Has anyone heard of or had experience with this program? I understand that it was designed to put new LT's in field grade officer ranks for the Marine Reserve...where there was a big gap due to the requirement for AD first. Any info or insight about this program would be appreciated.
Thanks!

For the OCC-R program, you go to OCS (10 weeks), TBS (6-months), and MOS school (varies). Afterwards you will be placed in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) and do your drilling one weekend a month/ two weeks in the summer. Of course you can be deployed, thats what your for.

There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

Where are you located? You should contact an Officer Selection Office.

quote:

I understand that it was designed to put new LT's in field grade officer ranks for the Marine Reserve...

You might have misunderstood what someone was telling you. The problem right now is that many Company Grade billets are being held by Field Grade Officers because of the Active Duty requirement before going in the Reserves. This program will put Company Grade Officers (i.e., 2ndLt - Capt) in those billets by providing a track to go straight from your MOS school to a Reserve unit.

An OSO will be able to answer more detailed questions on the program. You might also want to try this website:

marineocs.com

There have been many discussions on that board regarding this program.

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

DanCross is right. Based on how you are evaluated at TBS, you get put into whatever available MOS slot there is.

The only thing you get to "pick" is what type of contract you want: Air, Law, or Ground.

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

DanCross is right. Based on how you are evaluated at TBS, you get put into whatever available MOS slot there is.

The only thing you get to "pick" is what type of contract you want: Air, Law, or Ground.

The OCC-R requirements are slightly different than AD.

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

Are you an officer or a wannabe?

Yo, Numbers boy and (I've just got to say this) Lt Dannnnnnnnn. I do believe you two need to ID yourselves. Do Not let me catch you questioning a Active duty 2nd Lt or a former Lt without proper introductions.

If you two are Officers than you should know better than I the proper protocal for Officers.

Semper Fi

John

quote:

Originally posted by GyJDIrwin:
Yo, Numbers boy and (I've just got to say this) Lt Dannnnnnnnn. I do believe you two need to ID yourselves. Do Not let me catch you questioning a Active duty 2nd Lt or a former Lt without proper introductions.

If you two are Officers than you should know better than I the proper protocal for Officers.

Semper Fi

John

OCS Candidate here reporting as ordered. Just finished JRs this past summer.

Sir, can you tell me why my screenname is all numbers?

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:
Sir, can you tell me why my screenname is all numbers?

Because apparently, you haven't chosen a screen name.

Another thing, your info about OCC-R and Danny boy's is inaccurate.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtLtUSMC:

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:
Sir, can you tell me why my screenname is all numbers?

Because apparently, you haven't chosen a screen name.

Another thing, your info about OCC-R and Danny boy's is inaccurate.

May I Lt.?

You see number's I can be addressed by many things. They include John, JD, Azzhole, Gunny, or just plain P-rick. Calling me "Sir" is right up there with the first big Sin.

These Lt's are trying to give you good information. Listen to them.

Semper Fi

John

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

DanCross is right. Based on how you are evaluated at TBS, you get put into whatever available MOS slot there is.

The only thing you get to "pick" is what type of contract you want: Air, Law, or Ground.

While I am not all knowing...I do have some experience in this area

We are talking about reserves...what you are talking about is how regular active duty officers get MOS's. You should learn to know your place (ie you are talking to a bunch of active and former Marines and Marine Officers) and to make sure you understand WHAT we are talking about. It will help you out in your career. Good luck at SR's!

Dan, things may have changed, however all my friends who were OCC-R (and all the OCC-R's I dealt with during 5 months of officer recruiting last year) were able to pick their MOS according to availability. I think they did, however, sign a contract that says ULTIMATELY it is the needs of the Marine Corps (just like everything else in the Corps). In that case, they looked at the other top 4. The Reserve officers at TBS knew what MOS they were going to get, they kept in contact with their reserve unit, some were already slated to deploy. It didn't matter their ranking at TBS whatsoever. Now, if the TBS staff determines that someone would not do well in a certain MOS (IE Combat Arms), you'll get something else. You have to really suck though. The ones that actually got rolled back in TBS, OCS, or MOS school...well they probably will lose their MOS.

Like I said, perhaps things have changed within the last year.

Semper Fi

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
While I am not all knowing...I do have some experience in this area

We are talking about reserves...what you are talking about is how regular active duty officers get MOS's. You should learn to know your place (ie you are talking to a bunch of active and former Marines and Marine Officers) and to make sure you understand WHAT we are talking about. It will help you out in your career. Good luck at SR's!

