Officer Candidate School (OCS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) - Summary

OCSOP: Leaders Stand Apart!

PMA
IBER
1950
2nd Battalion (OCS), 218th Regiment (LDR)
ARNG Officer Candidate School (OCS)
MAR 2023

Officer Candidate School (OCS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Details responsibilities and duties of Officer Candidates during training.
Assists Officer Candidates in day-to-day duties and activities.
Outlines policies, procedures, actions, responsibilities, and privileges of the OCS program.
Each Officer Candidate (OC) must become thoroughly familiar with the SOP.
Applies to all Officer Candidates assigned to or attending training at ARNG OCS.
Chain of Command has open door policies IAW (In Accordance With) with all regulations and policies.
Immediate chain of command should be given an opportunity to resolve issues.
Standards are the engine of discipline and essential to success on the battlefield.
Goal: guide and reinforce high standards of conduct and appearance to build soldierly habits and confident leaders.
Highlights items found in Army Regulations applicable to the ARNG OCS program.
THIS SOP SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED OFFICER CANDIDATE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

Table of Contents Overview

Chapter 1: Orientation
- 1-1 Applicability
- 1-2 Mission
- 1-3 Course Overview
- 1-4 Course Standards
- 1-5 Requirements for Graduation with Honors
- 1-6 OCS Awards
Chapter 2: The Honor System
- 2-1 Origin of the Honor System
- 2-2 Implementing the Honor System
- 2-3 Enforcing the Honor System
Chapter 3: Education & Training
- 3-1 General
- 3-2 Academics
- 3-3 Academic Examinations
- 3-4 Field Leadership Exercise (FLX)
- 3-5 Physical Training
Chapter 4: Leadership Development and Evaluation
- 4-1 General
- 4-2 Leadership Assessment
- 4-3 Troop Leading Procedures
- 4-4 Performance Based Leadership Assessment
- 4-5 Assessment Forms
- 4-6 Student Leadership Positions
- 4-7 Leadership Duties
Chapter 5: Discipline and Policies
- 5-1 General
- 5-2 Discipline
- 5-3 Disciplinary Actions
- 5-4 Fraternization and Other Prohibited Activities
- 5-5 Wearing of Uniform
- 5-6 Prohibitions against Profanity and Obscene Language
- 5-7 Unauthorized Items
- 5-8 Running/Marching
- 5-9 Privately Owned Weapons
- 5-10 Fireworks
- 5-11 Telephones
- 5-12 Prescription Medicines
Chapter 6: Procedures
- 6-1 Titles
- 6-2 Saluting, Addressing and Courtesies
- 6-3 Reporting
- 6-4 Movement
- 6-5 Dining Facility (DFAC)
- 6-6 Classroom Procedures
- 6-7 Formations
- 6-8 Accountability and Reporting
- 6-9 Mail
- 6-10 Sick Call
Chapter 7: Dismissal, Recycle, Resignation and Appeal Process
- 7-1 General
- 7-2 Approval Authority
- 7-3 Removing Soldiers from POI Training
- 7-4 Recommendations/procedures for Dismissal or Recycle, all phases
- 7-5 Officer Candidate Resignations
- 7-6 Officer Candidate Appeal Process
Appendix A: Leadership Dimensions (ADRP 6-22)
Appendix B: Required Knowledge
Appendix C: Officer Candidate Autobiography
Appendix D: Safety and Risk Management
Appendix E: Packing List
Appendix F: Contraband
Appendix G: Clothing and Equipment Marking
Appendix H: Barracks Display
Appendix I: Field Gear Setup
Appendix J: Senior Officer Candidate
Appendix K: Reveille/Retreat
Appendix L: Individual Student Assessment Plan (ISAP)

