Officer Candidate School (OCS)

The USAC OCS program uses the Army National Guard training model, augmented by Army ROTC training materials, yet without emphasizing warrior skills.  The USAC OCS course of instruction includes:

OCS Phase I

An intense 10-day course of instruction which provides Officer Candidates with an introduction to basic military subjects and leadership fundamentals, including training in military drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, inspections, leadership, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers.  USAC specific training will include Cadet Protection Policy Training, core values, USAC officer professional development system and unit administration.  To graduate from OCS Phase I, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations, and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination.  Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from OCS Phase I will result in ineligibility for OCS Phase II.

OCS Phase II

Consists of 11 academic lessons pertaining to leadership, program management, military history and other information necessary to succeed when leading Cadets.  These lessons were developed from the Army ROTC 4-year curriculum (less most of the warrior skills), providing our officer candidates the same theoretical foundation in leadership and management received by the vast majority of new Army Second Lieutenants.

OCS Phase III

An intense 10-day course of instruction which provides graduates of OCS Phase I and OCS Phase II with an advanced introduction to military subjects and leadership, including leadership tools and techniques, troop leading procedures, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers.  USAC specific training will include management procedures, training techniques and internal communications.  OCS Phase III is required for commissioning in the USAC Officer Corps.  To graduate from OCS Phase III, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination.  Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from OCS Phase III will result in ineligibility for commissioning.

OCS Phase IV

A one-year mentorship program with a CPT or above for newly commissioned officers.

Direct Commission Course (DCC).

An intense 10-day course of instruction which provides Direct Commission Officers (typically those who previously held federal commissions, had previous service as a senior division ROTC Cadet/Midshipman or federal service academy Cadet/Midshipman; who are a former USAC Cadets E-8 or above; or those who are being commissioned in the USAC due to professional qualifications, such as licensed attorneys, medical professionals and clergy) with an introduction to basic and advanced military subjects and leadership fundamentals, including training in military drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, inspections, leadership, troop leading procedures, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers.  USAC specific training will include Cadet Protection Policy Training, core values, USAC officer professional development system, new unit formation and management procedures, unit administration, training techniques and internal communications.  To graduate from DCC, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination.  Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from DCC will result in ineligibility for commissioning.

OCS Waivers

The G7 may waive any phase of OCS, based on exceptional qualifications and knowledge of the applicant.  OCS waivers are rare and reserved for the most-qualified candidates who are best suited for immediate commissioning, and assignment to duties of significant value to USAC.  Requests for OCS waivers at the unit level will not normally be favorably considered.  When a waiver has been granted, the following applies:

1. All applicants, regardless of background, must complete Phase IV

2. All applicants, regardless of background, must complete Cadet Protection Policy Training prior to having any interface with Cadets

3. All applicants who are selected for positions of national leadership, regardless of background, must be interviewed by the Chief of Staff, or his appointed delegate

4. All applicants who are selected for positions of national leadership, regardless of background, usually must attend a national-level USAC event (Annual Training, Leadership Symposium, Executive Leadership Conference, etc.) prior to appointment

Sequence

OCS Phases I, II and III will normally be completed in sequential order, with each phase serving as a primer for the next level of instruction.  An applicant may not complete the phases out of order, except as approved by the DCS, G7.

Maximum Duration

OCS Phases I, II and III are intended to be completed within 18 months of initial appointment.  This is based on completing Phase I during the applicant’s first summer (or winter, if Phase I is offered) of enrollment in the USAC, followed by completing a series of 11 academic lessons, as well as 11 monthly drills, and then completing Phase III during the second summer (or winter, if Phase III is offered) of enrollment in the USAC.  While this is the ideal format, it is understood that family and career obligations will, at times, disrupt this cycle.  Taking this into account, applicants are permitted a maximum of 36 months to complete Phases I, II and III.  Failure to complete Phases I, II and IlI within 36 months will result in the Officer Candidate being either reenrolled as a USAC Civilian or discharged from the USAC for lack of suitability to serve as an officer.