Officer Candidates School

The first proving ground for future Marine Officers is Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, VA. The mission of OCS is to train, screen and evaluate candidates, who must demonstrate a high level of leadership potential and commitment to success in order to earn a commission. Officer Candidates School training will be more demanding than any you've experienced before, regardless of commissioning program.

Earn your commission

Earn your commission

Prove yourself and you will earn the opportunity to accept a commission as a Marine Officer, along with the rank, authority and responsibility that go with it. You will begin life in the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, and continue your training at The Basic School.

Rise to the Challenge

Rise to the Challenge

Officer candidates are evaluated on leadership, academics and physical training. To become an officer, you must excel at all three. The harder you push yourself, the more you will accomplish. You will be challenged as a leader, and learn that the success of your team is as important as your own.