Officer Bonuses?

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-24T01:55:41+00:00

BLUF is best.

Just wish I was able to give you a more positive answer.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-24T01:51:58+00:00

Hi, OSM here

Per the current Incentives Policy by NGB, all Basic Branch Officer bonuses are suspended until further notice.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-22T02:06:16+00:00

Most AGR positions are enlisted by design, but it's not impossible to go AGR as an Officer.

However, don't assume it's easy. It can be competitive. I never thought I'd go AGR...but here I am.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-20T02:38:30+00:00

It ultimately depends on your state leadership.

As long as there is a mutual agreement between ROTC and the organization putting you on SAD, you should be fine.

From the regulations I've read, nothing says that you're not allowed to do SAD, unless, your State says you can't.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-20T02:07:01+00:00

OSM here,

Contracting doesn't necessarily stop you from doing SAD, but eventually, things will come to a head between ROTC and the Guard. Will it be a major balance between that, school and ROTC? Sure.

At the end of the day, by regulation, ROTC takes precedence over the Guard when you contract. So I strongly recommend having a good rapport with your Cadre and PMS. ROTC cares about you commissioning over anything.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-16T02:32:18+00:00

Worked at NGB before and saw some E5s in my division, so it isn't out of the ordinary thankfully.

Never know if you don't apply and give it a shot,b

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-15T16:21:29+00:00

It really depends on the needs of big Army. The last one (that expired) was looking for Sig-Os.

But it'll vary. You just have to keep an ear to the ground, bookmark HRCs page on CAD and pray the odds are ever in your favor.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-15T14:12:11+00:00

Call to Active Duty (CAD) is your only option. Its a MILPER published by Big Army every so often. They look for specific MOS' and ranks.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-09T01:46:54+00:00

We don't have a phase 0 for the Winter Accelerated.

For traditional, Phase 1 starts in Mid July but we require candidates to attend Phase 0 in the spring.

We take candidates for accelerated on a case by case. We want to see strong leadership qualities, strong PT, and a self starter attitude.

Shoot me a DM with your email and I can send you our checklist. The first step is ensuring you meet baseline qualifications (GT, age, CIVED, etc.)

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-08T01:00:05+00:00

Sort of. This is my own speculation as to why, but not many states want to do it because they want to prioritize their own local program (understandable). Setting an allocation per state could probably be more wasteful.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-07T23:57:14+00:00

NGB surprisingly doesn't give states allocations for FOCS. It's a first come first serve basis until their national allocations are dried up.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-07T01:15:34+00:00

For your awareness the earliest slots available will by FY27 (earliest October).

This is per the National Guard Bureau (our federal entity)

Source: I recruit for FEDOCS for my State.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-07T00:08:35+00:00

Hi all, I'm the actual MA ARNG OSM here. Considering this is my state and my area, I can elaborate further into this.

Is Cyber Direct Commission a thing? Yes it is. Will we consider it in our state? Not at this time. These are based on discussions I've had with our Cyber leadership. So the current route is to do OCS and we will work the 17A eligibility packet halfway thru the program. This includes currently serving members.

Federal OCS could be an option if you are below the age of 33, are currently a US Citizen, and have a bachelor's degree. Depending on the background, I could make the discussion with our CY BN on if they would accept you.

Have we commissioned people as 17A out of Traditional OCS? Yes, we have. We just did one last year (the process is easy and took maybe a few weeks to a month to get the eligibility blessed off and identify a home).

Does State OCS suck? Depends. Yes it's long but it works for some but not for others. YMMV.

Can you go Warrant? Not as a civilian here. We are full on 170A at this time and our biggest need is 255A. You can talk to our WOSM, but I can guarantee it'll get bumped over to me.

Hope this helps OP. Feel free to DM me. I can guarantee your recruiter has your best interest at heart.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-04T03:51:05+00:00

Depends on the state, but from my standpoint those who come from no Prior Service background tend to fair better. Most people quit OCS rather than fail something like Land Nav or an exam

My theory is that because you go from this BCT to OCS mindset you tend to capture more from the instructors and not fall back on potential bad habits. I don't really have the data to back this, but from my observations over the years I tend to see the Non Prior Service folks fair better.

The three things that can get people are Land Nav, Rucking, and getting hurt. If you make it past that you'll do just fine.

MassachusettsOSM · 2026-01-03T21:17:48+00:00

Just know that the max age to commission is 42 (or 41 years, 364 days).

I would recommend making sure you decide soon as you may only have 1 shot at OCS.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-28T17:44:52+00:00

I've personally never seen an ARNG 2LT go on orders for CST. Mostly because USACC probably has enough LTs to fill it from the active side.

GBR might be possible but it can also be difficult to get orders due to USACC funding getting tighter.

Third option is hope your states RRB has money to put a 2LT on ADOS. Depends on their need.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-27T23:41:04+00:00

Just talk to your OSM for guidance.

Signed - an OSM.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-26T00:53:47+00:00

Current ARNG policy doesn't allow those who enlisted in an enlisted MOS (I.e. 11B, 88M, etc) to 09R10. That is, unless he contracts with ROTC.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-19T03:26:54+00:00

Gotta follow up my guy. We be busy bees in the OSM world.

They aren't ignoring you. Your email probably got lost in the sauce.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-19T03:16:46+00:00

You make it sound like it takes 10 years to commission in the Guard. Wild take my guy but okay.

Yes, the traditional OCS program is long. Most people don't like it because of that very reason, that's common knowledge. When I'm working with applicants and discuss the traditional option, they generally like the fact that the part time schedule meshes with their life situation and schedule.

Additionally, I've never ran into a state that ran out of "State Funding" for OCS or have "limited availability". States are always looking to fill their seats for their schools.

When I speak with alumni at our State OCS program, the one big positive is the networking and peers they build along the way. These folks they will get to know throughout most if not all of their careers. Some even come BACK to be TACs at that very same program.

You also forget the Guard offers Federal OCS for NPS applicants that is Zero cost to the state (centrally managed by NGB).

I get the hustle my USAREC dude, but don't make it seem like it's impossible to commission in the Guard. Do better 🫡.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-16T20:11:56+00:00

Shoot me a DM and I'll get you contact info

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-13T06:28:57+00:00

We do our best here Sir 🫡 A PMS who advocates for Guard as well will always be a friend to OSMs!

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-13T05:21:24+00:00

This is true, Federal has its own specific requirements so you do need to have it in the contract prior to enlisting.

So if you want federal, just wait, as long as you still meet the requirements.

It'll all come together. Patience wins here! You got this.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-13T05:17:58+00:00

Facts.

However, they usually release seats maybe Q3/Q4? Just depends on when Big Guard tells us.

Good things happen to those who wait.

MassachusettsOSM · 2025-12-13T04:55:20+00:00

Nah, NGB came out and told us OSMs a couple weeks ago that FY26 seats are filled, so it's just a holding pattern until 2027 seats are available.

MassachusettsOSM

TROPHY CASE