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You must be a U.S. citizen and have your bachelor’s degree by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. If you’re current military, you can’t have more than six years of active service before joining OCS.
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Which branch has the easiest OCS?

Marine Corps – To enter the 10-week OCS at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, and graduate as a second lieutenant, an enlisted Marine must be between 18 and 27 years old. They must also pass a physical examination. However, unlike fellow military branches, a bachelor’s degree is not always required for Marine Corps members.

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Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting. Latest posts by Rob V. ( see all )
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What is the failure rate for the Army OCS?

Army National Guard – The programs at the Army National Guard Regional Training Institutes are offered in two different formats to accommodate reserve component soldiers. The “Traditional” OCS program is a 16-month course of instruction conducted from April to August of the following year and is broken down into four phases.

• Phase Zero – is four drill weekends and designed to prepare officer candidates for the OCS program.
• Phase I – is a 15-day annual training period held in the summer.
• Phase II – is conducted one weekend per month for a period of 13 months.
• Phase III – is a final 15-day annual training period, culminating with graduation and commissioning.

The Army National Guard also offers an “Accelerated” OCS program, which is a 56-day, full-time program. The accelerated program is the most physically and mentally demanding program and while the majority of candidates for the accelerated program are already enlisted soldiers, the failure rate is consistently over 40%.

1. Upon successful completion of either Army National Guard OCS program, graduates are eligible for commissioning as a second lieutenant pending federal recognition.
2. This is normally the only possibility of attaining an officer’s commission without the prerequisite of having a bachelor’s degree.
3. There are, however, requirements that allow basic qualification for entrance into Officer Candidate School for the Army Reserves.

However, as the Army’s needs for junior grade officers ebbs and flows, the requirement for a degree may be added as a temporary measure. This will be announced to the force via an Army G1 MILPER message. The Army Regulation (AR) that governs OCS is AR 350–51.
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Is OCS harder than basic training?

Conclusion – Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training academy for the U.S. Army that prepares new officer recruits.

• The intense 12-week training program tests your physical, mental, and emotional competence.
• Candidates are sent through a variety of training exercises and constantly evaluated based on leadership performance.
• The benefits of attending Army OCS and becoming a commissioned officer are plentiful.
• Your experience as an Army Officer prepares you for an exciting career leading and ordering others in your unit.
• It will make you into one of the best leaders the world has to offer with the pressure of overseeing and keeping other lives in your unit safe.
• See Also

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted., : Army OCS Guide
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Which OCS is the hardest?

Answer is simple: The Marines. I think Naval OCS is the next most challenging because their DI’s are Marine Corps Officers. USMC OCS has a 25% attrition rate for male candidates while USN OCS has a significantly lower one. The USMC OCS lasts for 10 week though compared to the 13 weeks that the USN’s lasts for.
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How hard is Army officer training?

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.
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Is OCS hard to pass?

Officer Candidate School Curriculum – Officer Candidate School curriculum prepares candidates for leadership roles in the Navy. The program includes physical conditioning, military training, and mental toughness development. Candidates learn leadership principles, damage control techniques, and naval history.

They receive instruction on communication skills, ethics, and decision-making. The program is divided into three phases: Indoctrination, Development, and Commissioning. During Indoctrination, candidates undergo a rigorous physical training regimen that focuses on endurance and strength. They also learn about the Navy’s core values and basic military customs and courtesies.

In the Development phase, candidates receive advanced training in leadership skills, communication strategies, and damage control procedures. They learn how to manage personnel effectively while maintaining strict adherence to Navy standards. Finally, during the Commissioning phase, Navy OCS graduates are officially commissioned as Ensigns in the United States Navy.

• They are then assigned to various branches of service where they can apply their newly gained skills.
• Navy Officer Candidate School curriculum is demanding yet rewarding.
• It equips candidates with the essential knowledge and skills needed for successful leadership roles in the Navy.
• Officer Candidate School is not for the faint of heart, but for those who will push themselves to their limits and beyond.

The program produces leaders who are ready to face any challenge and make a positive impact on the Navy. Now, let’s inspect the training program.
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What is the hardest military branch to rank in?

The Hardest Military Branch Training Means a Safer U.S. – In some cases, it’s splitting hairs, and in others, it’s still a bit unclear. But no matter what, the fact that the people who enlist in the U.S. military endure what they do to better themselves helps keep America safe around the clock.

1. You can’t be prepared for the battlefield unless you train under similar conditions.
2. This is bluntly reminded to us through tragedies such as when a Marine recruit collapsed and died during training,
3. Each and every one of those who put their lives on the line through training in the field and in the classroom help come together to form a superior military that provides freedom to us all.

Overall, the hardest military training continues to look like a toss-up between the Green Berets and Navy SEALs, but anyone enduring their training to keep us safe is going to face tough conditions created to help them execute missions and become better fighters.
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Is 25 too old for OCS?

Response – If you want to do your Masters, we wholeheartedly recommend doing it sooner rather than later. Once you’re in the Marine Corps, you don’t get “time off” to pursue your own educational goals. As for your age, you can apply without a waiver up to 28.
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Why do most people fail OCS?

What Separates the Winners and Losers at OCS? To kick this off, I want to say that the following is strictly from my experience and what I thought about the topic. I was a part of the 234 class (Delta 2nd PLT) in the summer of 2020. While adapting to covid-19 and all the mitigation that comes along with it, trying to present yourself in a way that will make you shine brighter became more difficult.

For instance, there were no company level billets, PT was reduced, and some events were even cancelled (not all were due to covid however). Nonetheless I, along with many others, still graduated. The biggest piece of advice I could give to anyone about anything about OCS is to be flexible. Things change and you have to be ready to stop a dime and prepare to do a 180.

