Navy Officer Development School (ODS) is one of five officer training schools located at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. This 5 week course is designed to provide a working knowledge of the Navy in order to prepare you to work as a commissioned Officer in the world’s greatest navy. In order to earn that honor, ODS will challenge you morally, mentally, and physically to prepare you to both lead sailors and conduct your duties worldwide.
ODS focuses on Naval Leadership, Naval Administration, Naval Organization, Sea Power, Military Law, Military Indoctrination, Naval Warfare and Damage Control. It also provides leadership through case studies and instructor led leadership scenarios.
Each area of study will prepare you for life as a commissioned officer. Your personal Honor, Courage, and Commitment will be tested at ODS and you will be challenged to live up to the highest standards of these values.
A successful Naval Officer is one who embraces the mission of THE NAVY, and develops the ability to execute basic Naval Officer functions that are expected upon entering the fleet/Navy as a commissioned Officer in the United States Navy.
Naval officers are expected to be a model of physical fitness to their sailors and the American public. On check-in Sunday, you will have your height and weight taken to ensure you are within Navy Body Fat Standards. **Students not within standards may not graduate from Officer Development School.** Information on the Navy Body Composition Assessment may be found at: Navy Body Composition Assessment. This document explains how the Navy determines body fat percentage. This is the only approved body composition procedure for the Navy. It also contains height/weight tables for you to determine where you are right now. During the first week of training, students will execute a mock Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), in order to demonstrate an ability to conform to Navy physical fitness standards. (*NOTE: Scores cannot be entered into PRIMS) The PFA consists of max push-ups in 2 minutes, holding a plank for the maximum time, and a 1.5 mile run. Guidance on how to perform and how to score the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) can be found here Guide_5-Physical_Readiness_Test_PRT_JAN_2023.pdf (navy.mil) It is imperative to arrive in the best possible physical shape; ready and able to participate in a demanding physical fitness program. The Navy’s Official guidance on Physical Readiness can be found here Navy Physical Readiness Test **Postpartum Sailors may not attend ODS until they have reached six-month postpartum status and have been cleared by a military Health Care Provider to participate in a wellness physical fitness assessment. All postpartum screenings must be completed prior to arrival.** Physical Training Overview The Navy considers a physically fit body as important as a sound mind. The objectives of the physical training classes at Officer Training Command are to develop stamina, endurance and to improve your overall physical condition so you can meet physical fitness requirements associated with military service. The better shape you’re in, the less susceptible you will be to injury. It is highly recommended that you prepare yourself well ahead of time. Below is a link to the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) virtual trainer. This virtual trainer will provide a series of Navy approved exercises that allow physical development and sustainment when gym facilities are not available.
1. Military Indoctrination: During military indoctrination you will be taught basic military customs and courtesies, naval terminology, basic uniform assembly and requirements, inspection procedures, and training requirements. 2. Naval Leadership: Subjects include leadership qualities, motivational theories, team building, management skills, decision making, goal setting and action planning, communication processes, and public speaking skills. You will have many opportunities through practical application to demonstrate leadership skills. 3. Division Officer: Subjects include military rank structure, performance evaluations, educational programs, enlisted records, classified material handling, naval correspondence, officer designations, promotions, pay and allowances, junior officer administrative duties, and advancement. 4. Military Law: Subjects introduced include the Military Code of Conduct, The Geneva Convention, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, investigations, non-judicial punishment, court-martial procedures, apprehensions, jurisdiction, pretrial restraints, administrative discharges, and claims. 5. Programs and Policies: Subjects include suicide awareness and prevention, Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), Human Resources, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR), and Safety Programs. It also covers programs such as Tricare, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, and the GI Bill.
Military training at Officer Development School is comprised of the following categories: 1. Physical Training: During ODS, physical training will be conducted regularly and will include warm-ups, running and/or strength and conditioning exercises, and cool-down stretches. See the above Physical Standards and Training sections for more information. 2. Room Inspections: Student rooms are subject to inspection at all times. To ensure cleanliness and maintain standards, room inspections occur at regular intervals. Rooms are to be maintained in accordance with prescribed room standards which will be provided during training. 3. Personnel Inspection (PI): Each Officer will be inspected for proper uniform wear, grooming standards, knowledge (see Additional Documents and Maps Tab), hygiene, and general military appearance. 4. Drill: Approximately 20 - 25 hours are spent learning and practicing drill for graduation. Officers will be required to march while at ODS. 5. Navy Third Class Swimmer Qualification: Students will be required to pass the Navy Third Class Swimmer Qualification. This will test the student’s ability to jump off a 10ft platform, float for five (5) minutes, swim 50 yards, and inflate their uniform in a drown proofing exercise. 6. Shipboard Damage Control: The damage control curriculum is designed to familiarize you with the types of damage that can occur in the naval environment due to accidents, warfare, and nautical disasters. Damage control also includes instruction in firefighting theory and prevention of different kinds of fires common to sea, shore, and air commands. It also includes principles of chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense. Practical demonstrations of flooding control are given in a mock-up of a shipboard space. Successful completion of both Damage Control ("wet trainer") and Basic Firefighting are required for graduation from ODS.
