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711 Views 3 Replies Latest reply: Jan 28, 2013 11:04 PM by maziar.markel RSS
PBenitez User 1 posts since
Jan 28, 2013
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 28, 2013 5:04 PM

ARMY Reserves - OCS -Psy Op

Hi,

 

I'm a 27yr old male looking to go into the reserves by way OCS and hopefully Psy Op. I have a bachelors degree in Sociology and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling.

 

I'd like some feedback on:

 

  • What are some benefits that I should ask for before signing the dotted line
    • Should I ask if they can pay my student loans
  • How should I prepare for my interview with:
    • the Unit, currently looking at the Psy Op unit in San Diego
    • The Board?
  • Bootcamp - I'm an active individual (5'9 , 200lbs) but if I do get approved and pass the board interview, what are workouts that I can do to prepare?
    • how bad is bootcamp for a 27 year old?
  • Is OCS difficult to pass?
  • Whats the life of a Officer in the reserves in Psy Op like?

 

Thanks in advance for any guidance that can be provided.

 

Pablo

  • Robato User 63 posts since
    Nov 24, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Jan 28, 2013 7:37 PM (in response to PBenitez)
    ARMY Reserves - OCS -Psy Op

    First, you will not be able to pick Psyop after OCS.  This link states that you have to be at least 1LT ==> http://www.sorbrecruiting.com/PSYOP_OFFICER.htm but I haven't any officer in Psyop who is less that Cpt and has at least one deployment.

    If I was in your shoes I would call unit you want to join and talk to them.  Since you don't have security clerance they will not give you specific information but most units are pretty friendly, as a matter of fact it is part of our job to be able to talk to people .  Officers are usually there only during drills so you will have to come over a weekend.

  • MAOakley ArmySoldier 5,706 posts since
    Jun 9, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    2. Jan 28, 2013 7:55 PM (in response to PBenitez)
    ARMY Reserves - OCS -Psy Op

    As stated, you will not be able to start off in CMF 37 as an Officer. They require experience first. You may be able to serve in a Psyops unit IF they have an openning in another position, such as MI, AG, etc. The SORB website is not quite as accurate for the Reserves, since most units will take qualified Officers and do not require selection....unless that has changed in the last 6 months. 

     

    As far as OCS, it is getting super cometitive, but still may be possible.

     

    Student Loan Repayment may not be available for the OCS enlistment option. If it is, it is capped at $20K for the Reserves. Most often, it is not offered for all enlisted MOS's and it may not be available.

     

    As far as BCT goes. It's not that bad. It is meant for people to pass. I was 28 when I went and I found it more challenging to deal with the 17/18 year olds than to actually complete the curriculum. You are over the weight limit for your height, but may be able to pass the bodyfat. OCS is can be a kick in the tail for many. Be ready to RUN. No joke. They run like crazy there. The standard is high. As far as being a PSYOP Officer.....couldn't tell you. It looks interesting, but I am still a little ways out from being able to submit for it...should I choose to.

  • maziar.markel ArmySoldier 2 posts since
    Jan 21, 2013
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. Jan 28, 2013 11:04 PM (in response to PBenitez)
    ARMY Reserves - OCS -Psy Op

    Pablo,

     

    For the 301st, the unit out of San Diego.  It's a good group, and one of the few units in USACAPOC on jump status, but as MAOakley stated we don't take 2LT's as 37's.  We even had a very, very squared away E6 who went green to gold and she had to find a different unit because we don't simply have the billets for an 01.  Not saying don't try, but I'm telling you this is not the type of place where you cut your teeth.  Instead, this unit is where an officer comes once they are already a little salty.  (Usually you see seasoned 1LT's or junior/mid grade O3's coming into the unit)          

     

    There have been exceptions over the years, and I can speak being one that was in the right at the right time and was picked up by an RC PSYOP unit after OBC, but it was rare even back in 2005 when the OPTEMPO was high and attrition was poor in CAPOC. 

     

    An example glide path for you would be to commission, get into a basic branch (As you know the reserves have service support and combat service support) No one really cares too much about your basic branch (I have seen 37A's over the years who have been everything from QM to IN and everything in between), but what will matter will be your on the job performance (Deployment experience is a big help). 

     

    Physically....look at the Army APFT Standards online http://usarmybasic.com/army-physical-fitness/apft-standards  

    Take the test and see where you are weak.  A good officer leads from the front and should score well, but since not all of us are gifted athletes some need to work harder than others. 

     

    As for the job, it's a quite different from most jobs in the RC (reserve component).  As a TPU (Troop Program Unit)  aka part time Soldier you will still have a great deal of responsibility with the unit.  Due to OPTEMPO and training requirements, you will be petty busy, and you will end up doing work on the side after hours.  Down range the job is demanding.  If you go to the Tactical Companies, your first job will be as a detachment commander, and you will be at a BCT HQ, or if you work with the Marines a MEF HQ.  Bottom line, you will have 16 Soldiers broken up into four three man teams all over the battle space and you will be squaring away plans and operations at a higher HQ.  You have to be confident and knowledgable or the BCT staff comprised of MAJ', a few LTCs, and an O6 will make you and your Soldiers life difficult. The duty is rewarding, and there are sometimes unique missions that you company may be asked to support.  Aside from the basic JRTC and NTC rotation, there are over seas missions and unique training oppurtunities.  (Be careful of recruiters who will sell you on the job.  Adventure schools like Ranger School are rarley given out. If you go to an airborne unit you will obviosuly be airborne qualified and will have the opportunity for path finder.  You will most likely not get air assault since we don;t have many slots.  Non airborne units have more air assault slots and less airborne related school seats.  Especially as a good O, you will never take the sexy schools first if they come up, but will give them first to you most deserving junior Soldiers and NCO's.  ***Watch out for officers who take more than they give***    

     

    As far as the airborne piece goes, I will tell you there are a lot of great units out there not on jump status.  Some Soldiers on jump status will try and knock their non jumping brethren, but I have had the honor of serving with both, and can tell I have seen professionals and poor Soldiers in both types of units.  If you do go airborne, you really need to be comfortable with jumping as most airborne units expect their E6 and above to be jump master qualified.         

     

    Bottom line, go to your first unit for two to three years, develop your skill as a leader, learn both the Active and Army Reserve systems, and nurture your mutual respect and understanding of your Soldiers and NCO's. (In a small unit environment you better know how to roll up your sleeves as well as delegate)

    Then call one of the PSYOP units in So-Cal for an interview, impress the commander, and get your 4256 transfer request turned in and be ready for the ride. 

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