Officer Candidate School (OCS): United States Army - Indeed

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated February 4, 2022 | Published January 3, 2020

Updated February 4, 2022

Published January 3, 2020

The U.S. Army Officer Candidate School, or U.S. Army OCS, is the U.S. Army’s primary training program for prospective U.S. Army officers. In this article, we review the requirements for entering the U.S. Army OCS, how to apply and what to expect from the training program.

U.S. Army OCS is the U.S. Army’s training academy for officers. It is a rigorous 12-week course open to candidates who are active-duty noncommissioned officers, civilians who have a four-year college degree, contract workers like doctors and nurses and those in the U.S. Army Reserve or U.S. Army National Guard. Candidates spend three months at Fort Benning, Georgia, where they study and train before they assume command over soldiers. OCS is designed to provide a framework for a soldier’s role as a unit commander.

Before entering OCS, all candidates must complete basic training. Then they can begin their OCS tactical and leadership training. From there, the course is divided into two basic phases:

This phase focuses on basic leadership training. Candidates face a series of obstacles intended to gauge their dedication and leadership abilities. Instructors evaluate performance, attitude and aptitude as well as determination and desire to excel.

During the next six weeks, training focuses on application and performance. Candidates’ skills are tested in an 18-day training mission in the field. Learned leadership skills and applied tactical knowledge are expected to be used as candidates lead a mission. Successful completion of the assigned mission is a determining factor in finishing OCS.

At graduation, candidates are given a formal commission as U.S. Army officers and assigned a rank of second lieutenant. All graduates are expected to serve at least three years of active duty.

Related: How To Become an Officer in the U.S. Army

Qualifying to attend the U.S. Army OCS can be an extensive process that takes four months to a year to complete. All candidates must:

Be a U.S. citizen

Be a college graduate with at least a four-year degree

Be between 19 and 32 years old

Accept commission before the age of 34

Eligible for secret security clearance

There are three potential paths to qualify for U.S. Army OCS:

A civilian is not enlisted in the U.S. Army, has never been to basic training or did not complete it. As a civilian, an additional requirement for the U.S. Army OCS is a score of 110 on the general technical portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam. They must also meet height and weight requirements, be in top physical condition and pass physical examinations that require a certain number of push-ups and a timed two-mile run.

An active-duty soldier is currently serving in the U.S. Army, has an assignment or is stationed at another military base. A soldier with less than six years of active federal service must meet all ASVAB and physical requirements in addition to at least being on track to complete a bachelor’s degree within a year of enrolling in the OCS.

If English is a second language for a candidate, a score of 80 or better on the English Level Comprehension Test is required since strong communication skills are essential in good leaders. OCS requirements also dictate that there be no convictions in civil or military court. Some requirements, such as a college degree or the age limit, may be waived based on the candidate’s history and potential.

An U.S. Army Reserve soldier is one who serves part time for a specified period. As a U.S. Army Reserve soldier, qualifying for OCS training entails the same criteria as that for active-duty soldiers. Completion of advanced individual training is also required before proceeding with the U.S. Army OCS.

Here are the steps you can expect based on your current status as a civilian, active-duty noncommissioned officer, U.S. Army Reserve or member of the U.S. Army National Guard.

A private citizen will have to meet the same criteria as an active duty or reserve soldier and will be considered equally applicable. Here are the steps to apply as a civilian:

Earn a minimum score of 110 on the general section of the ASVAB.

Fill out a questionnaire (SF-86) to initiate a background check and qualify for security clearance.

Meet the physical requirements and complete a physical exam.

Complete the application, which includes information like past employment, education and transcripts and residence history.

Submit three personal references as well as criminal, medical and relevant financial records.

Provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card or proof of citizenship.

With support from their commanding officer, active-duty soldiers can begin the process from anywhere, even overseas. With this qualification, you will need to:

Gain support from your commanding officer. The commanding officer will ensure that the application moves forward to the OCS selection board.

Pass the U.S. Army physical fitness exam with a score of 60 or better.

Complete the U.S. Army individual training class.

Sit for the board review, which includes an hour-long session to write a two-page personal essay that discusses why you want to be an officer.

U.S. Army National Guard soldiers are eligible for the traditional route to OCS described above. They also may follow two additional routes.

State Officer Candidate School: The training school is held at a state’s Regional Training Institute during weekends for 16 to 18 months. Two two-week periods are also required.

National Guard Bureau Accelerated Officer Candidate School: Candidates attend an eight-week course either in the winter or summer. Location varies by state.

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