https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN42743-AR_350-51-000-WEB-1.pdf
*This regulation supersedes AR 350-51, dated 11 June 2001.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026
UNCLASSIFIED
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
*Army Regulation 350–51
15 May 2026 Effective 15 June 2026
Schools
United States Army Officer Candidate School
History. This publication is a major revision. The portions affected by this major revision are listed in the summary of change.
Authorities. The authority for this regulation is Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 33.
Applicability. This regulation applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and
the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.
Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 1. The proponent has the authority
to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may dele-
gate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating
agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification
that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity’s senior legal officer. All waiver
requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquar-
ters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25 – 30 for specific requirements.
Army internal control process. This regulation contains risk management and internal control provisions in accordance with AR
11 – 2 and provides a checklist for conducting management control reviews (see app B).
Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Forms 2028 (Recommended
Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to Commander, U.S. Human Resources Command (AHRC – MPF – OA), 1600
Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5372.
Distribution. This regulation is available in electronic media only for the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National
Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
Summary of Change
AR 350– 51
United States Army Officer Candidate School
This major revision, dated 15 May 2026—
• Updates and clarifies responsibilities (chap 2).
• Adds branch immaterial Direct Commission Course within Federal Officer Candidate School mission
(throughout).
• Adds Talent Based Branching for Regular Army In-Service Officer Candidate School candidates
(throughout).
• Adds additional service obligation for choice of branch, station, and/or branch detail (throughout).
• Changes “system” to “Integrated Personnel and Pay System–Army” (throughout).
• Incorporates Army Directive 2018 –17, Army Accessions Way Ahead (throughout).
• Incorporates Army Directive 2025 –06, Army Fitness Test (throughout).
• Incorporates Army Directive 2025 –24, Expansion of Army Assignments (throughout).
• Removes the requirement for DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment) (throughout).
• Removes the requirement for DA Form 4322 (Army Officer Candidate Contract and Service Agreement)
(throughout).
• Removes the requirement for DA Form 6283 (Leadership Assessment Program) (throughout).
• Removes the requirement for DA Form 6285 (Interview Plan No. 2) (throughout).
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 i
Contents (Listed by chapter and page number)
Summary of Change
Chapter 1
Introduction, page 1
Chapter 2
Responsibilities, page 8
Chapter 3
Requirements, Reviewing and Processing of the Application, page 9
Chapter 4
Status and Administrative Disposition of Applicants, page 12
Chapter 5
Officer Candidate School Attendance and Commissioning, page 16
Appendixes
A. References, page 20
B. Risk Management and Internal Control Evaluation, page 21
Table List
Table 1– 1: Criteria waivers, page 3
Figure List
Figure 1 –1: Sample civil/moral waiver request, page 4
Figure 1 –2: Sample prior disenrollment waiver request, page 5
Figure 1 –3: Sample medical waiver request, page 6
Figure 1 –4: Sample age waiver request, page 7
Figure 4 –1: Withdrawal agreement sample format, page 15
Glossary of Terms
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Section I
Overview
1–1. Purpose
This regulation prescribes the policies, eligibility requirements, and administrative procedures for submit-
ting and processing applications for In-Service Officer Candidate School (OCS), describes operation of
OCS programs of instruction, and for appointing OCS graduates for Active Army Service.
1–2. References, forms, and explanation of abbreviations
See appendix A. The abbreviations, brevity codes, and acronyms (ABCAs) used in this electronic publica-
tion are defined when you hover over them. All ABCAs are listed in the ABCA directory located at
https://armypubs.army.mil/.
1–3. Associated publications
This section contains no entries.
1–4. Responsibilities
Responsibilities are listed in chapter 2.
1–5. Records management (recordkeeping) requirements
The records management requirements for all record numbers, forms, and reports required by this publi-
cation are prescribed in AR 25–400–2. Approved Army records control schedules are available on the
National Archives and Records Administration website at https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/rcs. Re-
tention schedules for Army users are located on the Records Management Division SharePoint Site at
https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/HQDA-CIO-ISES-RMZ/SitePages/Director-Army-Records-
Management-Directorate.aspx. Refer to AR 25–400–2 for detailed records management requirements.
Section II
Officer Candidate School Course
1–6. Federal Officer Candidate School
a. The Federal OCS is an Army school that administers two Basic Officer Leader Course-Accessions
(BOLC –A) courses under the supervision of the U.S. Army Infantry School and the US Army Infantry
School (USAIS). Additionally, Regional Training Centers also administer variations of the OCS program of
instruction (POI) in support of the Army National Guard.
b. The OCS program objectives are as follows:
(1) OCS provides the U.S. Army one of the four officer commissioning sources within Basic Officer
Leader Course-Accessions (BOLC– A).
(2) Mission for OCS is to train, educate, and commission officers to provide the Army with leaders of
character who live by the Army ethic.
(3) Develop the leadership ability and professional skills of candidates to prepare them for—
(a) Appointment as second lieutenants in the Army.
(b) Effective service as commissioned officers in their respective Army component.
(c) Develop basic Soldier skills, leadership ability, and professional skills.
(d) Provide a basis for expanding officer candidate training during mobilization.
1–7. Eligibility criteria
All officer candidate applicants must—
a. Be a U.S. citizen.
b. Achieve a General Technical Aptitude Test score of 110 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 2
c. Pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT) and meet the Army designated height and weight standards (see
AR 600– 9).
d. Have a SECRET security clearance at time of application.
e. Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
f. Achieve a score of 75 or above on the English Comprehension Level Test (ECLT) if the applicant’s
primary language is other than English as prescribed in AR 601 – 210
g. Be of good moral character as prescribed in Title 10 United States Code 532(a)(3) (10 USC
532(a)(3)).
h. Have no convictions by civilian or military courts. (This does not apply to minor traffic violations with
a fine or forfeiture of $250.00 or less). An applicant must not have been judged to be a juvenile offender.
