OCS Enlistment Option

Consider the following:

Being an Officer in the U.S. Army means you’re a leader, a counselor a strategist and a motivator. It's similar to being a vital manager in a corporation. As an Officer, you will lead other soldiers in all situations and adjust in environments that are always changing. They are driven to achieve success with their team on every mission.

It is a rare person who has the courage, stamina and desire to serve their country as well as their fellow citizen. Do you have what it takes to reach your goals in life?

The OCS Enlistment Option

If you are not a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, or an armed forces veteran, you can enlist for Officer Candidate School. If you qualify, you will attend the US Army's Basic Combat Training and begin the next scheduled Officer Candidate School upon completion of BCT. As an Officer Candidate, your pay grade will be elevated to E-6, the same as a Staff Sergeant. You must meet all enlisted enrollment criteria and as outlined below in this section and successfully complete the 14-month OCS program or 9 weeks accelerated OCS program of instruction to be eligible for commissioning as a Second Lieutenant.

Prior enlisted soldiers from any military component who have completed their active duty commitment may enlist in the National Guard under the OCS enlistment option if you meet the minimum qualifications for OCS and have the availability of OCS written into their contract to attend the next available OCS class. Prior service Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard applicants must complete the Warrior Transition Course before starting OCS.

Current enlisted soldiers from any military selective reserve can switch to the National Guard under the OCS enlistment option if you meet the minimum qualifications for OCS and have the availability of OCS written into their contract to attend the next available OCS class.

Military school requirements:

Basic Combat Training (BCT) (Only required for non prior service individuals) - 9 weeks full time. BCT must be completed within 1 year.
Warrior Transition Course (WTC) - 5 weeks. Only for prior service Navy, Air Force & Coast Guard applicants. To provide Air Force, Navy, and prior service personnel a reception and integration process into the Army. This training will be used in lieu of the nine week basic training. This course will produce a well-disciplined, motivated, physically fit Soldier, who understands the Army’s Values, embedded with Warrior Ethos and is fully prepared for Advance Individual Training.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) - 14 months, part time program or 9 weeks accelerated, full time program.

After Receiving your Commission:

Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) - Must be completed with in 18 months after receiving commission for the specialty branch that you choose. Waiverable for additional 6 months.

Minimum qualifications:

US Citizen
Meet Army National Guard enlistment eligibility.
90 Credit Hrs on one official, raised seal college transcript towards a bachelor degree to be commissioned.
Enlist for a minimum of 6 years.
ASVAB GT score of 110 or above.
Must be able to obtain secret security clearance.
Between the ages of 18 yrs - 41yrs & 364 days. Must be commissioned prior to 42nd birthday.
.Be in excellent physical condition and past a Chapter II, Commissioning Physical at a MEPS.
Be of high moral character.
Complete Basic Combat Training or equal from another military component prior to attending OCS. Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard applicants must complete the Warrior Transition Course (WTC) prior to attending OCS.

Benefits:

$10K Officer Bonus.
100% Tuition Assistance to cover tuition cost and fees, up to $4,500 per year (1 October - 30 September) up to their 1st professional degree.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill, which pays up to $11,124 for college (or other approved technical training).
The Army National Guard G.I. Bill Kicker, which pays officers up to $12,600 for College (or other approved technical training).
Enhance your Professional Qualifications.
Increase Salary and Retirement Earnings.
Opportunity to be a leader and make a difference.

Officer Accessions

The OCS Enlistment Option

OCS Enlistment Option