Dan, things may have changed, however all my friends who were OCC-R (and all the OCC-R's I dealt with during 5 months of officer recruiting last year) were able to pick their MOS according to availability. I think they did, however, sign a contract that says ULTIMATELY it is the needs of the Marine Corps (just like everything else in the Corps). In that case, they looked at the other top 4. The Reserve officers at TBS knew what MOS they were going to get, they kept in contact with their reserve unit, some were already slated to deploy. It didn't matter their ranking at TBS whatsoever. Now, if the TBS staff determines that someone would not do well in a certain MOS (IE Combat Arms), you'll get something else. You have to really suck though. The ones that actually got rolled back in TBS, OCS, or MOS school...well they probably will lose their MOS.

Like I said, perhaps things have changed within the last year.

Semper Fi

Sir, I'm just a little confused about the OCC-R MOS selection process. Do Reserve officers get last priority when it comes to selecting MOS? Are their requests considered after the slots are filled for those going active duty?

And thanks for the encouragement sir. I can't wait for Srs.

quote:

Originally posted by jkalder:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
While I am not all knowing...I do have some experience in this area

We are talking about reserves...what you are talking about is how regular active duty officers get MOS's. You should learn to know your place (ie you are talking to a bunch of active and former Marines and Marine Officers) and to make sure you understand WHAT we are talking about. It will help you out in your career. Good luck at SR's!

Dan, things may have changed, however all my friends who were OCC-R (and all the OCC-R's I dealt with during 5 months of officer recruiting last year) were able to pick their MOS according to availability. I think they did, however, sign a contract that says ULTIMATELY it is the needs of the Marine Corps (just like everything else in the Corps). In that case, they looked at the other top 4. The Reserve officers at TBS knew what MOS they were going to get, they kept in contact with their reserve unit, some were already slated to deploy. It didn't matter their ranking at TBS whatsoever. Now, if the TBS staff determines that someone would not do well in a certain MOS (IE Combat Arms), you'll get something else. You have to really suck though. The ones that actually got rolled back in TBS, OCS, or MOS school...well they probably will lose their MOS.

Like I said, perhaps things have changed within the last year.

Semper Fi

Sir, I'm just a little confused about the OCC-R MOS selection process. Do Reserve officers get last priority when it comes to selecting MOS? Are their requests considered after the slots are filled for those going active duty?

And thanks for the encouragement sir. I can't wait for Srs.

Ok, you should re-read my first post on this thread.

You get a list of available MOS's and Units (you get this at your OSO's office BEFORE OCS). For instance, you see H&S Company, 4th Assault Amphibian BN in Tampa Florida needs a logistics officer (0402). If that is the one you want, then you select it, then you list back ups (4 more I think).

You do all of this before OCS, it is all part of your contracting process. It has nothing to do with the complicated MOS selection process at TBS. You will show up to TBS knowing your MOS. Everyone else gets MOS's based on class ranking and what MOS's Headquarters Marine Corps says are available.

Now it is not all cut and dry, like I said before, you sign something that says you understand the Corps CAN change your MOS should the need arise, and that if you get rolled back in training, you could lose it. I also think you may have to "interview" or something with your prospective reserve unit (not quite sure though).

A couple of the ground intel guys that I went to IOC with were deemed unfit to graduate IOC by the instructors. One is now a Logistics Officer and the other is now an Adjutant. They were both OCC-R. Needless to say, their reserve units were pretty ****ed when they heard they weren't getting their ground intel zeros.

Let me ask a couple of questions if that is okay. Do you interview or screen with the units before you get selected to fill that billet? As an example could an applicant put down platoon commander in a Recon company as a choice and how does that process work out in getting that billet? Also, does location matter as long as you're willing to make the commute? I appreciate the help, I'm just checking this out at this point.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtLtUSMC:

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

Are you an officer or a wannabe?

Officer.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtLtUSMC:

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:
Sir, can you tell me why my screenname is all numbers?

Because apparently, you haven't chosen a screen name.

Another thing, your info about OCC-R and Danny boy's is inaccurate.

"Danny Boy." Hmm. That's very Professional.

So, perhaps you can square me away on where I am wrong and with what authority you are speaking; I'd love to know.

quote:

Originally posted by GyJDIrwin:
Yo, Numbers boy and (I've just got to say this) Lt Dannnnnnnnn. I do believe you two need to ID yourselves. Do Not let me catch you questioning a Active duty 2nd Lt or a former Lt without proper introductions.

