Since I have 4 year degree and want to join the NG as an officer, do I have to enlist first? Can I apply for OCS in the NG or Reserves?

2020-05-07T00:10:00-04:00

I have been out for more than 6 years, i just got 4 years degree in mechanical engineer, i'm looking to join the Army NG as an officer, but so far the recruiter told me to join as enlisted first. I just want to confirm if that information is correct? are there ways to apply for OCS in the guard or reserve??

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 1:00 AM

2020-05-07T01:00:00-04:00

Do NOT enlist first. You need to ensure on your contract is says “09S” i believe meaning you are going from BCT to OCS. Find a different recruiter who’s willing to help you if you have to.
I was talked out of going to OCS and enlisting instead and regret it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-05-07T08:39:59-04:00

The recruiter just wants the enlistment credit.

You need to talk to an Officer Strength Manager (OSM), who will contract you as an OCS candidate.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made May 7 at 2020 10:19 AM

2020-05-07T10:19:31-04:00

It is rare for a National Guardsman to go to federal OCS. Most OCS candidates for the Guard are enlisted who enroll in the state OCS which usually lasts for a year with some two week training periods added. Getting into the state OCS is not that hard but sticking with it for a year must be a challenge. Your Recruiter is correct in that the most likely way to get into OCS for the Guard is to enlist first and get your chain of command recommendation. Best of Luck!

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made May 7 at 2020 11:04 AM

2020-05-07T11:04:04-04:00

Find another recruiter. The one you're working with probably wants a quick contract, and doesn't want to do the extra work for an officer packet.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 11:15 AM

2020-05-07T11:15:44-04:00

You would have to go throught the whole processing at MEPS. Your recfuiter would have to make sure you're qualified. He would need your 214 to make sure you have a good RE code. I was an ANG recruiter for 8 years.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 7 at 2020 11:26 AM

2020-05-07T11:26:51-04:00

Technically, yes. You are required to enlist and complete Basic Combat Training (since you have been out six years) before you are eligible to attend OCS. You need to make sure that you sign a 09S contract. You may need to talk with a Officer Strength Manager or whatever they are called today. There are a number of different versions of OCS in the Guard, if you haven't talked to anyone yet. The "Traditional" takes 14 months, give or take depending on the state, which consists of a pre OCS orientation, Annual training, 12 months of weekend drills and a final annual training. There is an accelerated course offered by some states, some don't use it because of a high dropout rate. Finally there is Federal OCS if the state can fund it and has slots. The Federal OCS slots would be the most competitive to get.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 7 at 2020 4:38 PM

2020-05-07T16:38:29-04:00

My daughter joined the ArNG with a degree in accounting. They recruited her with a guarantee to start OCS after she completed Basic Training. Unfortunately, she was injured in Basic and released from the ArNG. Based on her experience, and your prior service, you should be able to get a signed agreement to send you the ArNG OCS after you enlist providing there are no other disqualifying factors.

All of the Services like people with STEM degrees. I recommend you talk with recruiters from all six Services, Reserve, National Guard and see who gives you the best deal.