This applies even if the court sentence, or any part of it, was suspended or withheld, or such conviction
was in any way removed from court records by satisfactory completion of a period of probation. This also
applies to adverse juvenile adjudication. (See table 1– 1 for waiver of prior convictions by civilian or mili-
tary courts.)
i. Have not been previously disenrolled from officer candidate type training.
j. Be at least 18 but less than 40 years of age at the time of enrollment.
k. Have completed advanced individual training (AIT) (enlisted personnel).
l. Have had a Chapter 2 medical examination within 6 months of the date the application personnel ac-
tion request (PAR) is received by HRC Officer Accessions Branch. Applicants must meet procurement
medical fitness standards (except height and weight) prescribed in AR 40 –501, and possess a physical
profile serial of at least 222221 (height and weight standards stated in paragraph 1–7c apply). Applicants
must also have a current medical examination at time of commissioning.
m. Have accumulated no more than 10 years of active Federal service when appointed as a commis-
sioned officer. Must be able to complete 10 years of Active Federal Commission Service prior to reaching
20 years of active Federal service.
1–8. Who may apply
Under the provisions of this regulation—
a. Regular Army warrant officers or enlisted members who have completed AIT and reported to their
first permanent duty station may apply.
b. Soldiers assigned to overseas commands may apply for OCS at any time but their return to the con-
tinental United States (CONUS) may be restricted based on their date eligible for return from overseas
(DEROS) (see AR 614– 30).
c. Regular Army Commissioned warrant officers may apply.
1–9. Who may not apply
Individuals may not apply if—
a. They are presently conscientious objectors.
b. Their selection would clearly not be in the interests of national security as outlined in AR 380 – 67.
c. They do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
d. They are, or have been, commissioned officers (except commissioned warrant officers) in any com-
ponent of the Armed Forces.
e. They are attending Warrant Officer Candidate School or a Warrant Officer MOS–producing school.
f. They are attending, alerted for, or on orders to the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language
Center (DLIFLC) as a student. Graduates of DLIFLC must complete a minimum 1-year language utiliza-
tion assignment before they are eligible to attend OCS.
g. They are warrant officer flight training candidates or warrant officers attending a rotary wing aviator
course. These Soldiers are not eligible to attend OCS until they have completed a 1-year utilization tour.
h. They are physician assistant (PA) warrant officers attending Phase II, PA training, who have not
completed 2 years of utilization.
i. They have been alerted or scheduled to attend or are attending Drill Instructors School. Graduates of
Drill Instructor School must serve a minimum of 2 years as a Drill Sergeant prior to applying for OCS.
j. They have been alerted or are on orders for overseas movement, unless the application was submit-
ted to the unit commander before alert or receipt of assignment instructions at the installation.
k. They are in Basic Combat Training (BCT).
l. They are enrolled in AIT.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 3
m. They are in a temporary duty (TDY) status.
n. They are under suspension of favorable personnel actions for military personnel (see AR 600 –8– 2).
o. They are a non-select from any Department of the Army Board.
p. They have 10 or more years of active Federal service.
q. They would be over 40 years of age when appointed as a commissioned officer.
1–10. Previous conscientious objectors
Applicants who previously were conscientious objectors will attach an affidavit stating abandonment of
such beliefs and principles. This statement will show that the applicant is willing to bear arms and give full
and unqualified service to the United States. If the applicant has demonstrated a change of views by later
military service, the affidavit should so state. Reference Section II for Army Military Human Resource
Record (AMHRR) requirements.
1–11. Waivers
All requests to waive eligibility requirements must be submitted by a PAR in Integrated Personnel and
Pay System-Army (IPPS–A) (with supporting documentation, if applicable) excluding medical waiver re-
quests.
a. The eligibility criteria in paragraph 1 –7 is the minimum for an applicant to attend OCS. The eligibility
criteria in paragraphs 1–9a through 1–9p will not be waived.
b. The Commanding General (CG), U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC), may approve
waivers for criteria contained in paragraphs 1–9q of this regulation, and may approve individual requests
for OCS attendance without a four-year degree, but with at least 90 non-duplicate credit hours towards a
degree from a regionally accredited college or university only in a time of OCS surge requirements, na-
tional emergency, or other needs of the Army.
c. Service medical waiver review authorities are prescribed in AR 40 –501.
Table 1 – 1
Criteria waivers — Continued
Criteria Supporting documents
Conduct waivers which are required when a court has convicted
or imposed another type of adverse action (such as community
service excluding minor traffic violations with a fine or forfeitures
of $250 or less) (see para 1–7h and fig 1–1 for a sample waiver
request).
(a) An affidavit from the applicant stating the circumstances of the
offense. Applicants must provide sufficient details of mitigating cir-
cumstances that clearly justify approval of the waiver.
(b) Waiver request must indicate offense, date and place offense
occurred, and punishment imposed along with the DA Form 2823.
Disenrollment from prior officer candidate–type training program
(see para 1–7i and fig 1–2 for a sample waiver request).
DD Form 785 (Record of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate–
Type Training).
Age if—
(a) Applicant would be 39 or older at the time of application sub-
mission (see para 1–9q and fig 1–4).
Waiver request packet as outlined on the HRC In-Service OCS
website.
Medical Waivers—
A medical records review is completed by the HRC Command
Surgeon to determine medical fitness for commissioning in ac-
cordance with AR 40–501 and DoWI 6130.03 (see para 1–7l and
fig 1–3 for sample waiver request).
