same field, with civilian appraisals/reviews, and you already have the certs.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 5 at 2023 10:03 AM

2023-04-05T10:03:01-04:00

There are a few things happening here.

Do you need to be a Sgt to apply to OCS? Negative. If you are eligible and have a degree drop your package to OCS immediately.

Does it take 6 years to promote to E5? Negative. Though it may take some that long to acheive you can certainly pin on Sgt within 3-4 years. You will also see the occasional unicorn who pin on Sgt around the 24 - 32 month mark. But I would say that in the reserves that Unicorn situation would be even more rare than it is in the AD realm.

Bottom line - If you want to commission and meet the requirements drop your package immediately and speak to a recruiter instead of using a Barracks Lawyer.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2023 3:16 PM

2023-04-05T15:16:14-04:00

Spc. SS - My personal experience: If someone tells you can't... you most likely can!

Response by CPT Timothy Stewart made Apr 24 at 2023 1:42 PM

2023-04-24T13:42:43-04:00

Yes