Today's Military:

Officer Candidate School

Officer Candidate School (OCS), known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force, is essentially the equivalent of enlisted Basic Training for those interested in becoming officers. There are three types of people who attend OCS/OTS:

  • Graduates from a traditional four-year college or university
  • Enlisted servicemembers transitioning into officer roles
  • Direct Commission Officers (DCOs) with specialized skills or professional degrees

While duration and type of training varies among the Services, all teach military subjects, leadership skills and physical training. The goal is to prepare recruits for the challenges of officer life, from managing others to understanding military culture and law. You can learn more about specific programs and classes by visiting the Service-specific websites listed in the table below.

Army Officer Candidate School Marine Corps Officer Candidates School Navy Officer Candidate School Air Force Officer Training School Coast Guard Officer Candidate School
Duration:
12 weeks		 Duration:
10 weeks		 Duration:
12 weeks		 Duration:
12 weeks		 Duration:
17 weeks
Rank upon Graduation:
Second Lieutenant		 Rank upon
Graduation:
Second Lieutenant		 Rank upon
Graduation:
Ensign		 Rank upon
Graduation:
Second Lieutenant		 Rank upon
Graduation:
Ensign
Location:
Fort
Benning
Fort Benning, Ga.		 Location:
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Quantico, Va.		 Location:
Naval Station Newport
Newport, R.I.		 Location:
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
Montgomery, Ala.		 Location:
Coast Guard
Academy
New London, Conn.
More Info:
Army OCS		 More Info:
Marine Corps OCS		 More Info:
Navy OCS		 More Info:
Air Force OTS		 More Info:
Coast Guard OCS

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