As for me, I’m currently finishing up my senior year at Virginia Tech and will be commissioning in May of 2021. This topic can vary greatly, as many people have opinions on what the winners and losers are, and what separates them. I think that the biggest thing that separates them is in the preparation.

The more you prepare for OCS, the better off you will be. When the weeks get busy, you will be able to tell who prepared and who did not (it often correlates well with who stays up past lights frequently and who doesn’t). Here is a basic outline of what you should prepare if you want to do well at OCS.

If we are setting the winners as those individuals who stand out to the Instructors and other candidates then this is what you will need to know. In order for others to perceive you as a winner, you’re going to want to be as prepared as you can when you arrive on Brown field.

That means mentally, physically, and educationally. Knowing a lot of the academic information will help you greatly when it comes time to take notes in classes when you are struggling to stay awake (yes, you will be that tired eventually). To be prepared to stand out physically you should be able to run a 295+ PFT.

However, in your preparation you shouldn’t only focus on the events in the PFT (pull-ups, crunches, run time). You should work on all sorts of calisthenics, run more than just 3 miles at a time and occasionally add some weight to those runs, and definitely hike on your own.

The best way to prepare yourself emotionally is to set your ego aside, You will have your moment at OCS where an instructor just won’t leave you alone. Don’t worry, we have all been there and it will end. Just be ready for it. I can only imagine that the “losers” in this situation are people who end up getting dropped and do not graduate.

These individuals often get dropped for a variety of reasons. Some don’t meet the required academic standards (anything below an 80 is failing at OCS), some don’t make the leadership grades, and sometimes you see people dropped for integrity violations (cheating on a test, lying, contraband, etc.).

I saw the most people get dropped because they DOR (drop on request). Most of those individuals decide by about week 3-4 of the 10-week program that the Marine Corps is not for them. Outside of DORs, the most common reason for candidates getting dropped was simply because they didn’t have the grades in the leadership category.

Those grades mostly consist of the Leadership Reaction Courses (LRCs) and Squad Unit Leadership Evaluations (SULEs). The best way to prepare for those is to know your 5 paragraph order, and to simply be confident in your own leadership. If you can do that then you will be fine.

• Remember that the LRCs are not designed to see how you can solve the problem, but rather how you are able to deal with failure and coming up with a new plan because, as you will hear many times, no plan survives first contact.
• To simply put it, what separates the winners and losers at OCS is all in the preparation of the individual.

Study and prepare beforehand and you will do okay. Learn to deal with failure, as most candidates will fail at some point. The key is to learn from it and move on. Written by: Jason Powers : What Separates the Winners and Losers at OCS?
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Can you quit Army OCS?

National Guard Officer Candidates ‘Stay Focused And Keep Driving On’ By Julia Bergman The Day July 22, 2015 Army National Guard Officer Candidates struggle to complete 10 pull-ups before being released to the mess hall for breakfast during Phase One of Officer Candidate School and training at the Connecticut National Guard’s 169th Regional Training Institute at Camp Niantic in East Lyme Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

Sean D. Elliot/The Day) East Lyme — One of the largest Officer Candidate School classes ever hosted by the Connecticut National Guard’s Regional Training Institute was in the final stretch of what is called ‘Phase One’ of the training program Wednesday at Camp Niantic. At the start of Phase One, a two-week program, there were 178 officer candidates: 144 men and 34 women.

That number has decreased due to candidates disenrolling for medical or academic reasons. OCS, designed to turn out commissioned officers for the Army National Guard, features three phases spanning about 14 months in total. During Phase One, candidates are tested on their preliminary leadership abilities and basic soldier skills such as land navigation, general military knowledge and squad and platoon tactics.

1. At this stage the completion rate is about 80 percent, according to Capt.
2. Mike Petersen, director of public affairs for the Connecticut National Guard, although that rate increases during the next two phases, which are more focused on academics and leadership.
3. Some candidates came from “right off the street,” as officials say, and others from the enlisted side of the National Guard.

Those coming from the civilian world first have to go through basic training before beginning the OCS program. Candidates have to have a four-year degree and a host of other qualifications such as passing an entry exam and a physical, meeting basic Army requirements such as height and weight, and being eligible for a security clearance.

• Candidates were divided into platoons by desired specialty.
• Officer candidates reported to Camp Niantic on July 10, with the program ending this week.
• They represent 17 different states.
• Females make up about 16.5 percent of the Connecticut Army National Guard’s total strength, and just under 14 percent of the commissioned officer ranks, according to Capt.

Mike Peterson, director of public affairs for the Connecticut National Guard. Army National Guard Officer Candidate Alexander Kowalski and his classmates go through “Lines of Knowledge” drills prior to breakfast during Phase One of Officer Candidate School and training at the Connecticut National Guard’s 169th Regional Training Institute at Camp Niantic in East Lyme Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

Sean D. Elliot/The Day) Below are a handful of women who were undergoing the training program. Leisa Duncan, 40, Windsor, Conn. Leisa Duncan was likely the most experienced of the officer candidates at Camp Niantic. Duncan has served as a sergeant for 12 years with the Connecticut National Guard and has already deployed once to South Korea from 2002 to 2004.

She’s currently assigned to Fox Company in Southington, which she said supports the infantry. She also works full-time in the finance department at the CTNG’s Joint Force Headquarters in Hartford, processing and taking care of all pay issues. Duncan, who hails from Kingston, Jamaica, came to Connecticut around the age of 18.

Her father came to the state first and then brought the rest of the family. Members of the National Guard do not have to be American citizens, although they do have to be permanent residents of the state. Currently, there are there are just under 200 foreign nationals now serving in the Connecticut National Guard.