Documents requested by the HRC medial reviewer, documenta-
tion varies based on the medical condition of each waiver request.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 4
Figure 1 – 1. Sample civil/moral waiver request
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 5
Figure 1 – 2. Sample prior disenrollment waiver request
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 6
Figure 1 – 3. Sample medical waiver request
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 7
Figure 1 – 4. Sample age waiver request
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 8
Section III
Service Commitment and Obligation
1–12. Enlisted service commitment
a. An enlisted Regular Army Soldier who lacks enough service time to complete OCS training must ex-
tend their enlistment before enrollment (see AR 601 –280). The Soldier’s enlistment must be extended to
at least one day beyond the graduation date for the scheduled OCS class. Reenlistment, if needed, is
permitted. The extension will be processed following selection but before departure from current duty sta-
tion.
b. Upon commissioning, officer service commitment supersedes previous enlisted commitment.
1–13. Commissioned service obligation
Federal OCS students incur 3-year Additional Duty Service Obligations (ADSOs) at time of appointment,
and they may also incur an additional ADSO for duty station of choice, branch, or branch detail of choice
in conjunction with talent based branching or during accession. Officers commissioned from Federal OCS
may request ADSOs to their respective branch upon commission. Branches may accept or deny officers
requesting ADSO for duty station of choice.
Chapter 2
Responsibilities
2–1. Deputy Chief of Staff, G –1
The DCS, G –1 will advise and assist in developing personnel policies and provide overall staff supervi-
sion of the OCS program.
2–2. Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command
The CG, HRC will—
a. Publish program policies and procedures.
b. Administer the OCS program.
c. Convene the In-Service OCS Panel.
d. Select final In-Service applicants for OCS enrollment.
e. Provide branch allocations and guidance to Federal OCS for candidates with unassigned branches.
2–3. Commanding General, U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command
The CG, T2COM will—
a. Be responsible for general supervision, coordination, and inspection of all training under the OCS
program and for mobilization expansion plans.
b. Maintain a table of distribution and allowances for OCS.
c. Administer and provide the Common Core Task List (CCTL) to Federal OCS.
d. Publish and administer Basic Officer Leader Training Policies and Administration.
e. Plan and execute OCS accessions to effectively plan, prioritize resources, execute, and exploit suc-
cess.
2–4. Commanding General, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence
The CG, MCoE will—
a. Serve as the General Court Martial Authority of OCS and Direct Commission Course (DCC) com-
missionees while assigned to or training with 3 –11 Infantry and the Federal OCS.
b. Induct selectees into the U.S. Army OCS Hall of Fame.
2–5. Commanding General, U.S. Army Infantry School
The Infantry Commandant is the proponent for the OCS course POI and the individual student assess-
ment plans (ISAPs). The Infantry Commandant or a designated representative will—
a. Serve as appellate authority for OCS course dismissal decisions and course recycle decisions of the
OCS commandant.
b. Approve OCS course ISAP.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 9
2–6. Commanders of Army commands, Army service component commands, and direct reporting
units
Commanders of ACOMs, ASCCs, and DRUs will—
a. Manage the OCS program under their jurisdiction.
b. Ensure that only the most qualified applicants are recommended for training.
c. Process all applications through the chain of command. However, ACOM commanders may dele-
gate final review authority to installation commanders, if desired.
2–7. Senior commanders
Senior commanders will—
a. Give maximum publicity to the OCS program, emphasizing the opportunities offered for upward mo-
bility and service for a commissioned officer. Regular Army warrant officers and enlisted personnel will be
identified and encouraged to apply for OCS if they meet the following criteria:
(1) Appear well motivated and demonstrate outstanding potential for leadership in positions of in-
creased responsibility.
(2) Possess the qualities desired in a commissioned officer.
(3) Meet the eligibility requirements of paragraph 1–7.
b. Process, account for, and control OCS applications and applicants.
c. Conduct the final review of the OCS Application.
2–8. Commandant, Officer Candidate School
The OCS commandant is responsible for the operation of the OCS training program. Such responsibilities
include—
a. Developing and evaluating attendees’ character, holistic fitness, and leadership skills.
b. Disenrolling, dismissing, or relieving attendees from the OCS course, if required.
c. Recycling attendees from the OCS course, if required.
d. Advising ARNG OCS programs of updates in Federal OCS operations, POI, and ISAP.
e. Assigning branches to unassigned Officer Candidates as allocated by HRC Officer Accessions.
f. Decision authority for branch change requests while candidates are in training (in coordination with
Officer Accessions Branch, HRC recommendations).
g. Commissioning OCS officer candidates upon meeting commissioning requirements and graduation.
h. Maintaining and reporting data required by HQDA.
i. Administering the OCS Hall of Fame and annual selection process.
j. Liaising with DCS, G– 1, Branch Chief, HRC Officer Accessions, heads of Armed Forces OCS pro-
grams, Commandant of the British Royal Military Academy, with oversight from the Commander, 199th
Infantry Brigade and the Commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School.
Chapter 3
Requirements, Reviewing and Processing of the Application
Note: Soldiers must initiate the IPPS–A PAR upon completion of the following criteria:
Section I
Application Requirements
3–1. Memorandum of endorsement
a. Soldiers applying will download the two Memorandum of Endorsement (MoE) from the HRC website
at https://www.hrc.army.mil. The template provided is the only authorized version to be used for submis-
sion. The Brigade Commander (O – 6) MoE and the Unit Command Sergeants Major MoEs are required.
The Memorandum must be completed in its entirety and submitted as part of the In-Service OCS applica-
tion in IPPS– A.
b. The Memorandum of Endorsement must include responsibility, leadership potential and critical
thinking skills possessed by the applicant as outlined in ADP 6 – 22.
