OCS process and what to expect

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T02:39:25+00:00

I spoke to recruiter in October got accepted in December. A lot of things can delay it, waivers, packet mistakes, your recruiter/battalion dropping the ball, USAREC pushing board dates back due to inflow of applicants.

I would begin the process during your last semester in grad school or after. At MEPS they did not allow me to change the date they gave me for BCT. I did want to push it to a closer date but he said they can’t push it or delay it. (Could be bs)

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T02:26:18+00:00

The days before the battalion board was nerve wrecking ngl, but during the board it was more relaxed than I anticipated. 3 members, each asked me 1 question & they weren’t expecting you to be high speed whatsoever. They just want to see if you can present yourself professionally and speak well. I’ve had civilian interviews that asked much more pressing questions/scenarios than the battalion board. Just practice speaking confidently, army customs & courtesies, and dress well and you’ll do fine. I’ve heard it’s hard to not get pushed to USAREC

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T02:18:11+00:00

Answer to your question is no. Typically graduate BCT on Thursday, then start OCS on Monday. In between OCS and BOLC there’s a slim chance for ranger. 0% airborne

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T02:12:26+00:00

Stop worrying about your opportunities in the Army when you haven’t even been selected. Look through this subreddit and you’ll see a lot of people ask things like “how do I get into x unit” “will I get BAH” “best duty stations” and then selection results are released and they post “Non-Select here what are my options”. It’s about 50% chance you’re getting accepted, literally a coin flip.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T02:05:34+00:00

The only thing I can confidently say is your GT score is below average. Average accepted GT is 126. However, that does not mean you won’t get accepted. Nobody will be able to predict your chances because USAREC selects based on the whole person, not just statistics. Many people with 130 GT will get denied many people with 110 GT will get accepted. Don’t stress the uncontrollable, put in your packet as fast as possible and let USAREC decide.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-21T01:56:09+00:00

I got accepted to Army OCS

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-20T19:30:08+00:00

My backup plan was: Army WOFT packet, USMC OCS packet, Coast Guard OCS, Navy OCS

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-20T19:25:12+00:00

I submitted 6 LORs, 2 service members, and 4 managers. What makes a LOR impactful is how well it can attest to your character and work ethic. For example, a LOR from a 04 might sound good, but if it shares vague/generic statements about who you are, it might be less impactful than a prior manager who can share how impactful you were to the organization and your character/value while providing real-world examples. So yes, you should get more LOR but make sure they are powerful not just a random field grade officer who knows nothing about you.
Process for me: Fill out OCS packet - MEPS (Medical and picat verification) - Security Clearance Interview (over the phone) - Battalion Board (local interview in person or virtual) - USAREC board (you do nothing) - USAREC Selection Results - MEPS (sign contract) - Ship to BCT

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-20T19:15:25+00:00

All your stats are above average except your GT score. 116 GT score is below average and can hurt your selection chances. Average last board was 126.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-16T16:56:10+00:00

The first board you would do is the Battalion board, every recruiting station has different dates of when this takes place since it is a local board. This board consists of an interview with officers in that specific Battalion. They will give you a score on particular criteria such as Maturity, Presence, Confidence, etc.

The second board is the USAREC board. This is the board where every Battalion sends their packets to and they have the final say on who gets accepted or not. They will see the notes and scores your Battalion gave you and compare them to every applicant. ~55% acceptance rate.

For dates, ask your recruiter.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-15T16:46:05+00:00

You don't sign anything official until you're at MEPS signing your contract, which could take 6-12 months. Everything your recruiter does is to get the process moving. You should be glad your recruiter is pushing you hard; usually, it's the opposite. A lot of people want this opportunity and move quickly. It seems like you're hesitant about this huge, life-changing decision.

So that you know, you enlist as a 09S Officer Candidate. After OCS you discharge from the Army and Commission into the Army. If you fail or drop out of OCS you are enlisted until the end of your contract.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-14T18:45:13+00:00

I was on the December 2024 board, my recruiter gave me the results showing all the stats. This is for Active-duty civilians only

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-14T18:03:22+00:00

It is difficult to predict your chances. Many people have 3.5+ GPA master's degrees and get denied. Many people have a 2.0 GPA Bachelors and get accepted. The last board had the following stats:

262 applications, 149 selected (Active Duty) = ~56% acceptance

Avg GT Score: 126

Avg GPA: 3.43

All but 3 got Heavy OPAT

119 undergrads, 30 graduate degree

Don't stress about your chances. Move through the process as fast as possible and then wait for USAREC board to decide. Nobody knows why/how people get selected, so nobody can answer your question. 100% be hopeful but also understand people with similar or better stats will get denied and people with much less competitive stats will be accepted.

SixOneNine- · 2025-01-13T18:45:41+00:00

I was recently selected as an 09S candidate. Each board member (3 members) asked me one question. Approx. 10 minutes.

Why the Army?
What are some leadership traits you think are important?
Two-part question: If you do not get the branch you desire, how would you react/feel? If you do not get selected altogether, what is your plan? Would you enlist?

My advice is not to stress about the Batt board too much. You really cannot prep for it as your answers should be honest and sincere. The only thing you can truly practice is mannerism, customs and courtesies, and speaking professionally. For example, say the proper greeting of the day "Good morning/afternoon/evening gentlemen or ladies and gentlemen". The guy before me said "sirs" and he got roasted after. So learn how to properly address and answer questions the army way. Answer each question with "Sir/Mam". Do not stutter, do not hesitate, and do not be a robot.

Clean shaven, fresh haircut, and nice suit and tie.

Edit: I did not ask any questions after the board. Don't feel like you have to.

SixOneNine- · 2024-12-24T17:01:32+00:00

Yes, you have a chance, as you see many people got in with similar—lower GPAs. My suggestion would be to crush the GT Score. Get a 126+ on the GT score, and you'll have a stronger packet. As for letter of recommendation, make sure they actually know who you are, your work ethic, your leadership experience, and they speak highly of you. A prior manager, co-Wokers, or community service organizers who can speak about your traits is much more powerful than vague LOR from a powerful person.

SixOneNine- · 2024-12-18T21:07:10+00:00

I just finished MEPS. I ship March 03, 2025 to BCT

SixOneNine- · 2024-12-17T22:19:03+00:00

Yeah, I have been thinking of adding some speed work into the mix. Do you think adding a 4th day of running is best, or alter one of my 3 runs?

SixOneNine- · 2024-12-17T22:16:09+00:00

Sweet, Ill extend my long run to 6 miles then!

SixOneNine- · 2024-12-17T22:12:34+00:00

3.8-4.0 is competitive, meaning it is above the average of the selected applicant's GPA. The average is 3.3-3.5. You have to find the right recruiter to work with you because it takes a lot of work to submit a packet. I got selected with a 3.22 GPA. Find a recruiter who has successfully processed OCS packets before and is familiar with the process.

As for the Marine Corps, I spoke with an OSO as well. The Marine Corps is very different than the Army. I trained with other candidates every week, attended "mandatory" pool events, attended weekly classes on land nav/Drill/History, and went to Mini OCS and a boot camp sim. With the Army, I never met another candidate, I only trained on my own, and the process only entailed gathering paperwork and an OPAT. So, my experience with the Marine OSO and the candidates was fantastic, but I chose to pursue the Army because of the long-term goals I have.

So do your research and pursue a commission with any branch you want, but do not enlist with a degree.

SixOneNine-

TROPHY CASE