what is the officer candidate course

by Dr. Isom Maggio 8 min read

Cadet Officer Candidate Course

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Apr 4 2022

Full Answer

How long is Officer Candidate School Marines?

May 15, 2015 · Officer Candidate Course (OCC) The purposes of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) are twofold: first, to train the Officer Corps for the next school year and second to identify cadets to be promoted to various positions in the Corps of Cadets. Throughout OCC, candidates are evaluated on a number of performance objectives: Leadership. Discipline.

How to get into OCS?

Officer Candidate School Officer Candidate School (OCS) — also known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force, or the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) in the United States Marine Corps — prepares recruits for the challenges of officer life, from managing others to understanding military culture and law.

Where is Marine Officer Candidate School?

Aug 23, 2021 · Officer Candidate School Learn to lead in any situation at OCS. Put your college degree to use, learn important leadership skills, and prepare for a career as an Army Officer. Pursue the Path of Officer Candidate School OCS is one of four paths to become a commissioned Officer in the Army.

How to become an officer in the National Guard?

Apr 14, 2021 · The Navy Officer Candidate School is a demanding 13-week course. After fulfilling all requirements for the Navy and as an officer, you can apply for Officer Candidate School. The Navy OSC is very competitive, and many applicants plan ahead to ensure their application stands out from the rest.

How do you become an officer candidate?

Attend 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.

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 is the purpose of Officer Candidate School?

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 ...

What happens at Officer Candidate School?

Officer Candidate School is a 13-week course located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. Navy OCS prepares you to assume the responsibilities of a naval officer and helps you develop to your fullest potential. It includes academic training, memorization and military and physical fitness training.Jan 7, 2022

What is OPC in army?

"Officer Preparatory Course (OPC)"

What rank is after officer school?

second lieutenantWhat 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 commissioned ranks.Aug 23, 2021

Is Officer Candidate School Hard?

OCS hopefuls are challenged from day one physically, mentally and emotionally. 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.Jul 27, 2016

How hard is officer training?

The Air Force Officer Training School is small as it commissions fewer officers every year compared to the Air Force Academy and AFROTC. Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally.Aug 2, 2020

Do Marines attend Annapolis?

Becoming a Marine at USNA During your time at the Naval Academy you have the opportunity to participate in programs that will provide further exposure to the Marine Corps. You will learn about the Marine Corps' mission during your second class summer while on PROTRAMID.

Do officers go to basic training?

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.Jan 7, 2022

Do officer candidates go to bootcamp?

Commissioned officers are not required to attend boot camp. To receive a commission as an officer, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. You will still be required to attend officer training to learn Navy values and the leadership skills you will need as an officer overseeing enlisted sailors.

Is OCS like boot camp?

The way I've explained it is that the *externalities* of OCS really resemble Boot, but the underlying concept is totally different. Boot is trying to get everyone through, OCS is willing to cut 30-50% of candidates.Aug 9, 2018

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.

Is Navy OCS hard?

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 s...

How competitive is Navy OCS?

Becoming an officer in the Navy means that you need a good GPA, solid A's and B's in science and math courses, and be an over well adjusted / well...

How long is OCS in the Navy?

The Navy OCS course is a 13 week program that challenges not only your physical toughness, but also mental toughness.

Where will I be stationed after OCS?

Where you will be based is based on a number of factors. If you joined to become a pilot, you will likely be stationed in Pensacola, FL. If you joi...

What is an officer candidate school?

Officer Candidate School is one of the four ways by which an applicant can become an officer in the Navy. The type of candidate that would go to Officer Candidate School would be one that did not go to the Naval Academy, did not go to ROTC, but still desires to be an officer.

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

What is OCS in Singapore?

Like the other schools on SAFTI MI, OCS is a tri-service institution which trains officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. A great deal of symbolism exists within the SAFTI MI complex to remind officers and aspiring officers of the tri-service nature of the Singapore Armed Forces.

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.

When did OCS Portsea close?

Since OCS Portsea's closure in 1985, all Australian Army Officer training has been conducted at the Royal Military College, ...

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.

How long is OCS?

The courses generally last from six to seventeen weeks and include classroom instruction in military subjects, physical training, and leadership.

Pursue the Path of Officer Candidate School

OCS is one of four paths to become a commissioned Officer in the Army.

Training Designed to Help You Excel

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.

Requirements to Join 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.

National Guard Offers Other Paths to Officership

Army National Guard Soldiers can take the traditional route to OCS as described above, but they also have the opportunity to explore two different paths. One is by attending State Officer Candidate School that takes place on the weekends for 16-18 months, or the National Guard Bureau Accelerated Officer Candidate School, an eight-week course.

