can you fail ocs?

Speaking in general terms about my study habits, I made sure to put in as much time as possible studying before I set foot on Brown Field, and I would recommend that all prospective candidates follow suit. Candidates should understand that free time, especially at the beginning of the cycle, is minimal.

During that time you will also have to stage and mark gear, complete whatever tasks your platoon staff gives you before reveille, fire watch, and probably moving racks more than a few times. Thus how much you study is inversely proportional to how much you sleep, and sleep is incredibly valuable.  The tests themselves are 10th-grade level difficulty multiple choice questions wherein two of the possible answers are almost always obviously wrong. Generally speaking, staying up that extra hour in your rack to study was not worth the sleep that was lost.

You will also need to be efficient with every moment of dedicated study time you are allocated by your platoon staff.

The biggest key is simply staying awake and paying attention in class. Those who regularly fell asleep typically struggled with academics. Those who stayed awake were typically fine. There is a roughly 35% failure rate at OCS overall.  As for myself, I came from a fairly vigorous academic background, so studying before I shipped as well as paying close attention during classes was enough to garner strong test scores. I made flash cards for each chapter while I was at OCS, and made sure I had a good grasp of all the Terminal Learning Objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter (just about every question is drawn from these TLO’s), but generally did not spend a ton of time studying.  If you think academics are an issue for you, definitely make flashcards, get on those TLO’s, and get with a fellow candidate who excels in academics when you study.

As for where I allocated my time when I studied, I spent countless hours with several 2ndLt’s who were on PTAD with my OSO studying the knowledge from past cycles and even going through practice tests.  The two areas we spent the bulk of our time covering were Marine Corps History and 5 paragraph order. I highly recommend every candidate on their way to OCS puts an extensive amount of time into studying and understanding OSMEAC.  When I went to OCS I had enough practice transposing and briefing OCS style orders that I could create an order skeleton from memory on the fly.

Now as for Marine Corps history, when you get your knowledge issued to you, you will notice that history has the greatest number of chapters and the highest volume of information.

In retrospect, I would have allocated more time to other topics besides history, at least from an evaluation standpoint.  In particular, the test with Uniform Regulations was challenging for a number of candidates in my platoon.  I highly recommend all perspective candidates study these topics in some detail.  The challenge at OCS is that under the new test structure you will have to study for a number of diverse topics at the same time for each test, so again the best thing you can do is put in the hours beforehand, and prioritize your time at OCS on the more troublesome chapters.

The basics of Night Land Nav are actually exceedingly simple, but external friction will make it difficult.  The first issue is that you will have limited practice before you are evaluated.  We had one period of classroom instruction, one practical application, and then a few weeks later an actual evaluation.  Thus, you can expect a steep learning curve, and you won’t really have a chance to remediate if you have issues on the practical application. Now, the good news is on the exam the distance between points on the exam is no more than 350m.  That bad news is the terrain is not especially forgiving, and if the moon is not bright, that can lead to a lot of time spent walking into and falling over rocks and branches.  This will lead to candidates allowing terrain to dictate their paths, and eventually missing your points.  If you can pay attention during class (candidates should be seeing a pattern here), and move carefully and methodically utilizing the proper techniques you will hit all of your points and pass.  If you move to quickly and/or allow terrain to dictate your path, as I did, you will fail.  The good news is, despite what your platoon staff may try to convince you ahead of the exam if you fail night nav or day nav for that matter it is not the end of the world.  Nearly 2/3 of my platoon failed night nav, and all but perhaps 2 graduated OCS.  Your land nav grades will be rolled into your overall academic grade, so if you do well on all of your tests, land nav should be a stress-free endeavor. Land nav is taught in much greater detail with more time for remediation at TBS, so candidates who have issues with land nav at OCS need not worry too much about TBS.

