what is officer candidate course

by Prof. Paige Cassin 6 min read

Full Answer

How long is Officer Candidate School Marines?

on How Long Is Officer Candidate School Marines? (Solved) Marine OCS is a 10-week course located in Quantico, Virginia, for future Marine Corps officers. After completing all entry requirements, future officers will learn leadership skills through educational, physical, and mental evaluations.

How to get into OCS?

Preparing For Army Officer Training

  • Categories of Officer Candidates. ...
  • Civilian College Graduate Officer Candidates. ...
  • Application Process for Officer Candidate School. ...
  • Current Military Applicants to Officer Candidate School. ...
  • Active Military Who May Apply to Officer Candidate School. ...
  • Application Process for Current Military. ...
  • About Officer Candidate School. ...

Where is Marine Officer Candidate School?

Marine OCS Guide

  1. What is Marine OCS?
  2. How Long Is Marine OCS?
  3. How Are They Evaluated? Leadership Academics Physical Fitness
  4. What Are the Responsibilities of Marine Corps Officers?

How to become an officer in the National Guard?

on How To Become National Guard Officer? All require applicants to be high school graduates, pass a medical and physical exam, and be at least 17 years old. The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., offers bachelor of science degrees in engineering and liberal arts. Graduates earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

How do you become an officer candidate?

The Paths to Becoming an OfficerAttend a senior military college or service academy.Enroll at a traditional college or university with a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) after graduating from college.Receive a direct commission after earning a professional degree.More items...

What is taught in officer candidate school?

While the type of training Officer Candidate Schools provide varies depending on the military branch, they all teach the following:Military subjects, including military history, weapons, military inspections and military law.Stress management.Leadership skills, including how to issue orders.More items...•

Who is eligible for officer candidate school?

You must be a U.S. citizen and have your bachelor's degree by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. If you're current military, you can't have more than six years of active service before joining OCS.

How long is Officer Candidate Course?

The Officer Candidate School of the United States Army is a 12-week-long program held at Fort Benning, Georgia for both prior service and non-prior service candidates. The Army is the only U.S. branch in which those with no prior military service must first attend Basic Combat Training.

What rank is an OCS candidate?

OCS candidates are administratively promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) while attending OCS. OCS candidates that are administratively eliminated or medically disqualified from OCS will be reduced in grade as determined by the Commandant, OCS.

How hard is it to go to OCS?

Categories of Officer Candidates Only about 60 percent of all those who apply are accepted for attendance at OCS. Civilian college graduate and current military candidates do not compete with each other for available OCS slots.

Do you get paid at OCS?

Candidates are paid at the pay grade of E-5 (Sergeant pay grade), “or the highest pay grade achieved if” entering… “directly from current service at a pay grade above E-5.” This means you will be paid at least as an E-5, but current Marines will not get a pay cut.

What happens if you fail OCS Army?

If you fail Army OCS you have one of two choices: You get discharged from the Army. You complete the remainder of your service agreement as an enlisted soldier.

When should I apply for OCS?

Review the requirements. You must be between the ages of 19 and 32. You also need to have a college degree and be a U.S. Citizen. You must hold a 4 year degree from an accredited college. Applicants between the ages of 32 and 34 will need a special waiver to gain entrance into OCS.

How much is the salary of a candidate soldier in the Philippines?

Candidate Soldier – P33, 327.00. Private (Enlisted Personnel) – P37, 038.00. Officer Candidate – P41, 696.00. 2LT (Call to Active Duty) – P49, 906.00.

What is OPC in Army?

Officer Preparatory Course (OPC)

How much do soldiers get paid in Philippines?

The highest salary for a Soldier in Philippines is PHP 26,000 per month. What is the lowest salary for a Soldier in Philippines? The lowest salary for a Soldier in Philippines is PHP 14,000 per month.

Is OCS like basic training?

Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) is more challenging compared to Basic Combat Training (BCT). What is this? While both training courses push you to the limits in terms of physical fitness, there is more stress on leadership qualities at OCS.

Do you get weekends off in OCS?

Do you get any time off during OCS? You will have MOST weekends or parts of them off. When you are released for the weekend you must be back by 2100 Sunday, lights out is 2200.

Is it hard to get into Navy OCS?

Attending OCS in the Navy is certainly challenging. With that said, it's a very rewarding path that has a lot of benefits on the back end of your service.

Do you get paid at OCS?

Candidates are paid at the pay grade of E-5 (Sergeant pay grade), “or the highest pay grade achieved if” entering… “directly from current service at a pay grade above E-5.” This means you will be paid at least as an E-5, but current Marines will not get a pay cut.

