What is OCS like and what should I expect?

2025-01-02T09:23:39-05:00

So I recently applied for OCS and was curious what the timeline for finding out for it looks like as well as what to expect.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 2 at 2025 10:44 AM

2025-01-02T10:44:05-05:00

Been too long to help you with timeline. I can give an opinion of the course.

Prior enlisted guys generally don't have a problem with the academics, read the required passages and take the practice tests, and the PT is about at BCT level. However, TAC's (Training and Counseling Officers) are not Drill Sergeants. At some point during IET, you realize that the Drills are really trying to get your dumb ass through all of the stuff. A big part of a TAC's job is to try to put you under enough pressure to quit.

I came out of a Light Infantry unit and the performance or leadership ability of the TAC's left me unimpressed. It may have changed since I commissioned in 1985. I didn't like any of my TAC's.

I tied for Honor Grad in spite of that fact.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 2 at 2025 11:03 AM

2025-01-02T11:03:31-05:00

Well, SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I was commissioned via OCS in 1973, so my experience is dated, but I think CPT Lawrence Cable has hit the high points. I do think that being in excellent physical condition will help you survive the course. The TACs will try to get to get into your head by whittling away at your body, so good physical conditioning before you get to OCS is critical.
Good luck!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2025 12:52 PM

2025-01-02T12:52:31-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member Here are two previous posts to review. Search on "OCS" for other posts that may have useful information. Good luck.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-can-i-expect-when-attending-army-ocs

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-can-i-best-prepare-myself-for-ocs

What can I expect when attending Army OCS? | RallyPoint

Good morning! I am reaching out hoping to find anyone who has joined the Army via the college option for OCS. I have no prior service experience, but I do have a B.A. I've passed my boards and signed my contract already, but I have a lot of questions about the OCS experience, job selection, and life as an Army Officer. Most people I have been in touch with commissioned through ROTC or were enlisted for a number of years prior. I am really...

Response by MAJ James Fitzgerald made Jan 2 at 2025 6:06 PM

2025-01-02T18:06:46-05:00

As a ARNG OCS TAC Officer from long, long ago, being in good physical shape is important, as both LTC Stephen Curlle and CPT Lawrence Cable indicated. If you can handle the physical part with only a few challenges, it will make it easier on you mentally. Zero question we were trying to put the cadets under a lot of physical and mental pressure. I do not know what the objective may be in today's environment, so hopefully some recent graduates will provide you with a 'current' picture, based on their experience. Be prepared for the TAC's to be in both your ears at times. Remember that the program is designed to prepare you for becoming an officer. You have prior service, with their job being to get you to think and act like an officer, among other attributes.

I commissioned though ARNG OCS in 1974. It wasn't easy. That said, I graduated as the Distinguished Graduate in my class. Nice honor, but others were deserving as well. In my class, we had an individual flunk out on the final academic test. It was an emotional situation for him and for the rest of our class. Most do not flunk out, but it does happen in rare situations. You will make some life long friends while attending OCS, if your experience is like most who go this route.

I wish you the best!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 3 at 2025 10:47 AM

2025-01-03T10:47:55-05:00

I guess one of us should lay out how the typical day runs.

To a degree, OCS runs like BCT. The TAC's are responsible for Candidates while in Quarters, moving between classes, and during physical training. The Academic sides own the Candidates while in class and during any field exercise. The Academic side isn't there to harass you, so the mission between classes and exercises is to get you people to the next location under control and in a timely and military manner. If your class leadership is weak, that can make for a long and miserable day.

The class is organized as an Infantry Rifle Company. The students will be rotated through positions from Company Commander to Private. Again, the mission for the Company is to get from each required location in a military and timely manner. If you don't come from an Infantry background, I'll just says that moving a Company isn't as easy as it sounds. If you waste time or aren't organized, the TAC's will start Shark Attacks that pick out the weak candidates. That doesn't make for a fun day either. Weak Candidates may be run through positions a couple of time to get them up to snuff, or get them to quit. Oh, and FM22-5 Drill and Ceremony was required reading in my day.

The Academic/tactical side is easier to deal with on a daily basis. On the Academic side, read the syllabus, read the pages it indicates, take the practice test and you will be fine. The tactical side is easier if you are Combat Arms, but the tactical side is very basic, so get an Infantry Squad and Platoon training manual to look over.

When I was in, you were evaluated four ways 1. Peer Evaluations, what your peers thought of your performance. Take that part very serious. It's a large portion of your final score. 2. Evaluation of your time in the Company Command structure by the TAC's. 3. Academic Test Scores. 4. Your PT score, although that didn't have the same weight as in a Light Infantry Unit. OCS is needs of the Army, but the higher you are on the Order of Merit List, the better chance you have of getting the branch you want.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 9 at 2025 8:43 PM

2025-01-09T20:43:58-05:00

Toughest way to commission and not going to lie, I chose the easiest at direct commission.