3–2. Application
All applicants will include the following documents in this order:
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 10
a. Regular Army OCS Application Checklist (from the HRC website).
b. In-Service OCS Information Sheet (from the HRC website).
c. OCS Applicant’s Commanders Evaluation Sheet, DA Form 5339 (OCS Applicant’s Commanders
Evaluation Sheet), completed by immediate commander.
d. Typed Essay “Why I Want to be an Officer.”
(1) Arial, font 12.
(2) One page limit with 1-inch margins.
(3) Header will include applicants rank, last name, first name, middle initial and suffix.
(4) Immediate Commander must proctor essay and digitally sign.
e. Memorandum from Education Center certifying the Soldier has a conferred baccalaureate degree,
from a regionally accredited college or university.
(1) Memorandums must include cumulative GPA
(2) Type of degree conferred
(3) Date degree was conferred.
f. Letter(s) of recommendation (optional, not to exceed 2), from individuals who can comment on the
applicant’s performance of duty and leadership abilities. The endorsing personnel referenced in 3 – 1,
must differ from the letters of recommendation.
g. DA Form 5500 (Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male)) and DA Form 5501 (Body Fat Content Work-
sheet (Female))
h. A completed DA Form 705-Test (Army Fitness Test Scorecard). At least two tests must be recorded.
All five events must be taken and score a minimum of 60 points per event and an overall minimum score
of 350. The test will be taken no more than 2 months before the application is submitted.
i. ECLT with verified score of 75 or above. The American Language Course Placement Test may be
substituted when the ECLT is not available. Scores outlined for ECLT will apply for the American Lan-
guage Course Placement Test (if applicable).
3–3. Medical requirements for Commissioning
a. Chapter 2 Commissioning physical requirements must be available in the Medical Reporting System
of Record.
b. The signature and title of the reviewing authority must be applied to the DD Form 2807 – 1 (Report of
Medical History) and the DD Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination)
c. Minimum Physical Profile Serial System (PULHES) is 222221.
d. All lab test results.
e. Hearing conservation test results.
f. Soldiers who have received any type of corrective eye surgery must be able to provide pre- and
postoperative eye measurements. Post operative results must be dated before the completion of the DD
FORM 2807–1 and DD FORM 2808. Results dated afterwards will be medically disqualified until two posi-
tive eye exams are performed.
g. Class 1 flight physical report of medical examination bearing the review stamp of the Army Aero-
medical Center and Selection Instrument Flight Training (SIFT) score, if necessary.
3–4. Army Military Human Resource Record
a. Proof of citizenship must be recorded in the AMHRR. This includes a notarized birth certificate (to
include transcribed birth certificates), USCIS Form N– 550/570 (Certificate of Naturalization/Replacement
Certificate), or USCIS Form N –560/561 (Certificate of Citizenship/Replacement Certificate). Reproducing
these certificates or any part of them without proper authority is a felony.
b. All college transcripts, including translations of foreign transcripts. Transcripts must annotate “de-
gree conferred.” All institutions must be regionally accredited on the Department of Education and/or
Council for Higher Education Accreditation websites.
c. All noncommissioned officer evaluation reports/officer evaluation reports, if applicable.
d. All DA Form 1059s (Academic Evaluation Report) from noncommissioned officer education sys-
tem/officer education system, if applicable.
e. Previously conscientious objectors must have an affidavit stating that they have abandoned such
beliefs and principles. This statement will show that the person is willing to bear arms and give full and
unqualified service to the United States. If the person has demonstrated a change of view by later military
service, the affidavit should state so.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 11
Section II
Review and Processing by Army command, Army service component command, and direct
reporting unit commanders
3–5. Army command, Army service component command, and direct reporting unit commanders,
their designated subordinate commanders, or designated representatives
These organizations or designated representatives will—
a. Advise the applicant of training requirements as outlined in the OCS Individual Student Assessment
Plan (ISAP) found on the Fort Benning OCS website https://www.benning.army.mil/Infan-
try/199th/OCS/index.html?_=4680.
b. Verify that the applicant has a secret security clearance or higher.
c. Administer the AFT (see Army Techniques Publication 7 –22.01 and Field Manual 7–22). Applicant
must score at least 60 points per event and an overall minimum score of 350.
d. If the applicant was previously disenrolled, request a completed DD Form 785 from the installation
that conducted the previous training (see table 1–1 for waiver requirement).
e. Ensure that all application requirements are reviewed for accuracy and completeness of forms and
signatures and that the applicants meet all eligibility criteria of this regulation and have included required
request for waiver(s) if applicable.
f. Request the installation education center test control officer administer, and score the following:
(1) An applicant applying for Army initial entry flight training, Area of Concentration 15, must complete
the SIFT for branch consideration (see AR 611– 110). A score of 90 or higher is required for further flight
training processing. A flying duty medical examination (FDME) of initial-entry flight training applicants are
valid for 18 months from the date of examination in accordance with AR 40 –501.
(2) ECLT/American Language Course Placement Test to an applicant whose primary language is
other than English. Applicant must achieve a score of 75 or above.
g. Verifies that the applicant has completed a medical evaluation as prescribed in AR 40 –501. DD
Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination) must be completed in its entirety to include:
(1) Block 1 must include the date of examination.
(2) Block 15c. must be checked for Commission.
(3) Block 74a Examinee/Applicant, must be marked “is qualified for service” or “is not qualified for ser-
vice”.
(4) Physician or examiner must sign, item 81a through 85c, if applicable.
(5) An applicant applying for Army flight training must take a Class 1 flight physical (see AR 611 –110).