While decked in her military gear fresh from a physical training exercise Wednesday morning, Duncan explained she wanted to go through the OCS program for a further challenge and for career progression. “It’s challenging because, of course, you know I’m older but I still, of course, made sure to keep myself in shape before I came here, review all requirements and everything,” she said. Army National Guard Officer Candidate Alessandra Lipari struggles to complete a pull-up as her platoon lines up for breakfast during Phase One of Officer Candidate School and training at the Connecticut National Guard’s 169th Regional Training Institute at Camp Niantic in East Lyme Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

1. Sean D. Elliot/The Day) “You can’t quit,” Duncan said.
2. The main thing is you can’t take it personally.
3. You cannot take the screaming or the yelling personally.
4. You just have to stay focused and keep driving on.” By 8:30 a.m.
5. Wednesday, the 12th day of training, she said, “My feet are hurting.
6. My back is hurting.

The sun is burning me all over. When I look in the mirror I’m like ‘Oh, my God, I look like this?'” But, she said, she was still happy to be there. Duncan hopes to become an adjutant general after completing officer candidate school, “But I’m flexible,” she said.

• It depends on the needs of Army.
• Wherever they say they need me to go, I’ll go.” Veronica Sanchez, 33, Hamilton, N.J.
• A health and physical education teacher who served in the New Jersey National Guard for six months before turning in her packet for officer candidate school, Veronica Sanchez’s students often ask her, “How many push-ups do I do a day? Do I yell at people or do people yell at me? The typical things they see in movies.” Sanchez teaches 2nd through 12th graders at The Center School, a special-needs school in Somerset, N.J.

During her six months on the enlisted side, Sanchez served as a water treatment specialist for the 154th Water Purification Company. She’s hoping to get involved with the military police or field artillery after completing officer candidate school. After following orders on the enlisted side, Sanchez said, “I feel like I can give better orders.” Sanchez has thought about joining the National Guard since high school.

A high school athlete, Sanchez chose to go straight to college at William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J. “It’s always been something in the back of my mind, so I figured you’re never too old,” she said. Of the training program thus far, Sanchez said “There have been very, very, very long days.” “I expected long days, but they’ve been very long,” she continued, “It’s been good.

We’ve had a lot of physical challenges, mental challenges, again that’s what we’re here for and that’s going to build us up.” Melissa Maciag, 32, Warwick, R.I. “It’s almost like two full-time jobs,” Melissa Maciag said of her work as an office manager in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, and of being an enlisted member of the Connecticut National Guard.

While Maciag lives in Warwick, she grew up in Colchester, and chose to serve in the National Guard because it allowed her to serve her country while still pursuing a civilian career. Her employer has been understanding and encouraging of her decision to join. “It’s a balance,” she said. “It’s a big balance.” “From what I understand as we continue in the program we’re going to be spending 20 hours a week,” she said, doing operations, writing, studying, researching, testing, and other tasks to see how the candidates “can handle both” civilian and military life.

There’s a part of each day that’s challenging, but perhaps the most challenging can be getting everyone on the same page. “Everybody has their own interpretation of what is said so one person can tell 20 people or 30 people one command or one direction and people will interpret it different ways, so then it’s getting everyone on the same page as to how it’s supposed to be interpreted and understood,” Maciag explained, noting the different talents, backgrounds and educations of the officer candidates “play a factor into it.” Aleesha Quintana, 22, Coventry, Conn.

Aleesha Quintana, a recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University, has always been interested in the military and when she began researching the various service branches, she chose the National Guard because “it gave me the opportunity to stay and finish school.” She also wanted to stay close to home, and help those locally.

She hopes to get her master’s in justice and law administration from WCSU. “It’s as tough and rigorous as they say,” Quintana said while waiting in line Wednesday morning for breakfast. There were no real surprises for Quintana, who said that before coming officer candidates are told “you have to be on top of everything, really need to know what’s required from you,” and that they “expect a lot out of you.”
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Do you get smoked in OCS?

Army Officer Candidate School Scheduled Length: 12 weeks – Army OCS is the shortest path to commissioning for regular officers by a long shot. But it also requires the most individual grit and motivation. Instructors are always available to provide information and correct issues.

1. They are also going to constantly be testing your mettle through hard physical activities and even harder tests and field problems.
2. You will spend plenty of time in the classroom at OCS, but your coursework won’t be like any college class you’ve ever taken.
3. Instead, you’re thrown into the gritty details of calling in fire missions, delivering a 9-line MEDEVAC request under pressure, and writing up platoon orders on short notice.

Because you hit OCS only after completing BCT, most of the crawling through mud and formal drills are behind you. But you will absolutely get smoked on the regular; standards are high for future leaders. And field exercises will force you to put those basic military skills through their paces—all while leading a squad and solving problems under pressure.

Basics of Officership – The first six weeks of OCS take you through physical fitness testing, leadership principles, and various exercises like the Leadership Reaction Course to assess and improve on your skills as a leader, and the Combat Water Survival Test. You’ll also go through classroom instruction in areas such as:

Military intelligenceBattle DrillsMap Reading and NavigationMilitary History

Applied Field Exercises – The second half of Army OCS puts you in the field to further develop and practice your skills. You’ll rotate through leadership positions with your fellow cadets in exercises that offer each of you the opportunity to step up and show your stuff.

As you rotate through leadership positions in the cadet class, you’ll find that the training cadre are interested in giving you the instruction you need to succeed. Graduation rates range between 80 percent and 90 percent, so your odds of completing the program are good as long as you stay switched on and motivated.
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What percentage of people pass OCS?

