Officer ranks are pretty straightforward. Officers are generally college-educated and commissioned by authority of the president. The biggest difference between commissioned and non-commissioned officers is their level of authority. However, he or she can command the enlisted personnel, privates, corporals and lower-ranked sergeants under his or her command. They include first and second lieutenants, captains, majors, colonels, lieutenant-colonels and generals.Ī non-commissioned officer (e.g., a sergeant) is outranked by all commissioned officers. A commissioned officer holds a commission from the President of the United States and can command those under him or her, both officers and enlisted personnel. Officers fall into one of two categories: Commissioned or non-commissioned. Enlisted personnel serve until their contract ends, and then renew it or leave the Military. They are the problem solvers, influencers and planners who lead the enlisted personnel.Įnlisted service members sign a contract between them and the Military. Officers manage enlisted personnel they plan missions, provide orders, and assign tasks. They perform specific job functions and have the knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure the success of their unit’s mission. officers.Įnlisted personnel have specialties within the Military. The requirements, commitments and responsibilities are different for enlisted service members vs. If you’re a college senior, you can apply early and be selected for training at OCS upon completion of your degree.Īrmy Officer Training School is held at Fort Benning, Georgia.Annually, more than 180,000 people enlist in the armed forces, and another 20,000 people become officers. After you rank your top job choices based on what the Army has available, you’ll be matched with one of your preferred jobs based on an assessment of how your OCS scores and qualifications match the needs of the role. The better you score at OCS, the better your chances are to get the job you want. About 65% of OCS applicants are accepted. While civilian college graduates and current military candidates do not compete with each other for available OCS slots, the more prepared you are for the physically rigorous demands of OCS, the better. Army Officer and assigned to the rank of second lieutenant, the lowest of the commissioned ranks. Enlisted and Army Reserve Soldiers enrolling in OCS would have already completed the course.Īt graduation, you will be given a formal commission as a U.S. Before enrolling in OCS, civilians must complete the 10-week Army Basic Combat Training or equivalent military basic skills course. One is by attending State Officer Candidate School that takes place on the weekends for 16-18 months, or the National Guard Bureau Accelerated Officer Candidate School, an eight-week course. To learn more about OCS requirements and how to apply, civilians can talk to a recruiter, while active-duty enlisted, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers can talk to their commanding Officer.Īrmy National Guard Soldiers can take the traditional route to OCS as described above, but they also have the opportunity to explore two different paths. If you’re current military, you can’t have more than six years of active service before joining OCS. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. citizen and have your bachelor’s degree by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. This phase also includes Senior Leader Seminars and the Transitioning to Becoming Commissioned Officers course. In Phase 2, you’ll be evaluated on your ability to lead a team during an intense 18-day mission. Put the skills you learned in Phase 1 to the test in the field. You’ll be expected to pass the Army fitness test, Leadership Reaction Course, and Combat Water Survival Test. Physical and mental challenges will test your determination to excel in the basic leadership skills required of a commissioned Officer. Training will include two phases of advanced classroom instruction and on-the-ground training that you’ll complete as part of a small squad. You’ll undergo training in OCS for 12 weeks to ensure you’re prepared to successfully lead others. When you graduate OCS as a commissioned Officer, expect to be ready to lead in any situation, no matter the environment, and no matter the stakes. OCS offers the intense military tactical training you need to become an Officer, while also preparing you for careers in fields like engineering, finance, mechanics, communications, and more. Applying is open to civilians, active-duty enlisted, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers with at least a bachelor’s degree. OCS is one of four paths to become a commissioned Officer in the Army. Put your college degree to use, learn important leadership skills, and prepare for a career as an Army Officer.
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