How the Branching Process Works for OCS

Unlike enlisted recruits who sign a contract guaranteeing them a specific military…

Forging the Thunderbolt: The Armor BOLC Experience

And so when man and horse go down beneath a saber keen,
 or in a roaring charge fierce melee you stop a bullet clean,
 and the hostiles come to get your scalp,
 just empty your canteen and put your pistol to your head
 and go to Fiddlers’…

Phase 1 of OCS — Do You Want It?

Birds chirped outside, I shifted under the scratchy green blanket and glanced at my watch. It was 4:30…

Overcoming Ambiguity: Tips for the Army Reconnaissance Course

The Army Reconnaissance Course is the Army’s preeminent leadership school for scout leaders at…

Phase 3 OCS — Don’t Get Distracted by the Goal

8 Items You Need to Buy for Officer Candidate School

Phase 2 OCS — Grind It Out

If you survived Phase 1 of Officer Candidate School, there is nothing Phase 2 will throw at you that you can’t…

Phase 0 of OCS — The Calm Before the Storm

The traditional 18-month Officer Candidate School run by various states often starts with “Phase 0” which, as the designation suggests, isn’t an official part of the formal curriculum but is designed to prepare officer candidates for success in the…

Officer Candidate School Options

So you want to be a leader and you think you have what it takes to become a commissioned officer in the United States Army. You’ve already been to college so West Point and ROTC aren’t an option for you. Congratulations, you are looking at Officer Candidate School (unless…