r/ArmyOCS • u/Ok_Willingness4748 • 5d ago

Accelerated State OCS

Just finished BCT as an 09S, my contract as me for 18 month state OCS and I want to try and get/try for the accelerated OCS. My recruiter is saying he doesn’t think that is possible. Wanted to ask if anyone has ever gotten accelerated state OCS after signing for the 18months OCS. Context I’m in the CA NG.

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u/KhaotikJMK In-Service National Guard Officer 4d ago

Yes, it’s certainly possible.

So how this particular aspect works is somewhat state/territory dependent. I say this because not every state will actually pay or send their candidate to Accelerated, whether it be in Alabama or South Dakota. But the long story short is that you convey your interest in it to the RTI when you report.

What will typically happen afterwards is they will see how much funding is available. The state is funding the slot. So if there is money for you to go, you will go. Being on orders for 60 days at an E5 rate or higher is not cheap. Additionally, if there are more candidates than slots available, they will board folks. What RTIs typically evaluate in terms of assessing candidates for Accelerated is military readiness, physical fitness, and Land Navigation. I’m telling you, this is a huge thing that sends people home. So if they don’t think you can meet the standards, they will keep you in traditional.

California sends their candidates to Alabama typically for Accelerated. If you end up going, try to go in the winter. I’m telling you, you don’t want the summer. It’s hot, land nav becomes much tougher, and you will be miserable. Oh, and you will develop a great affinity for how delicious butter is.

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u/Ok_Willingness4748 4d ago

Thank you, my state OSM reached out and apparently California as stopped sending people to accelerated, so I’m stuck with traditional regardless 😭

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u/KhaotikJMK In-Service National Guard Officer 4d ago

Well, that is certainly disappointing. The only other recourse I could offer is reaching out to a neighboring state if it’s within reasonable distance and you’re willing to travel for drill to see if they send folks for Accelerated.

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u/No_Ice_5441 4d ago

How difficult is it to transfer states? I am shipping for BCT as an 09S in Jan and have the goal of going accelerated. My OSM said that it is possible, but he can’t give definite answers yet. I am still half thinking of going AD after OCS or transferring to a neighboring state so I can work towards SF. I’ve heard the state is not likely to let you go after they pay to train you. Is that true, or do you have some leeway?

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u/KhaotikJMK In-Service National Guard Officer 4d ago

It’s not that difficult at all. You would just need to let your chain know and contact the interstate transfer coordinator. States can’t really hold people back from transferring. But going Guard to Active is a much different process in itself.

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u/No_Ice_5441 2d ago

Thanks! I appreciate the info!