Officer (:30)

CPT Darrin Haas (1:02)

Officer Candidate School (2:13)

Training to Become an Officer

To become an officer in the National Guard, you’ll need either a college degree or military experience. If you don’t already have your four-year degree, the Guard can help you get it with our educational benefits packages. You’ll go through the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), a two-phase course designed to prepare you for the rigors, responsibilities and rewards of life as an officer.

This course is not the same as Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). Find out more about Warrant Officer training. 

About BOLC

BOLC-A
In BOLC-A (the Pre-Commissioning Phase), candidates who are not yet officers learn more about the Army's values and traditions, and about what it means to be an officer. You’ll complete one of the following programs:

  • Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC):
    ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. The course consists of both academic classes and hands-on training.
    ROTC     
  • Officer Candidate School (OCS) Officer Candidate School (OCS):
    An intense leadership training course for officers. Most applicants to this physically and mentally challenging course are currently serving as enlisted Soldiers, but highly-qualified recruits can also be accepted.
    OCS
  • Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS):
    Hone your leadership and decision-making skills, adapt to quick on-the-spot thinking and learn consequence management.
    WOCS     
  • Direct Commission Direct Commission:
    Direct commission is one of the ways to become an officer in the Guard. A member of the chain of command nominates you for appointment as an officer, based on your professional skills (medical professional, legal or chaplain). Contact your local recruiter for information and program details.
    Contact a recruiter.     
  • U.S. Military Academy U.S. Military Academy:
    The United States Military Academy—West Point—is one of the most highly selective educational institutions in the country. Each year, approximately 1,000 cadets graduate and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.     

Time frames and locations of BOLC-A will vary, depending on the course you choose.

BOLC-B
This is the Leadership and Branch Training section of BOLC, for those who are already officers. In Leadership Training, you'll train primarily in a field environment, undergoing a series of drills based on real-life scenarios and focusing on small-unit leadership and tactics. In addition to intense physical challenges and courses, your advanced training will include:

  • Land-navigation
  • Weapons training
  • Practical exercises in leadership
  • Confidence and obstacle courses that challenge you to overcome your personal fears

In the Branch Training section, you'll learn the specialized skills, tactics, techniques and doctrine of your chosen branch, and prepare for success as a future platoon leader.

BOLC is a challenging course, but you’ll come out tougher, smarter, more confident and ready to lead Soldiers.

The time frame for BOLC-B ranges from 11-41 weeks, depending on the brach (career field) you choose. The location of your training will also be determined by the career field you choose. For the most up-to-date list of requirements for officer training or for additional information regarding BOLC, contact your local recruiter.  

 

Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter.