OCS

• Origins During World War I: The concept of Officer Candidate School (OCS) began during World War I, when the U.S. military needed a rapid way to train and commission new officers due to the massive expansion of the armed forces. • The "90-Day Wonder": Graduates of OCS were often called "90-day wonders" because the training courses were condensed into roughly three months, producing officers in record time. • OCS at Fort Benning: The U.S. Army's primary OCS program is headquartered at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, and has been in operation since 1941. • Navy OCS in Newport: The U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School is located in Newport, Rhode Island, and is famed for its demanding physical and academic regimen. • Women in OCS: The first women were admitted to Army OCS in 1973, marking a major milestone in the integration of female officers in the U.S. military. • International OCS Programs: Many countries, such as Australia, the UK, and Singapore, have their own versions of OCS, often modeled after or inspired by the American system. • Notable Graduates: Many high-ranking generals and admirals, including some Army Chiefs of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began their careers as OCS graduates. • Historic Diversity: OCS has been a path for minorities and enlisted personnel to become officers, helping diversify the leadership ranks of the U.S. military. • Unique Traditions: OCS units often have unique traditions, such as the “Turn Blue” ceremony in Army OCS, where Infantry OCS graduates receive their blue infantry cord. • OCS in Popular Culture: OCS and its intense training environment have been depicted in movies like “An Officer and a Gentleman” and referenced in numerous books and documentaries.