STATE OCS
Where: Your state's Regional Training Institute (RTI)
When: Weekends only— one weekend a month for 16 to 18 months along with 4 weeks broken into 2 week periods.
Become An Officer
Your path to leadership starts here.
BECOME AN OFFICER IN THE ILLINOIS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Ready to take the lead? Becoming an officer in the Illinois Army National Guard gives you the opportunity to lead Soldiers, develop professionally, and serve communities across Illinois while building your military and civilian career.
There are multiple paths to earning a commission or becoming a Warrant Officer. Explore each option to find the path that fits your experience, education, and goals.
FIND THE PATH THAT SPEAKS TO YOU
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Your leadership journey starts here. Explore opportunities to challenge yourself, develop your potential, and make a difference as an Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard.
-
RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS (ROTC)
Earn your college degree while developing the leadership skills needed to become an Army Officer. ROTC provides a pathway for eligible Soldiers to earn a commission while pursuing their education.
-
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS)
Already have a degree or working toward completing one? OCS prepares qualified candidates for the responsibility of leading Soldiers through leadership development, military training, and practical experience.
-
WARRANT OFFICER
Turn your experience into expertise. Warrant Officers are highly skilled technical professionals who specialize in specific career fields. For qualified Soldiers, the Warrant Officer path provides an opportunity to become a subject-matter expert while continuing to lead.
-
DIRECT COMMISSION
Certain professionals may qualify to serve as Army Officers based on their civilian education, credentials, and professional experience. Direct Commission opportunities are available in select career fields and have specific eligibility requirements.
NGB ACCELERATED OCS
Where: School locations vary by season and state
When: Eight weeks straight, seven days a week, winter or summer session
FEDERAL OCS
Where: Fort Moore, GA
When: 14 weeks, with courses offered year-round
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ROTC?
General Eligibility: Meet the Army National Guard's general enlistment and eligibility standards for 09R
Education: Be accepted into a college/ university offering Army ROTC or a participating feeder program and maintain full-time enrollment
Academic Standards: Maintain the academic requirements established by your ROTC program and remain eligible for commissioning
Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen
Medical & Moral Standards: Meet all required medical, physical, and moral qualifications
ROTC Training: Successfully complete all required ROTC training including Advanced Camp, typically attended between your junior and senior year
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OCS?
General Eligibility: Meet the Army National Guard's general enlistment and eligibility standards
Education: Have completed at least 90 college credits toward a degree from an accredited institution before you begin training
Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen
Medical & Moral Standards: Meet all required medical, physical, and moral qualifications
Age Requirement: Enlist in the Illinois Army National Guard by your 35th birthday and complete the commissioning process by your 42nd birthday
Aptitude Requirement: Achieve a minimum General Technical (GT) score of 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
INTERESTED IN FEDERAL OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS)?
*You must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution*
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WARRANT OFFICER?
General Eligibility: Meet the Army National Guard's general enlistment and eligibility standards
Education: Must posses a high school diploma or GED
Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen
Medical & Moral Standards: Meet all required medical, physical, and moral qualifications. Pass an appointment physical (Chapter 2, AR 40-501, or Class 1A flight physical)
Security Clearance: Meet the eligibility requirements for at least an Interim Secret Security Clearance. Certain specialties may require additional clearance qualifications
Military Experience: Must hold the rank of Sergeant (E-5) or above. Must have 12 months or more remaining on enlistment contract
Age Requirements: Age limitations vary by specialty. Technical applicants generally must be between ages 18 and 46. However, age waivers are possible over the age of 46. Those for a rated aviation position must be programmed to begin flight training prior to age 33
Specialty Requirements: Meet the qualifications for specific MOS outlined in DA Circular 601 Series
Aptitude Requirement: Achieve a minimum General Technical (GT) score of 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Learn To Lead
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.