What is the process for applying to Federal OCS as ARNG prior service? What is the likelihood of getting a slot?

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:44:37 -0500

Hello. Currently a SPC with the ARNG in an airborne unit. I've got a doctorate in clinical psychology looking into OCS. Long story short, I won't be able to direct commission for sometime, so my Unit is working with me to go to OCS.

Short story explained: I was waiting to hear back on a certification I needed to commission as a psychologist. I was planning to go to State OCS, but was waiting as our OSM was wanting to see the direct commission route. After I got news that my direct commission would be delayed, they encouraged me to pursue State OCS, but I'd have to wait until 2024. Informed I could direct commission as a psychologist after OCS. We got a new OCS coordinator and we've agreed to pursue Federal OCS. My unit submitted an A-1 application and it's currently at the NGB for consideration. State is fine sending me, but we need to get an NGB slot. We applied for summer of this year as an option. Funds are cleared.

I'm curious what the process is, and the likelihood of getting a slot. I've been in for 3 years, did BLC. Good PT scores, and graduated 4.0 with my Ph.D. and Master's programs. My OSM is telling me there's nothing really I can do but wait.

Another reason I'm wanting to do OCS is I get a lot of complaints about medical officers not knowing how to write OPORDs and know basic leadership. I'm pursuing OCS so I can also learn how to be a good leader. Most of the information I'm getting is about Active Duty applications. My unit has a couple spots open, and are supportive. I'm just not sure if there's a good chance of acceptance and if there's anything I can do to prepare or make the packet stronger. Currently working on getting LoRs, which I have four committed (Two MAJ, one COL and a retired LTC).

I'm wondering if there is any input out there, or even threads that previously have asked this question that I could follow.

Thank you in advanced.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 7:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 19:21:22 -0500

Going through OCS you can command troops while direct commission you can't.

I had a friend who went to OCS and he was probably the most educated person in our class. He was a chiropractor so you know he had the equivalent of a master's degree or more in medical. He ended up being an MI Military Intelligence officer but he got bored after he made the rank of Captain and decided to go to Army Med to become a Physician's assistant. Or PA. He didn't mind taking the reduction of first lieutenant but he went immediately back up to Captain. In my civil affairs in the Army reserve, the deputy Commander of the Brigade was Army Medical what hospital management. So you can always move around and use your OCS experience to set yourself ahead of your peers.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 6 at 2023 7:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 19:34:15 -0500

I might be able to give you leadership pointers if you are interested.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2023 12:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:47:43 -0500

I am personally seeing medical and chaplain career paths cut short and forced out before they get enough years for retirement. That is much less likely to be the case if you go OCS and branch to a typical branch. So yea, it might be cool to get CPT inside of a year, but then spend the next 8 getting to MAJ and out before 15.

Now, I Direct Commissioned as 2LT, but I ended up getting in Quartermaster and then moved up to Logistics, and had a company command in there. So direct isn't impossible to lead soldiers, but the BRANCH is going to be the key.

Your enlisted time gives you a significant advantage. Essentially, you can get away with getting to your 20 years with one less Officer promotion.

Now, I was a little bummed I saw others come in as 1LTs and CPT's based on how the cards fell in their direct commission paths but now, as the years go on and they are freaking out at being CPT's and MAJ's too long I appreciate the years my LT time added to my career tenure. So keep that in mind if you are in this for the long game.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 9 at 2023 12:17 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:17:31 -0500

Has your state reached out to the school house to see if there is any slots? Often times a packet gets thrown in with little follow up. You need to be the bus driver! Bug your readiness NCO to bug the state to get word back from the school house. Normally requests for schools would go out the moment the window opens for that fiscal year. You may, be behind the curve on this, and really ride it, respectfully, but ride it!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 10 at 2023 12:52 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:52:12 -0500

Good news and bad news. You don't compete with the OCS enlistment option people, your competition is other prior service. Your qualifications look very good and you seem to have all the T's crossed and I's dotted. Bad news is that the last I checked, OCS approval rate was around 65%. I haven't been able to find out if the Guard are allotted some many seats or if you compete with all the other prior service people.
Sit tight and see what happens. If you don't make it to Federal OCS, wait and pickup next years Traditional OCS.
Just a note, psyching yourself up once a month for drill in the Traditional OCS gets to be a pain in the butt quick. I think I would rather have done it full time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 10 at 2023 8:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:48:19 -0500

You have mail!