United States Army Officer Candidate School

Army Regulation 350–51

Schools

United States

Army Officer

Candidate

School

Headquarters

Department of the Army

Washington, DC

11 June 2001

UNCLASSIFIED

SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 350–51

United States Army Officer Candidate School

This new regulation--

o Incorporates the information from AR 351-5.

o Eliminates the offer of a Regular Army appointment to the top Officer

Candidate School graduate.

o Deletes chapter 6.

Headquarters

Department of the Army

Washington, DC

11 June 2001

Schools

United States Army Officer Candidate School

*Army Regulation 350–51

Effective 11 July 2001

H i s t o r y . T h i s p r i n t i n g p u b l i s h e s a n e w

A r m y r e g u l a t i o n . T h e r e v i s e d A R 2 5 – 3 0

d e l e t e d a d m i n i s t r a t i v e p u b l i c a t i o n s e r i e s

351.

S u m m a r y . T h i s n e w r e g u l a t i o n p r e -

scribes eligibility requirements and proce-

d u r e s f o r p r o c e s s i n g a p p l i c a t i o n s o f

Active Army personnel for Officer Candi-

date School and for Army Band Officer

C a n d i d a t e S c h o o l . I t p r o v i d e s g e n e r a l

g u i d a n c e o n m o b i l i z a t i o n p o l i c i e s a n d

procedures, and includes testing criteria

for all applicants.

Applicability. This regulation applies to

commanders and managers at all levels of

the Active Army and the United States

Army Reserve and, where indicated, the

A r m y N a t i o n a l G u a r d o f t h e U n i t e d

States. During mobilization, chapters and

policies in this regulation may be modi-

fied by the proponent. Any such modifica-

t i o n s w i l l b e a n n o u n c e d b y e l e c t r o n i c

message.

Proponent and exception authority.

The proponent of this regulation is the

Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. The

Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel has

the authority to approve exceptions to this

publication that are consistent with con-

trolling law and regulation. The Deputy

Chief of Staff for Personnel may delegate

this approval authority, in writing, to a

d i v i s i o n c h i e f w i t h i n t h e p r o p o n e n t

agency in the grade of colonel or the ci-

vilian equivalent.

Army management control process.

This regulation contains management con-

t r o l p r o v i s i o n s i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h A R

11–2 and provides a checklist for conduc-

ting management control reviews.

S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n . S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n o f

this regulation and establishment of com-

mand or local forms are prohibited with-

o u t p r i o r a p p r o v a l f r o m H Q D A

( D A P E – Z A ) t h r o u g h C o m m a n d e r , U . S .

T o t a l A r m y P e r s o n n e l C o m m a n d

( T A P C – O P D – C ) , A l e x a n d r i a , V A

22332–0413.

Suggested Improvements. Users are

invited to send comments and suggested

improvements on DA Forms 2028 (Rec-

ommended Changes to Publications and

Blank Forms) directly to Commander, U.

S . T o t a l A r m y P e r s o n n e l C o m m a n d

( T A P C – O P D – C ) A l e x a n d r i a , V A

22332–0413.

Distribution. This publication is availa-

ble in electronic media only and is in-

tended for command levels A, B, C, D,

and E for the Active Army and the U.S.

Army Reserve.

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

Chapter 1

Introduction, page 1

Section I

Overview, page 1

Purpose • 1–1, page 1

References • 1–2, page 1

Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1–3, page 1

Responsibilities • 1–4, page 1

Section II

Eligibility, page 1

Criteria • 1–5, page 1

Who may apply • 1–6, page 2

Who may not apply • 1–7, page 2

Previous conscientious objectors • 1–8, page 2

*This regulation supersedes AR 351–5, 15 October 1984.

AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001 i

UNCLASSIFIED

Contents—Continued

Waivers • 1–9, page 2

Section III

Service Commitment and Obligation, page 6

Enlisted service commitment • 1–10, page 6

Commissioned service obligation • 1–11, page 6

Section IV

Mobilization, page 6

Policy and procedure modifications during mobilization • 1–12, page 6

Mobilization OCS programs • 1–13, page 6

Chapter 2

Responsibilities, page 6

Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel • 2–1, page 6

U.S. Total Army Personnel Command • 2–2, page 7

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command • 2–3, page 7

Commanders of major Army commands • 2–4, page 7

Installation commanders • 2–5, page 7

Officer Candidate School commandant • 2–6, page 7

Chapter 3

Submitting, Reviewing, and Processing the DA Form 61 and Related Documents, page 8

Section I

Submitting the DA Form 61, page 8

General • 3–1, page 8

Branch specialty preferences • 3–2, page 8

Related documents • 3–3, page 8

Section II

Reviewing and Processing the DA Form 61, page 9

Unit commanders • 3–4, page 9

Intermediate commanders • 3–5, page 9

Installation personnel officers, test control officers, and medical officers • 3–6, page 9

