OCS vs ROTC | Which Is Better?
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- ROTC or OCS is an important question to ask yourself. You need to consider training, financial benefits, ability to get the MOS you want and other opportunities. I hope this video helps!
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Notification Squad where y'all at!!!!!
dont know if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me atm you can stream all the new series on InstaFlixxer. Been binge watching with my gf during the lockdown =)
@Zachariah Roberto Definitely, been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself :)
Don’t forget about the Reserve Components OCS programs. The National Guards OCS program is approximately 13-18 months. This is in 3 phases: Phase 1 is a two week camp; Phase 2 is Drill weekends of about 10 months; Phase 3 is another 2 week camp. ( Each state typically have a few Accelerated seats for those to go the the 3 month program though.) Forgive me if this was already mentioned but there’s a lot of comments. Thanks for your quick informative videos!
Hey Matt Ward, I'm a really big fan of your videos. You have really helped me concrete my decision of going into the army. I enlisted back in January. I report to MEPS this Monday and ship to fort Jackson the next day. Thank you for the videos sir.
Appreciate it man, good luck!
Also, OCS junior officers are rated as 2x more effective than West Point grads, and 4x more effective than ROTC grads.
Is that so....why?
@@larrykrepp7428 The OCS officers are more determined to join the military and in most cases serve longer than rotc cadets and service academy grads. Even though Service academies, Rotc scholarships are more competitive than Ocs. Some people when they get rejected from service academies and rotc they give up on going to the military. For example if a high school student gets rejected from a service academy or rotc, but then finishes college and goes to Ocs, that person is more determined to go. A lot of service academy graduates don't serve after their 5 year contract is over.
What's your sources?
How come ocs is rated higher? You know that west point acceptance is less than 10%?
@@legendary_eman that doesn't explain the claim that the "OCS officers are 2x, 4x more effective". The officer is not the program and the program is not the officer. One reason a lot of ROTC cadets don't stay in is probably because they were using the ROTC scholarship to pay for their education. Whether or not these people exist, has no bearing on the skills of the others commissioned.
I'm hittin ROTC. I didn't want to go to West Point because I felt like I should enjoy a more relaxed college experience before I go into the Army for a long time. My goal is Army Chief of Staff.
Great goal, just focus on one thing at a time though.. haha
Matt Ward Thanks, man. It's gonna happen tho.
@@seankim9143 I'm enlisted now. And I don't wanna do that anymore 😂
@@wutdahayyyyllll bruh
@@scoop765 ?
Accelerated OCS is mostly physical! If you don’t want to get hazed for weeks go a different route trust me I did it! Good luck future leaders “LEADERS NEVER QUIT...QUITTERS NEVER LEAD!”
I’d rather go the OCS route. But that’s just me.
Sketchers Kid Gaming same
Especially when ROTC absolutely conflicts with classes critical to your major and minor, OCS is the best route.
True but isn't it harder to get into ocs for like the air Force compared to just doing ROTC ?
Flash v4 Not necessarily, for the Air Force OTS is very competitive but if you have the right criteria they are looking for then you have a good chance of getting accepted. Also I'm pretty sure prior service will help your application.
Kuch Nasty facts.
Signing up for my scholarship this Friday! Doing the ROTC!
So...?
Roberto Sanchez let him be happy
ROTC products tend to have better doctrinal knowledge but struggle a little more with the leadership traits whereas OCS products tend to be the opposite. I went to ocs and always felt like the doctrine fell second to the basic troop leading procedures. OCS also tends to be physically harder and more “red phase” than how cadets are treated.
Idk, I had three hours of PT on top of three classes a day, plus the working out and homework. Some people only had 2 hours, but we were doing different things PT wise.
@@jpisback individual results may vary
@@jakeledg I can agree with that. We had a couple marines in ROTC that said they wished BC was like this, but they were studs anyway.
That’s a 218th Patch on that board behind you, that’s my unit! Wherever my country calls!
Thank you so much Matt! This perfectly answers my comment from the previous video. Very informative.
Thank you Matt your videos help a lot!!
