Question:
Getting into Army OCS and Active Duty?
2018-06-14 02:16:02 UTC
24 year old male, I just recently graduated from University of Illinois Chicago with a Masters of Science in Accounting. I also have my Bachelors of Science in Accounting from UIC as well. My undergraduate GPA was 3.2 and my masters GPA was 3.62. I should hopefully get my CPA license by the end of the year. I did a Tax Internship with a CPA firm and got the full time position which I start in October. Unfortunately, I wasn't involved in any extra-curricular activities during college and don't have any tangible leadership experience. I'm planning to work as a Tax Associate for about 2 years before I apply for OCS. I'm wondering what my chances are of getting Active Duty without tangible leadership experience or extra-curriculars. Lastly, my top 3 branch choices are MI, MP, and Infantry. How competitive are those branches? Thanks.
Six answers:
Mark B
2018-06-15 19:39:16 UTC
Your chances of getting active duty are 100%. Once on active duty, your chances of getting into OCS are probably 60/40 or a bit better. If you go through active duty OCS, you WILL be an officer on active duty. Your chances of getting finance are slim which is MUCH better than most officers since it is the smallest branch.



MI is VERY selective and is one of the 4 most selective branches. You would have a 1 in 1,000 chance or less of getting MI. MP is much less selective. If you request it, you will probably get it. Infantry is usually at the top of the 2nd tier for competitiveness. You will get a LOT of academy graduates going Infantry. It is also the largest branch. Usually, Infantry will only take officers who put it as their #1 or #2 choice. Coming from OCS, it would depend on your course standing. If you aren't in the top 25% of your OCS class, don't expect to get Infantry.



If you plan to work for 2 years before going into the military, you will be in danger of ageing out of being OCS eligible. Most of the time, you need to be in a few years before you can realistically apply to OCS with recommendations from your commander and others. That will give you the "leadership" experience, but starting your military career as a 26 year old and planning to become an officer, doesn't make a lot of sense.



With a Masters Degree, you would be better off checking into the Reserves and going for a direct commission. That means you start out immediately as an officer. You would have a reasonable shot going that route and looking at AG (Adjutant General), Finance, and Civil Affairs. Civil Affairs was working a program for a while to accept people with Masters Degrees directly.
calisurfergirl43
2018-06-14 20:29:35 UTC
Finance is the way to go Army, Navy Air Force
Mrsjvb
2018-06-14 03:03:16 UTC
You have no hope at all without leadership positions. And your undergrad GPA sucks. The graduate degree will not be factored in.



Not even sure you have a shot at Finance
Spock (rhp)
2018-06-14 03:00:15 UTC
you NEED to see a recruiter asap. by the time you think you're ready, it seems you'll likely be too old to be accepted for the military
?
2018-06-14 02:57:00 UTC
What makes you think the Army needs accountants in the infantry or MP's?
jeeper_peeper321
2018-06-14 02:44:40 UTC
very competitive



you'll most likely get pushed into finance


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