OCS selection boards are conducted at HRC (Accessions Branch). The school here at Fort Benning does not have any influence over what is required, nor who is selected or not. All questions for the board should be directed to the board.
Will TA-50 be provided in school?
TA-50 will be issued here from CIF.
Are we authorized to bring cell phones?
Are Candidates authorized POVs (Privately Owned Vehicles)?
Yes, Candidates can bring POVs at their own expense to OCS. A parking area will be made available. The POV will need to be in good working order and able to pass a vehicle inspection and have on-post stickers before they arrive to OCS in order for a candidate to use it. Candidates will not be able to access their POVs for at least the first 6 weeks.
Will there be Internet access since we are authorized to bring laptops?
Yes - MWR has a program by which wireless internet can be purchased by the hour\day\month. You will be responsible for all costs.
What address can I use to send packages and letters to OCS candidate?
(CANDIDATES NAME)
3-11TH INFANTRY
6510 BENJAMIN AVE, BLDG 2749
(COMPANY, IF KNOWN)
FORT BENNING, GA 31905
Can you tell me approximately how long I should expect to wait for orders, or when I will need to conduct an interview?
The average wait time to be selected to OCS is 5 months after the packet is submitted. Average wait to attend OCS after being selected for "in-service" Army personnel is 12 months.
What holidays are observed during OCS?
Candidates will be informed at the beginning of the course which holidays will be observed during their time at OCS.
What uniform is used for OCS?
Your daily uniform is the Army Combat Uniform (ACUs). Candidates depending on what they have are either wear Class A’s and Blues or ASUs while here in the course. Class A’s and Blues are authorized until 1 October, 2015. All uniforms need to be configured to be an Officer
The FRACUs (Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform) and the Army Combat Shirt are not authorized in OCS.
What are the physical fitness requirements for OCS?
You must be able to take a 3-event APFT. No alternate event is given at OCS. You further must be able to complete the POI for OCS, which is more than just the APFT there are several graded running events to include a 3, 4, and 5 mile release run as well as a 4 mile graduation run, in addition you will also have graded foot marches which you have to pass in order to graduate.
Do you get any time off during OCS?
Yes, but initially you are in an immersion environment and what free time you have, you will not be allowed to leave the Battalion Area. As the candidates matures through the course the Company Commander may grant additional privileges (off-post passes, Civilian Clothes authorizations, etc)
How many weeks is OCS (BOLC A) and follow up classes?
OCS (BOLC A) is 12 weeks, and is followed by your branch specific BOLC B (6-16 weeks, depends on the branch), then based on what unit you are going to you can received additional schooling (e.g. Airborne, Stryker Leader Course, etc) before arriving at your first unit.
Is branching done during OCS?
Branching is done during OCS for all active duty personnel. National Guard and Reserve Personnel will receive their branch from their state or unit respectively. Branches are chosen by candidates based upon their ranking in their class and the branches available. All branches will not be available all the time.
Is there any additional information on BAH while attending OCS, 3-11 IN REGT?
See information below.
SERVICE MEMBER SINGLE NO DEPENDENTS
If service member is single and has no dependents, service member will not receive BAH w/o dependent while attending OCS.
SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO SERVICE MEMBER (NO KIDS)
If service member is married to another service member and has no dependents the service member who is attending OCS will not receive BAH w/o dependent while attending OCS.
SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO SERVICE MEMBER (WITH KIDS)
If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.
**If service member is drawing BAH w/o dependent your BAH will stop while attending OCS.
SERVICE MEMBER MARRIED TO A CIVILIAN
If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.
SERVICE MEMBER SINGLE (NOT MARRIED / DIVORCED) WITH KIDS
If service member is drawing BAH w/dependent, service member will receive BAH w/dependents while attending OCS. Service member will need the following information.
SERVICE MEMBER PAYING CHILD SUPPORT
If you are paying child support you are authorized BAH DIFF. You will need the following information.
I was in an ROTC program prior to enlisting and was disenrolled. Am I still eligible to Commission through OCS.
You are not eligible for OCS since you have been previously disenrolled from another commissioning program.
Where can they go to find out information about the Degree Completion program?
The degree completion program has been suspended indefinitely. All candidates must come to OCS with a 4-year degree from an accredited university.
Who can I ask a question to concerning my application packet for OCS?
OCS selection boards are conducted at HRC (Acessions Branch). The school here at Fort Benning does not have any influence over what is required, nor who is selected or not. All questions for the board should be directed to the board. https://www.hrc.army.mil/Officer/Officer%20Candidate%20School
What Uniform should I wear when reporting to OCS for class?
Do we receive a DA 1059 (Service School Academic Evaluation Report) for OCS?
Can I take a pass between Basic Training and starting OCS?
That is dependent upon what your orders say, and your basic training unit. You must sign into OCS according to what your orders say. Once you sign into OCS you will not be put on pass and will immediately begin prepping for the upcoming class. If your basic training unit allows you to go on pass, that is something that needs to be worked between the candidate and their basic training unit.
I have a 4 year degree and less than 6 months before I ETS. Do I have time to put in my packet for Officer Candidate School (OCS)?
To apply for admission to OCS in-service perspective candidates must have at least 1 year of retainability.
I attended OCS over a year ago and was released due to medical reasons. I do have a letter of recommendation to re-attend after my injuries are fully healed. Do I have to re-submit my packet or can my old one be used?
You must resubmit your packet, with all of your updated documentation, for approval by the board if it has been over the year allowed in your recommendation to re-attend memo.
I am graduating later than scheduled from present training and will be unable to report for my scheduled OCS class. Will I be moved to the next OCS class?
If the Soldier is going to be late to OCS, they need to contact 502-613-6352, so he can be rescheduled for the next OCS class available. They would be considered a "No Show" for the class they were originally scheduled for.
I am an IRR soldier currently called up and in Iraq. I am considering returning to active duty. I have a Bachelors degree, and I want to go to OCS. What are my options?
After his deployment he should go to a recruiter to do an OCS packet for active duty. He could go through a Reserve unit and get OCS that way but he would Not be on active duty after commissioning.
Are there any formal gatherings prior to the graduation ceremony where family of the students may attend?
Yes - The Senior Officer Candidate Review (Friday week 6); The Family SRP events (They happen throughout the course, and you candidate will provide the dates and topics of discussion); Graduation Formal (Tuesday Week 12); and the Graduation (Thursday Week 12).