Marine Corps OCS What is the attrition rates for Marine OCS compared to say NROTC or the Naval Academy and do most people who get excepted graduate from OCS or not OP: I don’t have the attrition rates but can assure you that most people who get into any of the programs make it through.

• That said, there is attrition at every step of the way for everyone: grades, attitude, desire, and conduct.
• I would guess that in the end, the highest attrition rate for NROTC, PLC and OCS would be time spent in Quantico during Bulldog/ OCS or whatever it is called now.
• During this critical training/assessment phase Officer candidates are evaluated by instructors and peers; experience a tough training evolution, and face lots of personal challenges.

Attrition can come from bad attitudes, lack of desire, poor performance, bad conduct or physical limitations. If you have got what it takes and have the desire to become a Marine Officer there is no need to worry about attrition rates. What is the attrition rates for Marine OCS compared to say NROTC or the Naval Academy and do most people who get excepted graduate from OCS or not Go into OCS with a positive mindset, be open minded, and show up in shape and you will be fine.

Don’t stress out to much about failing, you should focused on exceeding there. One tip I can give you is to not over work yourself prior to OCS, if you show up to OCS injured because you worked out too hard days up to OCS, then your screwed. Most of the people dropped out in my class cause they either weren’t in shape, were injured, or just didn’t have the right mentality.

If your In shape, then you reduce your chances of being injured believe it or not. I’ve read (no first hand knowledge) that attrition rates at US Marine Corps is as much as 40%, compared to about 10% for US Army OCS. However, a lot of USMC OCS attrition is injuries, not outright dismissal.2nd, even 3rd, chances are made available in a lot of those situations.

1. Just stay healthy.
2. And show up at OCS in shape.
3. Also, the majority of US Army 2nd lieutenant commissions come through West Point & ROTC.
4. Probably around 10% through OCS.
5. Getting accepted to US Army is hard, though.
6. Maybe 50% accepted, but once accepted graduation is high.
7. USMC gets 60-70% of its new 2nd lieutenants though PLC/OCS.

So getting accepted into USMC OCS might be easier than the Army. Lastly, US Army OCS requires candidate go through Basic Training like all enlisted personnel. US Marine Corps OCS/PLC does not. : Marine Corps OCS
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Can you have your phone in OCS?

Frequently Asked Questions – Can I submit a packet without SAT ACT results? OCS selection boards are conducted at HRC (Accessions Branch). The school here at Fort Benning does not have any influence over what is required, nor who is selected or not. All questions for the board should be directed to the board.U.S.

1. Army Human Resources Command: https://www.hrc.army.mil/Officer/Officer%20Candidate%20School Will TA-50 be provided in school? TA-50 will be issued here from the Central Issue Facility (CIF).
2. Are we authorized to bring cell phones? Candidates are authorized to have cellular phones while at OCS.
3. Use of phones is limited by the training schedule and to certain locations.

Are Candidates authorized POVs (Privately Owned Vehicles)? Yes, Candidates are allowed to have POVs (no motorcycles), but they are off-limits unless specifically granted permission during the course due to COVID-19 concerns. Student parking is available near the intersection of Wold Ave and Dilboy St.

1. Will there be Internet access since we are authorized to bring laptops? BOINGO WIFI Company has a program by which wireless internet can be purchased by the hour\day\month.
2. You will be responsible for all costs.
3. Computer Labs, with internet will also be available for official use only, but access is limited.

What address can I use to send packages and letters to OCS candidate? (CANDIDATES NAME) 3-11TH INFANTRY 6510 MCVEIGH AVE, BLDG 76 (COMPANY, IF KNOWN) FORT BENNING, GA 31905 Can you tell me approximately how long I should expect to wait for orders, or when I will need to conduct an interview? The average wait time to be selected to OCS is 5 months after the packet is submitted.

Average wait to attend OCS after being selected for “in-service” Army personnel is 12 months. What holidays are observed during OCS? Candidates will be informed at the beginning of the course which holidays will be observed during their time at OCS. What uniform is used for OCS? Your daily duty uniform consists of the Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniform (OCP-ACUs) and ascot w/ OCS embroidered emblem.

Candidates will wear ASUs for formal events, during senior phase inspections and graduation. The Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) w/ yellow reflective belt will be worn during physical training. The FRACUs (Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform) and the Army Combat Shirt are not authorized in OCS.

• What are the physical fitness requirements for OCS? You must be able to take and pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
• There is a 6, 9 and 12 mile foot march requirement along with a timed 4 mile run you will also have pass in order to successfully progress through the course.
• Do you get any time off during OCS? Yes, but initially you are in an immersion environment and what free time you have, you will not be allowed to leave the Battalion Area.

As the candidates matures through the course the Company Commander may grant additional privileges. Currently all students are restricted to the OCS campus due to COVID 19 concerns until further notice. How many weeks is OCS (BOLC A) and follow up classes? OCS (BOLC A) is 12 weeks, and is followed by your branch specific BOLC B (6-16 weeks, depends on the branch), then based on what unit you are going to you can received additional schooling (e.g.

Airborne, Stryker Leader Course, etc) before arriving at your first unit. Is branching done during OCS? Branching is done during OCS for all active duty personnel. National Guard and Reserve Personnel will receive their branch from their state or unit respectively. Branches are chosen by candidates based upon their ranking in their class and the branches available.

All branches will not be available all the time. Is there any additional information on BAH while attending OCS, 3-11 IN REGT? See information below. SERVICE MEMBER SINGLE NO DEPENDENTS If service member is single and has no dependents, service member will not receive BAH while attending OCS.

1. SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO SERVICE MEMBER (NO KIDS) If service member is married to another service member and has no dependents the service member who is attending OCS will not receive BAH while attending OCS.
2. SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO SERVICE MEMBER AND BOTH ARE ATTENDING OCS If service member is married to another service member and both are attending OCS at the same time they will not receive BAH while attending OCS.

SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO SERVICE MEMBER (WITH KIDS) If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.

DA FM 2142 (PAY INQUIRY) DA FM 5960 MARRIAGE LICENSE LEASE OF AGREEMENT / MORTGAGE CONTRACT / NOTARIZED LETTER CHILDREN BIRTH CERTIFICATES TERMINATION OF GOV’T QUARTERS ORDERS BRINING TO OCS / DD FM 1610 / FORMAT 400 ORDERS FROM MEPS TO AG ORDERS FROM AG TO OCS

**If service member is drawing BAH w/o dependent your BAH will stop while attending OCS. SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO A CIVILIAN If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.

DA FM 2142 (PAY INQUIRY) DA FM 5960 MARRIAGE LICENSE LEASE OF AGREEMENT / MORTGAGE CONTRACT / NOTARIZED LETTER CHILDREN BIRTH CERTIFICATES TERMINATION OF GOV’T QUARTERS ORDERS BRINING TO OCS / DD FM 1610 / FORMAT 400 ORDERS FROM MEPS TO AG ORDERS FROM AG TO OCS

SERVICE MEMBER SINGLE (NOT MARRIED / DIVORCED) WITH KIDS If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.

DA FM 2142 (PAY INQUIRY) DA FM 5960 COPY OF DIVORCE PAPERS PROOF OF CUSTODY OF CHILDREN LEASE OF AGREEMENT / MORTGAGE CONTRACT / NOTARIZED LETTER CHILDREN BIRTH CERTIFICATES TERMINATION OF GOV’T QUARTERS ORDERS BRINING TO OCS / DD FM 1610 / FORMAT 400 ORDERS FROM MEPS TO AG ORDERS FROM AG TO OCS

SERVICE MEMBER PAYING CHILD SUPPORT If you are paying child support you are authorized BAH DIFF. You will need the following information.

DA FM 2142 (PAY INQUIRY) DA FM 5960 CHILD(REN) BIRTH CERTIFICATE PROOF OF SUPPORT COURT ORDER ORDERS BRINGING TO OCS / DD FM 1610 / FORMAT 400 ORDERS FROM MEPS TO AG ORDERS FROM AG TO OCS

I was in an ROTC program prior to enlisting and was disenrolled. Am I still eligible to Commission through OCS. You are not eligible for OCS since you have been previously disenrolled from another commissioning program. Where can they go to find out information about the Degree Completion program? The degree completion program has been suspended indefinitely. All candidates must come to OCS with a 4-year degree from an accredited university. Who can I ask a question to concerning my application packet for OCS? OCS selection boards are conducted at HRC (Acessions Branch). The school here at Fort Benning does not have any influence over what is required, nor who is selected or not. All questions for the board should be directed to the board. https://www.hrc.army.mil/Officer/Officer%20Candidate%20School What Uniform should I wear when reporting to OCS for class? OCP-ACU Do we receive a DA 1059 (Service School Academic Evaluation Report) for OCS? No Can I take a pass between Basic Training and starting OCS? That is dependent upon what your orders say, and your basic training unit. Currently due to COVID 19 concerns, all students are transported directly to OCS from basic training. You must sign into OCS according to what your orders say. Once you sign into OCS you will not be put on pass and will immediately begin prepping for the upcoming class. If your basic training unit allows you to go on pass, that is something that needs to be worked between the candidate and their basic training unit, but you will incur a 14 day quarantine upon arrival to OCS. /i> I have a 4 year degree and less than 6 months before I ETS. Do I have time to put in my packet for Officer Candidate School (OCS)? To apply for admission to OCS in-service perspective candidates must have at least 1 year of retainability. I attended OCS over a year ago and was released due to medical reasons. I do have a letter of recommendation to re-attend after my injuries are fully healed. Do I have to re-submit my packet or can my old one be used? You must resubmit your packet with all of your updated documentation for approval by the board if it has been over the year allowed in your recommendation to re-attend memo. I am graduating later than scheduled from present training and will be unable to report for my scheduled OCS class. Will I be moved to the next OCS class? If the Soldier is going to be late to OCS, they need to contact 502-613-6352, to reschedule for the next available OCS class. Otherwise, the Soldier will be considered a “No Show” for the originally scheduled class. I am an IRR soldier currently in an activated status and deployed. I am considering returning to active duty. I have a Bachelor’s degree, and I want to go to OCS. What are my options? After deployment go to a recruiter to process and submit an OCS packet for active duty. Or, contact a Reserve unit and submit an OCS packet for reserve duty status if active duty is not desired after commissioning. Are there any formal gatherings prior to the graduation ceremony where family of the students may attend? Due to COVID 19 concerns, family members or anyone not directly assigned to the 199th BDE are restricted from attending any events or ceremonies to include graduation. The events will be livestreamed for viewing by friends and family. The training company will direct which platform will be used.
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What is the safest military branch?

The primary mission of the Coast Guard is to protect domestic waterways. What is the safest military branch? The Space Force is the safest military branch in terms of man-to-man combat and machine-to-machine accidents.
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What is a good GPA for OCS?

The most competitive packages have a GPA of 3.0 or above, particularly if the recruit is in one of the preferred majors below and has completed a calculus and physics sequence.
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What is the most feared military in the world?

MARCOS, India – The abbreviation MARCOS stands for Marine Commandos. Indian MARCOS are one of the most lethal Special Forces in the world. They are trained in HALO and HAHO and are armed with the greatest assault guns, sniper rifles, and real-time battle equipment.
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How fit should you be for OCS?

