Why officer candidate school

Before you can lead as a Marine Officer, you must first fight to become one. At Marine Corps Officer Candidates School OCS , mind, body, and character are put to the test to evaluate your capabilities as both a fighter and an officer.

Hear from the officers of Marine who have faced the challenges of Officer Candidates School and proven themselves capable as leaders our Nation can count on. The mission of Officer Candidates School OCS is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled and challenging environment in order to evaluate and screen individuals for the leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps officer.

Much is expected of candidates who wish to earn the trust of our Nation by proving capable as Marine Officers. OCS ensures all who are pinned with the Marine rank of 2nd Lieutenant will first pass a stringent assessment based on three graded categories: Academics, Leadership, and Physical Fitness.

Some of the training events at OCS take the form of:. The arduous process of advancing from officer candidate to Officer of Marines is divided into five distinct phases, each that present distinct battles that must be overcome to continue. In this six-month course, Marine Officers are no longer being screened, but trained to be competent and capable leaders our Corps and country can count on.

From classroom settings to real life applications, TBS is where Marine Officers learn to effectively command and lead Marines for a common cause.

It also represents the first time we truly feel the weight of the astounding responsibility placed on our shoulders. Officer Schools by Service. Army Officer Candidate School. Duration 12 weeks. Rank Upon Graduation Second Lieutenant.

Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. Duration 10 weeks. Navy Officer Candidate School. Rank Upon Graduation Ensign. Air Force Officer Training School. Duration 9. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. Duration 17 weeks. Find Your Path. Army Officers. Officer Candidate School. Pursue the Path of Officer Candidate School. Training Designed to Help You Excel. Phase 1: Learn the Basics of Officership Weeks Requirements to Join OCS.

What is my rank when I graduate from OCS?