Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intense leadership training ground. It's physically and mentally challenging, and not everyone's cut out for it. But those who are accepted, and make it through, agree it's one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Whether you're a first-time Soldier or have prior military experience, OCS will transform you into an effective leader.

State OCS (Traditional)

Where: Your state's Regional Training Institute, or RTI
When: Weekends only 16-18 months of one weekend a month, 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 Benning, GA
When: 14 weeks, courses offered year-round

Am I eligible?

U.S. Citizen
Be 18-41 years of age
Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
Have a General Technical Score of 110 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Good moral aptitude (no prior felony convictions)
Must be able to pass a background investigation and be granted a security clearance