Army OCS Phase 1 (National Guard Officer Candidate School)

There are 3 main avenues to complete OCS. For Guardsmen, the primary route is State OCS. There is an accelerated program as well as an 18 month program. The 3rd option is Federal OCS at Benning. This video is primarily about my experience at phase 1 (there are 3 total phases) of State OCS.
For study guides and other OCS tips visit : www.ocsinfo.co...
Need help navigating Army? Ask me questions on instagram @ColeShope
ITEMS NEEDED FOR OCS:
Red Lens Headlamp: www.amazon.com...
Extra Fine Point Map Marker: www.amazon.com...
Land Navigation Protractor - www.amazon.com...
Waterproof Notebook - www.amazon.com...
Anti-Chafing Compressions -www.amazon.com...
Ranger Beads -
www.amazon.com...
Alcohol Wipes -
www.amazon.com...
Rucking Boots -
www.amazon.com...

[@ColeAlanFF]

The new website is now up - Ocsinfo.com

[@notero1]

I'm currently an O9S! Thanks for the video and good luck on your journey!

[@James.B.Russell]

Hell yeah!! Keep grinding queen

[@Dr._Ghost]

I'm an O9S going straight from BCT to OCS later. This was super helpful, thanks for making this.

[@ColeAlanFF]

thank you, GL! Reach out with any questions

[@bowlingbeeco.8021]

I start pre-phase in Alabama in October and phase one in January. Thank you for this!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Good luck!!

[@tjsimmons02]

Im headed to Kansas for phase one next week. Thanks for the video.

[@kevinzhang9112]

Did NG OCS. Pandemic extended the program to 20 months. It was a long & hard journey to comission since you gotta juggle both personal life, school, and military. But in the end, we graduated 6 out of 17. Earned, not given! As AMA says: It shall be done!

[@ColeAlanFF]

"Standards, No Compromise!"

[@nunya973]

Good shit.... Im prior service and thinking of going as officer for NG. Finish with my masters in the next 6 months.

[@jesseemling4817]

Great video! I am thinking about joining the Mississippi National Guard and very interested in OCS. Did you go straight from BCT to OCS without enlisting? What are your thoughts on this? Is there an application process for entering as an officer? Could you briefly explain (or do a video) on what an O-1 does in the National Guard?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Straight from BCT to OCS. In this situation your MOS is 09S. There is a packet you have to complete, with letters of recommendation in most cases. I will make a video on this so stay tuned!

[@NathanUrielMaico]

Im intrstd for National guard an I have 90 College credits during my College days, Am I qualify to join from civilian to OCS? Or i need to enlist first then Apply for this OCS program?

[@disender]

Usefull insights!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Thank you

[@j.l.7807]

Where can I get that OC guide? Currently an 09S headed for BCT next week.

[@ColeAlanFF]

What’s your email?

[@lexile4262]

Question for everyone - If you want to be commissioned, do you go to OCS immediately after BTS? How does it work? I talked to a recruiter and he said i need to enlist as an E4 (Specialist) and then apply for OCS after i've been a Specialist for awhile. Is that correct?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Recruiters trying to make their numbers! You can do it their way, it just takes longer. Do ocs soon after bct for fastest commission!

[@lexile4262]

@@ColeAlanFF Thanks! I'd rather go directly to OCS. That doesnt count as a successful recruit for the recruiters?

[@dlazhara98]

Thank you so much!

[@darkninjamandelta]

If you have a degree and want to apply for OCS do you need to take the ASVAB? Or any type of written exam? Ty

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes they will have you take it..just need a 110 or better

[@darkninjamandelta]

@@ColeAlanFF TY for getting back to me

[@UriKuyoro]

Great info, can you send army history and army justice notes

[@ColeAlanFF]

Making a study guide - Should be out Friday. Sub and you will see the video when it comes out!

[@TheMartinCrew]

Please send me a copy of the book. You could upload it to Google drive and share the link

[@ColeAlanFF]

www.stateocs.com/phase-one and click OCS Guide at the bottom :)

[@alexanderpainter3232]

Im prior army joining NG and going OSC, is traditional pay as a e6 worth it and how much?

