For prior enlisted personnel applying to OCS, OPNAVINST 1420.1B gives program information, eligibility requirements, application submission procedures and deadlines, information and guidance for commanding officers and applicant interviews, medical examination information and admin information for service members interested in officer commissioning programs (Officer Candidate School is in Chapter 7). You can download OPNAVINST 1420.1B here.  Additional questions should be directed to your Command Career Counselor (CCC).

1. What is my mailing address going to be?

While at OCS, you may receive and send mail freely. The following will be your address while at OCS. Please note the only variable in the address will be your name and class number.

OC (Your Name)
Officer Candidate School
Class XX-XX
OFFICER TRAINING COMMAND NEWPORT
1356 Meyerkord Avenue
Newport, RI 02841-1641

2. How often do OCS classes start?

OCS Class will start every three weeks.  Have your recruiter check the CANTRAC System.

3. Will I have to get my haircut?

Yes, every Officer Candidate will receive a haircut within the first few days of check-in.  Haircuts cost approximately $10.00 and the only accepted form of payment is cash.

4. What can I expect for pay and benefits?

You will be considered on active duty from the day you leave home. You will receive the pay of an E-5, or your current pay-grade if higher. If you are married and/or have children, the Navy will add a tax-free Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to your E-5 base pay. Depending on your individual situation, you may be eligible for Family Separation Allowance (FSA) if your dependents don’t live in the Newport area. You will receive a brief on pay, allowances and benefits within the first week of your arrival.

5. What do I need to bring to OCS?

See Required Paperwork link

6. What is the best way to get in shape for OCS?

To get in shape before arriving to OCS, refer to the Navy Pre-Entry Physical Training Plan for Recruits and Midshipmen (http://www.navy-prt.com/files/pre-conditioning.pdf) While at OCS you will be running at least 3-4 miles four times a week so it is strongly recommended that you run on the road or another hard surface, not a treadmill.  Additionally you will be tested in sit-ups and pushups (proper form is heavily scrutinized) and a 1.5 mile run.  Keep in mind that you must score a "Satisfactory" upon reporting to OCS in order to remain in the class and a "Good" in order to graduate.  Refer to the Navy's Physical Readiness Program Operating Guide (OPNAVINST 6110.1J) for specific requirements in regards to the minimums for push-ups, curl-ups, and the 1.5 mile run as the scores are weighted depending on your age/gender.

7. Can females wear make-up during training?

Yes, but no earlier than the 9th week of training.  Your class team will determine when this will start.

8. What does our diet consist of while at Officer Training Command?

You will be required to eat in the Ney Hall dining facility for every meal while at OCS.  You will only be eating three times a day.  Food is not allowed in the barracks.  You will not be allowed caffeine products for the first 8 weeks (coffee/soda) as well as desserts.  You will have 20 minutes for each meal.

9. If I am prior military service from a different branch of the military, how do I find out what ribbons and medals I am authorized to wear?

Please click on the link to see authorized awards and medals from other services.   Authorized Other Service Awards

10. Should I bring civilian clothes?

Yes.  You will report in appropriate civilian attire but the remaining clothes will be stored until the end of training.  Only items listed on the required items sheet should be brought.   You will need to report in your running shoes and long crew socks.

11. What kinds of hairstyles are authorized for women?  Will I have time to groom my hair on a daily basis?

For authorized hair styles, please look at the Navy Uniform Regulations Chapter two at the following link: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/Pages/default.aspx.  Hair will not be longer than the bottom edge of your collar.

12. Can I bring my cell phone?

Yes. You will not be able to use it until your 9th week of training.  It will be stored with all of your other gear that is not allowed until later in training. 

13. Do I need to buy my uniform items prior to OCS?

You do not need to purchase any uniforms prior to reporting to OCS, there is time built into the schedule to purchase uniforms.

14. If I am prior enlisted, should I bring a copy of my service record?

Please go to the required paperwork section.  If you still have your original enlisted service record, please bring it.  It will need to be mailed to PERS to be archived.  You should make a copy of it prior to that. 

15. How do I get paperwork notarized?

Your local county courthouse should be able to notarize items for a nominal fee.  Also, most law firms/attorneys provide notary service for a fee as well.  Check your local yellow pages for this service.   

16. I am already being paid at my current rank, do I still need to bring all the documentation?

Yes.

17. Who do I contact if I have a problem arriving at base?

Contact the Class Officer via the contact link or call the Command Duty Officer at 401-862-4321.

18. How many candidates are in each class?

Each OCS class consists of between 35 to 100 candidates.  Each class will be made up of two companies.

19. How often can I make phone calls?

You will make an initial phone call within 24-48 hours to let your families know you arrived safely.  You will not have phone privileges again until week 4 of training.  Ensure your family is aware of this.  

20. What if my question is not listed?

Email the question to the OCS Point of contact.

21. How do I apply for a Naval Officer Program, and what are the requirements?

For information concerning officer accession programs and the specific requirement, please click on the following link http://www.navy.com/officer or contact your nearest Navy Recruiter.