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Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Officer Candidate School is a three-phase program that physically and mentally prepares you for the work that is required of an Officer in the National Guard. Non-Prior Service individuals are eligible to enlist, attend basic training and go straight to OCS with our 09S enlistment option! There are three OCS programs:
State OCS Traditional
Course is held at the State’s Regional Training Institute (RTI). Training takes place one weekend a month for 16-18 months and two 2-week annual training periods.
National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS
School dates and locations vary by season and State. Training takes place seven days per week for an 8-week period
Federal OCS
Held year-round at Fort Benning, Georgia. Course is 12 weeks long and attendance is mandatory immediately following Basic Training (10 weeks).
Prerequisites for Traditional (State) and Accelerated OCS are:
- Age 18-34 (Max age 41 for Prior Service)
- U.S. Citizen
- Minimum 90 semester hours toward an accredited degree
- General Technical Aptitude Area (GT) of 110 or higher on ASVAB
- Pass Physical Exam
- Meet Army Height/Weight Standards
- Able to obtain Secret Security Clearance
- Pass an Army Physical Fitness Test
- Be of good moral character
- OCS Commander Recommendation (Accelarated OCS only)
Prerequisites for Federal OCS are:
- Age 18-33 (Must commission before 34th birthday)
- U.S. Citizen
- Non-Prior Service
- Must have a Bachelor's degree or higher
- General Technical Aptitude Area (GT) of 110 or higher on ASVAB
- Pass MEPS Physical Exam
- Meet Army Height/Weight Standards
- Able to obtain Secret Security Clearance
- Pass an Army Physical Fitness Test
- Be of good moral character
BEING AN OFFICER IS A SERIOUS COMMITMENT, SO THE GUARD OFFERS SERIOUS REWARDS.
- $50,000 Student Loan Repayment Program
- Free academic testing (Including GRE, GMAT, CLEP)
- Retirement benefits in exchange for part-time service
- Tax-free, discount shopping on military bases
- Free space-available travel on military aircraft
- Low-cost life insurance and healthcare
- A 401(k) retirement plan
To find out more about how you can become an Officer in the Washington Army National Guard, contact your OCS Officer Strength Manger (OSM) today!
Washington Army National Guard
BLDG 33
Camp Murray, WA 98430
OCS Officer Strength Manger:
253-512-1400 (Washington State)
ROTC/GRFD Scholarships
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Officer Basic Branches
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WA ROTC and Simultaneous Membership Programs
ROTC programs are located in WA at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University... learn more >
Warrant Officers
The Washington Army National Guard Warrant Officer program offers you the opportunity to take your military specialty to a whole new level and enjoy... learn more >
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
OCS is traditionally a state run program consisting of four phases. Phase zero consists of weekend drills to prepare the Candidate for phase one... learn more >