Attend 5-week Officer Development School
Demonstrate personal physical fitness by conforming to Navy physical fitness test standards
Demonstrate fundamental swimming skills through completion of Navy Third class Swimmer Qualification
Demonstrate shipboard damage control skills by completing both tech trainer evolutions (Wet Trainer and Fire fighter)
Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of Navy Officership by passing comprehensive exam
Course Number: P-9E-0003 (CIN) Title: OFFICER DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL Location: OFFICER TRAINING COMMAND NEWPORT, RI CDP: 03WW Length: 35 Days Class of School/Course: PC Skill Identifier for Which Trained: NONE Student UIC: 66949 Security Clearance: Open Tier 3 or equivalent investigation or a Final Adjudicated Secret or above
For seat requests or concerns, please contact RESFOR: usn.norfolk.comnavresforcomva.mbx.cnrfc-dco@us.navy.mil
Travel to Naval Station Newport
Students are responsible for transportation to Naval Station Newport and, ultimately, King Hall. Every attempt should be made to fly into T.F. Green (Providence/Warwick, RI). OTCN currently does not have the capacity and resources for any type of command duty van to shuttle arriving students from the airport to base. You will need to utilize a taxi to get to base. OTCN does not endorse any taxi service; however, be advised that not all taxi companies have access to Naval Station Newport. Taxis without base access authorization can go no further than the main gate (Gate 1) of the Naval Station. Gate 1 is the only 24-hour access point for Naval Station Newport. Verify with the taxi driver or taxi company that the driver has full access to the base. Rideshare companies do not have base access. If utilizing transportation services, student should keep receipts and submit them for reimbursement at ultimate duty station.
For base entry, students will either need a CAC or a government issued ID and your orders to gain entry onto base. For additional information regarding travel to Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) please review the Officer Training Command Newport - Travel/Check-In (navy.mil). For information on base access for guests, please see FAQ #22.
If you do plan to drive your personal vehicle, refer to student parking map on the “Additional Documents and Maps” tab.
·Once on base – proceed to King Hall – 291 Kollmeyer Street, Newport, RI 02841. You can only be dropped off in front of King Hall. There is no loitering in front of King Hall. There is temporary parking to the rear of King Hall for loading and unloading only.
·Enter the double doors onto the quarterdeck (lobby) of King Hall. Proceed to the front desk - which will be manned 24 hours a day. Have your orders and ID (CAC/other government issued ID) ready. The watchperson will double check these and then have you sign the check-in roster. Also, double check your spelling and rank on the roster. You will then be directed up to the fourth deck (4th Floor) which is where your room will be.
·There are six-wings on the fourth deck. There will be a room roster on the entry door to each wing. Find your room and begin to unpack your belongings.
·Further information will be displayed up on the fourth deck on what you can/need to do prior to class starting on Sunday.
·You may leave base once you check-in. You may eat anywhere on- or off- base. If you eat at the galley (Ney Hall) you will need to pay with a debit/credit card.
·Students are responsible for all meals prior to 1100 on check-in Sunday. If there are non-refrigerated items you wish to bring (i.e. healthy, dry snacks), do so and store them in the large locker in your rooms.
For additional information regarding base amenities and hours of operation: My Base Guide - Naval Station Newport: In-Depth Welcome Cente
If I am prior military service from a different branch of the military, how do I find out what ribbons and medals I am authorized to wear? Please click on the link to see authorized awards and medals from other services. Medals-Awards from Other Services.pdf (navy.mil)
Please contact Mr. Chad Gilbert with any questions regarding overseas orders:
Mr. Chad E. Gilbert Program Assistant - Student Medical Liaison (401) 841-3221 chad.e.gilbert.civ@us.navy.mil Office Hours: 0730-1600, M-F Also expect an email from him directly about 2 weeks prior to your convening date – likely after you receive your welcome aboard email from your class officers.