Become an Officer

Traditional OCS Overview

• - 18 month Commissioning process, designed for the traditional guard Soldier
• - 1 weekend a month
• - 2 week annual training
• - Designed to promote leadership opportunity

Accelerated OCS Overview

• - 8 week commissioning process, designed for prior service Soldiers with experience
• - Requires leader recommendation and board approval
• - Must be able to score 70% on the ACFT
• - Must be able to score 80% on Officer Candidate Knowledge Test

Federal OCS Overview

• - 12 week commissioning process with Active Duty Component
• - Requires leader recommendation and board approval
• - Located at Ft. Benning, GA

OCS Eligibility Criteria

• - AGE: Must not exceed 41 years of age and 364 days at time of graduation/commissionin (No waivers authorized)
• - CITIZENSHIP: Possess or attain United States citizenship prior to appointment
• - EDUCATION: A minimum of 90 college semester hours toward an accredited degree
• - LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (LOR): Must have a LOR from Company Commander prior to reporting
• - MEDICAL: Pass a Chapter 2 Commissioning Physical IAW AR 40-501
• - PHYSICAL FITNESS: Pass Army Combat Fitness Test and meet Body Fat standards
• - PRIOR TRAINING: Possess a DD 214 indicating successful completion of AIT
• - SECURITY CLEARANCE: Possess a Secret clearance or interim clearance
• - TEST SCORES: Achieve a GT score of 110

Guard Soldiers who join ROTC can earn their commission as they earn their degree while in the Guard's Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

Your interest or experience in healthcare, law or ministry can accelerate your career in the National Guard. Start your career as a Specialty officer.