Questions About OCS Program

[scott78]

Hello:

I have researched the Guard forums and site regarding the State OCS program and have a few questions. I am 36 years old, live and work in eastern Tennessee, and meet the educational requirements to apply for OCS.

Because of my age, I will need a waiver. What are my chances of receiving one?

I am a former FBI SA and completed training (16 weeks) at the FBI academy, Quantico. Would the ARNG recognize my previous training in lieu of Basic training? I think the answer to this question is no but I had to ask.

Is BOLC II and III a continuous span of time? I've read in the forums that it is 4-6 months in duration. I am married with three children (one in the Guard) so extended time away from home and work is something I need to weigh before making a decision.

Where is the RTI for Tennessee? Would I drill at my local ARNG unit up to basic, then at the RTI after entering the OCS program?

Where can I find a listing of career paths for ARNG officers? Do they mirror the enlisted paths? I would like to see what is out there. Two areas I am interested in are Infantry and Communications.

Thanks,

Scott

[matthew.ritchie]

1. If all you need is an age waiver, then you should have no problem getting one. If you have a dozen things wrong including age, then I'd be worried.
2. The Army recognizes the basic training of all military service components. Since the FBI isn't military, then the answer to your specific question is NO.
3. BOLC II/III is generally a single stretch of time -- get it over with, don't prolong it, because this sort of thing never gets any more convenient with the passage of time. Even if you enlist today, BOLC is about two years in the future, so you have some time to prepare yourself and your family. It'll be hard, but they'll manage. Just think of all the tens of thousands of other people who have done this before you. Somehow they managed.
4. Check out www.branchorientation.com for some info on Army officer branches. The site is designed for ROTC cadets going to the active component, but it is generally useful. Infantry is a big branch; Signal is small, and best suited for people with high tech civilian jobs.

Feel free to contact me directly if you want to talk this through.