If you are struggling to run at an 8 minute mile pace for a male and a 9 minute mile pace for a female, you are going to struggle at OCS! The key message from the above program is that you should be comfortably running at least 12-15 miles per week.
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Can you go straight to OCS?

Can I apply for OCS as a college senior? – Yes. If you’re a college senior, you can apply early and be selected for training at OCS upon completion of your degree.
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How are OCS cadets chosen?

When Singapore gained her independence in 1965, she needed a military institute to train Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in military knowhow and the art of warfare. The Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI) was therefore set up, in Feb 1966, to train leaders of men in the SAF.

• The area chosen for the institute was Pasir Laba, which mean “rich soil”.
• Even as construction was underway at Pasir Laba for SAFTI, a core of 60 Officers and NCOs were selected to attend the first three-month Instructors’ Preparatory Course at Jurong Primary School.
• They were taught by a group of foreign advisors who were keen on rigorous training and advocated the doctrine of leading troops by example.

A recruitment campaign was mounted in May 1966 by the forerunner of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and Defence. The selection process included written tests, IQ tests, interviews and physical fitness tests so that only the best were selected to qualify for Officer training. Dr Goh Keng Swee, then Minister of Defence, officiated the opening of SAFTI on 18 Jun 1966. The institute was presented with its formation sign of a torch (signifying education) and sword (denoting military training). With the rapid build-up of combat and service elements in the SAF, SAFTI gradually grew to include special-to-arms training schools besides the School of Infantry Section Leaders.

• These include the schools of Artillery, Engineers, Armor, Signals, Infantry Weapons and Military Medicine.117 out of the 300 cadets successfully commissioned as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces on 16 Jul 1967 at SAFTI’s parade square.
• On 16 Jun 1968, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then Prime Minister, presented SAFTI its Colours in recognition of its progress and excellence in training within a short span of two years since inception.

On 26 Aug 1972, IOCC also witnessed the first intake of Women Service Officer. As the number of companies to train Officer Cadets expanded further, the School of Infantry Officers was renamed Officer Cadet School (OCS) and the OCS HQ was set up to command administer the School on 1 Jun 1969.

OCS introduced the nine-month Standard Military Course (SMC) on 26 Dec 1974 to improve Officer training and provide the full-time NS Officer with a longer service period after commissioning. Selection of Officer Cadets for this course was made prior to their enlistment and based primarily on their academic qualifications and extra curricular activities.

Scholarships were also open for application to encourage the better-qualified cadets for further training. This practice is continued today for talented young men and women who aspire for careers in the military. Another prominent development during the SMC phase was the introduction of overseas training in 1977.

1. Due to the limited land area in Singapore, agreements were made with foreign countries to enable overseas training of our cadets.
2. OCS became OCS-SAFTI on 1 Jun 1980 and the nine-month Infantry Officer Cadet Course (IOCC) was introduced on 1 Sep 1980, emphasising the development of leadership qualities and competencies.

SAFTI was linked to OCS, given its origin as the “cradle of commanders”, whilst the other schools were collectively referred to as Infantry Schools, Pasir Laba Camp. The IOCC represented a first and conscious departure away from military traditions to focus on combat skills and operational readiness. With the SAFTI Military Institute Group-Breaking Ceremony on 9 Jun 1990, OCS entered a new era of excellence in officer training. The new 42-week Officer Cadet Course was formally inaugurated on 17 Sep 1990 by Lieutenant- General Winston WL Choo, then the Chief of Defence Force.

• The Officer Cadet Course was established to enable Cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force to understand more of one another’s operations and to provide them with more opportunities to interact.
• With the implementation of the two-year NSF duration in 2004, the Officer Cadet Course (OCC) was revised and reduced from 42 weeks to 38 weeks.

The first 38-week OCC intake on 21 Mar 2005 began with the two-week Common Leadership Module and ended with a three-week Joint Term. The Common Leadership Module is designed to imbue a common set of values, leadership skills and SAF ethos into the cadets, while the Joint Term is designed for networking and joint awareness, positioned at the end to engender more fruitful cross-service discussions.

1. In Jul 2020, a new wing for the Military Domain Expert was included.
2. This new inclusion serves to groom leaders in C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) who will be responsible in safeguarding Singapore’s cyber security and information battlespace.
3. With the inauguration of The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) in Oct 2022, the course was renamed to Military Domain Expert Course (DIS).

Officer Cadet Course Curriculum Cadets will generally experience four different phases in their OCC journey. During first two weeks in OCS, training will start on a common ground where all officer cadets train together and are imbued with a common set of values and experiences, with a focus on foundational leadership.

1. Thereafter, officer cadets will be posted to respective Services for the next phases of training, where they will undergo more specialized vocational training, with continuous emphasis on combat fitness, warfighting competencies, military leadership and safety leadership.
2. During the last 4 weeks of training in OCS, officer cadets from across the Services will gather again to share their vocational training and experiences with one another.

