US Army Officer

Overview

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the U.S. Army’s main training academy for prospective Army Officers. The school is generally open to qualified enlisted Noncommissioned Officers, along with civilians who hold at least a four-year college degree. Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous, 12-week school receive formal commissions as U.S. Army Officers and assume the ability to command Soldiers. Officers do not have easy jobs.

The men and women you lead will count on you to make the right decisions when the going gets tough. OCS is designed to give you a framework for your role as a unit commander. You will learn tactics training, how to deal with mental and emotional stress, and how to give orders. By the end of the course, you will know how to lead.

The benefits of becoming an Officer rival those from the best jobs in the civilian world. Your experience as an Officer will signify fortitude to lead in any situation, no matter the environment or the stakes.

In order to qualify for Officer Candidate School as an active duty, enlisted Soldier, you must be:

• A college graduate with at least a four-year degree
• Must not have more than six years of Active Federal Service (AFS) upon arrival at OCS
• Between 19 and 32 years old (you must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday and accept commission prior to age 34)
• Eligible for a secret security clearance

In order to qualify for Officer Candidate School as a civilian, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen or greencard holder
• A college graduate with at least a four-year degree
• Between 19 and 32 years old (you must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday and accept commission prior to age 34)
• Eligible for a secret security clearance

In order to qualify for Officer Candidate School as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, you must be:

• A college graduate with at least a four-year degree
• Must not have more than six years of Active Federal Service (AFS) upon arrival at OCS
• Between 18 and 32 years old (you must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday and accept commission prior to age 34)
• Eligible for a secret security clearance