This may be done concurrently with the medical examination required for OCS. However, an applicant
may not request a flight physical medical examination before passing the SIFT. The completed report of
medical examination will be sent electronically to the Commander, U.S. Army Aeromedical Center
(MCXY– AER), Fort Rucker, AL 36362 –5333, for approval. After review, the medical report will be re-
turned to the examining medical facility.
h. Verify that the applicant’s Soldier Talent Profile in IPPS -A is accurate and up to date.
i. Review and endorse the application, recommending approval or disapproval.
j. Process IPPS– A PAR to Headquarters of the Department of the Army, Human Resources Command
(AHRC – MPF– OA), for evaluation by the HRC, OCS Selection Panel.
3–6. Review and selection processing by Human Resources Command
a. Restriction code of “I” will be placed in IPPS– A by Officer Accessions Branch for the duration of the
application process and OCS completion.
b. The Command Surgeon will review all medical documents necessary for medical clearance or
waiver consideration.
c. Complete required waivers to meet commissioning standards.
d. Any applicant that is administratively or medically disqualified and a waiver is not granted; the appli-
cation is returned to the applicant in IPPS– A. The PAR will include the reason for disapproval and
measures that can be taken to acquire eligibility.
e. Determine the number of applicants to fill projected OCS class seat vacancies. This number is
based on approved class schedules, the annual officer accession plan requirements, and other required
input.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 12
f. Convene periodic HQDA OCS selection panel to select the most qualified candidates for enrollment.
g. HRC Officer Accessions branch will provide panel selection results to Talent Based Branching pro-
gram manager for branching analysis based on the needs of the Army.
h. Issue a military personnel message announcing candidates selected for OCS training by each OCS
panel.
i. Course enrollment is completed in Army Training Requirements and Resources System.
Section III
Talent Based Branching
3–7. Talent based branching
a. In-Service OCS applicants will be branched through Talent Based Branching which is facilitated by
United States Military Academy. Prior to OCS attendance, the OCS branching board will determine a can-
didate’s tentative branch assignment and be contingent upon needs of the Army, and performance at
OCS. The OCS Commandant holds the final authority to assign branching at the needs of the Army to
candidates who did not complete the talent based branching (TBB) process or to those that do not meet
branch pre-requisites.
b. Applicants must complete branch preferences for all 16 basic branches and Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD). Selections must include 2–combat arms, 2–combat support arms, and 2–combat service
support arms. One combat arms branch must be among the first three choices. The remaining ten branch
choices will be at the applicant’s discretion.
c. Medical Service. Medical Service allocations will be filled using the TBB process. Medical Service
branch runs a separate selection process for applicants branching Medical Service who desire an assign-
ment as a 67J, MEDEVAC pilot. That process is outside the control of TBB.
d. OCS applicants requesting aviation are required to meet all AV requirements including, but not lim-
ited to, age limits, SIFT score requirements, and medical requirements. If a candidate is within the age
limits, has passed the SIFT and initiated a flight physical, they may compete for AV.
e. Applicants requesting EOD: TBB may not be provided EOD branch allocations. However, they may
request an assignment to EOD once at OCS. To be considered for EOD, all EOD-specific requirements
must be completed and EOD branch must screen applicants as eligible.
f. To receive a cyber allocation, applicants must interview with cyber branch, complete the Cyber re-
quirements, be marked eligible by cyber branch, and must be able to secure a Top-Secret security clear-
ance.
g. Applicants may have the opportunity to submit distinct preferences indicating a desire to participate
in the Branch of Choice Active Duty Service Obligation (Program) or volunteer for any branch detail com-
bination.
Chapter 4
Status and Administrative Disposition of Applicants
Section I
Initial Application
4–1. Implementing assignment restrictions
The following actions will be taken for OCS applicants:
a. The applicant’s personnel officer will—
(1) Ensure that while the application is pending, the applicant is not reassigned or enrolled in any train-
ing that will conflict with the possible OCS enrollment date.
(2) Senior commanders and unit commanders will monitor each applicant’s status to ensure that an
applicant remains qualified and is not reassigned while the application is pending.
(3) Soldiers who have submitted OCS applications are not to be deployed to a temporary overseas as-
signment in support of military operations while the application is pending. Soldiers accepted to OCS may
be deployed to a temporary overseas assignment in support of non-combat military operation provided
their unit ensures their ability to travel to attend their course start.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 13
(4) An applicant selected for OCS training will be temporarily reassigned to the scheduled OCS class
based on course reservation in Army Training Requirements and Resourcing System from HRC.
b. An applicant approved for OCS while assigned overseas will remain at the current duty station until
the normal overseas tour is completed, unless otherwise directed by HRC.
4–2. Lifting assignment restrictions
a. The entry in IPPS– A will be deleted if the—
(1) Applicant is not selected.
(2) Application is voluntarily withdrawn.
(3) Application is involuntarily withdrawn for cause by the appropriate authority in the applicant’s chain
of command.
b. The applicant will then be eligible for reassignment status in accordance with AR 614 –200.
Section II
Selection for Officer Candidate School Enrollment
4–3. Procedures for notifying selectees
a. HQDA (AHRC– MPF–OA) will issue a military personnel message announcing the selectees along
with tentative branching results from TBB on the HRC website.
b. Senior commanders will—
(1) Reenlist the selectee or extend the selectee’s enlistment, if necessary, and advise the ACOM com-
mander of this action.
(2) Review with selectee the policy on housing and movement of family members.
(a) Selectees will attend OCS in a TDY and return status, except as stated in paragraph 4–5 of this
regulation.
(b) Families are not authorized to accompany Soldiers to Fort Benning unless assigned as permanent
party.
(c) Selectees who attend OCS from a CONUS or OCONUS installation will return to their present
CONUS or OCONUS duty station upon completion of TDY, to prepare their family members for relocation
to the new permanent duty station.