Final installation commander review and processing • 3–7, page 10

Review and processing by MACOM commanders • 3–8, page 10

Review and selection processing by PERSCOM • 3–9, page 11

Chapter 4

Status and Administrative Disposition of Applicants, page 11

Section I

Initial Application, page 11

Implementing assignment restrictions • 4–1, page 11

Lifting assignment restrictions • 4–2, page 12

Section II

Selection for OCS Enrollment, page 12

Procedures for notifying selectees • 4–3, page 12

Predeparture interview • 4–4, page 12

Orders • 4–5, page 14

Transfer of documents and records • 4–6, page 14

Section III

Nonselection, Withdrawal, and Involuntary Removal, page 15

ii AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Contents—Continued

Nonselection • 4–7, page 15

Withdrawal • 4–8, page 15

Involuntary removal • 4–9, page 17

Chapter 5

Officer Candidate School Attendance and Commissioning, page 17

Section I

Matriculation, page 17

Enrollment • 5–1, page 17

Grade authorization • 5–2, page 17

Grade status • 5–3, page 18

Section II

Awards and Honors, page 18

Distinguished graduates • 5–4, page 18

Title not used • , page 18

Section III

After Graduation, page 18

Leave upon graduation • 5–5, page 18

Separation from prior service • 5–6, page 18

Medical examination • 5–7, page 18

Section IV

Appointment and Assignment, page 18

Appointment procedures • 5–8, page 18

Disposition of records of candidates appointed in the Army Reserve • 5–9, page 19

Section V

Candidates Not Commissioned, page 19

Relief and disposition of candidates not commissioned • 5–10, page 19

Use of DD Form 785 • 5–11, page 20

Retention of candidates • 5–12, page 20

Appendix A. References, page 21

Table List

Table 1–1: Criteria Waivers, page 3

Figure List

Figure 1–1: Sample civil/UCMJ waiver request, page 4

Figure 1–2: Sample age/time in service waiver request, page 5

Figure 4–1: OCS Interviewer Checklist sample format, page 13

Figure 4–2: Narrative Summary of Predeparture Interview sample format, page 14

Figure 4–3: Withdrawal agreement sample format, page 16

Glossary

iiiAR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Chapter 1

Introduction

Section I

Overview

1–1. Purpose

a. This regulation prescribes the policies, eligibility requirements, and administrative procedures for submitting and

processing applications for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and for appointing OCS graduates as commissioned

officers in the USAR for Active Army service.

b. This regulation establishes the OCS program objectives:

(1) Develop the leadership ability and professional skills of candidates to prepare them for—

(a) Appointment as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR).

(b) Effective service as commissioned officers in the Active Army.

(2) Provide a basis for expanding officer candidate training during mobilization.

1–2. References

Required and related publications and prescribed and referenced forms are listed in appendix A.

1–3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms

Abbreviations and terms used in this regulation are explained in the glossary.

1–4. Responsibilities

Responsibilities are listed in chapter 2.

Section II

Eligibility

1–5. Criteria

All applicants must—

a. Be United States citizens.

b. Achieve a General Technical Aptitude Test (GT) score of 110 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational

Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

c. Soldiers must take and obtain a passing score on the Scholastic AssessmentTest (SAT) or the American College

Test (ACT). A passing score on the SAT is 850 or higher; a passing score on the ACT is 19 or higher. SAT/ACT

scores must be dated within six years of the application. A soldier who wishes to retake either test will do at his/her

own expense. Retaking the ACT requires a 60–day waiting period, while the SAT can be retaken only once during any

fiscal year.

d. Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and meet the height and weight standards of AR 600–9.

e. Have a SECRET security clearance.

f. Have completed at least 90 semester hours of study from an accredited college or university and be able to

complete a bachelor degree in 1 year or less (except for Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross recipients).

(See para 3–3b.) Soldiers who do not have a bachelor degree but have college credits from several sources must submit

copies of transcripts along with a letter from the installation education advisor that certifies the completion of 90 or

more semester hours of college credit.

g. Achieve a score of 80 or higher on the English Comprehension Level Test (ECLT)/American Language Course

Placement Test (ALCPT) if the applicant’s primary language is other than English.

h. Be of good moral character. It cannot be concluded that a person is of good moral character during the pendency

of a suspension of favorable personnel action under AR 600–8–2. (See para 1–7f.)

i. Have no convictions by civil or military courts. (This does not apply to minor traffic violations with a fine or

forfeiture of $250.00 or less). An applicant must not have been judged to be a juvenile offender. This applies even if

the court sentence, or any part of it, was suspended or withheld, or such conviction was in any way removed from

court records by satisfactory completion of a period of probation. This also applies to adverse juvenile adjudication.

(See table 1–1 for waiver of prior convictions by civil or military courts.)

j. Have not been previously disenrolled from officer candidate training.

k. Be at least 18 but less than 30 years of age at the time of enrollment.

l. Have completed advanced individual training (AIT) (enlisted personnel).

m. Have had a type “A” medical examination within 9 months of the date of the application. Applicants must meet

1AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

procurement medical fitness standards (except height and weight) prescribed in AR 40–501, paragraph 8–14, and

possess a physical profile serial of at least 222221. (Height and weight standards stated in c above apply.)

n. Have accumulated no more than 10 years of active Federal service when appointed as a commissioned officer.

