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Officer Candidate School

Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, is one of four officer training schools designed to prepare future naval leaders. This rigorous 13-week program equips candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership at sea and ashore, aligning with the Navy's mission to promote national security and sustain combat readiness. In accordance with the CNO's Navigation Plan, OCS emphasizes training that builds warfighters prepared to meet the complex and evolving security environment. Candidates will be tested morally, mentally, and physically to ensure they can lead sailors and conduct naval operations globally, integrating into the Navy’s broader warfighting ecosystem. The course challenges candidates to embody the Navy's strategic objectives—securing sea control, readiness, and all-domain integration—essential for safeguarding U.S. interests and ensuring maritime superiority.

OCS Mission

The mission of Officer Training Command Newport, Officer Candidate School is to morally, mentally, and physically develop future Leaders of Character and Competence — imbuing them with the highest ideals of Honor, Courage, and Commitment in order to serve as Professional Naval Officers worthy of special trust and confidence.

Building the Foundations of Naval Officership

OCS accomplishes its mission by establishing the foundations of professional ‘OFFICERSHIP’ across four key areas: Leadership, Profession of Arms, Academics, and Fitness.
Leadership: OCS instills in candidates the core attributes of a Professional Naval Officer, including honesty, integrity, work ethic, military bearing, character, dependability, initiative, accountability, toughness, and teamwork. These qualities are essential for creating leaders capable of navigating the complex challenges faced by the Navy. In alignment with the CNO's NAVPLAN, OCS develops officers who can perform under pressure, adapt in adverse conditions, and excel in time management while building confidence.
Profession of Arms: OCS emphasizes the importance of discipline, attention to detail, military bearing, patriotism, and pride, fostering esprit de corps. This aligns with the Navy’s focus on building cohesive and effective warfighting teams that integrate seamlessly into the larger joint force ecosystem.
Fitness: A ‘Culture of Fitness’ is instilled in candidates to ensure physical readiness extends beyond OCS throughout their careers. Professional Naval Officers must be physically strong and resilient, prepared to lead and sustain a culture of fitness in austere and challenging environments, as required in distributed maritime operations.
Academics: OCS provides candidates with fundamental knowledge of the naval profession through both classroom and practical instruction. This education forms the foundation for their commitment to naval service, establishing a standard of excellence that remains with them throughout their careers. In line with the NAVPLAN’s emphasis on training warfighters for complex, multi-domain operations, the curriculum ensures officers are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the Navy.

Most Recent Graduation Ceremony

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Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class 01-25 Graduation Ceremony

  • Naval Service Training Command
  • Oct. 27, 2024 | 37:14

116 graduates from Officer Candidate School, Class 01-25, at the Officer Training Command Newport, graduated October 18, 2024. Distinguished guest speaker: Peter F. Halvorsen, Vice President / Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval War College, Captain, United States Navy Become a leader today! TEXT: FLOC to 764764 or CALL: 1-800-USA-NAVY. #NETC #NSTC #OTCN


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