Dover Airman accepted into Officer Candidate School: Blue to Green Published July 7, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Abigail Wise 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Growing up in Spring Lake Park, Minn., playing Varsity soccer and being the yearbook photographer, Senior Airman Benjamin Nelson always knew he wanted to join the military. He was raised with a deep respect for the military, so as high school graduation approached he looked toward the Navy recruiting station. To be certain that this was the right path for Airman Nelson, his father requested he attend school for 2 years. After receiving an Associates Degree in Bible Study with a minor in Photography he left school and got a job working in the airline industry. One of his coworkers at the time enlisted in the Army. After visiting her at her home station in Germany, his desire to enter into the military returned. This time however, his love for planes directed him to the Air Force. "The only thing specific that pushed me toward the Air Force over other branches of service was the aircraft. I always wanted to fly, and after having worked in the airline industry for many years the Air Force was a natural choice for me," Airman Nelson said. He then did what many people do at pivotal points in their lives, which is to make a list of goals. Within his first enlistment he planned to pass basic training, finish his Bachelor's degree, and apply to become a commissioned officer. He has not only attempted but accomplished the first two of these goals and was also accepted for a commission in the Army, which he'll receive upon graduation from Officer Candidate School. But why the Army? The answer essentially lies in the needs of the service. "The U.S. Army is the largest branch and they currently have the greatest need for qualified personnel," said Airman Nelson, who knew his calling was out of the Air Force and into the Army. Officer Training School is an Air Force commissioning program. OCS allows for a cross to another branch. "I'm told the Army OCS program is equally as competitive and difficult as the Air Force's program; however, it only appears easier due to the size of the Army and frequency of selection boards. The Army has a much greater need for officers due in part to the amount of specific branches it has." He chose OCS due to the needs of the Army, and began his research. He searched online for any information on the OCS process. He finally found answers when he called up the local Army recruiter, James Jones, who not only answered his questions but also helped him immensely with the process. The majority of the procedure was handled at the headquarter level while signatures were required at the squadron level. This process typically takes between 9 and 12 months. "The process itself is quite simple on the applicants end," said Airman Nelson. "You have to build a packet with the help of your recruiter, you'll gather letters of recommendation from supervisors, commanders, and peers, take a full length photo in Full Service Dress, get copies of current security clearance, and copies of updated medical records." Once the package has been cleared by HQ, a recruiter will set up a meeting with the OCS selection board. On the day of the meeting, the applicant presents themselves before a panel of officers at the battalion headquarters and answer a series of questions. Moments after being dismissed, Airman Nelson found out he had been accepted. Airman Nelson believes that some of the reasons for his good fortune can be useful to anyone interested. He says to definitely finish school because even if an applicant doesn't make it through the process, they'll always have a degree to fall back on. Another piece of advice is to set clear, attainable goals. Airman should reach as high as they want, but make sure they have a plan to get there. Airman Nelson certainly did. Airman Nelson's Air Force recruiter once told him, "There are two types of people in this world ... doers and dreamers. Which one are you?" For more information regarding commissioning routes contact Frank DiNatale here on base.