Great overview! It would also be interesting to share the difference between ROTC and Academy experiences, in terms of being a soldier / scholar. E.g. Time management can be more difficult for ROTC students because the entire university isn't configured to support the military focus. And, ROTC Cadets often must travel between multiple universities to participate in ROTC activities.
Can’t wait to start i ship September 14 at fort lost in the woods😁
K Quinn whats your mos?
Kylie Butts 31B
K Quinn nice
How’s it going
@@kingxquinn11 ha! Military Police in the house! Sup from 428th
As a 1969 OCS graduate at Benning School For Boys, we would do a lot of classroom training in the vicinity of ROTC recent grads there for the Infantry officer basic course I assume. As OCS candidates, we had to always look strack in our uniforms while the ROTC grads weren't held to the same standards and a lot of them appeared slovenly and unkempt. We'd get a big laugh at their appearance.
I started off ROTC and then decided OCS was the best route. I ship January 22nd for BCT.
Chasing your dreams?
Can't believe in 5 days 🎉 fort Jackson July 30th
Gowasu good luck!!
Kylie Butts thanks!
Good luck!
Matt Ward thanks Matt! 😀
Dude!!! Same. See you there maybe
I did a semester of Rotc and left cause I realized I wanted to be in the Marines, overall it's good if you have no other commitments, it takes up a lot of time and depending on your leadership it will be a good experience I enjoyed it even though it was short
I assume ROTC is also better for if you want to compete for an Active-Duty slot over a Reserve slot? Thank you.
Heads up to anyone going officer, going OCS the Army doesn't offer any signing bonuses. (At least they didn't up until May of this year) So to pay off your college debt is all on you personally vs ROTC which can offer scholarships as Matt said.
Food for thought if you're deciding
machaxx93 the Army offers a Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $65,000) it's not difficult to qualify for. If you have not attended your broad yet for OCS I recommend speaking with your recruiter about the program.
Josh Lemus this is true, however for me personally I didn't go for that after seeing how my paycheck would cover my pay back of loans and discussing it with my cousin who is herself an Army Captain involved in that very program.
My boards were in June, I ship in January. Delay entry to Benning. What whattttt
machaxx93 is that true what about military junior college
Brandon Sparks as for Army pay back I couldn't say. As far as delayed entry that's senior at most so you're a tad early to go the route I'm in. You might be able to pull some ROTC magic idk. But otherwise yeah, you're like me paycheck for loans in OCS or loan pay back as a senior or later.
Personally I'm in my last semester of college.
Brandon Sparks sorry I'm not more knowledgeable
Leonardwood in 18 days, im pumped and cant wait !
I'm at OCS right now. If anyone has any questions, ask me!
Taylor McCracken now is ocs treating you ?
I have a ton man, please answer! No one is answering me.
1. Do you need prior military experience for OCS?
2. If I get accepted to OCS and pass the course, am I 100% guaranteed to receive the rank of an officer? In other words, could they say "Hey so, we don't have any more spots.. sorry."
3. Lets say, I have a great GPA in college, great ASVAB score, and did amazing on the PT, do i have a good chance of landing the job I want? I want to be a MP, but people are telling me MP officers are very hard to get. I really want to be an MP or Marine Security Force. ( Yeh I wanna join the Marines, but even if you're in the Army, Im sure the answers are the same )
Taylor McCracken get I’m in if I get Bs but I want another BS in nurse I’m elegible?
@@benjaminmonessa9224 1. No, the only main requirements is a Bachelor's degree. Things that increase your chances: Good academic standing, no criminal records, maximum PT score, good letters of rec. Prior military experience does not affect your application process.
2. Yes, you are 100% guaranteed to commission if you pass the course. The army only selects the amount of people it needs, then they send them to OCS. In other words, spots are filled during the interview/application process and once you get in, you're 100% guaranteed commission unless you fail or quit.
3. That depends on your performance and evaluation during OCS. Good academic standing and PT scores help you get in, but you still have to prove that you are a good leader while in OCS. You will be put under stressful leadership roles and graded by officers. Then you'll be ranked among your peers and that will determine your chances of landing the job you want.
