OCS is a rigorous seventeen-week course of instruction which prepares candidates to serve effectively as officers in the United States Coast Guard. In addition to indoctrinating students into a military life-style, OCS also provides a wide range of highly technical information necessary for performing the duties of a Coast Guard officer.

Graduates of the program receive a commission in the Coast Guard at the rank of Ensign and are required to serve a minimum of three years of active duty. Graduates may be assigned to a ship, flight training, to a staff job, or to an operations ashore billet. However, first assignments are based on the needs of the US Coast Guard. Personal desires and performance at OCS are considered. All graduates must be available for world wide assignment.

Age: Applicants for Officer Candidate must be between the ages of 21 and 26. Applicants may exceed this age limit by the number of months, up to 60, served on active duty in any Armed Forces branch.

Military Status: Applications are accepted from college seniors currently enrolled in any ROTC program and any members of Armed Forces Reserves. These applicants must provide a release from all other service obligations prior to entering the Coast Guard.

Citizenship: All applicants must be United States citizens.

Officer Screening Tests: All applicants must provide a qualifying score on the SAT, ACT, or ASVAB. No waivers will be considered. Minimum qualifying scores are as follows:
SAT - combined 1000 on verbal and math
ACT - 21
ASVAB - 110 on ASVAB General Technical Aptitude Area
A full medical screening will be conducted in accordance with your application.

Educational Qualifications: Applicants must be in their senior year at or hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university. Active duty Coast Guard personnel E-5 and above with at least four years of active duty in any Armed Forces have different educational qualifications. Contact your unit Educational Service Officer.

 For information on Officer Candidate School and the application deadlines contact your local recruiter at 1-800-GET-USCG or visit:  http://www.gocoastguard.com/officerindex.html  

If you have ALREADY been selected for OCS :

The OCS Pre-Reporting Guide and Travel FAQ will assist you in preparing for the transition.