1–6. Who may apply

a. Under the provision of this regulation—

(1) Active Army warrant officers or enlisted members who have completed AIT and reported to their first

permanent duty station may apply.

(2) Soldiers assigned to overseas commands may apply at any time, but may not normally be permitted to return to

the continental United States (CONUS) for OCS attendance before completing five–sixths of the prescribed overseas

tour (AR 614–30).

(3) Former commissioned officers may apply if their only commissioned service was performed in one of the Armed

Force’s early commissioning programs for students in the health professions. (See para 1–7d.)

(4) Commissioned warrant officers may apply.

b. Under other regulations—

(1) Warrant officers and enlisted personnel of the USAR not on active duty may apply (see AR 140–50.)

(2) Civilians under the OCS Enlistment Option may apply. (See AR 601–210, table 9–5.)

(3) Warrant officers and enlisted personnel of the Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS) may apply

as prescribed by the Chief, National Guard Bureau. Guidance in National Guard Regulation (NGR) 351–5 will be

followed. (Copies of NGR 351–5 may be obtained by contacting NGB–SDP, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME 04333–0032.)

1–7. Who may not apply

Individuals may not apply if—

a. They are presently conscientious objectors.

b. Their selection would clearly not be in the interests of national security.

c. They have been separated from any of the Armed Forces under conditions of a nonwaivable disqualification for

enlistment (AR 601–210).

d. They are, or have been, commissioned officers (except commissioned warrant officers) in any component of the

Armed Forces. (See para 1–6a(3) for exception.)

e. They have been alerted or are on orders for overseas movement, unless the application was submitted to the unit

commander before alert or receipt of assignment instructions at the installation.

f. They are under suspension of favorable personnel actions for military personnel (AR 600–8–2).

g. They are attending, alerted for, or on orders to the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center

(DLIFLC) as a student. Graduates of DLIFLC must complete a minimum 1–year language utilization assignment

before they are eligible to attend OCS.

h. They are warrant officer flight training candidates or warrant officers attending a rotary wing aviator course. They

are not eligible to attend OCS until they have completed a 1–year utilization tour.

i. They are Physician Assistant (PA) warrant officers attending Phase II, PA training. They are not eligible to attend

OCS until they have completed 2 years of utilization.

j. They are enrolled in AIT.

k. They are in a temporary duty (TDY) status.

l. They are in Basic Combat Training (BCT).

m. They would be over 34 years of age when appointed as a commissioned officer.

n. They have been scheduled to attend or are attending Drill Instructors School. Graduates of Drill Instructor School

must serve a minimum of 2 years as a Drill Sergeant prior to applying for OCS.

o. They are a nonselect from any Department of the Army Board.

p. They have not successfully completed an officer’s commissioning program.

q. They are attending Warrant Office Candidate School or a Warrant Officer MOS–producing school.

1–8. Previous conscientious objectors

Applicants who previously were conscientious objectors will attach an affidavit stating abandonment of such beliefs

and principles. This statement will show that the applicant is willing to bear arms and give full and unqualified service

to the United States. If the applicant has demonstrated a change of views by later military service, the affidavit should

so state. (See DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment), item 24.)

1–9. Waivers

All requests to waive eligibility requirements must be submitted on DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) (with supporting

documentation, if applicable).

a. The eligibility criteria in paragraph 1–5 are the minimum for an applicant to attend OCS. The eligibility criteria in

paragraphs 1–5a through 1–5g and 1–5l will notbe waived.

b. The Commanding General (CG), U.S. Total Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM), may approve waivers for

criteria contained in paragraphs 1–5h, i, j, k, and 1–7m (see table 1–1).

2 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Table 1–1

Criteria Waivers

Criteria Supporting documents

All convictions by civil or military courts or judgements as a juven-

ile offender (excluding minor traffic violations with a fine or forfei-

tures of $250 or less). (See para 1–5h .) (See figure 1–1 for a

sample civil/UCMJ waiver request.)

(a) An affidavit from the applicant stating the circumstances of the

offense.

(b) Waiver request must indicate offense, date and place offense

occurred, and punishment imposed.

Disenrollment from prior officer candidate–type training program.

(See para 1–5l.)

None

Curtailment of overseas tour when completion of the mandatory

five–sixth portion would render the applicant ineligible because of

age or length of service or when other circumstances exist that

warrant waiver consideration. (See para 1–6a(2).)

None

Completed AIT. (See paras 1–5k and 1–6a(1).) None

Age if—

(a) Applicant would be 30 or older at the time of application sub-

mission. (See para 1–5j and fig 1–2.)

(b) Applicant is over the age of 29 and 34 when appointed as com-

missioned officer. (See para 1–7m.) (See figure 1–2 for sample

age waiver request.)

None

Time in service if applicant has accumulated more than 10 years

of active Federal service when appointed as a commissioned offi-

cer. (See para 1–5m.) (See figure1–2 for a sample time in service

waiver request.)

None

3AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Figure 1–1. Sample civil/UCMJ waiver request

4 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Figure 1–2. Sample age/time in service waiver request

5AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Section III

Service Commitment and Obligation

1–10. Enlisted service commitment

a. An enlisted Active Army soldier who lacks enough service time to complete OCS training must extend his or her

enlistment before enrollment. (See AR 601–280, chap 3.) The soldier’s enlistment must be extended to at least one day

beyond the graduation date for the scheduled OCS class. Reenlistment, if needed, is permitted. The extension will be

processed following selection but before departure from current duty station.

b. If discharge is required for immediate reenlistment (see AR 601–280, para 3–1b), the discharge certificate will

not be given to the applicant until after reenlistment has been completed (AR 635–200, para 16–3).

1–11. Commissioned service obligation

All Active Army OCS graduates will serve at least 3 years in a commissioned officer status on active duty.

Section IV

Mobilization

1–12. Policy and procedure modifications during mobilization

To accelerate the procurement and accession of officers during mobilization, policies and procedures are modified. The

OCS program will become the primary base of expansion during mobilization. Upon full or total mobilization, this

procurement program will provide the bulk of officers normally produced by the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

(ROTC) program during peacetime. For a partial mobilization, an expanded OCS may be required to supplement other

peacetime officer procurement programs.

1–13. Mobilization OCS programs

The Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER) will authorize, administer, and execute the expanded OCS

program. Policy and procedure modifications will be as follows:

a. During partial mobilization, the educational requirement may be reduced so that OCS applicants can be high

school graduates.

b. During full or total mobilization, the educational requirements will be reduced so that OCS applicants can be high

school graduates.

c. Qualifying scores on mental aptitude tests will remain as stated in paragraph 1–5b. When necessary, Headquar-

ters, Department of the Army (HQDA) will adjust these scores to provide enough qualified applicants.

d. On M–day, OCS classes in session at Fort Benning, GA, will be accelerated and graduates commissioned as soon

as possible. Peacetime branch immaterial OCS classes will then be halted and responsibility transferred to installations

conducting wartime branch immaterial OCS classes (see para f below).

e. Branch–specific OCSs will be established at branch schools with an expected input of 100 or more students per

week upon mobilization (or input as determined by HQDA). These courses will be designed to produce special-

ty–qualified officers prepared for deployment. Planning for establishment of branch–specific OCSs will be based on the

training capacity published in the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Post Mobilization Training

Plan.

f. Branch immaterial OCS courses will be established at various locations based on a determination of installation

supportability. These courses will provide 6 weeks of branch immaterial training, followed by specialty specific

training at a branch school based on requirements.

g. OCS applicants will be selected by the major Army command (MACOM) under procedures established by the

DCSPER. Upon full or total mobilization, the procedures contained in paragraph 3–9 are delegated to the CG,

TRADOC. These procedures may be modified in coordination with the DCSPER and by approved mobilization plans.

Chapter 2

Responsibilities

2–1. Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel

The DCSPER will establish personnel policies and provide overall staff supervision of the OCS program.

6 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

2–2. U.S. Total Army Personnel Command

The CG, PERSCOM will—

a. Publish program policies and procedures.

b. Administer the OCS program.

c. Convene the Band Officer Evaluation/OCS Board.

d. Select final applicants for OCS enrollment.

2–3. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

The CG, TRADOC, is responsible for general supervision, coordination, and inspection of all training under the OCS

program and for mobilization expansion plans. The CG, TRADOC will maintain—

a. A table of distribution and allowances.

b. Mobilization programs of instruction to support establishing branch–specific OCSs at other locations after M–day.

(See section IV, paras 1–14e and f.)

2–4. Commanders of major Army commands

Commanders of all MACOMs will manage the OCS program under their jurisdiction. They will ensure that only the

most qualified applicants are recommended for training. All applications must be processed through the chain of

command. However, MACOM commanders may delegate final review authority to installation commanders, if desired.

2–5. Installation commanders

Installation commanders will—

a. Give maximum publicity to the OCS program, emphasizing the opportunities offered for upward mobility and

service for a commissioned officer. Active duty warrant officers and enlisted personnel will be identified and

encouraged to apply for OCS if they meet the following criteria:

( 1 ) A p p e a r w e l l m o t i v a t e d a n d d e m o n s t r a t e o u t s t a n d i n g p o t e n t i a l f o r l e a d e r s h i p i n p o s i t i o n s o f i n c r e a s i n g

responsibility.

(2) Possess the qualities desired in a commissioned officer.

(3) Meet the eligibility requirements of paragraph 1–5.

b. Process, account for, and control OCS applications and applicants.

c. Conduct the OCS structured interviews.

(1) The structured interview identifies the degree to which the applicant has developed attributes that show potential

for a successful career as a professional Army commissioned officer. The applicant’s past behavior in a variety of

situations is evaluated to predict future performance.

(2) A panel of three interviewers will conduct the interview. All panel members must be commissioned officers; the

panel president must hold the grade of major or above, and the other two panel members must hold the grade of

captain or above. All members will be appointed for not less than 6 months.

(3) The interviewers must have thoroughly studied DA PAM 611–5 and viewed DA Form 6283 (Leadership

Assessment Program), a 46–minute videocassette. Each newly appointed interviewer should observe at least one

structured interview conducted by experienced panel members.