Yes. The eligibility of becoming a Star were the biggest Guidelines that difference of OCS West Point even Promotion Grade. Yes a Fast Track. It's been updated recently but the ROTC in mindset same training but of composite of OCS and Yes That of Course To reach the Rank of Colonels. Yes Boards of Colonels and the Board SGM. CSM.
Join the Nation Guard, get your degree and an enlisted MOS along with some time under your belt, then go to OCS and you choose your Branch, not the military. Prior enlisted make the best Officers in my opinion. Enlisted as a High School Jr, Basic and AIT after graduation, College on the GI Bill and then Fort Benning OSC Class 5-85 with a guaranteed slot in the Corp of Engineers.
Question, I have already completed my associates degree and want to go the ROTC route. I plan on taking the required classes to then achieve my Bachelors degree. Is it possible to complete the ROTC program in two years without being prior service?
I had a full ride rotc scholarship and went through my first semester this past fall. I didn’t like the ROTC route, my dad is a retired (enlisted) ranger. I’ve decided to finish my bachelor’s degree and enlist in an option 40 11x (ranger contract) and then go to OCS after spending time in Ranger Batt.
How was RASP
@@kroganoperator just signed my contract yesterday at meps. DEP leaving in December, graduating college a week before I ship.
@@justinmebes476 Best of Luck
Could you try and make a video of the SMP? I think you would be able to explain it pretty well, at least.
Hey Matt, love your videos and keep up the good work!
I think it would be great for you to maybe make a video on AMEDD and their direct commission options as well as programs such as HPSP and CPIP!
I'm nearly done with my direct commission journey and I had the hardest time finding resources to help me. I believe a prominent UA-cam content provider, such as yourself, producing such content would be very beneficial to those who may be researching this rarely talked about commissioning option.
So rotc is better to get than ocs for 17A? What about for 25A?
ROTC Stipend is a flat rate now regardless of military science level. A little longer process than just going to OCS than you make it out to be.
Nice video and thanks for the info
If you didn't get any scholarship to attend ROTC then you have to pay it yourself. While OCS it free of charge (room and board, food, and clothing.) after 4 years of college.
Matt, in the Army, do officers first have to go through enlisted basic training before going to officer training? They don't in the Air Force. They go straight to officer training. In my opinion, EVERYONE should have to go through enlisted basic first, except maybe medical officers and chaplains. I was prior-enlisted Air Force before I commissioned, and I feel that going through enlisted basic first really gave me an edge. I feel that I would have missed so much without it. I'm so proud to have experienced both. Do drill sergeants treat the future officers differently at all?
Julie Flowers . How long were you in the service before you commissioned?
Stephen George 6 years enlisted.
You also got ROTC for Army at the University of Hawaii also for Air Force as well
Glad i hit that bell!
As a current G2G dude, I should have gone to OCS (AD or Guard I do not care at this point). if you plan on doing G2G just brace yourself for a culture shock, they think they know what the Military is like. But, in reality it's a twisted mentality they perceive from movies and video games.
Thanks for this. Good to know
Matt, or anyone that can give me an answer, I’m a sophomore in college at a community college in my area at the moment, but the following year, as a junior, I plan to go to a university and I want to do Army ROTC, where I’ll have two years of college left upon arrival at the university. How does that process work? How to do I get into ROTC before my junior year? Do I have to go to basic the sophomore junior year summer and then LDAC -or whatever it’s called now- the next summer? Is it even possible to get into ROTC before my junior year? How do I apply? P.S. my current community college doesn’t have ROTC.
Contact the ROTC cadre at your future university now!!!! Do not wait any longer, the sooner the better.
If you do ROTC, when do you find out what branch you’ll receive? (Like the fall of your senior year? Spring of your senior year? Right during college graduation?) thanks!
Peter Eaglebass it’s typically released the Fall of your senior year/MS4 year
If you’re not in college, you enlist with the reserves and wants to to ROTC, does it count like prior service or something ? Do you have to do 4 years of ROTC or only 2 ?
If you have a bachelor's and want to do your masters they sent you to basic camp first? How do you get sent to basic camp once you get the scholarship?
