Posted on Jan 29, 2021
What are my chances of going to OCS directly after basic? What advice do you have for trying out for RASP?
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I have a 2.7 GPA in BA Biochemisty and was wondering what my chances are to go to OCS directly after basic.
I want to try out for RASP and would like some feedback/advice on what I should do. I am currently 31 years old and have been thinking about joining the army and going to officer school. If possible, I would like to serve in the Army as an officer with a ranger battalion. What should I do?
I want to try out for RASP and would like some feedback/advice on what I should do. I am currently 31 years old and have been thinking about joining the army and going to officer school. If possible, I would like to serve in the Army as an officer with a ranger battalion. What should I do?
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Enlisted
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP)
College
Posted 4 y ago
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I would talk to a recruiter about enlisting to go directly to OCS after basic. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply for the Ranger battalions as an officer. But your first hurdle is to get accepted into OCS. I do not recommend enlisting first then trying to get accepted into OCS. I recommend getting accepted to OCS as a civilian as the process is easier as a civilian versus as a Soldier. Hope that helps.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
This is especially true since you are coming up close to age requirements that will take a waiver. Ask to talk to a recruiter that deals with O9D OCS contracts and go to Basic, then to OCS.
If you aspire to be a Ranger, at OCS you will want to choose Infantry as a Branch. I am told that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, so you will need to be in the top of the class ranking to make it. Infantry Officer Basic Leadership Course will get you the opportunity to attend Ranger School, but that is also a competitive position since there are always more Officers than school seats. Also be aware that Ranger School isn't Selection to the Regiment, you will still have to compete in RASP II for Officers.
Oh, you need to try and pickup Airborne after OCS too.
If you aspire to be a Ranger, at OCS you will want to choose Infantry as a Branch. I am told that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, so you will need to be in the top of the class ranking to make it. Infantry Officer Basic Leadership Course will get you the opportunity to attend Ranger School, but that is also a competitive position since there are always more Officers than school seats. Also be aware that Ranger School isn't Selection to the Regiment, you will still have to compete in RASP II for Officers.
Oh, you need to try and pickup Airborne after OCS too.
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The OCS packet takes a lot of investment in time that you won’t have in basic. You will need letters of recommendations from officers. I would not give a basic trainee a letter of recommendation for the obvious reason that I don’t know your demeanor and accomplishments in the army. I am no expert but I think your GPA puts you at risk for not getting selected. In the old army candidates were weeded out. Now the philosophy is to make the entrance requirements more stringent and to focus on graduating more candidates.
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Look over the requirements to be an officer one the Army web site. If you think you can meet those requirements then start applying for OCS. Do not enlist right away. Talk to recruiters from all Six armed services. Your STEM degree is a plus. It may take a year or so to get into OCS in any of the Services, but it’s worth the wait. Take the offer from the Service that gives you the best deal.
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