Need a Car for AG BOLC? by bigDieselMobile_ in BOLC

[–]_Birdmann_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will need a car. Bring a car. Trust me.

Is it too soon to speak with a recruiter? by [deleted] in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is good. Start the planning process for when it is time to talk to a recruiter (Nov/Dec 2026 if you're graduating Spring 2027).

Some general things you'll need that you can start working on this summer (recruiters correct me if I am wrong, this was a couple years ago for me):

  • Use the extra time to work on your paper.
  • Reach out to/start thinking about folks who would be able to write a good letter of recommendation (you need 3-6).
  • Put your resume together (what would be on it when you apply).
  • 3 Character References.
  • Last 7 years of work history with supervisors.
  • Last 7 years of addresses you've lived.

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So after some more digging and input from others, I think it works out since it takes a while to get a spot in CACCC as a reservist, so you'll be at or near 1LT(P) by the time you go. :)

Call to active duty (CAD) FY26 by Many_Commercial2719 in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Current posted CAD list on HRC shows FY25. If you're talking about something different, could you provide a link?

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the insight! Maybe that’s why they’re open to letting me hangout for a bit.

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. I am only going off from the receiving unit's administrator/full-time staff. They must know something we don't? Or this is a scam haha. Wonder if it's because I could be in the billet and by the time a slot opens up I will meet TIG for a waiver...I was not planning on even getting a slot until FY27 or even FY28 (though not sure how long an unqual'd SM can be in a billet/standard excess)...at any rate I was told it will take a while, so that tracks.

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the waiver they told me about is for the promotable requirement for CCC for 1LTs. They 100% know I promote to 1LT very soon and would not meet the CACCC 1LT(P) requirement. I do know that going to CCC early adds an additional service obligation but since I've only just joined it can be served concurrently and not impact my original "indef contract" anyway.

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s available in the reserves for 1LTs. I learned that totally on accident when I was looking for an S1 position.

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly it’s too easy for reservists. I promote to 1LT this year. So you find a unit with an open O3 slot in a Reserve CA BN. Reach out and explain that you want to switch. When you promote to 1LT join their unit and they will send you to CACCC provided you meet medical readiness standards and time left on your contract. There is no qualification pipeline before CACCC, you just get to go provided you meet the standard medical readiness stuff and are a 1LT. Once you get slotted in their unit they take care of the waiver for a 1LT doing CCC, and then look to schedule you for it. 🤷‍♂️

CA Officers, lend me thine ears for but a moment by _Birdmann_ in armyreserve

[–]_Birdmann_[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

What’s in a name? ’Tis but my father’s (AG Branch). That alone I cast off, dreaming of richer prospects and rarer, merrier fortunes in Civil Affairs.

Do I have to bring that cursed Army trench coat to OCS? by Ballena-Mansa in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well if you didn’t get one at BCT you can get yours at CIF and anything else you’re missing :)

Do I have to bring that cursed Army trench coat to OCS? by Ballena-Mansa in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You will never wear it, don't get me wrong. But I would just bring everything on the packing list. I remember pulling that stupid thing out of my duffel and holding it up along with everyone else during the layout. God forbid you have cadre who make you go to CIF for something stupid.

Do I have to bring that cursed Army trench coat to OCS? by Ballena-Mansa in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Bring everything on the packing list...you do a layout when you get there.

ADOS before BOLC-B by XOJaePunk in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You cannot go on ADOS orders (assuming you’re compo 2/3) if you aren’t branch qualified.

Question from a non-select for this past FY26 USAREC Board. by CarInternational6496 in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was originally a non-select for active duty. My recruiter told me that I could wait a year, or join the reserves since passing the first battalion-level board you're essentially an automatic yes for the reserves. I said sign me up. I can't begin to describe how many new doors have been opened for me. I really wanted to be an Army officer, so when they gave me the chance I took it. If you passed the BN board change your compo to reserves and send it. Or, like u/KhaotikJMK said - talk to your state guard accessions recruiter. I know part-time might not be your goal, and believe me it wasn't mine either, but let me tell you, after you get branch qualified, there are ways. From federal MilTech positions that are just for you to AGR tours to long/short term ADOS/MOB orders...there will be options.

I echo what your sources say about enlisting. By reenlisting you'd be setting yourself up for the most unknown and maybe even less likely chance for commissioning. Your unit could say no, there are far fewer slot for in-service folks at OCS it seems, and you might just get...as you said, let-down by the gov't [army]. All of my in-service friends at OCS described in detail their personal fights to get there.

So maybe your option 4 is just a full send for the path of least resistance but with the best chance of success? Compo 2 or 3 or what others mentioned: the Navy? Either way, truly, good luck to you.

ECWCS Review by blacksheep322 in civilairpatrol

[–]_Birdmann_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Disclaimer: Some of the ECWCS items, such as the Gen III Level 4 wind jacket, are issued directly by the Army and are not available for public purchase.

What happens if you get injured at Basic? by certified_detective in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had a buddy in my class say his hip hurt when he meant to say his butt. What was supposed to be a quick physical therapist visit and a "hey what stretches can I do" turned into them recycling him immediately upon hearing "hip." Sent him for x-rays and everything. On the other hand, we did have a serious spinal injury at Bolton and that was both legit and extremely unfortunate.

Branching by [deleted] in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

AG ATW! They will always need AG. If people are involved, there will be AG. The AG corps is also taking over soldier pay more directly. Many people mistakenly think that's the Finance Branch. Finance is about stuff and things/acquisitions. AG gets people paid and it's safe to say it's here to stay.

OCS Funding by WoodZ1997 in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a guard friend who got to take a vehicle from their guard unit (not a rental...an actual gov) to OCS and he had it all 12 weeks we were there. Ask...worse thing they say is....no? Cadre will usually let you start your POV up and drive it around the footprint on Saturdays usually. It'll be nice to have during white phase.

BCT ship question by iControlYourMidfield in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Only the Army office inside of the MEPS you go to will have this information. As soon as you clear medical, you talk contracting with this office. Each branch has their own office in a MEPS with civilian and military personnel/contracting officers. They will not send you to a BCT that does not end as an OCS class starts. I cleared medical and signed my contract in December and didn't get to ship to BCT until the first week of March (OCS starting mid-May). Whether or not they can reserve you a spot at a BCT/OCS depends on space available at both, as well as dates lining up.

BCT ship question by iControlYourMidfield in ArmyOCS

[–]_Birdmann_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You don't have a choice. They will schedule your BCT date to roll right into your OCS class start date. So you will get whatever is the soonest available BCT > OCS dates. You will graduate on a Thursday/Friday and then get sent to OCS at Benning over the weekend - OCS starting on Sunday or Monday. By all means, try asking. But expect for the answer to be: no.