What Does Officer Candidate School (OCS) Look Like for Different Military Branches?

Hey fam, I've been considering joining the military after high school, specifically looking into Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs. I've heard the experience can differ by branch, so could anyone share more about what OCS looks like for each of the branches? I'm particularly interested in how minimal requirements differ and the typical day-to-day.

Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) is indeed specific to each branch of the military and the day-to-day activities, qualifications, and experiences can differ. Here's a brief summary of each:

1. Army OCS: The Army's OCS program is 12 weeks long and is divided into two phases - Basic and Intermediate. The basic phase includes leadership and ethics training, while the intermediate phase emphasizes on training the cadets in Military Occupational Specialities (MOS), land navigation, and more. To qualify, you typically need a bachelor's degree, be between 18-32 years old, and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

2. Navy OCS: The Navy's OCS is located in Rhode Island and lasts 12 weeks. The program is broken into three phases: Indoctrination, Officer Development, and Strategy and Warfare. The core emphasis is on academics, physical readiness, and leadership. To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree and be less than 32 years of age for unrestricted line Officers, or up to 42 for restricted/professional Officers (like chaplains or lawyers).

3. Air Force OTS: The Air Force's OTS program takes place in Alabama and lasts 9.5 weeks. It's divided into four phases: Indoctrination, Development, Application, and Transition. It offers training in leadership, management, and military law. Qualifications typically include being aged 18–35, having a bachelor's or master's degree, and passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).

4. Marine Corps OCS: The Marine Corps' OCS lasts 10 weeks and is located in Virginia. The program is known for its physical rigor and focuses on leadership under stress. To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree, be 18-28 years old (exceptions can be made up to age 34), and pass the Initial Strength Test (IST).

5. Coast Guard OCS: The Coast Guard's OCS lasts 17 weeks and is located in Connecticut. Its program combines classroom learning with physical training and emphasizes leadership and management. For qualification, you need a bachelor's degree, be under 35 years old (for non-prior service), and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and a military medical exam.

6. Space Force OCS: Space Force currently sources its commissioned officers from the Air Force, meaning that prospective Space Force Officers go through the Air Force's OTS.

It's important to remember these are high-level overviews and individual experiences can vary. In each service's OCS, each day typically involves early wake up times, physical fitness training, classroom instruction, leadership training, and study time. Weekends may also involve additional activities or time for personal rest or religious services.