[@ColeAlanFF]

What state? You get paid minimum as an E5 but if you were higher you will still get your normal pay! Does that answer your question?

[@TinySquirrelCinema]

Is the GPA requirement really 2.0 cumulative? How does it work if you have two schools since transferring with different GPA’s? In an engineering major

[@ColeAlanFF]

Your GPA follows you from school to school so your final school will give you the cumulative GPA - when applying for the program your final school will need to send in sealed transcripts that contain your cumulative GPA in order for you to be accepted.

[@whiterifle4974]

Hey! Is there a place to download the OCS handbook, or do you have it handy? Hopefully you’ve scanned it already and don’t have to do it on my account!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Its on this page - www.stateocs.com/phase-one

[@whiterifle4974]

@@ColeAlanFF thank you!

[@tristanhuff706]

Why did the other flunk or fail I go to standard OCS.

[@ColeAlanFF]

honor code violations, medical issues/injuries, if you put the effort in you will pass

[@dylannolan7454]

Thanks for the info

[@ColeAlanFF]

No problem 👍

[@jasmineice9984]

Can I get a copy?? (:

[@abrafiamankwa4105]

Hello, how many phases in total? And are they similar to this first one.

[@ColeAlanFF]

It’s 3 phases. Phase 1 and Phase 3 are 2 weeks. Phase two is about 12 months long. Phase two is just on the weekends about once a month, while phase 1 and 3 are both 2 weeks long!

[@Miochi_fiochi]

Did you get to pick your MOS or is just assigned after graduation ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

We get to pick a “wish list” of our top 3 branches and most will get one from that list

[@Miochi_fiochi]

How was pay after deductions as e-5?

[@jaimeacosta868]

In traditional OCS are you allowed to take ibuprofen with you (Advil or Motrin)???

[@ColeAlanFF]

Negative. Any medicine not given by a medic is considered contraband. You can attend sick call in the morning (or throughout the day in the field) to get ibuprofen

[@jaimeacosta868]

@@ColeAlanFF so my big issue is that i get pain near my lower shin where the muscle meets the bone ( i believe them to be shin splints), if I went to sick bay for ibuprofen, would they put me on a "profile" or do you think that would be something that wouldn't matter to them?

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@jaimeacosta868 they would give you pain meds but you would still be required to do the required tasks (6 mile ruck, land nav, etc)

[@jaimeacosta868]

@@ColeAlanFF of course i have no issue doing the tasks. I'm just curious if they will profile or kick me out because I need ibuprofen for shin splints.

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@jaimeacosta868 I don’t see them kicking you out for this!

[@FortheFallen1010]

I'm going to accelerated in June in North Dakota I'm from Kansas to in Salina can we talk offline

[@ColeAlanFF]

That is the way to do it

[@itscaroline2377]

Wait so this is all phase 1 once per month ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Phase One is 15 days, then phase two is once a month.

[@itscaroline2377]

Oh wow I don’t know if that is the same for me in maryland ?!??

[@ColeAlanFF]

@@itscaroline2377 some states will combine phase one and two, and basically do an accelerated version. Do you have a contact at your states OCS program?

[@teodosiomeza]

"leadership development" LMAO

[@ColeAlanFF]

...right

[@Drew-fn6rq]

great information here. I'm glad you posted this!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Drew thank you man

[@Drew-fn6rq]

@@ColeAlanFF Anyway I could get that OCS guide?

[@dhsu04]

Is it possible for an older recruit, who's 36 years old, with a bachelor degree, go straight into an OCS program and become a National Guard officer?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes. 36 is the cutoff age (at least used to be) so you may have to get a waiver. Easy to get if you are healthy. There is at least one person in my OCS class in your situation.

[@dhsu04]

@@ColeAlanFF thank you

[@ernstbergerbrent]

State OCS had like a 25% pass rate when i was in. I did traditional and the pass rate was about 66%. It sucks but is doable.

[@VooDoo11713]

I start State OCS in March! I’ll be in Boise. They change the program to 12 months now to make it even faster which I think is awesome! Thanks for the video

[@ColeAlanFF]

Much better than 18..GL!