(4) Immediately before the structured interview, the panel members will require the applicant to submit a handwrit-

ten narrative on standard 8

⁄2 by 11–inch paper stating “Why I Want to be an Army Officer.” This narrative gives

interviewers a chance to evaluate the applicant’s writing and ability to express a desire to serve as a commissioned

officer.

(a) The applicant will be allowed a maximum of 1 hour to complete the narrative.

(b) The narrative will not exceed two pages.

(d) The narrative will be attached to DA Form 6285 (Interview Plan #2).

(5) Each interviewer will complete a DA Form 6285. Any notes the interviewers record on their forms must be

legible and understandable since the installation commander, the MACOM commander, and the PERSCOM OCS

Selection Board will review them. Rationale for ratings of higher than “4” or lower than “3” must be clearly stated on

the DA Form 6285. Completed DA Form 6285 will be attached to the OCS application. On the “Targeted Dimensions”

page, each interviewer will also include a written statement that the soldier is or is not recommended for OCS training.

d. Process and reassign OCS selectees based on HQDA assignment instructions.

2–6. Officer Candidate School commandant

The OCS commandant is responsible for the operation of the training program, which includes—

a. Enrolling attendees.

b. Developing and evaluating attendees’ leadership skills.

c. Relieving attendees from the course, if required.

7AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

d. Commissioning attendees upon graduation.

e. Maintaining and reporting data required by HQDA.

f. Developing mobilization programs of instruction for the branch immaterial portion of branch–specific courses to

be conducted by other Service schools after M–day. (See section IV, paras 1–14d and f.)

Chapter 3

Submitting, Reviewing, and Processing the DA Form 61 and Related Documents

Section I

Submitting the DA Form 61

3–1. General

a. It is important that applicants contact their local recruiter (civilian OCS applicants), in–service career counselor

(military OCS applicants), or Professor of Military Science (ROTC applicants) for details on applying for a commis-

sioning program.

b. Applicants who wish to apply for Army Band OCS must complete both an application for Army Band OCS and

an application for commissioning programs (OCS or ROTC). Although the applications are completed and submitted

independent of each other, they are submitted at the same time. Army Band OCS applicants must contact the DA Staff

Bands Officer (DA SBO), 200 Stovall Street, ATTN: TAPC–TDZ–B, Alexandria, VA 22332 prior to submitting

application for OCS. The DA SBO will furnish the applicant a Memorandum of Instruction that contains guidance for

application to Army Band OCS.

c. All OCS applicants will complete DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment), attach the required related

documents, and submit them to the unit commander. All applications will be unclassified; CONFIDENTIAL or higher

information will be submitted separately, with a reference to the application. The date the application is received by the

unit commander will be considered the application submission date. If the application submission date is questionable,

the unit commander will verify the date of receipt.

3–2. Branch specialty preferences

On the DA Form 61, in item 6, applicants will indicate at least 10 branch preferences in order of preference.

a. Required preferences.

(1) Male applicants–—2–combat arms, 2–combat support arms, and 2–combat service support arms. One combat

arms branch must be among the first three choices. The remaining four branch choices will be at the applicant’s

discretion.

(2) Female applicants—1–combat arms (excluding IN and AR), 2–combat support arms, 2–combat service support

arms. The remaining five choices will be at the applicant’s discretion.

(3) Warrant Officer Aviators. Warrant Officer aviators who wish to be commissioned aviators will list AV as their

only branch choice.

b. Restricted preferences.

(1) Applicants will not list CA, SS, AN (unless applicant is a graduate of an educational program in nursing), CH,

DE, JA (unless the applicant has a J.D. or LL.B degree and has been admitted to the bar), MC, SP, or VC as branch

choices.

(2) The Surgeon General will determine area of concentration for applicants who request and are approved for

branch assignment to the Medical Service Corps (MS). This decision will be based on the applicant’s professional and

educational qualifications. Applicants for MS must possess at least a baccalaureate degree. (See AR 135–101, para

1–11d.)

3–3. Related documents

All applicants will attach the following related documents to the DA Form 61.

a. Citizenship. Applicants who are not United States citizens by birth will submit an appropriate statement (AR

135–100, figure 2–1). Do not make facsimiles or copies of naturalization certificates or certificates of citizenship.

Reproducing these certificates or any part of them without proper authority is a felony.

b. College transcripts (soldiers with baccalaureate degree). For soldiers without a baccalaureate degree when college

credits are from several sources, all college transcripts along with an installation education advisor’s letter that certifies

the completion of 90 or more college credit semester hours.

c. Requests for waiver on DA Form 4187 (para 1–9).

d. Affidavit if previously a conscientious objector. (See para 1–7.)

e. Letter of recommendation or character reference from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s leadership

potential (optional).

8 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

f. Completed DA Form 4322 (Army Officer Candidate Contract and Service Agreement).

g. Current official photograph as prescribed in AR 640–30.

h. Completed DA Form 483 (Officer’s Assignment Preference Statement).