Do I need to complete Basic Training if I attend OCS?

Yes. Before enrolling in OCS, civilians must complete the 10-week Army Basic Combat Training or equivalent military basic skills course. Enlisted a...

What is my rank when I graduate from OCS?

At graduation, you will be given a formal commission as a U.S. Army Officer and assigned to the rank of Second Lieutenant, the lowest of the commis...

How can I make sure I’m a competitive applicant for OCS?

While civilian college graduates and current military candidates do not compete with each other for available OCS slots, the more prepared you are...

Will I get to pick any job I want after OCS?

The better you score at OCS, the better your chances are to get the job you want. After you rank your top job choices based on what the Army has av...

Can I apply for OCS as a college senior?

Yes. If you’re a college senior, you can apply early and be selected for training at OCS upon completion of your degree.

Where does Army OCS take place?

Army Officer Training School is held at Fort Benning, Georgia.

What is an officer candidate school?

What is Officer Candidate School? Officer Candidate School is the U.S. Army’s main training school for aspiring army officers. It prepares candidates mentally and physically for the challenges of life as an officer. There are separate training schools for each branch of the military based in different parts of the United States.

How many years of college do you need to become an officer?

Officer Candidate School is open to: College or university graduates with at least a four-year accredited degree and U.S. citizenship. Enlisted military service members transitioning to officer roles with no more than six years Active Federal Service.

How old do you have to be to be an OCS?

One of the Officer Candidate School requirements is that you enter active duty or ship to training by the age of 33 and accept commission before you turn 34. If you meet the requirements to become an OCS candidate, you can apply to your chosen academy. Take the following steps to enroll in Officer Candidate School:

What is OCS in the military?

Enrolling in Officer Candidate School (OCS) is one of the most common steps aspiring officers take in their military careers. OCS provides essential education and practical experience for successfully transitioning to a military officer role. In this article, we discuss how to enroll in military OCS and what you can expect from your OCS military education.

What is a second lieutenant?

Second Lieutenant for Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. Military officers can further their training in various programs. For example, Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps enter The Basic School (TBS). TBS prepares new Marine Corps officers for the essential duties and responsibilities of a rifle platoon commander.

How many years of service do you need to be a direct commission officer?

Direct Commission Officers with specialized skills or professional degrees with no more than six years Active Federal Service. A four-year degree in any discipline with strong academic performance is one of the minimum qualifications for civilians entering officer candidate school. Degrees in STEM fields are preferred.

How to contact the military recruiter?

Contact your nearest military recruiter via phone or email, or your commanding officer, if you are enlisted, for an application packet.

What is the ninth week of officer candidate school?

There's a progression of responsibility for a candidate in Officer Candidate School. And once you reach your ninth week, you become what we call a candidat e officer, where you take on responsibilities that you will see as a naval officer, so you can be the battalion commander, the regimental commander, you can be the battalion adjutant, and you will train the classes behind you so that they could be prepared to step into your roles in a couple of weeks.

What are the different types of OCS?

There are three types of people who attend OCS: 1 Graduates from a traditional four-year college or university 2 Enlisted service members transitioning into officer roles 3 Direct Commission Officers (DCOs) with specialized skills or professional degrees

How long does it take to train in OCS?

You’ll undergo training in OCS for 12 weeks to ensure you’re prepared to successfully lead others. Training will include two phases of advanced classroom instruction and on-the-ground training that you’ll complete as part of a small squad.

What is OCS training?

OCS offers the intense military tactical training you need to become an Officer, while also preparing you for careers in fields like engineering, finance, mechanics, communications, and more.

What is OCS in the Army?

Officer Candidate School (OCS) trains Army Officers. At OCS, put your college degree to use, learn important leadership skills, and prepare for a career as an Army Officer.

What rank do you get when you graduate from the Army?

At graduation, you will be given a formal commission as a U.S. Army Officer and assigned to the rank of second lieutenant, the lowest of the commissioned ranks.

How old do you have to be to be an OCS?

You must be a U.S. citizen and have your bachelor’s degree by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. If you’re current military, you can’t have more than six years of active service before joining OCS.

Do civilian college graduates compete with military candidates?

While civilian college graduates and current military candidates do not compete with each other for available OCS slots, the more prepared you are for the physically rigorous demands of OCS, the better. About 65% of OCS applicants are accepted.

Who can talk to OCS?

To learn more about OCS requirements and how to apply, civilians can talk to a recruiter, while active-duty enlisted, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers can talk to their commanding Officer.

Where was the first commissioned officer training in the Philippines?

Early training was held at Camp Tinio, Bangad, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Nichols Air Base in Pasay and Fort Bonifacio in Metro Manila.

