Can anyone explain what the structured interview held at Brigade level for an OCS packet is like?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 20:40:57 -0400

Recently just dropped my OCS packet and the only thing left I’m pending is the structured interview board held at Brigade level. I’m just trying to get a feel for what it is like. Would it be similar to that of a promotion board?

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2018 5:16 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 05:16:48 -0400

My experience is from 2014, but for me it was an interview more than a board. There was a list of questions that literally be googled. My board stud primarily to that list. They’re just questions about yourself. Think job interview. Have a stockpile of “scenarios” and obviously be able to articulate why you want to be an officer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2018 7:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 07:53:24 -0400

I went through my brigade board process in 2017. It is more of a job interview than a promotion board. There aren’t and right or wrong answers. Be ready to articulate why you want to be an officer.

Response by LTC Nathan Bond made Jun 10 at 2018 9:52 AM

LTC Nathan Bond — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 09:52:38 -0400

It has been almost 15 years since I sat on this board. It is “structured” in that the board members are given the questions they must ask.

Prepare as you would for a board, be able to discuss why you want to become an officer; what branch you are seeking and why? how being an enlisted soldier will strengthen you as an officer. They are trying to measure your “emotional intelligence,” not your knowledge, but being knowledgeable about your career choice is important

Response by MAJ Christopher Daily made Jun 10 at 2018 10:34 PM

MAJ Christopher Daily — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 22:34:47 -0400

I sat on an OCS board a few weeks ago. The questions are rather straight forward regarding examples where you had to demonstrate your leadership skills. The questions are all prepared for the board members and they have leeway to dig for a better understanding of you, your character, and your demonstrated leadership. You will arrive about an hour prior and have to do a written essay and the board members may read it ahead of time. This may lead to questions as well. Remember eye contact with the board members, address all of them, and speak clearly and confidently!
Here is a quick video which i found to be close: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH78iICI6H0
Disregard the dry humor. Remember to relax and always be honest. Good luck!

Army Officer Candidate School Board

First couple minutes of the Army Officer Candidate School Board, the first step for becoming an officer in the United States Army

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Jun 11 at 2018 8:04 AM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 08:04:53 -0400

I have sat on a few OCS boards and our focus was always to uncover the applicants character. Would this young man/woman be a good officer? Will they take this office seriously? Will they put thier Soldiers first? I’ve always been hesitant when a SPC or private wants to go to OCS after only a few years in the Army. The majority of our questions were meant to better understand your ability to reason, make decisions, lead your Soldiers. We also sought to uncover the personal values of the candidate. We don’t just want smart officers, we want good people with strong values. Because when a leader is tested and they don’t have strong values, then they will make mistakes that will hurt our troops. Good luck.