[@chief5981]

Boise!!!

[@NathanUrielMaico]

Do I need to get my Degree before joining OCS ni national guard?

[@jgs150283]

Hey man, I'm looking for info to do green to gold, it has been a nightmare to just find a recruiter to speak with, but anyway, what would you suggest to start getting ready? do you guys do ACFT in phase 1? I did basic and AIT in 2020 so I don't think I would have any issue with getting yell at again, I hear some silly things when you guys are at the DFACT, is it worse than basic?

[@ColeAlanFF]

It's only two weeks but it does remind you a lot of Basic. Some say it is worse. As a prior enlisted you are going to have to put the rest of your class on your back, especially the 09S's. the ACFT is done in "Phase 0" and then again in Phase 2. Its not a big deal though as it was one of the less stressful key events in phase 2!

[@danielcarrillo4385]

Heading to Phase 1 this Thursday....excited but also nervous particularly about Land Nav and the smoking....Im prior so mentally Im used to get smoked emotionally and mentally though still trying to stay calm...Land Nav Im weak at but from what everyone has told me it is a very basic course and I am confident with my plotting....anyways one exercise at a time thats the motto!!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Let me know how it goes!

[@danielcarrillo4385]

@@ColeAlanFF Passed Phase 1.....5/5 pts for land nav

[@dabomb7887]

Thank you brother!

[@c.l.6523]

The welcome ceremony smoking and the tac break smokings are the worst! For us (Minnesota for Phase 1), they didn't even tell us that we had tac breaks in the schedule they gave us! It just listed classroom time and, for the first tac break, the instructor said "go outside for your break" and I thought he was talking about a bathroom break. Boy was I wrong! The fact that there were two tac breaks a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, sucked. You're going to get smoked for just being at OCS. There was no reason for it other than the fact that it was in the TAC's schedule to smoke you. I felt so helpless as I had my face on the ground. It was one of the worst experience of my life. I felt like crying. Every time you're punished in Phase 2, you're reminded of phase 1, since it's the same TACs who are punishing you. It made me so fearful of breaking any rule! The punishment can be so severe! I ended up quitting. I just threw my equipment in the dumpster one day after drill and told them I'm not coming back. I thought about it and I didn't need a second job then and I don't need a second job now. No thank you! I got out of the National Guard with an other than honorable discharge and as an infantryman. My rank upon release was private and I got a $1,000 for my enlistment bonus! ha! I wouldn't have received the bonus if I completed OCS. Funny how things worked out. Good luck to you!

[@ColeAlanFF]

Sorry to hear about your experiences..the smokings are pretty crazy sometimes. It’s definitely not a program for everyone and I would be lying if I said I did not think about quitting from time to time! Thanks for your insight on the program!

[@codybennett3646]

If you can't handle some fake workout punishment, you didn't need to be in the military at all

[@jasmineice9984]

You have to do land nav by yourself??

[@gladiatorking2.0envoyofthe95]

Yup it’s actually the hardest part of OCS

[@chuuninlyndon]

T_T 6 more months in phase 2

[@Tahavsaleem]

Can you bring your own personal running shoes ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

yes

[@rwmatress551]

Are you wearing full kits for most of the land nav movements?

[@ColeAlanFF]

FLC and ACH for land nav movements

[@TKD187]

Can you join the state OCS if you did not graduate high school and are 34 lol I want to be a part of something like that but I feel like I waited too long

[@GHOST-zy3ji]

Do you have at least a GED? And you need at least 90 college credits And approval from you unit

[@ColeAlanFF]

Thanks ghost

[@chief5981]

You sound like perfect Private material.. it ain’t so bad.

[@2012goodjoke]

I’m prior active duty Army (enlisted type). I’ve been out for 10 years, but the civilian life has left me unfulfilled to an extent. I’m looking into going to OCS in Michigan. Do you know if there are BCT requirements because of the break in service? I served with some former marines who got out and then joined the active duty army some years later. I recall that they had to go to some sort of abbreviated basic training.