Good day sir, I was wondering if there is any way to steal 20 mins of your time on a call. I am currently at OCS and urgently need advice. Sort of out of my element and definitely need the guidance from someone with years of experience in the Army.
If I went the 2 year ROTC route, would I still be able to attend a fun school like pathfinder or jump school? If I went to OCS, I wouldn’t be able to attend one of those schools, correct?
I'm i a bit of an odd situation. I am in a program where I get my associates and diploma out of high school and attend a local college for no cost to attain my bachelors. I was planning on attending UTA's ROTC program, as it is one of the colleges also paired with my program, but would my current situation hinder any of the process? That is my main worry over all of this and I can't seem to find a video covering this information.
What if you were a prior enlisted NCO and want to go to ROTC once your contract is up, Could I use my GI Bill as an ROTC Cadet?
Someone be honest with me, through OCS specifically, how many slots are usually given out for infantry or any combat arms role
Headed to OCS late fall.
Oh man id love your take on split ops whether you're doing it in college or high school. I did it the summer between my junior and senior year and I don't regret my decision but I've noticed a good majority of the 17 year olds is them being immature. Idk if you went to basic with them but if you did let us know
Matt I wondering if you can share some info on things like officer route with 75th ranger regiment and special forces? And how likely you can go from enlistment to officer in SOF. Please and thank you.
What if you go for your graduate degree ? Would it still be 2 years ?
Feel like you forgot SMC's
I started ROTC but I al ready have a degree, I am planing doing ocs, can you give me any advice ?
I am enlisted and I am planing to get AFQT and get 110 more, then see when I can ship
Is their a enlisted to officer program? I graduated a bachelors degree in nursing this year and Im planning to join the army next year after i take my board exam. Love your videos man. Salute!
Sean Pacuno Green to Gold
Thats ocs. You could also directly commission as a nurse.
CSP option for ROTC and West Point also allows either 1) Branch of choice 2) duty assignment of choice or 3) grad school paid for
Well damn I didn't actually know that officers don't directly choose their MOS. When you say that some MOS' have more open slots than others, do you know where you can find out such info? I am specifically inquiring about 42B Human Resources Officer MOS.
That one is probably ok. But if you dig around on the internet you can see the allocations for different slots. So for me, signal Officer there is like 400 slots. Whereas others may have 150-200. But it varies slightly every year.
Matt Ward appreciate the response!
If you start in the National Guard and decide to do ROTC or OCS for a different branch, other than getting a conditional release if you get accepted, how hard is it to switch branches? I'm starting as an airman but I started with Army ROTC and I always preferred to be more on the ground.
Did you ever find out?
I just finished meps today, I sweared in and now am 13bravo w/ airborne. What is the best tip you can give before i ship off aug 28? to fort jackson
Crypto For me personally, I wish I had known what drill & ceremony was to be a squad leader from the start, but in reality every experience is different. It was a really fun 2 months for me, but read about the new "Forge" which is your last FTX for Jackson. I didn't prepare whatsoever and I did well graduating without anything missed or failed and a 287 PT score. (14:50 2 mile baby!!!) Just ENJOY IT and don't lose your passion for why you joined! :-) and lock your damn locker. P.s. if you really want more info I'm more than willing to tell you my experience.
Thanks for the information! yeah I cant wait to go, im most scared of failing thats all because im known for failing or quiting things so if I get through basic I will be insanly happy for actually sticking it out
Crypto for sure! don't quit and give up training rights or take too many sick hall days. I was scared to fail and letting my family down. they stayed my motivation and i never went to sick hall in fear of missing too much. just pass your pt test 60 's, complete vic tower, qual on your weapon and just listen to your drill sergeants. too easy!
Crypto message my Instagram @/sriracha.sab if you wanna know the details I just went through last august and I went back in april to work for the Reception BN :)
Hey cool I’m a 13J, just finished my BCT at Fort Jackson a month ago! Small world haha
Where do thinks like armor or engineering fall in branch competitiveness?
What if you go to boot camp and AIT before freshman year college and then join ROTC? How long would it take to become an officer?