Luckily during fall OCS, the weather was pretty mild. There were only a few cold days we had to deal with, including one pretty rough night in the field.  I do have a couple quick tips:

Understand that at OCS you will almost never be given a long distance and told to just run. You will have a 3-mile boots and utes run, and  5-mile run towards the end of the cycle, along with three PFT’s.  Just about every other PT session will involve some sort of high-intensity repetition, like Fartleks, the MEC, the O-course, CFT prep, etc.

I had also been warned ahead of time about “Core Strength and Conditioning” PT, which is a series of core and plyometric exercises for time. I modeled my workouts to prepare for those as well. A few other tips I would advise candidates utilize:

Break in a set of boots before you get to OCS. I bought a pair of Bates Lites and had them ready to roll when I got to OCS. I used them for every PT session we had that required boots, including the O and E-Course.

I was always a strong hiker, hiked just a handful of times in boots before OCS, and I was just fine at OCS. If hiking is a weakness for you, by all means, hike. Typically, those who struggled did so because they were short or perhaps lacked the total body strength to manage their pack size. For the latter, work squats and deadlifts in the weight room before you show up, for the former, Semper Gumby.  In either case, it would be smart to hike ahead of time.  You can follow the Colour Sergeant’s Guide on the official OCS site for a good hiking program.  Make sure however that you slowly build your pack weight and distance.  Don’t dive right into a 12-mile death march. The same goes for boots and utes runs.  Start with a half mile and build distance slowly. If I had to sum it all up, I would say work hard, work consistently, work functionally, and work safely.  No one workout will get you ready for OCS, but one workout could injure you and set you back.  Months of consistent, cumulative preparation utilizing functional workouts will prepare you for OCS. Showing up to OCS in exceptional shape is the difference between PT sessions being a source of stress relief and a confidence builder, and PT sessions being another source of stress.  For me, I PT’d religiously for over a year before OCS, and I did not find the PT to be especially challenging at all.  Except for the E-course, which will suck even if you are in incredible shape.

OCS is a test of your dedication as much as anything else.  It boils down to a game, and the only rule of that game is you always lose.  If you somehow win, the rules will change to ensure you lose. The course is structured to create stress, discomfort, and discouragement to make you doubt yourself and give up.  They are evaluating whether or not you keep pushing and displaying effort absent any source of encouragement or immediate gratification.  The reality is that every candidate who gets selected was chosen out of hundreds of qualified candidates because they are capable of finishing this course because they belong.

Remember all of the hours you poured into PT, academic preparation, and getting past the selection board and trust that you can finish.  You will undoubtedly fail at something at OCS.  Nearly everyone does.  If you compensate for your shortcomings with effort and intensity, you will ultimately succeed.  The fact is nothing you will be asked to do at OCS is beyond your ability to finish.  In fact, were it not for the sleep deprivation and external friction very few of the individual events would be all that difficult.  Thus the biggest obstacles will always be mental.  Ignore that internal voice telling you to stop and keep pushing.  Chow to Chow, rack to rack, libo to libo, dig deep and put out.  Before you know it you’ll be crossing the parade deck with gold bars pinned on your shoulders.

Some don't meet the required academic standards (anything below an 80 is failing at OCS), some don't make the leadership grades, and sometimes you see people dropped for integrity violations (cheating on a test, lying, contraband, etc.).

Candidates that receive an offer to attend Army OCS are former enlisted members, warrant officers, inter-service transfers, or recent college graduates.

Officer Candidate School teaches you the fundamentals of serving the military branch as an officer.

Army OCS lasts several months and tests your physical and mental capabilities.

Learn more about what you can expect at Officer Candidate School.

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Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the primary training academy for prospective officers of the U.S. Army.

Army Commissioned Officers serve as managers for the military branch, planning and influencing critical decisions, as well as acting as problem-solvers for a group of enlisted soldiers.

The training academy is open to qualified enlisted Noncommissioned Officers along with civilians with at least a four-year college degree.

Army OCS lasts 3 months with a rigorous training regime.

Recruits that successfully complete Officer Candidate School receive formal commissions as U.S. Army Officers.