Section II

Reviewing and Processing the DA Form 61

3–4. Unit commanders

Unit commanders will—

a. Assure that the application is complete and that all required documents are attached.

b. Supervise administration of the Army Physical Fitness Test in accordance with FM 21–20. Applicant must score

at least 60 points in each event. The test will be taken no more than 2 months before the applicant’s structured

interview. (See para 2–5c.) A copy of the completed DA Form 705 (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard) must be

attached to the application. At least two tests must be recorded.

c. Certify on DA Form 5339 (OCS Applicant’s Evaluation Sheet) that the applicant meets the height and weight

standards of AR 600–9. The certification must include applicant’s exact height and weight.

d. Interview applicant to ensure that he or she is aware of the following.

(1) The training is mentally and physically demanding and may cause the applicant personal hardships.

(2) The majority of the Army’s needs for OCS graduates are in the combat arms.

(3) Applicants interested in MS must have a baccalaureate degree to be eligible for consideration.

(4) If applicant is selected by HQDA but are not enrolled in OCS upon arrival at Fort Benning because of personal,

physical, motivational, or financial reasons, the applicant will be reassigned by HQDA based on the needs of the

Service.

e. Prepare DA Form 5339.

f. Complete DA Form 61, part IIa. The remarks section must include comments and a recommendation on requests

for waiver. The rationale to support the recommendation is crucial. Additional comments in the remarks section are

optional.

g. Forward application and related documents (application packet) through the intermediate commanders to the

installation commander or designated representative for further processing.

h. Notify servicing personnel office that soldier has submitted application for OCS and is not eligible for reassign-

ment until the results of the OCS board are announced.

3–5. Intermediate commanders

Intermediate commanders will—

a. Check the application for administrative correctness.

b. Review and endorse the application, recommending approval or disapproval.

c. Forward the application packet through the chain of command to the installation commander or designated

representative for further processing.

3–6. Installation personnel officers, test control officers, and medical officers

The applicant’s personnel officer will—

a. Review the application for correctness and completeness; an incorrect or incomplete application will be returned

to the unit commander for correction.

b. Request the installation education center test control officer (TCO) administer and score the following:

(1) SAT or ACT examination, when required.

(2) Revised Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST) (AR 611–110) and post score to DA Form 2–1

(Personnel Qualification Record–Part II) for an applicant applying for Army initial entry flight training, Area of

Concentration 15. A score of 90 or higher is required for further flight training processing. If the applicant makes a

qualifying score, attach a copy of DA Form 6256 (AFAST Battery Scoring Worksheet) to the application (not required

for AV warrant officers).

(3) ECLT/ALCPT to an applicant whose primary language is other than English. Applicant must achieve a score of

80 or higher.

c. Arrange for the type “A” medical examination required by paragraph 1–5l for an applicant who does not have a

current valid examination on record.

(1) The local commander of the medical examining facility or senior designated MC representative will review the

medical examination and verify results by signing DD Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination), item 84a. When

the applicant is medically qualified for OCS training and subsequent commissioning in the USAR—

(a) The personnel officer will be notified that the applicant is medically qualified.

9AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

(b) The DD Form 2808 and DD Form 2807–1 (Report of Medical History) will be filed in the applicant’s medical

record and a copy attached to the DA Form 61.

(2) If the applicant does not meet the prescribed medical fitness standards—

(a) The reviewing MC officer will make a recommendation for or against a waiver. This will be included on the

front page of DD Form 2808, in the notes section.

(b) The reviewing medical officer will send the DD Form 2808 and waiver recommendation to the MACOM

surgeon for final waiver approval or disapproval.

(3) If a waiver is granted, the personnel officer will be notified and the DD Form 2808 and DD Form 2807–1 will

be filed in the applicant’s medical record and a copy of the DD Form 2808 attached to the DA Form 61.

(4) If the applicant is medically disqualified and a waiver is not granted, the application, with the reason for

disapproval, will be returned to the applicant.

(5) An applicant applying for Army flight training must take a Class 1 flight physical (AR 611–110). This may be

done concurrent with the medical examination required for OCS. However, an applicant may not request a flight

physical medical examination before passing the AFAST. The completed report of medical examination will be sent to

the Commander, U.S. Army Aeromedical Center (MCXY–AER), Fort Rucker, AL 36362–5333, for approval. After

review, the medical report will be returned to the examining medical facility. Approved reports will be attached to the

DA Form 61. The application will not be forwarded until this action has been completed.

d. Attach a statement to the DA Form 61 certifying that the applicant has a DA Form 873 (Certificate of Clearance

and/or Security Determination) granting a final SECRET security clearance or that a SECRET security clearance

background investigation has been initiated.

e. If the applicant was previously disenrolled, request a completed DD Form 785 (Record of Disenrollment from

Officer Candidate–Type Training) from the installation that conducted the previous training. No further action will be

taken on the application until the form is received. Upon receipt, the DD Form 785 will be attached to the DA Form

61. The DA Form 61 must contain a statement that the applicant has overcome deficiencies for which disenrolled.

f. Attach a copy of the applicant’s DA Form 2–1 and DA Form 2A (Personnel Qualification Record, Part I—

Enlisted—Peacetime) to the DA Form 61.

g. Schedule the structured interview.

