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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 04-25 Graduation Ceremony

  • Naval Service Training Command
  • Jan. 15, 2025 | 31:06

107 Students in Officer Candidate School, Class 04-25, at Officer Training Command Newport, participate in their graduation ceremony at Naval Station Newport. Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots, United States Navy, Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, serves as guest speaker for this event. Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots is a native of Sparta, NJ. He is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics, a Master of Business Administration Degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Management and Decision Science from Walden University and a graduate of various programs from the Navy Post Graduate School, Naval War College, Joint Forces Staff College, and National Defense University. He received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in Troy, NY, in 1995. He is a Level II Joint Qualified Officer. His doctoral dissertation research was conducted on Knowledge Management in Lean Manufacturing implementation. August 2024 RDML Van Poots assumed his current duties as Commander Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Groton, CT. His shipboard tours include USS BALTIMORE (SSN 704) and USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765) completing deployments to the Pacific, Northern Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Ashore, staff tours include various submarine and operational related units including Commander Submarine Squadron Six Det. 504, Commander Submarine Group Ten Force Protection Det. 2, US Fleet Forces Maritime Operations Center Det. Greensboro, Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3N5) at the Pentagon Navy Command Center and he is designated a US Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) Deputy Area Coordinator. RDML Van Poots personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He has served with crews that have earned the Navy Battle Efficiency ‘E’ award, and various service, expeditionary, unit and campaign awards. Officer Training Command Newport develops civilians and fleet Sailors into newly commissioned officers morally, mentally, and physically while also instilling them with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment for service in the fleet as Naval officers. BZ Team! Learn the benefits of a Naval career. TEXT: FLOC to 764764 or CALL: 1-800-USA-NAVY. #NETC #NSTC #OTCN


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