What are my chances of going to OCS directly after basic? What advice do you have for trying out for RASP?

2021-01-29T21:38:36-05:00

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?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-01-29T21:43:12-05:00

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.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 29 at 2021 10:15 PM

2021-01-29T22:15:00-05:00

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.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2021 10:33 PM

2021-01-29T22:33:50-05:00

No one can tell you your chances. Have you talked to a recruiter?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-01-29T22:47:19-05:00

If you don’t get OCS in your contract up front, your chances are 0%. I recommend getting with your recruiter to get your OCS packet together. For Ranger school, I’d recommend trying to brace Infantry. It’s difficult to go to Ranger school if you branch anything else.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 30 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-01-30T09:00:17-05:00

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.

Response by SSG Dennis Ross made Jan 30 at 2021 7:39 PM

2021-01-30T19:39:47-05:00

This information maybe so dated that it is of no value: Late 60's, Vietnam and manditory draft. I suggested my brother-in-law request a direct commission into MI. He was successful once he spent OCS at Ft. Knox. Earlier I had a friend in my MI ATI class (after Basic) that went to OCS and was fortunate to allowed to return MI.

I understand that things are much different and this advice may not be valid.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 30 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-01-30T22:51:37-05:00

You need to be selected to attend OCS prior to enlistment and ensure that's part of your contract. If you don't then I guarantee you won't be able to. You will "age out" before you can even submit an OCS packet if you enlist first and try to submit a packet later. You need to graduate OCS prior to turning 34. You won't be able to submit an OCS packet until after you complete Basic Training and AIT and I can practically guarantee no commander will write you a Letter of Recommendation until you've been in their unit for at least a year and demonstrated you're worthy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2021 4:05 AM

2021-01-31T04:05:55-05:00

It's already been said multiple times. I enlisted, with a Master's degree, and the officer path took 4 years. I too enlisted because of age, but if you try and go the officer path while currently serving your administrative pathway has additional hurdles you will not have to deal with submitting an OCS packet as a civilian. Mainly, your letters of recommendation can be anyone. Obviously the more accomplished the better, but they can be anyone. If you are enlisted, you now have to navigate a chain of command of individuals that may or may not want to see your success. If you are a civilian you get to work on our packet at your pleasure and can react to additional hurdles on the spot verses having to ask permission to get time to work every action that requires a waiver, or incomplete aspect of your packet.