Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Q: What does the diet consist of at Officer Training Command? A: You will be required to eat in the Ney Hall dining facility for every meal, except on liberty weekends. Meals are provided three times daily, and food is not allowed in the barracks. Ney Hall offers a range of options, including a salad and fruit bar, various proteins, and vegetables, as well as some vegetarian options. Special dietary needs should be communicated by the first day of training, preferably via email to the class team before arrival. OTCN will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requirements without compromising training.
*No fasting is allowed while in student status.*
Q: What religious accommodations are made at OTCN? A: A Chaplain is available to support your religious needs. On-base services are available, provided they do not conflict with training requirements. Students are encouraged to bring any religious items necessary for personal practice. Special religious accommodations should be requested on the first day of training or communicated to the class team via email before arrival. OTCN will do its best to accommodate these needs without compromising training. For specific guidance on religious accommodations, please visit Religious Accommodations (navy.mil) and consult with your program manager or recruiter, as certain accommodations may require CNO-level approval with up to 60 days' lead time.
Q: If I am prior military service from another branch, how do I find out what ribbons and medals I am authorized to wear? A: For information on authorized awards and medals from other services, please refer to the Medals-Awards from Other Services document on the navy.mil website.
Q: Should I bring civilian clothes? A: Civilian clothes are only permitted when traveling to and from ODS. During liberty periods, uniforms are required. Arriving at ODS and for your initial evolution on Sunday, attire should be business casual, avoiding tank tops, open-toed shoes, or plain white T-shirts.
Q: What kinds of hairstyles are authorized for women? Will I have time to groom my hair daily? A: For authorized hairstyles, consult the Navy Uniform Regulations. Each morning, you will typically have 20-30 minutes for all morning hygiene, including showering, dressing, and grooming your hair.
Q: What office supplies should I bring to ODS? A: A small to medium notebook and 3-4 black pens (avoid expensive pens) are recommended for note-taking.
Q: What personal items should I bring to ODS? A: Refer to the Required Items section for specific recommendations.
Q: Can I bring my cell phone? A: Yes, bring your cell phone and charger. You may access your phone after daily training, with additional privileges outlined by the class team after check-in.
Q: Can I bring my laptop computer? A: Yes, King Hall has limited free WiFi with purchasable data packages for both group and individual use. While computers are available, access to personal email accounts may be restricted. Many classes use Google Drive for shared materials.
Q: Do I need to buy uniform items before ODS, or will they be provided? A: Uniforms do not need to be purchased before ODS. Refer to the ODS Issued Items section for guidance. However, if you already own serviceable Navy uniforms, bringing them may reduce costs.
Q: If I am prior enlisted, should I bring a copy of my service record? A: Please see the Required Paperwork section.
Q: Can I bring over-the-counter medications? A: Yes, but they must be in original containers. OTCN does not permit caffeine-based OTC items, and sharing or selling medications to fellow students is prohibited. Common OTC medications are available at the base medical clinic.
Q: If I am currently being paid at my rank, do I need to bring all documentation? A: It is advisable to bring required paperwork, particularly if there have been recent changes to your status (e.g., enlisted to officer) or dependents. Missing paperwork could delay resolving pay-related issues.
Q: Who do I contact if I have issues arriving at the base? A: Contact the Command Duty Officer at (401) 862-4321 or your class team.
Q: Can females wear makeup during training? A: Makeup is permitted for official photos and graduation; the class team will advise when it may be worn during training.
Q: What is my mailing address at ODS? A: (YOUR NAME) ODS (CLASS #) OFFICER TRAINING COMMAND NEWPORT 1356 Meyerkord Avenue Newport, RI 02841-1641
Q: Should I obtain a CAC or Reserve ID card before ODS? A: It is recommended to obtain your CAC (if active duty) or Reserve ID card before ODS. Schedule an appointment through RAPIDS. Required documents include your orders and two forms of ID. Training time will be allocated for those unable to obtain an ID before arrival.
Q: Can I continue to pump breast milk while in training? A: Yes, students may pump when the schedule permits. A lactation room is available with a refrigerator, though it is not monitored, and temperature control is not guaranteed.
Q: May I attend ODS if I am currently pregnant or recently postpartum? A: No, you may not be currently pregnant. Postpartum Sailors must be at least six months postpartum and cleared by a military Health Care Provider before attending ODS.
Q: I have overseas orders with family moving. What should I complete? A: Please refer to the Students with Overseas Orders section.
Q: How do I book travel after graduation? A: Travel booking will be covered in a travel brief during training. Navy-issued tickets only cover destinations listed in your orders; for changes, you must contact SATO Travel and cover any fees or additional costs.
Q: How do I sponsor guests without base access for Navy Lodge stays? A: Guests without military ID need sponsorship. For unescorted access, complete SECNAV Form 5512-NSNPT and submit it to the Naval Station Newport Pass & ID office. Contact the Pass & ID office at w_nwpt_gpass_id@us.navy.mil with questions.
Q: Where can I find social media updates on OTCN? A: Visit the OTC Newport on DVIDS for visual updates from Officer Training Command. You can also follow OTCN on Facebook for photos and updates on ODS classes.
Q: What should I do if I have orders overseas? A: If you have orders to a location outside the contiguous United States (i.e., outside the lower 48 states), you are required to complete an overseas suitability screening package for yourself and any dependents accompanying you. Please complete the necessary forms, which include the DD2792-1 Education Summary, the Dependent Packet, and the Blank Suitability Packet.
Q: Who should I contact with questions regarding my overseas orders? A: For any questions related to overseas orders, please contact the Medical Liaison Office: LT Katharine Pardew – katharine.l.pardew.mil@us.navy.mil HM1 Rahsaan Marshall – rahsaan.d.marshall.mil@us.navy.mil Phone: (401) 841-3221/2180 Office Hours: 0730-1600, Monday to Friday
Q: Will I receive any communication regarding my overseas orders before my convening date? A: Yes, you can expect to receive an email from the Medical Liaison Office approximately two weeks before your convening date. This email will likely arrive after you receive your welcome aboard email from your class officers.
Approved FY-25 Schedule:
***NOTE*** Graduation is generally scheduled for 1000 on Fridays, with exceptions on 12 July and 27 September, when graduation will occur at 1100. Each student is permitted up to four (4) guests. If a student does not use all (4) spots, they can be reallocated to another student (e.g., Student A brings two guests, allowing Student B to bring six guests total). Further guidance will be issued as your convening date approaches.
ODS is a five-week course designed to equip newly commissioned staff corps officers and reserve restricted line officers with foundational leadership skills, Naval Officership training, damage control training, and military ethics. This intensive program fosters leadership, decision-making, and initiative. While the general timeline below outlines the five-week schedule, holidays and other events may alter this structure.
Daily Schedule: Your days at ODS will start early and end late. Training days begin at 0430, with wake-up at 0530 on weekends. Academic and physical training continues until 1700 on most days.
A Typical Day at ODS (Academic Instruction Days):
Liberty: Typically, liberty begins after training/dinner on Fridays and ends at 2100 on Sundays. While the first weekend is restricted to base, liberty privileges and allowed travel distance will gradually increase each weekend. Overnight liberty is not permitted, and all students are required to return to King Hall each night.