[@JamesBrodski]

Great video! Thank you so much.

[@ColeAlanFF]

Glad it was helpful

[@soy.ingrid]

46A can I be an officer if I have no prior military experience? I am considering OCS, however, the failing rate intimidates me. Thank you for your video. It was very informative

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes you can - just need a college degree and a score of 110 or higher on the ASVAB

[@drbssims]

So what happens in phase two? I’m starting OCS in Mississippi in August

[@ColeAlanFF]

Finally put out a phase 2 video!

[@timothysander3617]

Hello, Im in Mississippi have a question...

[@drbssims]

@@timothysander3617 hey Tim! How's phase two of the process in OCS?

[@LightemupWMH]

Do the TACS mess with you at night in the barracks? Is there firewatch in the barracks? Wall locked inspections?

[@ColeAlanFF]

We had a couple things overnight such as a fire drill and a tornado drill. Otherwise not much action at night. Fireguard was every night. Lockers were informally inspected but we did not have a formal inspection until Phase 2

[@LusciousLevi]

I am a current O9S in the Kansas National Guard, and I was excited to see this video. it was very informative! I would love a scan copy of the book if you were still serious about that.

[@ColeAlanFF]

BlazeSWTOR what’s the email you want it sent to?

[@LusciousLevi]

@@ColeAlanFF [e-mail] I look forward to seeing more OCS videos!

[@ColeAlanFF]

BlazeSWTOR I sent the required materials your way..let me know if you got them!

[@LusciousLevi]

@@ColeAlanFF Got it! I really appreciate it!

[@dsmarg]

@Cole Alan FF Thank you for giving such a comprehensive run-down of your OCS experience. I wish you luck completing your upcoming phases. I would like to have a copy of your OC guide as well. Can you please send to [e-mail]

[@6747Jwize]

Great video would you be able to send scans of the book ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

6747Jwize definitely are there certain sections you want? It’s a long book

[@6747Jwize]

@@ColeAlanFF just the required knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

[@ColeAlanFF]

6747Jwize sent!

[@6747Jwize]

Cole Alan FF thanks a bunch I appreciate it !!

[@raadhejazin2056]

@@ColeAlanFF can i get a copy of the required memorization

[@qqwpwpqqqqPwrq]

Was land nav a self correcting course? (Did the points have grid coordinates on then)

[@ColeAlanFF]

Not a self correcting course

[@gonkakoyan6560]

Would you be able to send me a copy?

[@gkkarl8034]

I currently have 100 credits and above a 3.0 gpa. What's the route called for doing ocs w/o a bachelors but with the intent on completing it before hitting O-3 ? Also any advice to add on to this question ? Thanks for reading

[@ColeAlanFF]

You have to have the degree to commission to my knowledge. You can start OCS without it as long as when you finish OCS you have the degree

[@gkkarl8034]

@@ColeAlanFF I just spoke with a NG officer recruiter. You can enter ocs with only 90 credits and even commission without having the bachelors. But you will absolutely need the bachelors degree prior to hitting O-3. This only applies to the guard, every other service, you need your bachelors first before even doing anything.

[@ruthhinch7238]

Do you have to have a 110 GT score for federal ocs ?

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes

[@atiamanning2027]

Heading to SD for state OCS in July. 😫

[@ColeAlanFF]

Good luck. KS Phase one happening right now. Poor guys.

[@slaugsb]

Going to do more videos on ocs? Going to alabama in june

[@ColeAlanFF]

Yes I’ll be doing a video on phase 2 as well here soon

[@nicholasgonzalez2048]

How’s land nav

[@ColeAlanFF]

Do-able but most people who don't pass phone one get caught up on land nav

[@nicholasgonzalez2048]

@@ColeAlanFF do they do a good job at teaching it? I’ll be honest I’m horrible at land nav

[@ColeAlanFF]

they are good teachers

[@chief5981]

@@nicholasgonzalez2048 Don’t dead reckon. Stay on the little goat trails, get as close to your point as you can, and then shoot an azimuth. Try to keep your distance to your point under 200m if you can.

[@dleesnuts]

Turn your music down bro