Chapter 1. ORIENTATION

1-1. Applicability: This SOP applies to all Officer Candidates assigned or attached to the 2nd BN (OCS) 218th REG (LDR).
1-2. Mission: 2nd Battalion (OCS/WOCS), 218th Regiment (Leadership) provides institutional instruction to train, educate, and commission officers to provide the Army with Leaders of Character who live by the Army Ethic.
1-3. Course Overview:
- a. General: ARNG OCS is a 12 to 15-month (traditional program) or 8-week (accelerated program) Leaders’ Course of Instruction. Cadre develop and evaluate Officer Candidates' performance related to their potential for commissioning as second lieutenants.
- b. Program of Instruction (POI): Consists of three phases with a Pre-OCS prior to Phase I.
- (1) Pre-Phase: Instruction in basic soldier skills, drill and ceremony, physical readiness training, Land Navigation, and administrative preparation. Goal: prepare prospective Officer Candidates to succeed in OCS.
- (2) Phase I: 15-day annual training period. Training focuses on the individual, company, and platoon level. Topics cover individual skills, doctrine, and theory. Officer Candidates are shown the OCS standards and expected to meet them. They are given increasing responsibility and integrate individual skills into collective tasks and missions.
- (3) Phase II: Traditional program occurs during IDT weekends between the first and second annual training periods. Accelerated Program is a four-week ADT period. Characterized by increased Platoon Trainer teaching and a slight reduction in stress. Training focuses on the individual, squad, and platoon levels. Officer Candidates continue to perfect skills learned in Phase I. They strive for tactical and small unit leadership skills and confidence. They assume additional responsibilities to refine leadership skills through challenges of maintaining a functional student chain of command.
- (4) Phase III: 15-day annual training period. Training at individual, squad, and platoon level, with focus on tactical operations and field leadership. Officer Candidates focus on polishing leadership skills, while Platoon Trainers serve as teachers, mentors, and role models.
1-4. Course Standards:
- a. Standards are of the highest order. Character and integrity must be an inspiration. Conduct must be above reproach. Personal appearance, military bearing, physical readiness, and military courtesy will be of the highest standard.
- b. Standards necessary for graduation from OCS:
- (1) ACADEMICS: Attend all required training and pass all examinations.
- (2) LEADERSHIP: Serve in various command positions and achieve an overall satisfactory leadership rating.
- (3) MORAL CHARACTER: Must have high moral character.
- (4) MEDICAL: Pass a Chapter 2 physical examination as prescribed for appointment as an officer in AR 40-501.
- (5) PHYSICAL READINESS: Score a minimum of 60 points on each event of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with a minimum total score of 360 points, IAW NGR 600-100 and FM 7-22.
- Complete a 6-mile foot march during Phase I within the time limit.
- Phase II complete a 9-mile foot march, a 12-mile foot march and a 4-mile graduation run within the time limit.
  - Individual Self-Assessment Plan (ISAP) contains the require times to pass all physical fitness events.
- (6) WEIGHT STANDARDS: Meet the height/weight standards In Accordance With (IAW) AR 600-9. Standards must be maintained throughout all three phases.
- (7) ATTENDANCE: Attend all training periods. Loss of 8 hours of training could result in dismissal.
1-5. Requirements for Graduation with Honors:
- a. Officer Candidates are encouraged to strive for excellence. Earning honors is prestigious and indicates excellence.
- Criteria focuses on the “whole person” concept: excellence in physical readiness, academics, and leadership. Must meet graduation requirements.
- b. The following Officer Candidates are not eligible for honors:
- (1) Recycled Officer Candidates, except for medical recycles who are in good standing at the time of recycle.
- (2) Officer Candidates who must re-test on any academic exam.
1-6. OCS Awards:
- a. Phase I
- (1) Academic Honor Graduate
- (2) Pathfinder Award (Top Land Nav)
- b. Phase II
- (1) Palmetto Military Academy Association Award for Leadership
- (2) Erickson Trophy
- (3) 2nd Honor Graduate
- (4) 3rd Honor Graduate (NGASC)
- (5) Association of the US Army Award
- (6) Dozier Award
- (7) Marchant Award (Honor Graduate)
- (8) The Brinkley Leadership Award (Field Leadership)
- (9) Physical Fitness Award

