OCS (Army)

Warhead

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May 12, 2018
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How hard is it to get into OCS? Also what would my chances be to become a 31a from OCS? Is the position of 31a competitive like the medical mos’ are? And is military police considered to be a combat branch?
 
Don't know about OCS or 31A.

There are three categories of branches: Combat, Combat Support, and Combat Service Support. Military Police is a Combat Support branch
 
Warhead,

I mean this with kindness, but how old are you? Are you a senior in HS looking into ROTC or a junior in college?
 
I’m looking into ROTC I have medical issues so I’m looking into OCS to become 31a. I’m a senior in HS.
 
I’m looking into ROTC I have medical issues so I’m looking into OCS to become 31a. I’m a senior in HS.

OCS has the same medical qualification requirements, you would still need to go through the Dodmerb process. What ever issues you have with medical regarding ROTC will be the same issues with OCS. The only plus would be that you could be off the meds for a longer time before applying to OCS.
 
Ok so is OCS hard to get into and what would be the probability of me getting the job I want if I do good in OCS? I know it is based also on the needs of the Army.
 
Warhead,

Get your medical health in order first. You are putting the cart before the horse in many ways.
1. Medically
2. Academics/education
~ Can't go OCS without a college degree
 
Ok so is OCS hard to get into and what would be the probability of me getting the job I want if I do good in OCS? I know it is based also on the needs of the Army.

ROTC is easy to get into. You just join. Of course getting a scholarship is competitive. But stick to ROTC, get good grades, excel at academics & athletics. Never be late or absent from ROTC classes or events. Stand out. Maybe you'll get that scholarship and a commission. Active duty is not a guarantee but at least a Reserve/National Guard commission is.

OCS is harder, but from my son's experience not terribly difficult. He had a bachelor's degree almost in hand (senior year), 3.8 GPA, no college athletics but he was in good shape and run 3 miles in 19 minutes. Had some unorthodox "leadership" skills, i.e. work, had his own rock band (more like John Lennon than Ringo Starr), organized a charity group, etc. Army wants officers who can LEAD.

When Army is short of officers from West Point & ROTC, getting OCS is pretty easy. When West Point & ROTC have plentiful numbers, OCS has fewer classes & candidates. It differs year-to-year.

Becoming a US Army officer isn't easy, but it's not like applying to Harvard or MIT. It is within reach.

However, that being said, getting to be an officer in your preferred branch is hard. US Army wants officers, but they largely send you where they need you. Enlisted personnel can enlist with a specific branch in their contract. Not so for officers.
 
had his own rock band (more like John Lennon than Ringo Starr)
You risk not being understood by the OP with this simile. I knew I was getting old many years ago when my son walked in the room and said, "Dad, did you know Paul McCartney was in another band before he formed Wings?" :D
 
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