DEVELOP THE SKILLS TO BE A LEADER

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intense leadership training ground. 

Officer Branches

ADJUTANT GENERAL CORPS

Become a human resource manager. You will learn to manage a Soldier’s morale, wellfare and administrative career from day one to retirement.

CHEMICAL CORPS

Chemical officers are experts in nuclear, biological and radiological defense and warfare, and homeland protection. They also lead chemical units in combat support.

ENGINEERING

These Soldiers can build structures, develop civil works programs and even provide combat support. There are a few different avenues within Engineering:

  • Sapper
  • Bradley
  • Construction 
  • Bridge
  • Rescue 
  • Training

FIELD ARTILLERY

Will train you to provide firepower during combat operations. Learn field artillery systems, communications platforms, electronics, tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of fire support systems.

INFANTRY

The foundation of the Army. Infantry Soldiers are experts in combat preparedness. They use small arms, anti-armor or indirect fire weapons during combat missions.

MILITARY POLICE

Learn law enforcement skills for war, peace, stability, and support operations.

MILITARY INTELLIGENCE CORPS

Military intelligence officers are always out front, providing essential intelligence and information about the enemy, terrain, and weather conditions.

ORDNANCE CORPS

Ordnance officers are responsible for ensuring that weapons systems, munitions, vehicles and equipment are ready and in perfect working order at all times.

QUARTERMASTER

Is where you learn the basics of supplying food, water, petroleum, repair parts, ammunition and other field services for worldwide combat and humanitarian operations.

SIGNAL CORPS

With information dissemination management and communications technology the new frontier of defense, the Army Signal Corps couldn't be more relevant today. Signal supplies information systems and worldwide networks for the Army, the Department of Defense and allied nations in coalition operations. Soldiers learn the skills to automate, transmit, receive, and maintain voice and data information using the most current technologies.

TRANSPORTATION CORPS

Is responsible for moving supplies, troops and equipment anywhere on the globe. During war, the Transportation Corps utilizes trucks, boats and airplanes to provide extremely fast support to the combat teams on the front lines.

Excellence Through Leadership.

There are three options for attending OCS, as outlined below. You'll choose the best one for you based on your specific circumstances, such as your work and family commitments.

State OCS (Traditional)

  • Where: Your state's Regional Training Institute (RTI)
     
  • When: Weekends only— one weekend a month for 16 to 18 months, plus two two-week periods

National Guard Bureau 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

Lead the Way as a National Guard Officer

The Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School shapes leaders. It's physically, mentally, academically, and emotionally challenging. Officers make critical decisions and lead hundreds or thousands of Soldiers, so their training is extensive. 

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Connect with the Rhode Island National Guard