How to Apply For Army OCS

Last Updated: August 3, 2020

Applying for the Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) is 1 of the 4 ways to become an officer in the U.S. Army. Graduates have the opportunity to gain management experience in 1 of 16 career paths. In addition, their salary and benefits can compare to those in the private sector. The process, for those not already in the military, starts by contacting your local recruiter and putting together an officer packet. However, there are a number of hurdles to jump before you are admitted into OCS.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying from Outside the Military

1
Review the requirements. You must be between the ages of 19 and 32. You also need to have a college degree and be a U.S. Citizen. You must hold a 4 year degree from an accredited college.^{[1]
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- Applicants between the ages of 32 and 34 will need a special waiver to gain entrance into OCS.^{[2]
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- You must also be eligible for “secret security clearance” upon completing a background check. These background checks vet a candidate’s honesty, sexual history, drug and alcohol use, and ties to foreign entities.^{[3]
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2
Fill out the application. Complete the application and SF-86 (national security questionnaire). You will need your past employment, school and address history, 3 personal references, police, medical and financial records, as well as information on immediate family members. You will also need to gather your vital records including your birth certificate, driver's license, school transcripts, and social security card for yourself and your dependents. You will need marital, custody or divorce documents documents as well.^{[5]
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- As a civilian, your application will be named “DA Form 61”.^{[6]
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3
Undergo a physical. You will review your medical information, be tested for alcohol and narcotics, undergo hearing and vision tests, perform tests to determine joint function and receive a general physical.^{[7]
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- In addition to your physical, you will also be required to complete the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (AFVPB). This exam has replaced the specialized “officer test”.^{[8]
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4
Get in shape. You will have to take the Army Physical Fitness Test, which consists of a 2 mile (3.2 km) run, and the number of pushups and sit-ups you can do in 2 minutes. Medical waivers have currently been suspended, so you will need to be prepared for this test.
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Interview with your local recruiting board. Proceed with an interview with the local recruiting battalion board regarding such inquiries as to why you want to be an officer and how you qualify. Write out your reasons in advance so you will be ready to answer the questions.^{[9]
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- If recommended by the local board, then your application will be reviewed by a national board for acceptance into OCS. If you are not selected the first time, then you can resubmit your application for the next national board.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying from Inside the Military

1
Review the requirements. Again, you have to fall within the age range of 19 to 32. You also should hold a 4-year degree from an accredited university or college. U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite, even if you are already serving the country as an active, enlisted soldier. ^{[11]
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- If you are already serving in the military, the OCS review board can waive the requirement for a four year degree, as long as you pass the ACT or SAT with minimum scores of 19 and 800 respectively.^{[12]
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- You can receive a special waiver up to the age of 39.^{[13]
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- You must also be eligible for “secret security clearance” upon completing a background check. These background checks vet a candidate’s honesty, sexual history, drug and alcohol use, and ties to foreign entities.^{[14]
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  US Department of State
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- You can’t apply for OCS if you have more than 6 years of active federal service (AFS) upon entering OCS.^{[16]
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2
Apply through your unit. If you are already in the military or the Army Reserves, then your unit will forward your application and supplemental materials to the OCS selection panel. Your commanding officer will need to put in a recommendation on your behalf and the OCS selection panel will consider testimonies from the men and women in your unit.
- You need to check with your chain-of-command about applying to OCS. Applicants who do not have the support of their commanding officers will not be considered for OCS.
3
Clear the background check. Active service members are also subject to background checks that investigate their criminal history, alcohol and drug use, personal character, etc. The OCS review panel will not count minor traffic offenses, but every other run-in with the law or the court systems will be considered.
4
Pass the APFT. The APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) vets the active military member’s physical capabilities. You need a score of at least 60 in each area of the test to apply to OCS. This test is comprised of push-ups, sit-ups and a timed two-mile run.^{[17]
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Pass the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) class. After completing your basic training in the military, you are required to gain further instruction on the job you hold in the military. The U.S. Army requires active service members to complete the AIT before applying to OCS.^{[18]
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Undergo a board review. At least three commissioned officers will review your application and candidacy for OCS. These officers take all aspects of a candidate’s background, training, education, and existing service records into account. ^{[19]
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- Prior to this board review, candidates must complete a 2-page, handwritten essay addressing why they want to become officers. You will have one hour to complete this essay.^{[20]
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- Candidates will be rejected if they have previously entered OCS, but failed to complete the course.
- Candidates will likely be rejected if they have received censures or demerits from their commanding officers during their period of service.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Understanding the Basics of OCS

1
Select a branch. As an applicant to OCS, you will be asked to select which branch of the army you would like to serve as an officer in. Most active combat branches are eligible for selection, but “special service” branches require candidates to directly contact the head of that branch.
- Your branch choice will be considered, but you will ultimately be placed in a branch that the army selects, based on its need for officers.
2
Complete the basic training. OCS basic training is different for candidates inside and outside of the military. For those coming from the private sector to OCS, they will be enrolled in a nine week course designed to give them the basic military training they need. Candidates who are already active service members will have completed this step and will not need to complete basic training again.^{[21]
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3
Attend OCS. OCS for individuals coming from outside the military is a standard, twelve week course held in Fort Benning, GA. For active service members stationed overseas, the OCS program will not bring you home until you have completed your service. ^{[22]
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Know the components of OCS. OCS training is broken down into 2 phases. Phase 1 consists of leadership training, designed to bolster and test your physical and mental toughness in theoretical leadership situations. Phase 2 consists of an evaluation of leadership skills in actual field environment tests. This phase is designed to assess how you react to stress in actual battle environments.^{[23]
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5
Understand the environment. During OCS, you will be staying in 2 to 3 person rooms with other candidates and will share facilities, like showers, toilets, and public areas, with other candidates.
- Candidates applying for OCS in the infantry branch may be able to get the army to pay to relocate their families to Fort Benning. However, most branches of the army will not cover family relocation costs.
- While not in practice at this time, OCS may require all OCS candidates, coming from both inside and outside the military, to complete a Basic Officer Leadership Course in the future.

Warnings

In-service commissions have been reduced by the Army. Therefore, if you wish to become an officer, your chances are better by going directly through Officer Candidate School then by becoming enlisted and trying to enter Officer Candidate School.

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You will be branched during OCS according to the Army's needs, class standing, your preferences, previous education, and prior military experience and training.

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