Welcome aboard,
Welcome to Officer Development School! ODS is one of five officer accession programs operated at Officer Training Command Newport (OTC), and is the foundation for your success as a member of the Naval Officer Corps. The course is both comprehensive and intense, and is designed to facilitate the introduction to your responsibilities as a naval officer. ODS is physically demanding, but will also mentally challenge you as you learn about different aspects of the United States Navy including military structure, traditions and customs, the legal system, and finally, military etiquette. The website addresses check-in procedures, lodging, messing, transportation, uniforms and various other topics.
We look forward to your arrival. Report to the quarterdeck (lobby) of King Hall (Bldg. 291) in appropriate business casual civilian attire. The first evolution occurs Sunday afternoon at approximately 1300. If you have any questions, please consult the information contained in the ODS website, email us at: NWPT_OTCN_INFORMATION@US.NAVY.MIL. For emergency issues or problems with check-in after hours and on weekends contact the Command Duty Officer (CDO) at (401) 862-4321.
Sincerely, CAPT Alcorn Commanding Officer Officer Training Command Newport
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.
Students must be within Navy Body Fat Standards upon arrival to ODS. Students not within standards may not graduate from Officer Development School. Navy Body Composition Assessment may be found at: Navy Body Composition Assessment
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. Damage Control: The damage control curriculum is designed to familiarize you with the types of damage, which 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. Completion of both Damage Control ("wet trainer") and Basic Firefighting are required for successful completion of ODS graduation requirements. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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 Physical Standards Section 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 Required Knowledge items below), 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: Students will complete two tech training evolutions: Fire Fighting and Wet Trainer. Students will learn the basics required for fighting fires, and saving a sinking ship.
Students must be within Navy Body Fat Standards upon arrival to ODS or you will be dis-enrolled and sent back to point of origin. Navy Body Composition Assessment may be found at: Navy Body Composition Assessment Naval officers are expected to be a model of physical fitness to their sailors and the American public. On check-in Sunday, students will undergo a Body Composition Analysis. During the first week of training, students will execute a mock Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), in order to demonstrate ability to conform to Navy physical fitness standards. (*NOTE: Scores will not be entered into PRIMS) The PFA consists of push-ups, planks, and a 1.5 mile run. 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 can be found here Navy Physical Readiness Test
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’ll be to injury. It is highly recommended that you prepare yourself well ahead of time. The following link contains recommended conditioning programs to help prepare you for the physical fitness requirements of ODS. 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.
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. Click here for Fitness Guide: Navy Fitness NOFFS •Select "Group Training Series" •Perform for 30-60 minutes, 3-4 days a week. *** NOTE *** Contact your health care provider prior to commencing any exercise program.
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
Optional: Female earrings in accordance with NAVPERS 15665J
Optional overcoat. Black parka required in winter months. Parka to be worn outside of winter months when weather requires warmer gear.
For base entry, students will either need their CAC or their 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 OTCN Travel/Check-In
Student will be required to ensure transportation to 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.
If you plan to drive your personal vehicle, refer to student parking map on the “Additional Documents and Maps” tab. There is temporary parking to the rear of King Hall for loading and unloading only.
· Everyone will conduct the Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA) on Check-in Sunday. If not within standards by graduation, you will not graduate ODS.
· Arrive within Navy grooming standards Navy Grooming Standards <https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-2/>
· Students are responsible for all meals prior to 1300 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: Naval Station Newport: In-Depth Welcome Center (2021 Edition) (mybaseguide.com)
24. I have orders to an overseas command and have my family moving with me, what do I need to complete?
25. How do I book travel after graduation?
26. What are my VA/Education benefits for joining the Navy?