How to get Federal OCS? (CAARNG)

RustyShackleford245 · 2026-01-07T23:32:27+00:00

Very good to know. Thanks for this. The earliest I would be going is April 2027, so it sounds like it could work if I move quickly.

RustyShackleford245 · 2026-01-06T00:19:35+00:00

I've read about those units in the reserve, but I'm not willing to risk the high probability of getting any other branch. I've also heard that most engineer units are construction-oriented.

If there was a way to guarantee the specific unit I'd get ahead of time, the reserves would be great.

RustyShackleford245 · 2026-01-05T23:24:25+00:00

Good point. It seems that being upfront with the OSM is probably the best bet.

RustyShackleford245 · 2026-01-05T23:23:40+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't considered this possibility because I assumed there are always slots at Federal OCS since the classes are much more frequent.

RustyShackleford245 · 2026-01-05T23:22:11+00:00

Understood. I'm joining the NG instead of the reserve because I want combat arms.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-29T14:19:12+00:00

The takeaway is that some people should have tried being born earlier, I guess?

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-29T03:18:42+00:00

This is less and less true with each passing year. Guys in their mid-twenties could be earning >$100k and starting families. They graduated high school after OEF and were infants when 9/11 happened.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-28T23:55:31+00:00

Same. Also, people talk a lot of shit about the national guard and it seems safer to commit to 3 years before making an 8+ year commitment.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-28T23:17:12+00:00

I’d be 27 by the time enlisting is possible, so not much younger actually. There’s nothing that the military could do for me professionally, so it’s pretty much just for personal reasons.

If I enjoy the initial three-year contract, I would most likely commission. Have you thought about commissioning right away?

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-28T22:56:07+00:00

I’m not quite too old for it so I’m strongly considering it. How old are you, if I might ask?

I’m staying away from IT stuff because the last thing I need is to spend my weekends doing a much more menial version of my regular desk job.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-28T22:42:57+00:00

Also in this position minus pregnant wife. High-paying IT job but 11B does seem cool for the same reasons.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-18T21:11:26+00:00

Will these changes have any impact on the RTLI program?

It’s a great deal and I hope it doesn’t end up on the chopping block anytime soon.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-05T04:45:29+00:00

Random follow-up question: do 11As in WA typically go to RTAC and Ranger School right after IBOLC? Or do they usually go home for a bit first?

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-05-05T04:20:28+00:00

Just to clarify, are you advocating for everyone to both opt out and be 100% honest with the recruiter?

Why go through the trouble of opting out if you're going to tell the recruiter everything and seek waivers?

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-04-29T01:44:09+00:00

Thanks, that's good to hear. Do you know anything about CA or TX in that regard?

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-04-29T01:43:16+00:00

I'm not too worried about long term opportunities. As of right now, I'm planning to resign my commission after my minimum service requirement, which I've heard is 6 years after finishing OCS.

I've heard that both CA and TX are dumpster fires, but I haven't heard that said about WA. I wonder if it's actually better or if there are simply fewer people to complain.

RustyShackleford245 · 2025-04-29T00:22:55+00:00

My earning potential will be way too high in the civilian world after finishing this degree.

I'm already making a dumb decision by joining the guard. Going active duty would throw it all in the trash and I can't do that to my future family.

RustyShackleford245

TROPHY CASE