Chapter 2. THE HONOR SYSTEM

OCS Honor Code: An Officer Candidate will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.
2-1. Origin of the Honor System
- a. Professional Responsibility: Members accept responsibility for their own actions and realize that their actions affect the reputation of the group. All professions have established ethical codes.
- b. Military Code of Ethics
- (1) Every officer holds a special position of moral trust and responsibility. They must lead by example. All officers are responsible for the actions of all their fellow officers. The dishonorable acts of one officer diminish the corps; the actions of the officer must always be above reproach.
- (2) An officer has the ethical responsibility to be a role model, develop others ethically, and avoid putting peers and subordinates into ethical dilemmas. As professionals, officers must have the moral courage to stand up for an unpopular course of action even when those opposed are their peers or their leaders. Moral courage to take unpopular action against subordinates when necessary. Professionalism requires officers to correct their leaders, peers and subordinates when they veer from the military code of ethics.
- (3) The Honor Code is based on the principle that integrity is an essential value of any military member; therefore, any Officer Candidate found guilty of a breach of integrity may be relieved from OCS as well as face disciplinary action. The Honor Code accepted at USAIS and the ARNG OCS, while broad in application, is precise in its meaning: “Each student’s work is to be his/her own. ” No student may give or receive unauthorized aid. The OCS Honor Code states: “An Officer Candidate will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” Therefore, any Officer Candidate who knows of an Honor Code violation but fails to report it has committed an Honor Code Violation.
2-2. Implementing the Honor System
- OCS uses the Honor Code to implement the honor system. The code becomes the foundation for each Officer Candidate’s ethical development and behavior. The code is simple in nature: “An Officer Candidate will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”
- a. Lying: Officer Candidates violate the Honor Code by lying if they make an oral or written statement, a gesture of communication, or quibble in the presence of or to another person with the intent to deceive or mislead.
- 1. Oral statements:
  - a. Officer Candidates are expected to answer questions fully and truthfully.
  - b. Officer Candidates should not be asked questions of a deeply personal nature when there is no official purpose or basis for the questions.
  - c. If an Officer Candidate is asked to comment on an unpleasant situation, common decency and etiquette requires that a Officer Candidate’s reply be inoffensive and tactful.
- 2. Written Statements: An Officer Candidate’s signature or initials affirm a written communication. All signed documents must be specific and exact in all aspects.
- 3. Gestures: All gestures to convey a message must be truthful.
- 4. Quibbling: Creating a false impression through evasive wording, the omission of relevant facts or the telling of a partial truth.
- b. Cheating: Officer Candidates violate the Honor Code by cheating when they act out of self-interest by using or sharing information they or others should not have had access to or by plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs when an Officer Candidate presents someone else’s work as their own without proper reference or documentation.
- c. Stealing: Officer Candidates violate the Honor Code by stealing when they wrongfully take, obtain or withhold possessions, money or personal property with the intent to permanently deprive or defraud the original owner of its use.
- d. Tolerating:
- 1. Officer Candidates violate the Honor Code by tolerating others who violate the honor code. Tolerating is having firsthand knowledge, not hear say, of an honor violation and not confronting the offender to self- report or ultimately reporting the incident directly.
- 2. If an Officer Candidate overlooks a violation of the Honor Code, he/she is sending the message to the violator that the action is proper.
- e. The honor code does not preclude Officer Candidates from working together in or out of the classroom, when directed to do so by the appropriate instructor, nor does it preclude mutual discussion of individual solutions to un-graded homework requirements prior to submission.
- Each graded requirement, oral or written, weighted or un-weighted, must be an individual effort.
- f. Plagiarism is considered an Honor Code violation. Each student’s work is to be his/her own; no student may give or receive unauthorized aid about graded examinations, evaluations, or assignments; and any student who knows of an honor code violation but fails to report it also commits an honor code violation.
2-3. Enforcing the Honor System:
- a. Identifying Policy Violations: The purpose of the honor system is to foster an attitude of integrity and honor. Intentional violations of policies and regulations can technically be considered dishonorable; however, the Honor Code should not be used to enforce them. Intentional violations of the OCSOP, policy letters or rules stated by Platoon Trainers are handled as disciplinary matters.
- Policy violations could lead to misconduct dismissal from OCS.
- The following items are examples of policy violations:
  - 1. Fraternization
  - 2. Unauthorized departure from the company area
  - 3. Unauthorized absence from scheduled training
  - 4. Possessing unauthorized items
- b. Identifying Honor Code Violations: An honor violation has two parts, the act and the intent of the accused. The act is the attempt to lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate such actions on the part of another Officer Candidate. If the accused Officer Candidate’s intent was to misrepresent the reality and truth of a situation or try to get an unfair advantage over other Officer Candidates, then a violation has occurred. The intent is the most important factor in determining a violation.
- c. Identifying Mistakes: If a Officer Candidate inadvertently commits an act that violates the Honor Code or policies, then the Officer Candidate has made a mistake.
- Officer Candidates are not expected to report each other’s mistakes unless they will lead to safety risks or monetary costs.
- d. Courses of Action:
- 1. Officer Candidates are not expected to report themselves or others for mistakes or policy violations unless they feel it is necessary to have a clear conscience, ensure the safety of others or save the military money.
- 2. If Officer Candidates or cadre members witness a violation, they should analyze the situation and determine what the act and the intent were. They should address the Officer Candidate who committed the violation.
- 3. Anyone who witnesses what might be an Honor Code violation must report it immediately to cadre, who will then notify the Company Commander.

Chapter 3. EDUCATION & TRAINING

3-1. General: Training of Soldiers to assume the responsibilities of commissioned service is a mission of national importance. OCS training and education gives the Officer Candidate a strong foundation. The training focuses on fundamental leadership development, introductory development of technical and tactical skills, and attitudes and values conducive to successful commissioned service. Recycles will take all tests, regardless if they were previously passed.
3-2. Academics:
- a. General: The staff and faculty endeavor to make Officer Candidate training as meaningful, beneficial, and professional as possible. To fully accomplish this objective, you must thoroughly understand the academic policies, programs and procedures established for OCS. Academic development is the responsibility of the instructional departments and the 199th Brigade under the supervision of the Assistant Commandant, USAIS.
- b. One of the main responsibilities is to study, understand and retain the academic instruction presented.
3-3. Academic Examinations:
- There are 2 written exams in Phase I and a Land Navigation night into day practical exam.
- Phase II has 5 written exams.
- Each exam will have one retest.
- Failure to pass a retest will result in an academic dismissal.
- The ISAP has the breakdown of all exams and the requirements.
3-4. Field Leadership Exercise (FLX):
- a. The FLX is the best means of evaluating leadership within the parameters of OCS. It provides the opportunity to apply leadership and tactics instruction to realistic war fighting scenarios and demonstrate skills in a field environment. During the FLX, Officer Candidates receive the maximum number of leadership opportunities available. The trainer/evaluator will give feedback on how the Officer Candidate performed. After Action Reviews (AARs) are done during and after the FLX as an additional means of allowing Officer Candidates to learn and grow.
- b. The FLX is progressive in nature, beginning with individual/team development through squad and platoon operations. The focus of the exercise is to evaluate Officer Candidate’s ability to lead in a simulated combat environment. Officer Candidates are expected to conduct troop leading procedures, write an OPORD, create a sand table, and lead their squad on a 300-400-meter lane to an objective, where they must display competence, tactical knowledge, flexibility, and morals/ethics.
3-5. Physical Readiness Training:
- a. General: The goal of the physical fitness training program is to improve the physical stamina and fitness of each Officer Candidate. It emphasizes running, endurance and upper body strength. The program challenges Officer Candidates early in the course and progresses to building a program using obstacle courses, Combatives, daily physical readiness training (PRT) and foot marches.
- b. Objectives: teach Officer Candidates the proper method for conducting a unit level Physical Fitness Training Program. Second, assist the Officer Candidates in achieving and maintaining a high level of physical fitness while attending the course.
- c. In addition to daily physical training, Officer Candidates will participate in the following:
- 1. Foot marches.
- 2. Ability Group Runs.
- 3. 4-mile Formation run
- 4. Confidence obstacle course.
- d. ACFT: Officer Candidates will take a minimum of two Army Combat Fitness Tests. The first ACFT is conducted within 60 days prior to the start of Phase I and the second within 60 days prior to the start of Phase III.