Common Questions About Officer Candidate School

Yes. Before enrolling in OCS, civilians must complete the 10-week Army Basic Combat Training or equivalent military basic skills course. Enlisted and Army Reserve Soldiers enrolling in OCS would have already completed the course.

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.

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 age do you have to be to join the Navy?

Navy OCS Basic Requirements. To join the Navy, all members must meet some basic expectations: For instance, members must be between the age of 17 to 39. Also, to enlist, you must be a U.S citizen or have a permanent resident visa or green card with a residence and a home of record in the United States.

What is the first phase of a college degree?

Phase 1. The focus of the first phase, which is the first three weeks, is the introduction of candidates to the profession by focusing on discipline, detail, and the creation of a unit. During this time, candidates receive uniforms and learn an overview of the course expectations.

What is a limited duty officer?

Limited Duty Officers. A Limited Duty Officer is typically a former enlisted member of the Navy who have enough training and experience in their field. Also, a degree is not necessary to be a Limited Duty Officer, but there are limitations to the duty area of which they are experienced. 6.

What is the Navy Officer?

Navy officers are well-respected and educated leaders who manage the weapon systems, personnel, and ships in the Navy. The path to becoming a Navy Officer includes attending Navy Officer Candidate School. Continue reading for your guide to the Navy OCS.

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 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.

What is OCS in the Army?

Historically, OCS has provided the means by which the U.S . Army could generate large numbers of junior officers during periods of increasing personnel requirements, typically during wars. Prior to 1973, OCS was branch-specific, at one time there being eight separate schools; by 1968, the Army had consolidated OCS. Candidates being commissioned in the combat support branches were sent to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and would be trained as Combat Engineer Officers. Upon graduation, they would be commissioned in their assigned branch and sent to an officer's basic course. Candidates being commissioned in the combat arms branches would be sent to Infantry OCS at Fort Benning, Georgia or possibly Artillery OCS at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. At that time, OCS consisted of twenty-two weeks of classroom and field training. The Vietnam war brought a significant expansion of the program. In 1973, OCS was made branch immaterial and was consolidated into two courses taught at Ft. Benning, and another at Fort McClellan, Alabama for female officer candidates; the course length was reduced to 14-weeks. In 1976, the OCS at Ft. Benning integrated female candidates and became the only OCS left in the active Army, with the closure of the WAC School. The term "90-day wonders", both as a pejorative and term of affection, has been intermittently applied to junior officers commissioned through OCS since World War II.

What was the name of the army unit that was re-opened in 1951?

With the outbreak of the Korean War, and the Army's rapid expansion in response, the shortage of on-hand officers, and projected commissions, caused the Department of the Army to re-open Infantry OCS at Ft. Benning on 18 February 1951.

What is the USAOCSAA?

The United States Army Officer Candidate Schools Alumni Association (USAOCSAA) : is the alumni association for the United States Army Officer Candidate Schools (OCS) past, present, and future regardless of location and includes Army National Guard OCS . It is incorporated in the State of Georgia as a 501 C (19) not for profit, war veterans organization. It is led by 13 directors, all graduates, 5 of which form the executive committee. The executive committee is led by the president and chief executive officer, who acts as the executive director. The current president and chief executive officer is Colonel (Ret.) Frank L Harman III.

What is the age range for OCS?

These include having at least 90 credits from an accredited college, approval from the Officer Candidate School board, and falling in the age range of 18 to 41 years.

What is General Bradley's role in OCS?

Bradley emphasized rigorous training, strict discipline and efficient organization. These tenets remain the base values of today's Officer Candidate School.

What is the best way to become an army commissioned officer?

Completing OCS is one of several ways of becoming a U.S. Army commissioned officer. The other methods are: Graduation from the United States Military Academy (USMA) or any of the other U.S. federal service academies.

What was the first formal experiment with integration?

Officer Candidate School was the Army's first formal experiment with integration. Black and white candidates shared officer's quarters, with bunkmates assigned alphabetically, regardless of their race, and all of the candidates trained together.

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.

What is the life of a cadet officer?

The cadet officer’s life includes a structured regimen of physical fitness, military science and tactics, leadership development, academics, martial arts, water skills training and management of the UP Corps of Cadets.

What is COCC in college?

This POI covers subjects for the Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC) to be taken by aspiring cadets during the regular semesters. The course is divided into 2 phases, the academic and on-the-job phase. The COCC for the first semester of the academic year includes the NSTP Common Module while the COCC for the second semesters do not.

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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 Schoolwas 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 academiesmust 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 officersin active duty, …