How does State OCS work?

SPC (Join to see), in addition to the traditional state OCS program as most aptly described by MAJ (Join to see), there is an accelerated option available as well. The 200th Regiment (LDR) at Fort McClellan, AL is one of the premier regional training institutes (RTI) in the nation, and twice annually (January and June) they begin an accelerated 57 day program. Upon successful completion, officer candidates are commissioned second lieutenants. Officer candidates from all over the nation (and foreign countries) are accepted into and matriculate in this program. I tried to get the Alabama National Guard OCS link for you, but the site is down. I'll check back for it later, but accelerated OCS is also an option if you meet the criteria, have the time and wish to "get it over with"! CPT (Join to see)

The purpose of the 18-20 months of training is to complete the required 580 hours (approximate) of required training from the OCS curriculum part time. The Branch or MOS will be based on the State's Force Structure; you will have to select 3 Branches and the needs of the state will dictate what you recieve. You can always acquire another branch qualification after First Lieutenant, Captain. The 60 credits is a minimum requirement; completion of your degree prior to commissioning or attendance at your Basic Officer Leadership Course, should be your goal. I earned over 90 credits prior to attendance at OCS and completed 5 classes after graduation and before attendance at my Branch Training. Life can get in the way, so complete as much of your degree before OCS. Worst case scenario is you take the whole time before promotion to 1LT to graduate. This will give you a buffer and ensure you have your degree before promotion to CPT.
Feel free to email me for more information as I just completed 3 years as a Platoon Trainer at OCS in September 15.

CPT Kane

I completed the accelerated program and agree with CPT Kane that this afforded me the opportunity to really focus on my other responsibilities and continue to pursue my goal of commissioning. I also agree with LTC Curlee that the Alabama Guard is top notch at completing OCS.

Even though State OCS takes a lot longer than the Accelerated program, I feel that as an Officer in the National Guard, the State program prepared me for a more realistic experience. It forced you to figure out how to balance your civilian career, family life and duties as an Officer. Even though you only went to drill 2-3 days a month, you were required to complete assignments and study during the month to prepare for the weekend. I have no prior service in the military so I can't speak for everyone but I feel like the program was very beneficial in preparing me for my time as a Platoon Leader and working to balance all facets of my life. I did state OCS in Missouri and our program did Phase I in Saline, KS and Phase III at JBLM, WA. Doing phase I and III with other states was extremely beneficial as well to help form connections and relationships with other Officers. It's amazing how small the Army is so making connections is extremely important.

I've taught ROTC, and been an OCS TAC for the National Guard program. If your college has ROTC, I would go that route. You'll get more experience writing OPORDs, and it's an easy A.

Just as a heads up many states have did away with the 60 credit requirement in favor of starting OCS with 90. It used to be you could start with 60 and commission with 90. But the issue was that too many were never get their degree and never make captain. Honestly, I wouldn't and I didn't mess with any of that. My preference is to just get your degree and go to an OCS. As LTC Stephen C. mentioned there are Accelerated OCS out there. I went to it from the North Carolina National Guard. I wouldn't have even been allowed to go if I didn't already have my degree. I know it may slow you down but I would not recommend setting OCS with anything less than a degree. I am also not a fan of the traditional OCS that spans a year in the National Guard. Nothing is wrong with it really but life gets in the way. If your civilian occupation takes off and promotes you to a location in another city would you still be able to go to OCS on weekends? You never see that stuff coming.

I ended up going the traditional route-finishing the final phase at Ft McClellan, Alabama. I tried ROTC first but didn't really like all the additional duties that went along with it. Had I not been a night shift police officer during my college years, I might not have minded as much but I had to budget my time accordingly. I ended up enlisting and eventually dropping a traditional OCS packet. Of course you had your smoke session weekends in place of drill but there wasn't too much course work outside of drill (there were exceptions). I think traditional is an excellent fit for someone who has many commitments outside of the military and would be a good fit for the working student.

I started to go through state OCS as a 17 year SSG. I do not recommend it. Maybe I had a chip on my shoulder, but I did not appreciate the BS as being an integral part of the training at that point in my career.