Our Story
OCS HistoryIn 1913, Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Leonard Wood, hosted a volunteer summer military camp for East Coast college students. Upon its success, this model was repeated at the Presidio at Monterey, California and at Plattsburg, New York. As World War I began in 1917 the camp at Plattsburg, New York, became an important officer training facility. The continuing critical need for Infantry Replacement Officers led to the creation of the Reserve Officers Corps Army Training Camp at Langres, France in 1918. These so-called “Ninety Day Wonders,” who graduated from an abbreviated pre-commissioning and Infantry Officers Basic Course, were sent directly into combat, often with only six weeks of training.
Between World War I and World War II, the Civilian Military Training Corps provided voluntary summer camps to train Soldiers for service in the Enlisted Reserve. Following three successful completions, the graduates became eligible to apply for a U.S. Army Reserve Commission. By 1938, the United States Army began considering options for a systemized approach for rapidly preparing candidates for commissions in the event that large numbers of officers would be needed to lead in a rapidly expanding force for a future world war.
During the summer of 1940, Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George C. Marshall, recognized the importance of establishing rigorous training facilities for new officers. His vision for this officer training was first put into action at Fort Benning, Georgia. Brigadier General Asa L. Singleton, Commandant of the Infantry School at the time, established the plan for the modern Officer Candidate School for Infantry. His plan went into effect on July 5, 1941 as the Infantry, Field Artillery, and Coastal Artillery Officer Candidate Schools. Other branches later followed with their own Officer Candidate Schools. The first Infantry OCS class began with 204 candidates, and after a 13 week course, graduated 166 Second Lieutenants on September 27, 1941 with Gen. Marshall as the guest speaker of the graduation ceremony.
Brigadier General Omar N. Bradley, Commandant of the Infantry School from March 4th, 1941 to February 10th, 1942, is credited with establishing the foundation of training still used in OCS today. Brig. Gen. Bradley emphasized rigorous training, strict discipline and efficient organization. These tenets remain the base values of today’s Officer Candidate School. After the first class, OCS grew to 17 weeks and some 67,056 Infantry second lieutenants graduated from OCS during Word War II. From June, 1947 to January, 1951, Infantry OCS transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas as part of the Ground General School. Subsequently thereafter, all other Officer Candidate Schools were discontinued to include the Infantry OCS, which was inactivated on November 1, 1947.
Nearby government services
3-11 IN, Army Officer Candidate School - Fede
Mcveigh Drive
Other Fort Benning government services
U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence
Karker Street
1-46 Infantry Battalion
2nd Armored Division Road
Fort Moore Santa's Castle
Pecom Row
Army National Guard Warrior Training Center
Rosell Road
2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment
Conway Drive
Indianhead Mayor Page
Lavoie Avenue
Office of the Chief of Armor
Karker Street
Delta Company 2-47 Infantry
31905
Fort Moore Armed Forces Wellness Center
Marne Road
Hellcats Troop 316
31905
Dodea E.A. White Elementary School
Custer Road
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Comments
STUDENT
Anyone around from 50th Co, 1964?
What are the OCS class dates for the rest of 2019 and year 2020?
LOOK FAMILIAR?
Does anyone know this soldier? Write me. It's important. [emailprotected]
PHOTOS OF 2018 GRADUATION OCS FORT BENNING
Class 02-64
I don't know if this is the only way to contact you, as your "send message" button is greyed-out.
Is it considered "professional conduct" for an OCS candidate to send "hello my dear" emails to apparently random people on the 'net?
kim Johnsen seems to be an OCS candidate and has sent me this, with the subject line "Hello my dear".
I have no idea who this person is, or if they really are one of yours.
I was commissioned from OCS in August 1978. "51st OCS Follow Me and be the best". A chapter in my book is devoted to OCS. Book is available on Amazon.
Hi, I have a general question: Since all cadets pick up MOS at the OCS, are almost all MOS available there? I heard it depends on supply/demand each FY, sometimes after West Point and ROTC pick ups, the left overs are really rare for some hot MOS like 35A or 31A, thanks!
Amazing story
