Commissioned officers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard play a critical role in ensuring the success of military operations and the welfare of the Soldiers under their command. As leaders, officers are entrusted with the responsibility of planning, directing, and overseeing missions while making crucial decisions that impact the overall effectiveness of their units. Their training and leadership development equip them to guide Soldiers through complex tasks, whether it be in combat situations, disaster response, or community support missions. Officers must inspire confidence, maintain discipline, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to ensure that their teams are mission-ready at all times.
In the Oklahoma Army National Guard, officers are not only tactical leaders but also mentors and role models. They work closely with non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to train, develop, and empower the next generation of leaders within the Guard. Officers also serve as liaisons between the enlisted ranks and senior command, ensuring effective communication and alignment of objectives. Their leadership extends beyond the battlefield as they manage logistics, coordinate training exercises, and foster a strong sense of camaraderie within their units. By guiding Soldiers in both military and civilian aspects of their lives, commissioned officers are instrumental in maintaining the Guard's readiness and commitment to serving Oklahoma and the nation.
Paths to earning your commission
Officer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is an intense leadership training program. It’s physically and mentally challenging. Those who are accepted-and make it through-agree, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Whether you’re a first-time Soldier or have prior military experience, OCS will help transform you into an effective leader.
School Options:
State Traditional OCS
- Phase 0 – 4 months drilling (one weekend a month) in Oklahoma City
- Phase 1 – 2 weeks (summer) in Salina, Kansas
- Phase 2 – 13 months drilling in Oklahoma City
- Phase 3 – 2 weeks (summer) in Fort Lewis, Washington
National Guard Bureau Accelerated OCS
- 2 month residence course
- Courses offered twice/year
- Winter Accelerated: Offered in Alabama (January – March)
- Summer Accelerated: Offered in South Dakota (May-July)
Federal OCS
- 14 Week Residence Course
- Held in Fort Benning, GA
- Courses offered year-round
- Must attend Basic Combat Training (10 weeks) prior to course
- Applicants for Federal OCS must have a baccalaureate degree or higher
Requirements
- Meet general enlistment criteria for the Oklahoma Army National Guard
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must be morally and medically qualified
- Have a minimum of 90 college credits towards an accredited degree to begin training
- Score a minimum of 110 GT line score on Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
- Classes are available to help you raise your GT Score, contact Lieutenant Stoeser at 405-812-2306 to learn more
- If you have no prior military service, you must complete the enlistment process on or before your 35th birthday, and must complete commissioning process on or before your 42nd birthday
- If you have prior military service, you must complete the commissioning process on or before your 42nd birthday
Contact Information
For more information on Oklahoma Army National Guard OCS, visit
https://ok.ng.mil/ocs
Reserve Officer Training Corps
Reserve Officer’s Training Corps is designed to develop and train prospective Army officers. College students take ROTC classes and participate in related activities along with their normal college degree program, becoming an officer cadet and learning valuable leadership skills that are well-suited for either a military or civilian job.
Following graduation and successful completion of the ROTC program, cadets are offered a commission as a second lieutenant. As an Army officer, one learns the necessary skills to lead American soldiers in numerous assignments around the world. The ROTC program consists of an elective class, supplementary lab and morning physical training, which fully develop students into future Army officers. The program also includes other activities and opportunities for personal development in all relevant areas – scholastic, physical or military.
ROTC Programs in Oklahoma:
University of Oklahoma
University of Central Oklahoma
Southern Nazarene University (Hosted by University of Central Oklahoma)
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma City University (Hosted by University of Oklahoma)
Oklahoma Christian University (Hosted by University of Oklahoma)
Northeastern State University
Langston University (Hosted by Oklahoma State University)
Cameron University