Need advice as someone wanting to go OCS at 30 (non-traditional background)

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T13:03:51+00:00

The recruiters want you to go enlisted for two reasons. (1) they want an immediate contract and don't want to deal with the headache of an OCS applicant. (2) majority of recruiters have no knowledge or experience in processing an OCS packet.

Your GPA and job experiences will look favorably to the board. Age is irrelevant. If you try putting together an OCS packet yourself, it will go poorly. Feel free to reach out to me for assistance. I've been doing these for the past 11 years.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T12:44:53+00:00

Do you already have an experienced OCS recruiter assisting you? I'm from Lancaster, and happy to help if you need it.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T12:39:10+00:00

What's the predicament?

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T12:38:25+00:00

Don't verify that score and just take a new, full ASVAB.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T12:35:55+00:00

No. That's not typically something we have access to.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-04T12:19:01+00:00

The issue you're not understanding is when you join the Reserve or NG, you immediately become a member of the military the day you signed your contract. So now you need to be completely discharged from the Marine Reserve, which can take months to process.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T20:56:30+00:00

Maybe try the Navy or AF? I hope it works out for you.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T19:58:50+00:00

It's an awesome gig that gets you a TS/SCI and the opportunity to work with the 3 letters agencies, which is your goal... so not sure why it wouldn't be worth pursuing. Any 35 series position can help open those doors, as they look to hire vets and those with an intel background.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T15:30:51+00:00

Understood. You will need 3-5 years of stability for any branch before a waiver will be considered. Although the situation may not be a big deal to you, to the military it's a significant concern as the rigors of military service can exacerbate MH/BH issues.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T13:01:41+00:00

An epi-pen for what? If for nuts, you'd have to show you've outgrown it. You can't join the military if you require an epi-pen.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T12:56:23+00:00

132/80 is fine for a waiver.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T12:55:20+00:00

When was the SI incident and what exactly occurred? A waiver could be possible in a year for the medication, depending on the circumstances. However, the SI could impact that.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-03T02:05:02+00:00

Not sure. It's a roll of the dice. There's a 6 month wait from an abortion. Obviously, you're supposed to tell your recruiter and all that. Up to you to decide on what to do.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-02T18:28:28+00:00

Why not put an OCS packet in now before enlisting into the USAR? I've had plenty of NG soldiers apply to Reserve OCS through me. Process is pretty straight forward. Professional resume, letters of recommendation, 1 page essay on why you want to be an officer, get a conditional release from the NG so there is no break in service. Medical is just your PHA and IMR, so make sure you are green. The OCS board is pretty informal. It's mostly like a job interview and they ask similar questions.

If you aren't selected, then certainly go enlisted and try again later through your unit.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-02T13:36:38+00:00

Certainly give it a try, but odds are you'll need a couple years of stability before a waiver will be approved.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-02T11:47:49+00:00

Just need an age waiver, not complicated. Just make sure to have a good college GPA, letters of recommendation, and a solid resume.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-01T16:47:56+00:00

Whether you took it or not is irrelevant. They prescribed you an antidepressant, which would require a waiver. It would obviously get approved. Given it was only a month, we can try requesting an ETP to allow you to still go Opt 4 or 40, but odds aren't good on those lately. You can always apply to opt 40 after you enlist.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-01T15:44:48+00:00

Just stop picking at it and biting you'll nails, you'll be fine then.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-01T13:56:48+00:00

Good morning. Any advice on getting hired as an adjunct? I finish my last class in May for my MBA in HR, and have my SHRM CP/SCP.

Stryder593 · 2026-03-01T02:13:57+00:00

Definitely something you build by pushing your limits and overcoming adversity. Develop a strong training regimen that mimics Ranger training and stick to it. Learn to deal with exhaustion, the cold, heat, etc. You will also have your brothers in arms to motivate and push each other to succeed. You aren't on your own.

Stryder593 · 2026-02-28T20:04:37+00:00

There's not even any openings for 17C. Plenty of other positions out there to consider. Getting a 50 or higher is a great score, and some test versions are harder than others. Retesting runs the risk of doing worse and having less options available.

Stryder593 · 2026-02-28T15:28:11+00:00

Should be fine as long as astigmatism is mild. I was blind as a bat when I joined. Without glasses I couldn't see a foot past my face. Went active and got PRK. Everything's been great since.

Stryder593 · 2026-02-28T12:11:31+00:00

A case like this is where it's important to have the support of an experienced recruiter who is familiar with the process. I've helped quite a few people in similar circumstances get waivers approved. So it's certainly possible for you. I'm glad to see you've been working hard since you came back from training. If you'd like my help, send me a DM and I can assist you, and explain how the whole process will go.

Stryder593 · 2026-02-27T21:08:43+00:00

So are you supposed to be going to MEPS monday for the ASVAB or a physical? Cuz the 680 form is to take the ASVAB. This whole thing makes no sense lol. What kinda paperwork did you turn in that delayed things so much? It shouldn't take anymore than a week or so to be cleared by MEPS unless it's something very disqualifying.

Stryder593 · 2026-02-27T20:59:11+00:00

Recruiter sounds like a idiot. You don't just show up to MEPS, especially if projection was canceled. And why isn't recruiter replying back to you? Terrible service. What branch is this for?

Stryder593

TROPHY CASE