What degree do you need to be an army officer in Korea?

The Republic of Korea Army has the highest number of officer candidates each year. All applicants must hold bachelor's degree, unless they are currently non-commissioned officers in active duty, or hold specialized certifications or licenses, such as doctors and attorneys. Most applicants will take a written exam, physical tests, and several interviews for consideration. Admitted applicants are ordered enlistment in the Army Cadet Military School in Goesan. At graduation, candidates earn a commission with the rank of Second Lieutenant .

How is OCS run?

Typically, officer candidates have already attained post-secondary education, and sometimes a Bachelor's degree, and undergo a short duration of training (not more than a year) which focuses primarily on military skills and leadership.

What is an OCS?

An officer candidate school ( OCS) is a military school which trains civilians and enlisted personnel in order for them to gain a commission as officers in the armed forces of a country. How OCS is run differs between countries and services.

When did the first female OCs graduate from the AFP?

In 1994, five female OCs belonging to AFPOCS "Balikatan" Class 12-94 graduated to become the first female officers of the AFP and were not included anymore as Women's Auxiliary Corps officers. Some Filipino officer candidates were also sent to train in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

How long does it take to train in the National Guard?

There are also Army National Guard Officer Candidate Schools that allow an Army National Guard soldier to train within the "one weekend a month, two weeks a year" training program; this is called 'Traditional', as it is the original method for the Army National Guard, and takes 18 months to complete.

Where is the Coast Guard OCS?

The Officer Candidate School of the United States Coast Guard is at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, where it has been located since August 1998. Prior to August 1998, Coast Guard OCS was located at the Coast Guard Reserve Training Center (RESTRACEN) in Yorktown, Virginia.

What are the four career paths for Marines?

As Marine Officers, we are all part of the same collective fight to advance our Nation, but it is at The Basic School that each of us sets out on one of four distinct career paths: Ground, Aviation, Law, or Cyber . Each of these paths includes a variety of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), and it is approximately at the halfway point through TBS that young officers have the opportunity to indicate their preference for MOS and geographical duty assignment. During this selection process, Marine Officers can expect:

What do you need to know before you can lead as a Marine?

Before you can lead as a Marine Officer, you must first fight to become one. At Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS), mind, body, and character are put to the test to evaluate your capabilities as both a fighter and an officer.

How many phases are there in Marines?

The arduous process of advancing from officer candidate to Officer of Marines is divided into five distinct phases, each that present distinct battles that must be overcome to continue.

What is the purpose of OCS?

The mission of Officer Candidates School (OCS) is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled and challenging environment in order to evaluate and screen individuals for the leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps ...

What is the Philippine Army Officer Candidate Course?

The Philippine Army Officer Candidate Course is one of the ways of becoming an officer in the Philippine Army. There are generally 3 ways of becoming a Philippine Army Officer. 1.

What are the requirements to become an officer candidate?

The Basic Requirements are the Following: 1. NSO Birth Certificate. 2. Transcript of Records and College Diploma. 3. Valid ID. Once admitted as an officer candidate course student, you may expect a monthly salary of 33,725 pesos.

How to become a Filipino army officer?

For those who are interested to become a Philippine Army Officer through the Officer Candidate Course, the following are the basic qualifications: 1. Must be a Filipino Citizen. 2. Must have a degree in any 4 or 5-year course. 3.

How to know if a military camp is recruiting?

The only reliable way to know if recruitment is ongoing is to call or visit the nearest military camp in your area.

How long is the Navy Officer Candidate School?

The Navy Officer Candidate School course is twelve weeks long. The training involves the goal of giving candidates the knowledge necessary to take on the expectations of a Naval officer.

What is the goal of a military candidate?

The candidate’s goal revolves around being professional and competent worthy or trust. Because of this goal, candidates participate in military training.

What grade do you get in the Navy?

While in training at the Navy Officer Candidate School, candidates are at the pay grade of E-5.

What is OCS in the Navy?

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) Guide. If you are a college graduate or currently a student and you want to serve your country as a Navy Officer, you must attend Navy Officer Candidate School. Navy officers are well-respected and educated leaders who manage the weapon systems, personnel, and ships in the Navy.

What is a staff corps?

Staff Corps. Candidates who are Staff Corps are specialists in fields of which they are already professionals. For instance, fields such as doctors, nurses, and layers, to name a few. These officers receive their commission through a five-week Officer Candidate School or ROTC or by Direct Commission.

Why is academics the focus of a graduate program?

During this phase, academics is the focus so candidates can meet the expectations of the core competencies necessary to graduate.

What is officer fundamentals?