The OCS journey will also culminate in a Combined Arms Training exercise. Cadets will also undergo leadership modules, eventually equipping themselves with the ability to effectively lead their men as a commissioned officer. Army Officer Cadet Course Highlights for Army Officer Cadet Course: Leadership Field Camp, Confidence Jump, Weapon Training and Live Firing, Field Exercises, Integrated Soldier Performance Programme, Urban Operations Training, Overseas Training, Combat Skills Badge, Combined Arms Training Exercise, Senior Bar Presentation, Senior Commander Engagement Sessions, Commissioning Parade Air Force Officer Cadet Course Highlights for Air Force Officer Cadet Course: Leadership Field Camp, Confidence Jump, AFTC Specialisation Training, 16km Route March, Compass Course, Navigation Exercise, Jungle Survival Training, Visits to various Ops Commands, Senior Bar Presentation, Senior Commander Engagement Sessions, Commissioning Parade Midshipman Course Highlights for Midshipman Course: Leadership Field Camp, Confidence Jump, Swimming Proficiency Test, Firefighting and Damage Control, Command Exercise (COMEX), Midshipmen Sea Training Deployment (includes Ports of Call, Weapon training and live firing, Bridge Watchkeeping, Leadership Development Events, Station Tests), Inter-Ship Term (includes ship board duty training), Senior Bar Presentation, Senior Commander Engagement Sessions, Commissioning Parade Military Domain Expert Course (DIS) Highlight of Military Domain Expert Course (DIS): Leadership Fieldcamp, Confidence Jump, Integrated Soldier Performance Programme, Weapon Training and Live Firing, Jungle Survival Field Camp, Domain (Cyber & Analysis) Training and Exercise, Professional Knowledge Module, Digital Education, Integrated Summary Exercise, Senior Bar Presentation, Senior Commander Engagement Sessions, Commissioning Parade As the saying goes, “Tough times don’t last, tough men do”. OCS cadets mark their milestones as they brave through daily in-camp and outfield training, ranging from Fitness, Warfighting competency training, Leadership and Safety. These training develop our future leaders specifically in the areas of Strong Heart, Strong Mind, Strong Body and Safety Leadership, where cadets will experience a holistic learning in preparation for their future role as an Officer. The Commissioning Parade marks the end of every Officer Cadet’s rite of passage, and heralds the beginning of their journey as newly Commissioned Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. In the presence of their loved ones, the graduating Officer Cadets receive their appointment, and commit themselves to discharging their duties with excellence.

1. The Commissioning Parade is a long-standing tradition of OCS which dates back to 16 Jul 1967, when the first batch of Officer Cadets was commissioned.
2. The first commissioning Parade was held at the old SAFTI Parade Square at Pasir Laba.
3. In Jan 1972, the Commissioning Parade for the 10th batch of Infantry Officer Cadets was held at the Padang where, for the first time, the public was invited to witness the significant event.

Subsequent parades were held at the Padang or at sports complexes to bring the SAF closer to the public. After SAFTI MI’s opening in 1995, the Commissioning Parade was held at its Parade Square in the following year (Jul 1996) and this has been continued ever since.
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Can officers date other officers?

Fraternization is the concept of improper relationships in the military, which can range from business relationships to friendships to romantic relationships. Such relationships, when occurring between military members of different ranks and positions, are prohibited, as they can undermine the chain of command.

The military does not prohibit all contacts between various military personnel of unequal rank, just those that either compromise or appear to compromise the chain of command and the order and discipline of command. In order to clearly understand when relationships are and aren’t proper, it’s important to take a look at the definition of fraternization as well as when it can be charged as an offense.

If you have additional questions about military fraternization in Colorado, reach out to our defense attorneys,
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What is the hardest training in army?

The hardest military training is the training that must be completed as a Green Beret. While all branches of the military are known to have rigorous and extremely difficult training programs, the Green Berets take the prize as having the hardest form of military training because of the Combat Diving program that is included.

United States Navy (Navy Seal training) United States Marines United States Army (Green Beret training)

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Can an NCO become an officer?

NCOs usually enter the military as privates and progress through the ranks. After demonstrating leadership potential, they may advance into an officer role, becoming a corporal and later a sergeant. Because of the path to promotion, NCOs have military experience when they first receive their rank.
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Which branch promotes officers fastest?

Air Force enlisted members advance to pay grades E-5 through E-7 faster than they did before recent wars, but still slower than peers in every other branch of service. That dampens total earnings over a 20-year career. The greatest career income difference tied to promotion pace is seen between Air Force and Navy enlisted because sailors show the fastest advancement rate among the four Defense of Department service branches.

Among officers, however, Air Force promotes faster than Army and Marine Corps peers through 20 years’ service, and even surpasses Navy’s pace over a typical 24-year officer career, service promotion data show. The promotion-pace disparity by service for officers is smaller than for enlisted almost certainly due to tighter controls imposed by Congress.

The chart below shows average years of service at time of promotion by branch and rank for 2012, the most recent data available. When compared to data from 2000, results show promotion disparities across services have narrowed over the last dozen years of war.

• In 2000, for example, Air Force enlisted made E-6 (technical sergeant) after 14.7 years, on average.
• That was 3.6 years slower than sailors made E-6 (petty officer first class) and more than six years slower than peers in ground forces (staff sergeant).
• Soldiers in 2000 advanced to E-6, on average, 8.6 years into careers and Marines at 8.3 years.

By 2012, airmen were putting on E-6 stripes after 11.1 years, more than three years faster than in 2000. Navy advancements to E-6 also jumped, by almost two and a half years. Soldiers’ average time to make E-6 was trimmed by a few months since 2000, to an average of 8.2 years, while Marines saw their pace slowed a little, to 8.8 years, to be even with Navy.

• Air Force enlisted members by 2012 were making E-7 in 16 years versus a 14-year average across all four services.
• They reached E-8 in 19.9 years versus an all-service average of 18.4.
• And Air Force members reached E-9 at 23.6 years, a full year later than the all-service pace to E-9.
• Promotion pace for officers is slower in the ground forces.

In 2012, Army and Marine Corps officers reached the rank of O-5 (lieutenant colonel) at 16.5 years, on average, compared to 14.6 years for Air Force and 14.9 years to make Navy commander. The Defense Department overall average of 15.4 years to 0-5 was very close to the average of 15.6 reported in 2000.

