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Mission

To train and develop the future leaders of the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve, to provide an alternative to other commissioning programs whose numbers are decreasing, and to continue the high standards of the Officer Candidate School Curriculum developed at Ft. Benning, GA.

Intent

- To increase the enrollment of the qualified enlisted and warrant officers into the Massachusetts Army National Guard, 101st Regiment, regional Training Institute, Officer Candidate School (OCS).
- To canvass the Army National Guard and Army Reserve organizations within a reasonable commuting distance to the 101st Regiment.
- To allow citizen soldiers an opportunity to gain a commission without the burden of attending the full time active duty OCS program at Ft. Benning, GA.
- To offer Army National Guard and Army Reserve commanders high quality, fully trained Second Lieutenants.

OCS Background

- Formerly the Massachusetts Military Academy
- Located on Camp Edwards, Bourne, MA.
- Founded in 1913; first in the country.
- The model for all other state OCS programs.
- Approved for ARNG and USAR soldiers.
- The OCS course focuses on leadership development.
- OCS course standards are established by Ft. Benning, GA.
- Program of Instruction (POI) and examinations are developed by Ft. Benning, GA.

Prerequisites

Medical
- Medical standards for appointment as a commissioned officer are contained in Chapter 2, AR 40-501. OCS applicants must undergo and pass an appointment medical examination.
- Meet weight standard contained in AR 600-9/AR 350-41 and pass enrollment APFT

Civilian Education
- 60 college credits to enroll
- 90 college credits to graduate

U.S. Citizenship
Massachusetts Resident

Age
- 18 to 30
- 30 to 32.5 at graduation, with waiver / Adjutant General
- 32.5 to 34 at graduation, with waiver / National Guard Bureau

Mental
- General Aptitude (GT) score of 110 or above
- SAT score of 850 or higher or an ACT score of 19 or higher
- SAT/ACT/OSB test scores are waived provided the applicant possesses a four-year bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university or college.

Military Education
- Must have completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training or equivalent.

Moral Character
- Able to acquire a SECRET clearance (A waiver is required for any convictions, military or civilian or traffic offenses where the fine exceeded $300.)

Application Process, the soldier's unit originates / provides the following

- Copy of DD214, proof of initial entry training.
- NGB Form 64, application for training (or USAR equivalent)
- GT test score annotated on MEPCOM Form or DD1966, or on soldier's certified DA Form 2-1.
- Official college transcripts sent directly to 101st Regiment (RTI) by the College (copies not acceptable)
- Standard Form (SF) 93 (medical history) as of the date of the application.
- FTUS authorization (if applicable)
- Statement of disclosure
- Birth certificate (copy)
- Copy of application for citizenship (if required)
- Letter to verify naturalized citizenship (if required)
- Social Security Card (copy)

Program Composition

- Phase I0 - 3 Drills, at Camp Edwards
- (Friday night through Sunday)
- Phase I - 15 days (AT), at Camp Rowland, CT
- Phase II - 12 Drills (IDT), at Camp Edwards
- (Friday night through Sunday)
- Phase III - 15 Days (AT) at Ft. Benning, GA

Course Overview

The Officer Candidate Program is divided into three parts no matter which option you enroll in.

As an Officer Candidate during Phase I, you will learn the basic leadership skills required of a commissioned officer. Candidates are faced with both physical and mental challenges, designed not to break your will to succeed, but rather to develop and evaluate your determination and desire to excel.

Phase II integrates an intense academic program with the same physical and mental rigors you faced while in Phase I. Instruction in Phase II is designed to develop and enhance the technical skills and overall knowledge today's commissioned officers must possess.

In Phase III, all of the skills you have learned in your training to this point will be put to the test in a field environment. As a Phase III Candidate, you are tested on both leadership abilities and your ability to work as a team. It is an intense 15-day training mission that hones the skills learned during your previous two phases.

The Accelerated State OCS Program Option

This program is designed for soldiers whose age would preclude them from the regular state run program, or for soldiers programmed for a vacancy in a priority unit. There could also be special circumstances where a soldier would be allowed to enter the accelerated program when he/she is unable to attend other programs.

Like the traditional 14-month program, the Accelerated State OCS Program Option has three phases. Following Phase I0 at Camp Edwards, Mass., Phases I and II are conducted consecutively during the summer months. The training location rotates each year. Upon completion of Phase I and II, you are immediately enrolled in Phase III, completing the entire 14-month program in approximately 8 weeks.

Program requirements and prerequisites previously listed in this section are the same for soldiers who complete the Accelerated State OCS Program.

The OCS Enlistment Option

If you are not a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, or an armed forces veteran, you can enlist for Officer Candidate Training. If you qualify, you will attend the US Army's Basic Combat Training and begin the next scheduled Officer Candidate Program upon completion of BCT. As an Officer Candidate, your pay grade will be elevated to E-6, the same as a Staff Sergeant. You must meet all enrollment criteria previously outlined in this section and successfully complete the 14-month OCS program of instruction to be eligible for commissioning as a Second Lieutenant.

How to Apply

The OCS application process begins at your unit of assignment. With the help of your chain of command, you must complete an application packet and appear before an OCS selection board prior to the start of the class. A training circular containing complete information and board dates is published annually and sent to each unit in the state.

Additionally, throughout the training year OCS information briefings are held for prospective candidates. This is an opportunity for you to talk with current candidates, OCS staff and OCS graduates about the program. These dates are published well in advance.