Officer fundamentals that prepare candidates for the duties expected of a division officer.

What is an officer candidate?

A successful officer candidate is one who embraces the mission of OCS, and develops the ability to execute basic Naval officer functions that are expected upon earning a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

What is the mission of Officer Training Command Newport?

The mission of Officer Training Command Newport, Officer Candidate School is to morally, mentally, and physically develop future Leaders of Character and Competence — imbuing them with the highest ideals of Honor, Courage, and Commitment in order to serve as Professional Naval Officers worthy of special trust and confidence .

How long is OCS training?

Candidates who successfully complete training at Officer Candidate School (OCS) within the 13-week course, arrive meeting above average physical standards. Candidates who arrive at minimum physical standards will struggle to complete the school in the allotted time, and are also subject to disenrollment.

How many phases are there in OCS?

OCS is divided into four main phases, Indoctrination (INDOC), Junior Officer Candidate (JOC), Senior Officer Candidate (SOC), and Candidate Officer (Candio). Each phase presents its own unique challenges and experiences that build upon one another in order to prepare you for life as a commissioned officer.

What can I expect from Officer Candidate School?

You’ll be expected to pass the Army fitness test, Leadership Reaction Course, and Combat Water Survival Test.

How hard is Army OCS Reddit?

OCS is hard physically and mentally. It pushed you because it’s a constant grind day in and day out. Up at 0500 and you’re not down till 2200 or later and literally every minute of the day is slotted for something.

Is OCS harder than boot camp?

It was tougher than boot camp physically probably not mentally. The final event at OCS was a killer.

Is it hard to become a officer?

Being an officer is a demanding profession and becoming one can be even more challenging. Prospective officer candidates can expect early mornings, late nights and a lot of hard work. Even the best leaders are challenged to complete the pre-commissioning requirements within extremely compressed timelines.

Are there drill sergeants at OCS?

At Officer Candidates School (OCS), candidates are instructed by Drill Instructors who have already served a tour at one of the Recruit Depots. The OCS Platoon sergeant is comparable to the Senior Drill Instructor in an enlisted recruit platoon.

What GPA is needed for Navy officer?

You may also be expected to meet certain preferred requirements: GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. GPA may vary with work experience (e.g., students with a low GPA [less than 2.8] who worked their way through college will receive the same consideration as applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or greater who did not work)

Do you have to go to bootcamp before OCS?

Army Officer Candidate School Officer Candidate School is a rigorous 12-week program to determine your mental, physical and emotional potential as a leader. The Army is the only branch of the military that requires potential officers planning to attend OCS to first enlist and attend basic combat training.

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Overview

United States

In the United States Armed Forces, Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the equivalent is a training program for college graduates and non-commissioned officers, soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and coast guardsmen to earn commissions as officers. The courses generally last from six to seventeen weeks and include classroom instruction in military subjects, physical training…

Australia

Officer Cadet School of Australia – Portsea (OCS Portsea) commenced training officers for the Australian Army in 1951 and continued through to the end of 1985. Since OCS Portsea's closure in 1985, all Australian Army Officer training has been conducted at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra. During the Vietnam War, the Officer Training Unit, Scheyville was used to train and commission National Servicemen as 2nd Lieutenants between 1965 and 1972.

France

In France training for officers is at: École polytechnique, École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr, École des officiers de la gendarmerie nationale, École navale, École de l'air, École militaire interarmes, École militaire supérieure d'administration et de management and École de santé des armées.

Germany

In Germany training for officers is at:
• Offizierschule des Heeres in Dresden
• Offizierschule der Luftwaffe at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base in Fürstenfeldbruck near Munich
• Mürwik Naval School in Kiel

Philippines

In the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School was originally formed out from the defunct School for Reserve Commission or SRC that was established in the 1930s pursuant to the provisions of then Philippine Commonwealth Act Number 1, otherwise known as "The National Defense Act of the Philippines". This was created in preparation for the defens…

Singapore

In Singapore, Officer Cadet School (OCS) is a school within SAFTI Military Institute, which serves as the main center for training officers of all ranks. OCS is a tri-service institution which trains officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Unlike other countries, OCS is the only route to a commission in the SAF. Even selected cadets who hold scholarships to train in friendly service academies must complete two thirds of OCS and receive their commission before undergoing fu…

South Korea

In South Korea, Officer Candidate School (학사사관) were modeled on OCS programs of the United States Armed Forces. Qualified persons may earn a commission by passing rigorous basic combat training lasting 3 to 4 months.
The Republic of Korea Army has the highest number of officer candidates each year. All applicants must hold bachelor's degree, unless they are currently non-commissioned officers in active duty, …