Chapter 4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION

4-1. General: The leadership evaluation program at OCS is based on the premise that leaders are developed by leading, using proven techniques that have been historically effective. It initially requires the Officer Candidate to follow a prescribed format and moves gradually toward allowing individual initiative in problem solving and critical thinking.
4-2. Leadership Assessment: Cadre assess leadership performance during garrison and field training.
4-3. Troop Leading Procedures:
- a. One of the most important tools in successful leadership is understanding and applying the eight steps of the Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs). Therefore, OCS stresses the use of TLPs to effectively accomplish the mission.
- b. The eight steps of the TLPs provide a format to follow in any leadership situation. As the leader gains experience, the leader will employ the TLPs automatically.
- c. Each Officer Candidate receives opportunities in both garrison and field environments to demonstrate their ability to properly use the TLPs to accomplish a mission.
4-4. Performance Based Leadership Assessment:
- a. Leadership evaluation at OCS measures performance and potential. OCS is structured in a manner that affords each Officer Candidate ample opportunity to perform. Performance is the basis for all evaluation.
- b. Officer Candidate Leadership Responsibilities: Officer Candidates will be evaluated while performing duties in a leadership position. Officer Candidates will serve in evaluated leadership positions in garrison and in the field.
4-5. Assessment Forms:
- The assessment process involves the Officer Candidates using the Self-Assessment Report and Spot Report.
- a. Self-Assessment Report: Officer Candidates complete the self-assessment report during their leadership position, and before the Trainer counsels him/her. The form allows the Officer Candidate to have an active role in the evaluation process. It will summarize his/her own performance and list his/her strengths and weaknesses. After counseling, the Officer Candidate will complete the second portion of the self- assessment report (summary of counseling).
- b. Spot Report: The Trainers use this form to record an Officer Candidate’s behavior, for negative or positive behavior.
4-6. Student Leadership Positions:
- a. The student leadership includes positions from team leader to company commander. Squad leader and above are evaluated and require formal individual counseling by cadre. Positions are rotated to provide each Officer Candidate the maximum opportunity for leadership development.
- The Officer Candidate leadership consists of the following positions:
- 1. Company Headquarters (may be referred to as the Top Three):
  - a. Company Commander (CO)
  - b. Executive Officer (XO)
  - c. First Sergeant (1SG)
- 2. Platoon Level:
  - a. Platoon Leader (PL)
  - b. Platoon Sergeant (PSG)
  - c. Three to four Squad Leaders(SLs) (should be avoided if possible in Garrison)
- b. Duties and Responsibilities: It is up to the Officer Candidate leadership to best use their time, troops, and material to accomplish assigned tasks. The Officer Candidate leadership has numerous administrative assignments involving the gathering of information, its analysis and the preparation and submission of reports.
- c. Officer Candidate leadership positions normally rotate every 24 hours in Phase I. The length of platoon leadership positions in Phase II is left to the discretion of the Cadre Company Commander or BN Training Officer
- d. The specific duties of Officer Candidates assigned to leadership positions are listed below. Each Officer Candidate will familiarize themselves with the responsibilities before assuming that position. The Company Commander and Trainers may add additional duties.
4-7. Leadership Duties:
- 1. Officer Candidate Company Commander (CO):
- a. The Officer Candidate Company Commander (CO) is responsible for all that the company does or fails to do. The CO plans, makes timely decisions, issues orders, delegate’s tasks, and personally supervises company activities.
- b. Additionally, the CO is responsible for conducting the troop leading procedures and orders process.
- c. The Officer Candidate CO exercises command through the XO, 1SG and PL’s. They also use their company level additional duty officers to accomplish missions.
- d. The Officer Candidate CO is responsible for the discipline, welfare, morale and control of the company.
  - 1. Supervise the XO and the 1SG in the accomplishment of their mission.
  - 2. Supervise the PL’s in supporting and enforcing the policies, procedures and standards set forth in the OCS program and take positive action to correct deficiencies.
  - 3. Be responsible for all status reports.
- 2. Officer Candidate Executive Officer (XO):
- a. The XO is the principal assistant to the Officer Candidate CO and acts as their chief advisor and administrator. The Officer Candidate XO should do everything possible to relieve the CO of administrative burdens.
