Become a leader in the world's most powerful Army
Officer Candidate School is an enlistment option for those looking to become a commissioned officer. Commissioned officers in the National Guard are responsible for leading and training enlisted soldiers, planning missions, and organizing the internal and external affairs. Officers are entrusted with the welfare, morale and professional development of the soldiers under their command.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) allows college educated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be commissioned as officers. Through classroom instruction and training exercises, candidates learn to become leaders.
In the National Guard, you have three options for attending OCS - State, Accelerated, and Federal. These options differ in their eligibility criteria, training location, and length of training, and availability of training. By enlisting as an OCS Candidate you will enlist with the MOS of O9S and attend Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) prior to beginning your OCS training.
State OCS is conducted part-time. State OCS candidates train one weekend per month, for 18 months, to complete their OCS school. These training weekends are conducted at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In addition to the monthly drill training weekends, State OCS candidates attend a yearly two week training block in South Dakota, which happens in the summertime. Candidates enlist as an E-4, and are paid at E-5 rate once in the OCS program.
Accelerated OCS is conducted full-time. Accelerated OCS candidates attend 8 weeks of training in South Dakota or Alabama. Accelerated OCS is offered every summer and winter. Candidates enlist as an E-4, and are paid at E-5 rate once in the OCS program.
Federal OCS is conducted full time. Federal OCS candidates attend 12 weeks of training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Federal OCS candidates enlist as an E-4, and are paid at E-5 rate once in the OCS program.
The Army National Guard depends on strong leaders: its commissioned officers. Rising through the ranks, commissioned officers become managers and problem-solvers. They maintain a commitment to excellence, make critical decisions, lead every mission and guide Army Soldiers by the thousands.