Officer Candidate School (OCS): Relevance into the 21st Century.
Abstract
This paper will explore the relevance and continued usefulness of the Army's Officer Candidate training and commissioning program as we move into the next century. I will take a critical look at the demographics of the OCS graduate, and how they "stack up", against officers from other pre-commissioning sources. Are these officers (OCS Grads) needed in the world of Army After Next (AAN), and can they compete on the same playing field with officers from USMA and ROTC? I will look at the U.S. Army's commissioning sources, and compare and contrast the different commissioning programs. USMA, ROTC, and OCS (both AC and National Guard). I will look at promotion trends (thru General Officer) and command opportunities with respect to each commissioning-source. The project will outline what a 21st century leader looks like, and the qualities he or she must possess. Bottom line: are young men and women, with some prior experience in the enlisted ranks, needed in our Army as we change and evolve over the next 20 years? I think so...OCS, and the officers it produces, are relevant in our Army's future! What kind of officer do we need in the next 20 years? Does OCS produce that officer? Can OCS adjust its course to ensure relevance of its product? These are the key questions I will attempt to answer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA362971
Entities
People
- Scott L. Armbrister
Organizations
- United States Army War College