The United States Army depends on highly qualified and competent officers to make important decisions out in the field.

Therefore, Army OCS presents recruits with the framework to prepare and handle the important role as a unit commander.

The Army focuses on teaching tactical training as well as handling emotions under intense stress.

In short, prospective officers learn how to become leaders throughout the training.

There are many reasons why enlisted personnel and civilian college graduates consider attending Army OCS.

It’s not only a prestigious title within the United States Army but also invaluable once you transition into civilian life.

Related Article – Platoon Size: US Army Organizational Structure

The U.S. Army Officer Candidate School lasts 12 weeks.

The training academy is based out of Fort Benning in Georgia.

Army OCS trains, assesses, and evaluates prospective commissioned officers for not only the U.S. Army, but also the Army National Guard and Reserve.

Officer Candidate School adheres to the motto “Standards, No Compromise”.

It’s worth mentioning that the U.S. Army is the only uniformed branch where individuals must enlist before they attend Officer Candidate School.

Consequently, recruits need to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) prior to Officer Candidate School, unlike other officer training programs of the Marine Corps and Navy.

The Army accepts enlisted members (E-4 to E-7), warrant officers, inter-service transfers, and civilian college graduates for the “OCS Option” after completing boot camp.

The United States Army requires several steps to become a commissioned officer.

First, you need to enlist in the U.S. Army like any new recruit.

The Army has basic guidelines you need to meet like proving you’re a U.S. citizen and passing a medical exam.

The Armed Forces require that recruits arrive in shape and able to meet basic physical fitness standards.

Army OCS applicants must also complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) like all other recruits.

The series of tests allows the military branch to assess your mental competence.

Prospective officers need to score General Technical (GT): 110 or higher on the ASVAB to stay considered for the prestigious Officer Candidate School.

Furthermore, recruits need to pass the Army Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT).

The Army guarantees enrollment in Officer Candidate School (OCS) for non-prior service (NPS) applicants after completing basic training.

Meanwhile, prior service (PS) applicants may go directly to Army OCS, therefore, skipping basic training.

Candidates in their senior year of college may enlist in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).

The United States Army (like other military branches) separates officers from enlisted personnel.

While enlisted personnel represents an overwhelming majority of the Army (about 83%) the remaining percent serve as higher-ranking officers.

Officers are critical to the U.S. Army because they act as the commanding leaders of separate units.

Army Commissioned Officers need to manage personnel in their unit as well as make tough decisions.

A few general job duties of an Army Officer, regardless of the MOS, include:

During Army OCS, prospective officers have the opportunity to complete an OCS preference statement.

The statement lets you select what Army officer branches you prefer assignment, though the statement is no guarantee that you’ll receive your wishes.

Army OCS graduates usually receive assignment to one of the following branches:

Enlisting in the Army and joining the OCS training program after you qualify is one of the best ways you can serve and represent the United States Army.

Related Article – Army Ranks and Pay

The United States Army requires all recruits, regardless of designation, to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT).

Army boot camp lasts 10 weeks for most Military Occupational Specialities (MOS) and slightly longer for Infantry and Armor OSUT.

Boot camp is your orientation to the United States Army with thorough training.

Following the completion of Army BCT, it’s time to progress to Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Army OCS is available to qualified non-prior service (NPS) and prior service (PS) applicants.

Officer Candidate School is open to civilians yet only with an applicable four-year college degree.

Officer recruits also need to complete the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), Army PFT, and Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) to sufficient standards.

The basic requirements for Army OCS candidates that are already enlisted personnel:

Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intense tactical and leadership training course.

From the beginning, candidates get organized into squads where they start to develop leadership skills in small-unit tactics.

The U.S. Army divides OCS into two phases:

Students receive the distinction of Basic Officer Candidate (BOC), Intermediate Officer Candidate (IOC), or Senior Officer Candidate (SOC) depending on their status of completion at the school.

The Army enforces strict physical fitness scores for Officer candidates with an expected score between 240-270.