(d) Government quarters are available at Fort Benning only for family members of officer candidates
whose PCS assignment is Fort Benning for Infantry or Armor BOLC– B.
(3) Initiate special background investigation (SBI) for those applicants selected for military intelligence
(MI).
4–4. Predeparture interview
a. Within 3 weeks before departure for training, the unit commander will interview the selectee. This
in–depth interview is to verify that the selectee is still qualified and motivated to attend OCS. It ensures
that no disqualifying factors (for example, physical, financial, personal, or motivational) have surfaced
since the selection. Problems that could adversely affect the selectee’s ability to complete OCS success-
fully should be investigated. Prompt action should be taken to correct the problem or withdraw the se-
lectee from OCS.
b. DA Form 5339 will be completed by applicant’s commander.
4–5. Orders
The applicant’s personnel officer will—
a. Temporarily assign the selectee to UIC W6NF1P (OCS BN HQ). The temporary assignment start
date and end date will match the report and end date of the Army Training Requirements and Resourcing
System course reservation using Job Code: EO9S, Duty Title: Commissioned Officer Candidate, and
Duty Position: Non-Qual.
b. Selectees will attend OCS courses in a TDY and return status.
4–6. Transfer of documents and records
a. The personnel officer will place the following documents in a sealed envelope to be hand carried by
the selectee to the Federal OCS:
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 14
(1) DA Form 5339.
(2) A copy of the orders assigning the selectee to OCS
b. Additional required documents for in-processing are outlined in the Welcome Letter for 3rd Battalion,
11th Infantry Regiment, The Federal Officer Candidate School available on the Fort Benning OCS web-
site.
c. The personnel officer will keep a current file on all OCS applicants. The file of each approved appli-
cant assigned to OCS will be marked “Assigned to Officer Candidate School (enter class number).” The
file for non-selected or withdrawn applicants will be marked “non-selected for or withdrawn from Officer
Candidate School (enter date).”
Section III
Nonselection, Withdrawal, and Involuntary Removal
4–7. Withdrawal
The following actions are required:
a. If an applicant wishes to withdraw their application for consideration at any point during the process,
the applicant will notify the Army HRC, Officer Accessions Branch by email, no later than 15 working days
prior to the panel start date.
b. If a selectee wishes to withdraw prior to OCS attendance, A IPPS– A PAR must be submitted
through the selectees chain of command 90 days from course start date to the HRC Officer Accessions
Branch. At a minimum, the Battalion Commander must execute the following-.
(1) The applicant must sign a withdrawal agreement stating the specific reasons for withdrawal. A sam-
ple format is at figure 4 –1. The statement will be authenticated by the selectee’s unit commander.
(2) Completing the DA Form 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form).
(3) All reassignment restrictions will be deleted from the applicant’s IPPS– A.
c. The applicant may reapply for OCS training 1 year after the date of withdrawal. The same procedure
for submitting the first application will apply.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 15
Figure 4 – 1. Withdrawal agreement sample format
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 16
4–8. Involuntary removal
a. A review of suitability for OCS applicants may be started if the conduct or efficiency of the applicant
being considered casts genuine doubt on the potential service as an officer.
(1) Commander requesting removal of an OCS applicant will forward his or her recommendation, sup-
porting documentation and the applicant statement to the HRC Officer Accessions Branch.
(2) HRC Officer accessions branch will stop all actions pertaining to the application process and re-
move the IPPS– A restriction code.
b. Commander recommending removal of individuals selected by HQDA–HRC panel not enrolled in a
OCS course or enrolled but not in attendance at OCS, will forward his or her recommendation to the Gen-
eral Court Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA) for decision. Other actions, as necessary, may be initi-
ated under AR 600 –8 –2 and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The applicant or selectee will
have the opportunity to review and comment on the recommendation before it is sent to the GCMCA. The
applicant or selectee’s statement will be enclosed with the recommendation for removal. The GCMCA will
direct any additional investigation needed.
(1) The decision of the GCMCA will be final and supersedes any earlier recommendation for approval
by the chain of command or selection by HRC.
(2) If the GCMCA approves the recommendation for an applicant’s removal from the program before
issuance of OCS orders, the GCMCA will notify the senior commander.
(3) The commander will promptly notify the HRC Officer Accessions Branch by email.
(4) HRC Officer Accessions Branch will remove selectee from course enrollment, and remove the re-
striction “I” code in IPPS– A.
Chapter 5
Officer Candidate School Attendance and Commissioning
Section I
Matriculation
5–1. Enrollment
a. After the selectee arrives at OCS, the school commandant or a named representative will review the
selectee’s records and application packet to ensure that the trainee meets all requirements as prescribed
in the Federal OCS ISAP and standard operating procedure.
b. The commandant will send a final student roster to HRC within 1 week of class graduation. This ros-
ter will show candidates who were commissioned and indicate the status of those who were not commis-
sioned. HRC (AHRC– MPF– OA) will notify the proper career management divisions if assignment orders
are to be amended or revoked.
5–2. Grade authorization
Upon enrollment in class, candidates will be administratively promoted to pay grade E –5, in accordance
with AR 600–8 –19, if they then hold a lower grade. Candidates with a higher grade will retain that grade.
Students promoted because of OCS attendance who fail to successfully complete the course will be ad-
ministratively reduced to pay grade E –4.
5–3. Grade status
As students, all officer candidates will be considered equal among their peers and subordinate to all OCS
cadre. All grade insignia and badges (for example, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, shoulder sleeve in-
signias for wartime service) will be removed from the candidate’s uniform during the school term. The of-
ficer candidate insignia authorized by AR 670 –1 will be worn. For economy, warrant officers may keep
the piping on service and dress uniforms.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 17
Section II
Awards and Honors and After Graduation
5–4. Distinguished graduates
The commandant may designate as distinguished graduates those students who exhibit the outstanding
leadership ability and personal traits that are essential to become successful commissioned officers.