- b. When possible, the XO will report to the DFAC and next period of instruction ten minutes ahead of the company for any specific instructions. Upon receiving those instructions, the XO will report to the Officer Candidate CO.
- c. The XO will ascertain the exact location and route of travel to training areas and will inform the Officer Candidate CO of such.
- d. Coordinate with cadre 1SG or Senior Trainer for arms issue and turn in.
- e. Enforce supply discipline.
- f. Maintain the XO’s book. The XO’s book will be neat, presentable, updated and will include at a minimum:
  - a. Training schedule.
  - b. Chow schedule and menu.
  - c. Current operation order.
  - d. Daily weather forecast.
  - e. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) procedures.
  - f. Important telephone numbers- (Battalion, Company, MP, MEDEVAC, and Supply).
  - g. Class roster.
- 3. Officer Candidate First Sergeant (1SG):
- a. Monitors and coordinates control of all matters pertaining to logistical needs and administrative actions with the Cadre 1SG. Close coordination with the Officer Candidate CO and Officer Candidate XO are vital.
- b. Formation Accountability:
  - 1. The Officer Candidate 1SG will form the company and receive the report in accordance with the procedures outlined in Chapter 8, TC 3-21.5. Additionally, the 1SG will prepare an index card of the company accountability for the Duty Trainer.
  - 2. The Officer Candidate 1SG will maintain an accurate accountability status report always.
- a. Classroom Accountability:
  - 1. Officer Candidates leaving or returning to any instruction must first check with the Officer Candidate 1SG and Duty Trainer.
  - 2. Any time the status changes the student 1SG will inform the Duty Trainer.
  - 3. When the class is divided into more than one training areas, accountability must be kept in all areas.
- b. Police Details:
  - 1. Company details include indoor maintenance, (i.e., offices, stairwells, hallways, latrines, unoccupied rooms and day rooms.)
- 4. Platoon Leader (PL):
- a. The platoon leader commands the platoon and is responsible for the discipline, welfare, morale and control of the subordinates leaders and soldiers.
- b. The PL commands primarily through the squad leaders (SL), delegating authority through the platoon sergeant (PSG). The platoon leader will ensure that:
  - 1. Proper accountability is maintained.
  - 2. PSG and SL’s are fulfilling their responsibilities.
  - 3. Platoon members receive information necessary for the platoon to accomplish the assigned mission.
  - 4. An equitable distribution of details and privileges exists and Officer Candidate’s personal needs are taken care of.
  - 5. Platoon additional duty officers receive supervision and coordinate their work to ensure timely completion of assigned missions.
  - 6. Officer Candidates are spot checked for appearance, required knowledge and preparedness for training.
  - 7. The Platoon Training Officer receives a daily briefing on the status of the platoon.
  - 8. Inspect Officer Candidate’s weapons, sensitive items and platoon equipment before and during training and prior to turn in.
  - 9. A platoon notebook or binder is maintained and contains the following items: platoon roster, additional duties roster, leadership, and any additional items required by the Platoon Trainer.
- 5. Platoon Sergeant (PSG):
- a. The PSG is the principal assistant to the PL and will assume command of the platoon in his/her absence.
  - 1. Conduct formations in accordance with Chapter 7, TC 3- 21.5 (Drill and Ceremonies)
  - 2. Maintain accurate accountability of members of the platoon always.
  - 3. Enforce the regulations and directives of OCS.
  - 4. Ensure that platoon members maintain and account for equipment always.
  - 5. Distribute pertinent information to the platoon in a timely manner.
  - 6. Maintain control of and ensure compliance by the platoon of all SOPs and directives.
  - 7. Form the platoon prior to meals and march the platoon as a unit to the DFAC.
  - 8. Assist the PL in conducting inspections of the platoon area.
  - 9. Coordinate with the Officer Candidate 1SG in all administrative matters concerning the platoon.
- 6. Squad Leader (SL): The SL is the direct supervisor of the individual squad members and will ensure:
- b. The personal appearance and cleanliness of squad members.
- c. Squad members maintain and account for all government property issued.
- d. A squad status is maintained, to include the location and activity of squad members.
- e. The squad is prepared to accomplish the assigned mission.
- f. Officer Candidates are present for all formations or properly accounted for.
- g. Each squad member’s area and wall locker is inspection ready always.
- h. The squad properly completes details in accordance with established policies and standards.
- i. All squad members are kept informed.
- j. Changes in the squad status are reported to the PSG.
- Student chain of command WILL command and control their respective elements while in the respective position. If they fail to do so it will be a direct reflection on their ability to be a leader as an officer.
- on the same note students not in a leadership role WILL respect those in a leadership role and follow any reasonable orders given.