If you two are Officers than you should know better than I the proper protocal for Officers.

Semper Fi

John

Well, tell you what, Guns. If there's some procedure for identifying oneself on the military.COM message boards, how about a pointer to it?

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:

quote:

Originally posted by 17164501:

quote:

Originally posted by DanCrossNYC:

quote:

Originally posted by Jagges:
There is a list available that has all the available MOS's (jobs) needed in the SMCR. Before you head to OCS, you would pick which MOS/unit that is available and appeals to you. It's really the only officer program that allows you to pick a specific MOS. You would start as a 2nd LT (Company Grade officer). Whether they put you in a Field Grade officer position, that is up to the unit. However, I doubt it.

This is not entirely correct; you do *not* "pick a specific MOS" before going to OCS/TBS/MOS school. You used to get to list five preferences, though I hear that they've done away with that and it's now handled entirely at The Basic School, but they were just that: preferences. Further, each of those five carried the same weight (ie, they weren't in order). Ultimately, OCC-R officers are subject to the needs of the Marine Corps, just like active duty officers, and the MOS will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Corps and availability in the geographical location of the officer. Nothing is guaranteed.

DanCross is right. Based on how you are evaluated at TBS, you get put into whatever available MOS slot there is.

The only thing you get to "pick" is what type of contract you want: Air, Law, or Ground.

While I am not all knowing...I do have some experience in this area

We are talking about reserves...what you are talking about is how regular active duty officers get MOS's. You should learn to know your place (ie you are talking to a bunch of active and former Marines and Marine Officers) and to make sure you understand WHAT we are talking about. It will help you out in your career. Good luck at SR's!

Dan, things may have changed, however all my friends who were OCC-R (and all the OCC-R's I dealt with during 5 months of officer recruiting last year) were able to pick their MOS according to availability. I think they did, however, sign a contract that says ULTIMATELY it is the needs of the Marine Corps (just like everything else in the Corps). In that case, they looked at the other top 4. The Reserve officers at TBS knew what MOS they were going to get, they kept in contact with their reserve unit, some were already slated to deploy. It didn't matter their ranking at TBS whatsoever. Now, if the TBS staff determines that someone would not do well in a certain MOS (IE Combat Arms), you'll get something else. You have to really suck though. The ones that actually got rolled back in TBS, OCS, or MOS school...well they probably will lose their MOS.

Like I said, perhaps things have changed within the last year.

Semper Fi

I am definitely talking about OCC-R, being an OCC-R officer who didn't get his top-choice MOS (infantry). And though I shouldn't have to defend myself here, let me preface this by saying that I didn't suck at TBS: I graduated in the top half of the top third and got good scores in military skills and tac evals, etc.

When I contracted, I got to indicate five MOS preferences on my service agreement, but they are just that: preferences. I was told that I was switched because (a) there was a higher priority fill for the MOS I did get (comm) in my geo location, (b) I had a better background for that MOS than anyone else from the NYC region who was also doing OCC-R (I was in comm on the enlisted side and work in the civilian side as a software engineer for a Really Big Internet company) and (c) I was the only guy from NYC who put down comm as one of his five choices and, if you read the OCC-R service agreement *really* closely, it turns out that all five of those choices carry equal weight, i.e., they aren't in any sort of order.

Now this may sound like sour grapes whining from a guy who didn't get what he wanted, but it's not that, really. I'm happy as a Comm-O, and at the end of TBS, I asked my SPC for a man-to-man assessment of whether he thought that I would have made a poor infantry officer and he said, "no, I just think you'll excel at this given your background." So far as I can tell, he had no reason NOT to tell me if he thought I would have made a bad grunt. So there it is, needs of the Marine Corps trump *all* else. Furthermore, since OCC-R officers fall outside of the normal MOS selection process for the active duty guys and the quality spread doesn't apply to us, it really does boil down to what's going on in your region (and the relative priority of the different MOS's available) and what your SPC says.

I've heard that they've since done away with even letting people make MOS preferences; that's not surprising, as it changed about five times while I was at TBS. OCC-R is still a relatively new program in the Marine Corps, and the kinks haven't been worked out of it yet. But certainly, nothing is guaranteed. If you do OCC-R, the dominant thing is going to be what the MOS needs in your geographic location is despite your preferences. Further, if you live on the East coast and pick an MOS for a billet with a unit on the West coast under the assumption that you can commute to drill, you should anticipate that you *will* be switched because Reserve Affairs is going to place you at a unit within 100 miles or so of home.