These graduates will be honored formally at graduation ceremonies as—
a. Distinguished Honor Graduate.
b. Distinguished Leadership Graduate.
c. Distinguished Academic Graduate.
d. Distinguished Physical Fitness Graduate (Male and Female).
e. Distinguished Graduate of Character.
f. Distinguished Military Graduate. Distinguished Military Graduates are identified from the top 20% of
a class.
5–5. Leave upon graduation
Leave credit will be carried forward into commissioned officer service. The school commandant may grant
up to 30 days delay enroute to be chargeable against leave accrued. This delay will not extend beyond
the officer’s branch Service school report date.
5–6. Separation from prior service
On the day before appointment, the graduate’s records will be closed and a discharge certificate pre-
pared. A discharge certificate will not be given to a graduate until the oath of office to commissioned sta-
tus has been taken.
5–7. Medical examination
Normally, graduates will not have to take a medical examination upon change from enlisted or warrant
officer status to commissioned officer status. A proper medical examination taken within the preceding
two years will serve for appointment purposes. Under the provisions of AR 40 –501, only graduates who
become seriously ill or sustain an injury after their last medical examination must be reexamined. Federal
OCS candidates and students seeking line of duty investigation memorandums require medical documen-
tation and proof of injury during time at Federal OCS in accordance with AR 600– 8– 4. Officers must have
a current physical at time of commission.
Section III
Appointment and Assignment
5–8. Appointment procedures
a. An OCS graduate tendered an appointment becomes a commissioned officer upon taking the oath
of office and executing a DA Form 71 (Oath of Office—Military Personnel). This act serves as acceptance
of the appointment made under 10 USC 531.
b. By direction of the President of the United States, the school commandant is authorized to tender
each successful graduate an appointment as a Regular Army officer to the grade of second lieutenant.
Upon receiving a properly executed oath of office, the commandant will issue commissions (DD Form 1
(Officer’s Commission)) for such appointments. The following annotation will be typed below the body of
the oath on the left side of DA Form 71: “DD Form 1 issued… (Date) … ” Appointed officers receive
branch assignment through TBB or order of merit list at OCS.
c. Order of merit list branching during OCS is given a list of branch quotas based on the Army’s needs
for newly commissioned officers in various branches. A large proportion of these needs is in combat
arms. In recommending branches, the board considers—
(1) Army and branch strength requirements.
(2) Personal preferences stated on the DA Form 61 (college option only).
(3) Educational background.
(4) Prior military training and experience.
(5) Physical qualifications to include the increased AFT score requirements for combat branches.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 18
d. The Branching Board at OCS makes designation of branch incident to the selection process. The
factors in c above are evaluated during the decision process. Branch assignment may not be changed
unless unusual qualifications surface which, through no fault of the individual, were not available to the
OCS Branching Board at the time of designation. If such information is discovered, the candidate may re-
quest redesignation through the OCS Battalion Commander to HRC (AHRC–MPF–OA), Fort Knox, KY
40122–5372.
e. Before appointment, the school commandant will ensure favorable completion of the required per-
sonnel security investigation. Candidates to be commissioned in MI should have begun an SBI when noti-
fied of selection for MI branch. They may be appointed MI as an exception to policy pending favorable
completion of an SBI. If the SBI is not favorably completed, branch will be changed upon receipt of clear-
ance determination.
f. A letter of appointment will be prepared by HRC Officer Accessions Branch which will include the ef-
fective date of appointment, effective date of rank, appointment scroll confirmation date and Office of Sec-
retary of War number.
g. Graduates must serve on active duty in a commissioned officer status for 3 years.
h. The school commandant will—
(1) Issue orders placing reserve component graduates on active duty.
(2) Report OCS graduates commissioned as Regular Army accessions to HRC not later than 1 week
after graduation.
(3) Initiate IPPS– A MPC action for each graduate being appointed as a second lieutenant.
(4) Submit DA Form 71 and appointment order to officer’s AMHRR.
Section IV
Candidates Not Commissioned
5–9. Relief and disposition of candidates not commissioned
a. Candidates who clearly show a lack of aptitude or qualification for commissioned status, as deter-
mined under procedures established by the school commandant, will be relieved from OCS Procedures to
determine if the student lacks aptitude or qualification for commissioning will be consistent with require-
ments in AR 350– 1. These procedures will include notice of the deficiency and an opportunity to respond
before a decision is made on relief from OCS. Note that the dismissal process for students in BOLC– A
does not follow the procedures set out for Professional Military Education courses under AR 350 – 1. Simi-
larly, as a student in BOLC– A, OCS is also governed by U.S. Army Transformation and Training Com-
mand Regulation (R) 350–36 and not U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command (R) 350 –6 for
BCT and One Station Unit Training.
b. The school commandant, or a named representative, may relieve a candidate whenever a lack of
aptitude or qualification for commissioning has been determined. The decision may be for—
(1) Disciplinary reasons, including disobeying lawful orders such as OCS’s prohibiting of student frater-
nization and inappropriate/romantic relationships.
(2) Academic deficiencies, including failure to execute and pass scheduled physical fitness events as
determined by the Infantry Commandant. These physical events may include but are not limited to timed
foot marches, obstacle courses, and timed distance runs.
(3) Disqualifying physical or medical conditions.
(4) Leadership deficiencies.
(5) Security reasons.
(6) Lacking motivation.
(7) Falsifying or omitting facts on application.