2 years. You can talk to the rotc recruiter Cadre and he'll tell you that you can possibly be allowed to start as a MS3 if you are a junior in college
Im just worried if i should enlisted first cuz my goal its be a great officer... i was thinking if join the guard cuz has combat branches than the reserve doesnt have... But i heard than if you in the guard and youre a cadet, they wouldnt let you go active... it someone its clarify me i would be gratefull... the other would be join ROTC but without prior services experience and idk if thats something bad...
Which branch is better for my chance to get into aviation. The marine recruiter told me the marines is my best chance, is that true.
Of course he said that, but I would say no that's not true. But that's just me. "Best Chance" is really just up to how packed your resume/packet/oml is
Navy or Airforce
Organic Oregano navy or sirforce
Organic Oregano
Go navy or chairforce
What if you’re a transfer student going into your junior year?
Hey Matt 👋 have you done a video on Warrant officers ?
Let the Games Begin!!
So what if you went to basic and ait before joining rotc as a freshman?
Do a video on your favorite movie military officers like Major Payne and Major winters.
If you drop out of OCS for personal reasons, will it Bar you from attending Rotc in the future for grad school?
No
If u are prior service does ur ASVAB score matter to get contracted for ROTC
Yusif Kimeisua If you have already ETS'd then it should not
Can I still do ROTC in college even if I'm enlisted and don't want to be an officer?
Yes
Don’t forget the early commission program.
The Über Driver Junior Military college early commissioning program Marion Military College is a good one to go to if anybody need any help with it you can contact me
So I’m looking at enlisting and eventually I’m looking at either doing rotc or warrant officer school and I was wondering which one might be a better choice
Robo legends of you want to lead soldiers: officer route
If you wanna get paid to do whatever you want and be known as the best at your skill: warrant route
cadre tell me that you cannot join during your senior year and finish during grad school.
Hi there! I’m aspiring to be a JAG Attorney. My ROTC explained my situation (and probably yours). For branches that require a grad degree, you will apply for an educational delay. If granted, you will be placed on IRR (individual ready reserve) while you go to school and then commission upon receiving your degree. In my situation, I will be able to compete for a JAG Corps spot once I take my bar.
@@aaliyahkissick Thank you for your input and good luck with rotc and with law school!
Can we choose to go active or reserve in ocs or it depends on open slots
You choose which one you want to apply for.
ROTC - Green to Gold ADO
Hey does anyone know what a 25 u signal system specialist does n what a typical day is like
RebelSandGaming Nobody knows
25 u is the generic signal soldier honestly, you would learn a lot of different trades but not be the best at a single one, and an depending where you go an everything day thing for them would be working on anything with electricity sadly, from coffee makers to radios, mostly because no one at least on the combat side knows what to do with you
Hey Matt! Thanks so much for the time you put into this channel. My brother is at Ft Benning BCT now and he watched your videos before he left. I am comforted knowing that they definitely helped him. Since he left, your channel has become my new obsession because I have wanted to know everything and anything about his journey so I could understand and tailor my letters to what he is going through. I have gained SO much knowledge from your videos and am sincerely so thankful. I know this is a longshot as you have so many followers and probably so many requests. Any chance you would be willing to write a motivational letter to my brother? He is struggling with his run and push ups - even though he did prepare before going to BCT. He does not have any letters coming from anyone who actually knows what he is going through and he really does not have any positive male role models in his life. I have been writing him every day but I am trying to get letters from people who could offer a different perspective and different encouragement than I can. I totally understand if you get asked this a ton and if it is an unfeasible request, but I figured there was no harm in asking! Thanks so much.
How to prepare an Ocs package that is likely to be accepted
ROTC officer here cadet captain migayle ocuaman 2nd class Philippine army
Aquaman
Philippines otc is not equal like in U.S. after graduate in advance they became 2dlt. While in Philippines you stills training in potc
@Mart -EL yea
A part of me wants to enlist but also be an officer. So I guess I’ll do OCS. But I wouldn’t not try applying for rotc.
Just enlist in the guard get your degrees and commission best way in my eyes go in as an O-1E rather than plain O-1
What can I do if I want to join the military, and I want also to finish college?