Candidates receive very little privileges comparable to boot camp.

However, Army OCS is different from boot camp in that instructors expect candidates to immediately act like leaders and take responsibilities.

OCS graduates receive a formal commission as a U.S. Army Officer.

Then, Army OCS graduates receive an assignment with the rank of Second Lieutenant (O-1).

Army Officer Candidate School is very demanding.

The purpose of Army OCS is to place the recruit under physical, mental, and emotional pressure to simulate the stress and exhaustion of combat.

It’s similar to the situational encounters you train for at Basic Combat Training (BCT), yet with more challenging exercises since the school is reserved for higher-ranking officers.

Officer recruits spend 12 weeks at Fort Benning in Georgia preparing for their commission.

The program teaches basic leadership qualities and tactical skills using infantry battle drills.

The Army references the Field Manual 3-21.8 as guidelines for instruction and evaluation.

As a result, the Army currently trains recruits at OCS in over 70 different tasks.

Recruits are under constant observation and evaluation.

The course is physically demanding with a plethora of tactical road marches, timed runs of varying distances, and Army Combatives training.

Additionally, the Army considers the mental and emotional levels of each trainee.

Because both factor heavily into leadership and making the right decisions under pressure, the Army tests problem-solving and moral resolve in their evaluations.

Army OCS classes are limited to under 200 Officer Candidates making it not only difficult to make it to OCS but also complete the program.

Do you have more questions about Army OCS?

Here are some questions that we receive a lot from readers:

Related Article – Army vs. Air Force: 5 Main Differences

Yes, Army OCS is very difficult to complete.

Recruits go through a few stages to receive their distinction as an Army Commissioned Officer.

First, you start out as a Basic Officer Candidate (BOC).

The basic training phase provides an orientation on the training program as well as tests to act as baselines.

The Army scores all your events using the Order of Merit (OMB) list used for branch selection.

Once you complete the basic phase you receive a branch selection and transition into an Intermediate Officer Candidate (IOC).

The stage of training introduces more academics while also focusing on field and tactical instruction.

Meanwhile, the final phase of Army OCS training earns you the title of Senior Officer Candidate (SOC).

The senior phase presents a complete field environment where students receive evaluations on land navigation, tactics, and leadership.

There are final exams that candidates need to pass in academics and physical fitness.

Candidates are also subject to peer evaluations along with final TAC (Training, Advising, and Counseling) Officer assessments.

Yes, every recruit begins to earn compensation from the U.S. Army once they reach boot camp.

The amount you receive in pay is based on your Army rank.

Army OCS candidates earn the rank of Sergeant (E-5) while attending Officer Candidate School.

Therefore, your pay is at the E-5 level until you graduate and receive a formal commission.

Army Officer Candidate School graduates students into the lowest officer rank – Second Lieutenant (O-1).

Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) is more challenging compared to Basic Combat Training (BCT).

While both training courses push you to the limits in terms of physical fitness, there is more stress on leadership qualities at OCS.

Army OCS candidates are constantly evaluated for their leadership characteristics in addition to physical fitness and tactical skills.

The program is also slightly longer (12 weeks compared to 10 weeks).

The Army purposely makes OCS more difficult compared to basic training.

It prepares high-ranking officers, those that will make difficult decisions out in the field later on down the road.

The U.S. Army has the final call when it comes to whether or not you pass Officer Candidate School.

If you fail Army OCS you have one of two choices:

While it’s certainly frustrating for candidates that don’t pass the officer academy you should not feel too dejected.

Enlisted personnel is the lifeblood of the Army and you can still serve your country in many facets under the designation.

Once you complete the 12-week training course at OCS it’s time for the next step in the process.

A newly commissioned officer of the U.S. Army attends the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC).

The Basic Officer Leader Course is a three-phase training program that offers initial military training for junior commissioned and warrant officers.

Its purpose is to train new officers on the subject matter specific to their new job (since they only received general leadership and tactical training at OCS).