(8) Violating the honor code.
(9) Failure to progress
(10) Misconduct.
c. Additionally, the OCS commandant may approve the resignation of a candidate for personal rea-
sons. Candidates may not resign until after enrolling in the class and completing at least 4 weeks of train-
ing. The only exception will be for the convenience of the Government when personal reasons or physical
or mental deficiencies, unforeseen before enrollment, surface. If the commandant approves a candidate’s
resignation, that candidate’s name will be reported promptly to HRC. The candidate will then be reas-
signed based on the needs of the Service.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 19
d. If a candidate is relieved for any reason in paragraph 5–10b or 5–10c of this regulation, or for failure
to fulfill other requirements of this regulation, DD Form 785 will be sent to HRC.
e. The school commandant may issue a certificate of completion to candidates who honorably and
successfully complete the OCS course but are not appointed and commissioned as second lieutenants.
f. Warrant officers who do not graduate are immediately available for reassignment. A request for reas-
signment instructions will be sent, by message, to Commander HRC, Fort Knox, KY (AHRC–MPF–OA).
The request will include the—
(1) Warrant officer’s name, grade, DoD ID number, and primary military occupational specialty.
(2) Number of days of delay enroute desired, if any.
g. Enlisted students who do not graduate must complete the time remaining in their current term of en-
listment or reenlistment, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation. They are immediately availa-
ble for reassignment and will be reported as prescribed in AR 614 –200.
h. The application packet will be returned to students who fail to graduate from OCS.
5–10. Use of DD Form 785
a. The school commandant will complete a DD Form 785 for—
(1) Candidates disenrolled from OCS.
(2) Candidates completing the course but not commissioned.
b. The school commandant will send a copy of the completed DD Form 785 to candidates AMHRR,
when a candidate is disenrolled. Specific reasons for disenrollment must be explained in detail.
c. If a request for information regarding a candidate’s disenrollment is received from another Uni-
formed Service, the request will be sent to the school commandant.
d. The DD Form 785 will be held at the school for 5 years after disenrollment of the candidate, and
then destroyed.
5–11. Retention of candidates
a. The school commandant may hold over for a later class candidates who—
(1) Fail to complete a course through no personal fault.
(2) Fail for other reasons, but whose records show that they may reasonably be expected to overcome
their deficiencies by joining a later class.
b. Candidates described in a above may be—
(1) Turned back to the beginning of the next class.
(2) Required to complete only those portions of the class considered necessary by the commandant.
c. Students who miss or cannot actively participate in a significant amount of training for 14 or more
days of instruction due to medical reasons may be relieved or turned back to a later class. At the discre-
tion of the commandant, these students may be assigned to a later class after meeting the medical stand-
ards in paragraph 1–6 of this regulation.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 20
Appendix A
References
Section I
Required Publications
This section contains no entries.
Section II
Prescribed Forms
Unless otherwise indicated, Department of the Army forms are available on the Army Publishing Direc-
torate website at https://armypubs.army.mil.
DA Form 5339
OCS Applicant’s Commanders Evaluation Sheet (Prescribed in para 3–2c.)
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 21
Appendix B
Risk Management and Internal Control Evaluation
B–1. Function
The function covered by this evaluation is the Officer Candidate Program.
B–2. Purpose
The purpose of this evaluation is to assist the program manager in evaluating the key internal controls
listed. It is intended as a guide and does not cover all controls.
B–3. Instructions
Answers must be based on the actual testing of key internal controls (for example, document analysis,
direct observation, sampling, simulation, or other). Answers that indicate deficiencies must be explained
and the corrective action identified in supporting documentation. These internal controls must be evalu-
ated at least once every 5 years. Certification that the evaluation has been conducted must be accom-
plished on DA Form 11– 2 (Internal Control Evaluation Certification).
B–4. Key control questions
a. Have all graduates of OCS been fully assessed, and proper Commissioning Procurement Program
Numbers codes entered in the Total Officer Management Information System?
b. Have all separation documents of OCS graduates been placed in the Soldier’s AMHRR?
c. Have all discharge actions been performed and completed, including—
(1) Discharge (DD Form 214) completed for enlisted Soldier?
(2) Separation order completed for enlisted Soldier?
d. Have all the accession documents been performed and completed, including—
(1) Executed DA Form 71 (Oath of Office Military Personnel)?
(2) Appointment order?
(3) Assignment order?
e. Have all accession documents been placed in the Soldier’s AMHRR, including—
(1) Executed DA Form 71?
(2) Appointment order?
(3) Assignment order?
B–5. Supersession
Not applicable.
B–6. Comments
Help make this a better tool for evaluating internal controls. Submit comments to the Officer Accessions
Branch Chief at U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC –MPF–OA), 1600 Spearhead Division
Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 –5402.
AR 350–51 • 15 May 2026 22
Glossary of Terms
Applicant
An eligible Regular Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or Army National Guard of the United States enlisted mem-
ber or warrant officer who applies for enrollment in OCS.
Approved applicant
An applicant who meets all the requirements of this regulation and is recommended by all the appropriate
commanders in the chain of command for selection for attendance at OCS.
Candidate
A student who is enrolled in the OCS course.
Chain of command
Applicant’s unit commander, intermediate commander, senior commander, and major Army commander.
Commandant
The traditional title of the Army leader charged with administration of a school.
Disenrolled candidate
A candidate who is relieved or dismissed from OCS.
Officer Candidate School
U.S. Army G– 1 proponent school within the U.S. Army Infantry School that provides two BOLC –A
courses: OCS and the Direct Commission Course.
Selectee
An approved applicant who has been selected for OCS by the USARAC or HRC OCS Selection Boards.
UNCLASSIFIED PIN 077616–000