• We asked Air Force for comment on its pace of promotions but didn’t receive a reply by deadline.
• In the past, officials have explained the slower pace of enlisted promotions as tied to the popularity of the Air Force and quality of life it offer.
• Also, the service need high-tech specialists and encourages robust retention rates.

A tradeoff is slower promotions. But how does pace of promotion impact career compensation? We developed a rough measure using Defense Department amounts for Regular Military Compensation (RMC) in 2013, and service data on years-of-service-at-promotion to calculate values for average RMC, by service, across a 20-year career for enlisted and a 24-year career for officers.

RMC equals military basic pay, plus housing and food allowance, and an estimated tax-advantage value tied to tax-exempt allowances. For our career value calculations we use average RMC by rank and years of service; actual RMC would vary by individual based on where they live and family status, which along with rank determines level of housing allowance.

In estimating the effect of promotion pace on career compensation here, we don’t consider in our calculations any special pays, bonuses or other targeted incentives important for shaping an all-volunteer force. Our career RMC amounts don’t include, for example, flight pay, sea pay, combat pay, reenlistment bonuses or officer retention pays, which can be hefty for pilots, physicians and nuclear-trained officers.

So what follows is a simple snapshot, by service, of career RMC values if average RMC today were frozen in time, and if the most recent data on years-of-service-at-promotion stayed constant over members’ careers: Enlisted – Sailors at current pay levels, and based on current pace of promotion, would earn a total $1,317,415 over a 20-year career.

Soldiers would earn $1,307,802, or $9,613 less over 20 years. Marines would earn a total of $1,303,965, or $13,450 less than sailors. At the bottom, due to slower promotions, are Air Force enlisted who would earn $1,249,370 for two decades of service, $68,045 less than sailors.

1. Officers – By 20 years, Navy officers would earn more than peers in any other service, a total of $2,113,428.
2. Air Force officers are close behind at $2,110,534, followed by Army at $2,102,974.
3. Earning $29,169 less than Navy peers at the 20-year mark are Marines at $2,084,259.
4. Officer careers usually are longer so we extend our RMC calculations based on promotion pace out to 24 years.

By then, Air Force officers lead on total earnings at $2,748,071. Navy officers are slightly behind at $2,741,06 and Army $30,000 off the lead at $2,719,000. Marine officers over a 24-year career earn $2,695,335, or $53,000 less in total RMC than Air Force peers.

Earning totals at 24 years confirm the value for officers of sticking around past 20. Those in 0-5 rank draw average RMC worth nearly $143,000 in their 21st and 22nd year of service. O-6s draw average RMC of almost $163,000 in their 23rd and 24th year. Actual totals would be higher if officers are married and living in high-cost areas, or lower than shown if single and living in rural areas where housing allowances are more modest.

To comment, e-mail [email protected], write to Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120-1111 or visit: www.militaryupdate.com Average Years of Service at Promotion By Service Component and Grade Active Duty in Fiscal 2012

Rank	Air Force	Marines	Navy	Army	Total DoD
E-2	0.6	0.5	0.8	0.9	0.7
E-3	1.1	1.1	1.3	1.0	1.0
E-4	2.5	2.7	2.3	2.0	2.3
E-5	5.0	4.6	4.2	4.4	4.5
E-6	11.1	8.8	8.8	8.2	9.3
E-7	16.0	12.8	13.7	12.5	14.0
E-8	19.9	17.0	18.0	17.8	18.4
E-9	23.6	22.0	21.9	22.6	22.6
Chief Warrant Officer 2	–	1.5	0.0	2.0	1.9
Chief Warrant Officer 3	–	3.4	3.0	6.3	5.6
Chief Warrant Officer 4	–	7.1	6.8	10.9	10.0
Chief Warrant Officer 5	–	11.0	11.8	17.5	15.8
1st Lt / Lieutenant (JG)	1.8	2.0	2.0	1.6	1.8
Captain / Lieutenant	3.8	4.1	3.9	3.4	3.8
Major / Lt Commander	9.3	10.1	9.2	9.3	9.3
Lt Colonel / Commander	14.6	16.5	14.9	16.5	15.4
Colonel / Captain	20.4	22.0	21.0	21.7	21.1
Brig Gen / Rear Adm (L)	25.1	27.0	28.6	27.6	27.1
Maj Gen / Rear Adm (U)	28.5	30.3	30.0	30.1	29.7
Lt Gen / Vice Admiral	30.9	34.7	31.3	32.5	31.8
General / Admiral	32.9	–	34.4	32.3	33.5

Show Full Article © Copyright 2023 Tom Philpott. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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What is the oldest you can be for OCS?

Requirements to Join OCS The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. If you’re current military, you can’t have more than six years of active service before joining OCS.
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What is the most competitive army officer branch?

Infantry – The next Cadets to branch were twin brothers, Kyle and Bryce Stanton followed by Scott Hinshaw into the Infantry. Branching into the Infantry is the most competitive branches in the Army to be assessed into. This means that Cadets that want to branch Infantry have to score high on the OML list to receive it. Besides branching into the Infantry Cadet Hinshaw has also branched as a Military Intelligence officer. What this means is that after serving approximately four years in the Infantry branch, Cadet Hinshaw will transition to become a Military Intelligence officer when he is promoted to Captain. To pin the infantry branch insignia on to the three Cadets was retired Brigadier General Neal Sealock. BG Sealock is a 1974 graduate of the EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” Battalion who branched into the Infantry. He is also an inductee into the EWU Military Science Hall of Fame at Cadet Hall.
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