Army Officers are different from enlisted personnel in that they can make suggestions, yet their MOS and assignment is not guaranteed.

The U.S. Army uses the Order of Merit (OML) list to compare officer candidates to each other.

Those that perform near the top of the metrics generally get assigned to the branch of their choosing.

Meanwhile, lower-performing OCS students will likely get placed wherever there is a need in the Army – and likely not their first or second choice for placement.

Therefore, performing well at Army OCS is critical to getting an assignment that you’ll enjoy.

Related Article – Army Airborne School: Requirements, Length, Packing List, And More

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training academy for the U.S. Army that prepares new officer recruits.

The intense 12-week training program tests your physical, mental, and emotional competence.

Candidates are sent through a variety of training exercises and constantly evaluated based on leadership performance.

The benefits of attending Army OCS and becoming a commissioned officer are plentiful.

Your experience as an Army Officer prepares you for an exciting career leading and ordering others in your unit.

It will make you into one of the best leaders the world has to offer with the pressure of overseeing and keeping other lives in your unit safe.

See Also

National Guard OCS

Marine OCS Guide

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) Guide

While adapting to covid-19 and all the mitigation that comes along with it, trying to present yourself in a way that will make you shine brighter became more difficult. For instance, there were no company level billets, PT was reduced, and some events were even cancelled (not all were due to covid however).

Nonetheless I, along with many  others, still graduated.

Things change and you have to be ready to stop a dime and prepare to do a 180. As for me, I’m currently finishing up my senior year at Virginia Tech and will be commissioning in May of 2021.

This topic can vary greatly, as many people have opinions on what the winners and losers are, and what separates them. I think that the biggest thing that separates them is in the preparation. The more you prepare for OCS, the better off you will be. When the weeks get busy, you will be able to tell who prepared and who did not (it often correlates well with who stays up past lights frequently and who doesn’t).

Here is a basic outline of what you should prepare if you want to do well at OCS.

If we are setting the winners as those individuals who stand out to the Instructors and other candidates then this is what you will need to know. In order for others to perceive you as a winner, you’re going to want to be as prepared as you can when you arrive on Brown field.

That means mentally, physically, and educationally. Knowing a lot of the academic information will help you greatly when it comes time to take notes in classes when you are struggling to stay awake (yes, you will be that tired eventually).

However, in your preparation you shouldn’t only focus on the events in the PFT (pull-ups, crunches, run time). You should work on all sorts of calisthenics, run more than just 3 miles at a time and occasionally add some weight to those runs, and definitely hike on your own. The best way to prepare yourself emotionally is to set your ego aside. You will have your moment at OCS where an instructor just won’t leave you alone. Don’t worry, we have all been there and it will end. Just be ready for it.

I can only imagine that the “losers” in this situation are people who end up getting dropped and do not graduate. These individuals often get dropped for a variety of reasons. Some don’t meet the required academic standards (anything below an 80 is failing at OCS), some don’t make the leadership grades, and sometimes you see people dropped for integrity violations (cheating on a test, lying, contraband, etc.).

I saw the most people get dropped because they DOR (drop on request). Most of those individuals decide by about week 3-4 of the 10-week program that the Marine Corps is not for them. Outside of DORs, the most common reason for candidates getting dropped was simply because they didn’t have the grades in the leadership category. Those grades mostly consist of the Leadership Reaction Courses (LRCs) and Squad Unit Leadership Evaluations (SULEs). The best way to prepare for those is to know your 5 paragraph order, and to simply be confident in your own leadership. If you can do that then you will be fine.

Remember that the LRCs are not designed to see how you can solve the problem, but rather how you are able to deal with failure and coming up with a new plan because, as you will hear many times, no plan survives first contact.

To simply put it, what separates the winners and losers at OCS is all in the preparation of the individual.

Study and prepare beforehand and you will do okay. Learn to deal with failure, as most candidates will fail at some point. The key is to learn from it and move on.

Written by:

Jason Powers