Chapter 5. Discipline and Policies

5-1. General: The policies established at OCS provide uniformity and information for evaluating the Officer Candidate’s ability to follow instructions, pay attention to detail and demonstrate leadership. The policies prescribed require strict compliance. Failure to comply may result in dismissal or recycle.
- a. Officer Candidates must conduct themselves in accordance with Army Regulations, and Army Traditions (customs and courtesies, military discipline, and the Army Values).
- b. All Officer Candidates must read this SOP by the end of week one. After reading, all Officer Candidates must sign a counseling statement acknowledging responsibility for adherence to the contents of this SOP. This counseling statement is maintained by OCS for a minimum of one (1) year after the Officer Candidate has either graduated or been removed from OCS in their student packet.
5-2. Discipline
- a. Discipline is achieved through effective leadership.
- b. Disciplined units begin with disciplined Soldiers of character. Soldiers with discipline are orderly, obedient and dependable.
- c. A professional Soldier is never off duty.
- d. Military discipline is founded upon self-discipline, respect for properly constituted authority and the embracing of the professional Army ethic with its supporting individual values.
- e. The OCS Disciplinary System addresses incentives for excellence and corrective or punitive actions for violations of the policies of the OCS program.
5-3. Disciplinary Actions
- Administrative actions to correct indiscipline or poor performance are:
- a. Cadre may issue a verbal reprimand to correct a minor violation.
- b. Formal counseling. Cadre may formally counsel an Officer Candidate to correct a violation.
- c. Written assignment. Cadre may assign written assignments to correct a violation.
- d. Disciplinary physical training. Cadre may require an Officer Candidate to perform a physical training task to correct a violation.
5-4. Fraternization and Other Prohibited Activities:
- a. Relationship between Officer Candidates and Cadre, regardless of company or phase, which cause the actual or perceived appearance of preferential treatment or partiality, are prejudicial to good order, discipline and unit morale. Officer Candidates and Cadre are not authorized to form such relationships.
- b. Any relationship between permanent party personnel and Officer Candidates not required by the training mission is prohibited.
- c. Fraternization as defined by AR 600-20 and DA Pam 600-35. The following activities between Officer Candidates and Cadre are prohibited: sexual relationships, public displays of affection, close dancing, handholding, touching, kissing or other similar contact, sharing a POV, personal friendships and drinking together at unofficial functions.
- d. Officer Candidate/Officer Candidate fraternization is also prohibited. OCS is a gender integrated environment and is an intense 24 hours a day course of instruction.
- 1. A Officer Candidate will not kiss, hold hands, touch inappropriately or close dance. Closed-door meetings are not authorized.
- 2. Doors to barracks rooms must remain open unless Officer Candidates are changing uniforms. Closed-door meetings are not authorized.
