The kind of training you get at Officer Candidate School can't be bought. You have to earn it. It takes hard work, commitment and drive. But when all is said and done, you'll have an education that's worth its weight in gold.
Learning to listen carefully is one of the first things you're taught at OCS. And while you may think you've been through all that already, the in-depth training you get at OCS takes it many steps further. You'll learn to reason, make decisions for yourself, then command with the self-confidence and assurance of an officer.
Leadership means more than issuing orders. A leader is charged with inspiring trust and confidence so others will follow you under any circumstances. It takes a special person with special abilities. One who is mentally and physically prepared to face the constant challenge of command.
Besides the pride you'll feel and the respect you'll gain, becoming an officer has many tangible benefits, too. OCS candidates are promoted to E-5 upon acceptance into the academy. OCS graduates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army National Guard, with a state and federally recognized commission, valid in any state or on active duty. Officers are among a select few with the responsibility of leadership and the authority and freedom to do things on their own. When you're an officer, you have a greater voice in the operation of the Guard.
Your educational opportunities are greatly expanded, too. To start, upon completion of Phase I, full time students are eligible to receive a $350/month educational kicker. In addition to branch training, as an officer you also may be eligible for specialized training including ranger school and flight school. Additionally, the advancements you make in the Guard can help make you a success in your civilian life. As a Guard officer, you've proven yourself as responsible, reliable, ambitious and self-confident - all traits that future employers look for in management candidates.
Officer Candidate School allows you to be in charge for a change, making you responsible and accountable. No more wondering what you're going to do next, here every minute is utilized. You'll go home satisfied that you have accomplished something that only a few men and women have aspired to do, graduate from California's own Officer Candidate School.
OCS Overview
The mission of the OCS Program is to qualify personnel for appointment as Federally Recognized Second Lieutenants - individuals with the required professional knowledge, character, motivation and capabilities for leadership to function as officers in the California Army National Guard.
Since February 1996, the OCS Program uses the same Program of Instruction and evaluation requirements dictated by the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. These requirements are met through two different programs: the Traditional Program, and the Accelerated Program. The traditional 17 month program is designed for the typical Guardsman and consists of fifteen monthly drills and two Annual Trainings. It begins in April and continues through August of the following year. The Accelerated Program is designed for Guardsmen with advanced skills that require an expedited commission. It consists of one drill and six weeks of active duty.
OCS Programs are divided into six segments. The first segment is OCS orientation/inprocessing that is conducted from February to May. The second segment is Phase I Preparation that is conducted on May and June. The third segment is OCS Phase I Annual Training in June or July at Fort Meade, South Dakota. OCS Phase II is conducted as monthly drills at Camp San Luis Obispo between July and September of the following year. July of the following year. The final segment is OCS Phase III Annual Training at Fort Lewis, Washington in August. OCS accelerated programs conduct OCS Phases I, II, and III in sequential two week periods.
Applicants attend OCS orientation and the academic boards in a pay status. OCS Applicants accepted for OCS will be attached to the 223rd Infantry Regiment (Combat Arms), OCS Company on orders issued by HQs, CAARNG. If applicant is below the grade or rank of E-5, he/she will also be promoted by HQs, CAARNG.