Officer Candidate School
Encyclopedia : O : OF : OFF : Officer Candidate School
In the United States armed forces, Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the equivalent is a training program for non-commissioned officers, soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and recent college graduates to earn commissions as officers. The courses generally last from ten to seventeen weeks and include classroom instruction in military subjects, physical training, and leadership preparation.
People may earn a commission in the United States armed forces through OCS or OTS, by staff appointment, through ROTC, or through one of the four military academies.
- The Officer Candidate School of the United States Navy is at NAS Pensacola, Florida.
- The Officer Candidate School of the United States Marine Corps is at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Most Marine officers are initially trained at OCS, with the exception of those that come from the United States Naval Academy. Entrance to OCS is obtained through the Platoon Leaders Class and Officer Candidates Class programs. NROTC midshipmen also attend for one six-week session prior to commissioning.
- The Officer Candidate School of the United States Army is at Fort Benning, Georgia, this is where the Federal OCS classes are held. There are National Guard OCS's in most states, accredited by officers from the Federal program.
- The Officer Training School of the United States Air Force is at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
- The Officer Candidate School of the United States Coast Guard is at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
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