Should i join ocs

From there, the course is divided into two basic phases:. This phase focuses on basic leadership training. Candidates face a series of obstacles intended to gauge their dedication and leadership abilities. Instructors evaluate performance, attitude and aptitude as well as determination and desire to excel. During the next six weeks, training focuses on application and performance.

Learned leadership skills and applied tactical knowledge are expected to be used as candidates lead a mission. Successful completion of the assigned mission is a determining factor in finishing OCS. At graduation, candidates are given a formal commission as U. Army officers and assigned a rank of second lieutenant. All graduates are expected to serve at least three years of active duty. Qualifying to attend the U.

Army OCS can be an extensive process that takes four months to a year to complete. All candidates must:. There are three potential paths to qualify for U. Army OCS:. A civilian is not enlisted in the U. Army, has never been to basic training or did not complete it. As a civilian, an additional requirement for the U.

They must also meet height and weight requirements, be in top physical condition and pass physical examinations that require a certain number of push-ups and a timed two-mile run. An active-duty soldier is currently serving in the U. For each branch, enlisted personnel begin their military experience with a form of boot camp. It is a strenuous introduction to military life, from the medical in-processing to the physical training to the hazing discipline.

In order to earn a commission into the United States military, officer candidates must complete an officer training program. Two options for cadets without college degrees are to attend a military academy, such as West Point or the Air Force Academy, or to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps while attending the qualified college of their choice. Academy cadets and ROTC cadets will learn about the military while completing their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Half-way through their studies, they will attend a summer boot camp, much like the enlisted boot camps except that cadets will already be expected to meet physical fitness and academic requirements. For officer candidates, boot camp is the rite of passage that will elevate cadets to the leadership fundamentals portion of their training. Once academy or ROTC cadets graduate and receive their degrees, they commission into active duty and receive orders for their first assignment, which, like enlisted personnel, will probably include a job-specific training.

A third route to becoming an officer is to complete an Officer Candidate School or Officer Training School, depending on the branch. Cadets who already have college degrees will undergo a three-month training program that includes military academics and leadership training as well as boot camp.

They are primarily responsible for carrying out military operations. Officers will have a head-start on managerial experience, commanding personnel at the mid- to senior-level corporate executive level. They hold a commission from the President of the United States, a position that comes with more authority and responsibility. Join to see the age limits, even with federal service waivers, move with accessions needs.

Being a LT is a young person's game. It is also demanding and learning the Company grade craft is taxing. If being an officer is your goal, I'd take the most direct route. If it weren't feasible or acceptable, there wouldn't be a Civilian to OCS program. I'd just say get on with it. If you have doubts, then don't.

If you enlist first, life will happen: marriage, injuries, children, mortgages, bills, deployments, overseas services, etc. My two cents. Vote up. Vote down. Join to see 3 y. Thanks appreciate the advice. I think you should go for a spot at OCS first.

Seems pretty simple but you would be shocked. You have difficulty taking responsibility for your own actions. You think running 3 miles is a break off. You have issues: personally, financially, home that will take you mentally out of the fight. You are in it for yourself. You just want to do it for the money. You quit, but especially if you quit when eyes are on you.