Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I 36 and unmarried and am planning on joining the army.  I haven't taken the ASVAB yet but scored well on the simplified test the recruiter uses.  I have enough college credits for an AA and plan to finish up my bachelor's while on active duty.

Do you think (considering how little time I would be in the service) there is a reasonable chance of being accepted into the OCS after enlisting?  This would include the need for an age waiver (I've read that it is possible even up to 39 years of age).

What can I do to improve my chances?


ANSWER: Dear Mark --

If you are a highly qualified candidate, you can earn a waiver for your age up to age 42.  Since you are 36 and close to the currently authorized maximum age of commissioning, your age waiver is likely to be approved.  

To improve your chances, do extremely well on the ASVAB, be very physically fit, have no record of arrest or misconduct, and complete at least your Associates degree (bachelors degree would be better).

If you are a high quality candidate, you might qualify for a "guaranteed" slot at OCS after completing Basic Training.  Such a slot is still predicated upon highly successful completion of basic training.  Any misconduct during initial training will cause you to lose your OCS billet.

Currently the Army has met its recruiting goals.  If you want the best offers, you might want to wait until the new fiscal year, 1 October 2009, before attempting to enlist.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for that information.

When I was in my early 20s I racked up credit card debt that I stopped paying and ended up being charged off and assumed by collection agencies.  The debt has since become uncollectible due to a statute of limitations.
Also in my 20s I received 2 speeding tickets in excess of 100mph and my license was suspended for a few months after the first ticket.

Do you think these misconducts would be severe enough to exclude me from the OCS?

Answer
Dear Mark --

Unless this pattern of reckless behavior continued past your early twenties, you can probably still earn an OCS billet.  Your chance at an OCS billet will be predicated upon whether you can show you are no longer reckless and fiscally irresponsible.  

To be an officer you must be able to earn a secret security clearance, and the behavior you displayed in your twenties would indicate you are a danger to yourself and prone to endangering others both of which are grounds for denying a clearance application.  You will have to be able to demonstrate that you are no longer a risk either fiscally or physically.

Good luck to you.