- 3. In a field environment, Officer Candidates of opposite gender may occupy the same fighting position.
5-5. Wearing of Uniforms:
- a. All Officer Candidates will read and be IAW AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. An Officer Candidate's appearance makes a statement about the individual's personal organization, pride, and attention to detail.
- Diligence and persistence are often necessary. If after every effort to acquire the necessary clothing and equipment from your home unit is unsuccessful, contact the respective State Military Academy for guidance and assistance.
- Boots must be broken in thoroughly before beginning OCS.
- Trousers will be bloused unless otherwise directed.
- b. Uniforms:
- a. The daily garrison uniform is the Army Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) with the load bearing vest (FLC) and issued three (3) day assault pack. The field uniform will be dictated by the lesson plan. The Physical Readiness Uniform will be determined by the Sr. Platoon Trainer. Camelbacks are authorized to be carried inside the Officer Candidates ruck during ruck marches.
- (1) Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), minimum 4 sets. Uniform items will not be mixed.
  - a. Embroidered nametapes and U.S. Army tape will be IAW AR 670-1, Paragraph 28-22.
  - b. Officer Candidates will not wear ribbons, awards, decorations, unit patches, combat patches, or other insignia upon reporting to Phase I.
- (2) Army fitness physical uniform (APFU), minimum 2 sets.
  - a. Officer Candidates will wear long underwear, and other items appropriate to the weather conditions and type of activity. If long underwear or other similar items are worn, they must conceal them from view with the running jacket and pants.
  - b. Officer Candidates will wear commercial running shoes with calf-length or ankle-length, plain white (no logos).
  - c. Officer Candidates will wear reflective belts. (Yellow is preferred.)
  - d. Officer Candidates are authorized to wear commercially purchased gray or black spandex shorts under the APFU shorts.
  - e. When Officer Candidates wear the APFU as a complete uniform, they will keep the sleeves down on the jacket, the legs down on the pants, and they will tuck the t-shirt inside the trunks.
- Equipment::
- (1) The Army Combat Helmet (ACH) is the prescribed headgear for OCS, unless stated otherwise. The helmet is worn with the chinstrap fitting snugly on the chin. Officer Candidates are required to have a soft cap in their possession at all times.
- (2). Fighting Load Carrier (FLC)/(TAP) will be worn IAW Appendix I. Excess straps on the FLC will be folded up toward the adjustment buckle.
- (3) Two canteens will be worn on the pistol belt over the hip pockets. Canteens will always have water in them when worn, empty while in wall locker.
- e. Clothing and Equipment Displays: All clothing and equipment will be displayed IAW OCSOP. All displays will be uniform throughout the OC Company.
5-6. Profanity and Obscene Language: The use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language is prohibited.
5-7. Unauthorized Items: The contraband list (Appendix F) is developed to ensure good order and discipline in the OCS barracks living environment. Any unauthorized items will be identified and stored in the