Carlos Martinez Garcia go guard then transfer to active after you're done with school
Do you want to be an officer in the Army and continue serving after college for at least 5 years? Do ROTC
Do you want to be done with military after graduation and have no interest in becoming an officer? Do Guard.
Does anyone have any sources on slots for schools like airborne at different rotc programs?
Jimmy Russels its all about funding honestly
Can you do both OCS and ROTC?
Layback Studios you can only do one unless you decide to leave one or other.
Now remember rotc is 2 to 4 years OCS is 12 weeks you already have your bachelor degree.
Good video bro
Are you In the reservse or active duty
Matt is a Reservist.
What about 35P CI??
How hard do you think it would be to get an 11 Alpha slot?
It's actually pretty difficult for that. But it's not the hardest one
Ah ok. Thank you for the answer. I plan to enlist under an 11X contract with an option 40 in it. I'm gonna try and finish schooling while active duty and then request to go to OCS
Robert Moore seems pretty tough lol. You're gonna be real busy w an option 40. Good luck to ya. First goal is to check availability. The army doesnt just give away those type of contracts. I had a few kids at meps who were real salty they didn't get a ranger contract so be prepared if it isnt available.
I can wait as long as I need haha
If you go to OCS infantry (or an Infantry branch detail if you're not as concerned about your follow on branch) were pretty plentiful. I don't think there are many who want infantry who don't get it.
Going to Accelerated this Friday, pray for me
god bless
Anybody in high school you try to get in the West Point is like going to Harvard. It is the official Officer school of the United States Army.
I’m going to be a Junior in college, would I have to go to OCS or just tell my rotc recruiter, that I am going for my masters.
It’s been 4 years now. How’s life going?
Ik what ROTC is but what on earth does OCS stand for?
daimien paquette officer candidate School
Do national guard officer get to pick their mos.
It’s dependent on what type of units that are within your acceptable range to commute to drill and what Officer openings they may have.
+Jeff Klosterman ok thanks
Hey Matt, just want to say that this is an awesome video - thanks for making it! One thing I wanted to ask about is the notion of attending the enlisted basic training before OCS. I've been looking at different options for commissioning for a while and the one thing that has kind of put me off from the Army is that those going into OCS without any prior service must go through the enlisted basic before heading to their OSC class where other services don't do this. Not that I would have anything against the idea of going through more training, but with the reputation of military recruiters in general mixed with uncertainties about the progression between the two trainings, I'd be far too paranoid that I'd somehow get stuck as an enlisted soldier. That and the fact that my preferred MOS (46A) is a Functional Area rather than a Basic Branch has led my choice to between the Navy and Air Force.
I am currently in this exact position! As someone who already received their Bachelors and is set on going to graduate school, which route (graduate school ROTC vs state OCS for ARNG) would you suggest in order to maximize benefits? Do you think it makes more sense to do full time school and ROTC together or full time school and then OCS one weekend a month?
OCS sounds easier to me. in ROTC there’s so many more things you have to worry about
West Point Cadets do not automatically get their first choice.
I like rotc I’ll come back to once I get my degree but I hear OCS is really good but highly competitive
Brandon Sparks It's really not conpetatuve to get accepted. its Competative to get the job you want.
Brandon Robinson thank you sir I will keep that in my mind also Brandon do you know anything about early commissioning and how to apply for HPSP
Brandon Sparks I do not know about early comissioning, sorry.
Brandon Robinson oh okay thanks tho
Brandon Robinson okay you but one more question do we get to pick active or reserve or r u given active or reserve
Hi Matt,
If possible, could you rank the Officer branches from most competitive to least competitive? I'm currently applying for OCS and that information would be greatly appreciated. I understand it'll be slightly subjective but I value your opinion!
Thanks!
One of the one's people want most is MI and AV. The one least liked would be Chem.
How do I go airborn while in ROTC
Max your pt test and be a good cadet. Go above and beyond and Excel in your leadership positions. Also be like able to your cadre and other cadets. But there are very few slots.
I chose my branch. Essayons! BTW OCS is better.
My dream is to go to a Military Academy like West Point.
Cheesestar start applying yourself in high school man and you'll turn that dream into a reality
Reach for the stars ⭐️