Meanwhile, prior service (PS) applicants may go directly to Army OCS, therefore, skipping basic training.Ĭandidates in their senior year of college may enlist in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). The Army guarantees enrollment in Officer Candidate School (OCS) for non-prior service (NPS) applicants after completing basic training. Prospective officers need to score General Technical (GT): 110 or higher on the ASVAB to stay considered for the prestigious Officer Candidate School.įurthermore, recruits need to pass the Army Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT).
The series of tests allows the military branch to assess your mental competence. The Armed Forces require that recruits arrive in shape and able to meet basic physical fitness standards.Īrmy OCS applicants must also complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) like all other recruits. The Army has basic guidelines you need to meet like proving you’re a U.S. The United States Army requires several steps to become a commissioned officer.įirst, you need to enlist in the U.S. The Army accepts enlisted members (E-4 to E-7), warrant officers, inter-service transfers, and civilian college graduates for the “OCS Option” after completing boot camp. Army is the only uniformed branch where individuals must enlist before they attend Officer Candidate School.Ĭonsequently, recruits need to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) prior to Officer Candidate School, unlike other officer training programs of the Marine Corps and Navy. Officer Candidate School adheres to the motto “Standards, No Compromise”. Army, but also the Army National Guard and Reserve. The training academy is based out of Fort Benning in Georgia.Īrmy OCS trains, assesses, and evaluates prospective commissioned officers for not only the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School lasts 12 weeks. Related Article – Platoon Size: US Army Organizational Structure How long is Army OCS? It’s not only a prestigious title within the United States Army but also invaluable once you transition into civilian life. There are many reasons why enlisted personnel and civilian college graduates consider attending Army OCS.
In short, prospective officers learn how to become leaders throughout the training. The Army focuses on teaching tactical training as well as handling emotions under intense stress. Therefore, Army OCS presents recruits with the framework to prepare and handle the important role as a unit commander. The United States Army depends on highly qualified and competent officers to make important decisions out in the field. Recruits that successfully complete Officer Candidate School receive formal commissions as U.S. The training academy is open to qualified enlisted Noncommissioned Officers along with civilians with at least a four-year college degree.Īrmy OCS lasts 3 months with a rigorous training regime. Army.Īrmy Commissioned Officers serve as managers for the military branch, planning and influencing critical decisions, as well as acting as problem-solvers for a group of enlisted soldiers. Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the primary training academy for prospective officers of the U.S.
What is Army Officer Candidate School (OCS)? The Officer Candidate School is at Fort Benning in Georgia.