OCS length, phase schedule...

[HRichter]

I am interested in going the OCS route in the Alabama National Guard. I have read most of the threads in this forum, but I still would like to clarify some areas to make sure I know what I am going to be doing concerning OCS.

1. What is the exact length from BCT to commissioning?
2. What are the phases of the OCS, from BCT onward? Do they include the BOLC courses I have read about or are these courses after commissioning?
3. What are the lengths of each phase, and do you attend drill between these phases and are the drill times part of a certain phase? I believe I read a packet that mentioned you would be drilling with other OCS candidates for your state, is this correct?
4. What additional courses do you take after being commissioned as part of the process of OCS, if any?

I am also interested in gaining knowledge on the benefits of joining the Guard. Where can I look to find these benefits? And does being an officer change them in any way?

I have more questions, and I appreciate any and all answers and advice!!!

[matthew.ritchie]

Recommended reading: [URL="http://www.1800goguard.com/downloads/commguide.pdf"]OCS Commissioning Guide[/URL].

Then, have a conversation with your [URL="http://www.1800goguard.com/officer/osm.html"]OSM[/URL].

OCS is the path that takes you to commissioning (as does ROTC). After that, you attend BOLC-II (common core), and BOLC-III (branch-specific). It's quite an ordeal to get the gold bar, and even more so to keep it.