3–7. Final installation commander review and processing

The installation commander or personally designated representative will—

a. Review the application packet for accuracy. This includes proper completion of forms and signatures.

b. Ensure that DA Form 6285 is properly sealed and attached to the DA Form 61.

c. Complete DA Form 61, part IIb, for qualified applicant, including a recommendation on requests for a waiver.

Applicant will send the application packet to the MACOM commander.

d. Comply with the requirements of paragraph 3–9, if final review authority has been delegated to the installation

commander.

e. Advise qualified applicant of action taken.

f. Return, by endorsement, DA Form 61 of applicant if not recommended as a result of the structured interview. The

endorsement will state the reason for disqualification and ways to overcome deficiencies, when possible.

3–8. Review and processing by MACOM commanders

MACOM commanders or their designated subordinate commanders will—

a. Ensure that all DA Form 61s are reviewed for accuracy and completeness and that the applicants meet all

eligibility requirements of this regulation or have included required request for waiver.

b. Endorse DA Form 61s, recommending approval or disapproval, and include comments and a recommendation on

requests for waiver. A point of contact with commercial and DSN telephone numbers will also be listed.

c. Forward qualified applicant packets to HQDA PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C), 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA

22332–0413 for evaluation by the PERSCOM, OCS Selection Board. Application packets will be assembled in order as

follows.

(1) Transmittal endorsement from servicing personnel unit (para 3–7f).

(2) DA Form 61.

(3) DA Form 4187 (para 2–4).

(4) Copies of college transcripts. Soldiers who do not have a baccalaureate degree or who have attended more that

one college or university must also attach a statement from their education advisor certifying the total number of

semester hours of college training completed and the overall grade point average. Soldiers who receive college credits

for military training must have that training annotated on their college transcript. A statement must be attached for

those applicants who have received the Medal of Honor or the Distinguished Service Cross.

(5) Current official photograph (per AR 640–30).

(6) DA Form 5339, with certification of applicant’s height and weight.

10 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

(7) DA Form 705. (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard).

(8) DA Form 5500–R (Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male)), if necessary.

(9) Letter of recommendation (optional). Letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the

applicant’s performance of duty and leadership abilities.

(10) Copy of DA Form 2–1, DA Form 2A, or DA Form 2B (Personnel Qualification Record, Part I—Warrant

Officer—Peacetime) (for warrant officer personnel).

(11) Statement of SAT or ACT results from the education center.

(12) Completed DA Form 483.

(13) Conscientious objector affidavit. Applicants who were previously conscientious objectors will attach an affida-

vit to the DA Form 61, stating abandonment of such beliefs and principles. This statement will show that the person is

willing to bear arms and give full and unqualified service to the United Sates. If the person has demonstrated a change

of views by later military service, the affidavit should so state. (See DA Form 61, item 24.)

(14) Documented evidence of birth or statement of citizenship for applicants not born in the United States. An

applicant who is not a United States citizen by birth will submit the proper statement shown in AR 135–100, figure

2–1. Facsimiles or copies of naturalization certificates or certificates of citizenship will not be made; reproducing these

certificates or any part of them without proper authority is a felony.

(15) Statement of final SECRET security clearance or statement that clearance has been initiated.

(16) DD Form 785, if required.

(17) DA Form 4322.

(18) Copy of DD Form 2808, with signature and title of reviewing authority.

(19) Class 1 flight physical report of medical examination bearing the review stamp of the Army Aeromedical

Center and AFAST score, if necessary.

(20) DA Form 6285.

(21) DA Form 6256.

(21) “Why I Want to be an Army Officer” narrative.

d. Return, by endorsement, applications of unqualified individuals. The endorsement will state the reason for

disapproval and measures that can be taken to acquire eligibility.

3–9. Review and selection processing by PERSCOM

The CG, PERSCOM or designated representative will—

a. Determine the number of applicants to fill projected OCS class seat vacancies. This number is based on approved

class schedules, the annual officer accession plan requirements, and other required input.

b. Convene periodic HQDA OCS Selection Boards to select the most qualified candidates for enrollment and to

designate a branch for each selectee.

c. Take final action on waivers not requiring DCSPER approval.

d. Issue a worldwide message announcing candidates selected for OCS training by each OCS board.

e. Return applications of individuals not selected for OCS training to their installation commander.

f. Send the class assignment roster of selected candidates to the OCS battalion commander at least 60 days prior to

the start date of each scheduled OCS class.

g. Inform the OCS battalion commander of additions, deletions, or changes to class roster.

h. Send application files to the OCS battalion upon completion of PERSCOM branch assignment actions no later

than 30 days prior to the start of each scheduled OCS class.

Chapter 4

Status and Administrative Disposition of Applicants

Section I

Initial Application

4–1. Implementing assignment restrictions

The following actions will be taken for OCS applicants:

a. The applicant’s personnel officer will—

(1) Enter “OCS applicant—ASG Restrictions—AR 350–51” on the applicant’s DA Form 2–1, item 4.

(2) Ensure that while the application is pending the applicant is not reassigned or enrolled in any training that will

conflict with the possible OCS enrollment date.

b. Installation commanders and unit commanders will monitor each applicant’s status to ensure that an applicant

remains qualified and is not reassigned while the application is pending.

11AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

c. Soldiers who have submitted OCS applications are not to be deployed to a temporary overseas assignment in

support of military operations while the application is pending.

d. An applicant selected for OCS training will be reassigned to the scheduled OCS class based on assignment

instructions from PERSCOM.

e. An applicant approved for OCS while assigned overseas will remain at the current duty station until five–sixths of

the normal overseas tour is completed, unless otherwise directed by PERSCOM.

4–2. Lifting assignment restrictions

a. The entry on DA Form 2–1, item 4 (para 4–1a) will be deleted if the—

(1) Applicant is not selected.

(2) Application is voluntarily withdrawn.

(3) Application is involuntarily withdrawn for cause by the appropriate authority in the applicant’s chain of

command.

b. The proper remarks from AR 600–8–104, table 5–2q will be entered on DA Form 2–1.

c. The applicant will then be eligible for reassignment status per AR 614–200.

Section II

Selection for OCS Enrollment

4–3. Procedures for notifying selectees

a. HQDA (TAPC–OPD–C) will issue a worldwide message announcing the selectees for each OCS class, the OCS

class schedules, and the graduation dates. When post OCS branch assignments have been made, PERSCOM will send

the branch assignment instructions to the losing installation.

b. Installation commanders will—

(1) Remind the selectee that withdrawal will not be permitted until at least 4 weeks of training are completed,

except as provided in paragraph 5–12c.

(2) Reenlist the selectee or extend the selectee’s enlistment, if necessary, and advise the MACOM commander of

this action.

(3) Review with selectee the policy on housing and movement of family members.

(a) Except as stated in paragraph 4–5, candidates will attend OCS in a TDY en route status. Some may attend OCS

in a TDY and return status.

(b) Families choosing to accompany candidates to Fort Benning must do so at their own expense, unless the

candidate’s permanent change of station (PCS) assignment is Fort Benning.

duty station upon completion of TDY, to prepare their family members for relocation to the new permanent duty

station. The losing commander may allow selectees electing this option up to 10 duty days to prepare their family

members for movement per AR 614–6 and DA Pam 600–8–1. This option applies to CONUS to CONUS and CONUS

to overseas OCS moves. It does not apply to selectees attending OCS from an overseas assignment (overseas to

CONUS PCS). It also does not apply to selectees assigned PCS to Fort Benning.

(d) Government quarters are available at Fort Benning only for family members of officer candidates whose PCS

assignment is Fort Benning.

(4) Initiate special background investigation (SBI) for those applicants selected for military intelligence (MI).

(5) Ensure that all field artillery selectees complete SF 86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions). The SF

86 will be placed in the selectees’s military personnel file (MPF).

(6) Verify the date of the medical examination submitted with the OCS application. If the examination will be more

than 2 years old as of the scheduled OCS graduation date (commissioning date), the selectee must undergo a new

examination before departing from home station (AR 40–501, para 8–14a(2)). Graduation dates are announced in the

HQDA message that announces OCS class schedules (see para 4–3a).

4–4. Predeparture interview

a. Within 2 weeks before departure for training, the unit commander will interview the selectee. This in–depth

interview is to verify that the selectee is still qualified and motivated to attend OCS. It ensures that no disqualifying

factors (for example, physical, financial, personal, or motivational) have surfaced since the selectee appeared before the

Structured Interview Board. Problems that could adversely affect the selectee’s ability to complete OCS successfully

should be investigated. Prompt action should be taken to correct the problem or withdraw the selectee from OCS.

c. As a guide for the unit commander, a format for an OCS Interviewer Checklist is shown at figure 4–1. After the

interview, the unit commander will complete the Narrative Summary of Predeparture Interview. (See fig. 4–2 for

sample format.) The summary will be filed for 6 months in the selectee’s Military Personnel Record Jacket (MPRJ),

action pending section. If it is determined that the selectee is not qualified to attend OCS, the commander will

promptly recommend that the general court–martial convening authority (GCMCA) remove the selectee from the

program, per paragraph 4–9. If removed, the selectee’s name will be reported as a removal by electrically transmitted

message to CDR PERSCOM ALEX VA //TAPC–OPD–C// within 2 duty days after the determination has been made.

An information copy of the message will be sent to the appropriate MACOM.

12 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Figure 4–1. OCS Interviewer Checklist sample format

13AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Figure 4–2. Narrative Summary of Predeparture Interview sample format

4–5. Orders

Selectees will attend OCS in a TDY en route status or, if necessary, TDY and return. However, infantry selectees will

be assigned PCS to Fort Benning. Except as stated above, PCS orders issued for OCS will assign the selectee to the

ultimate duty station with TDY en route at OCS and the appropriate Officer Basic Course (OBC). Orders will also

include other training for which the person has been selected.

4–6. Transfer of documents and records

a. The personnel officer will place the following documents in a sealed envelope to be handcarried by the selectee

to the U.S. Army Infantry School (USAIS):

(1) Selectee’s local unit file including DA Form 2–series and DA Form 2–1.

(2) Narrative Summary of Predeparture Interview (fig. 4–2).

(3) DA Form 873 and a processed SF 86.

(4) A copy of the orders assigning the selectee to OCS.

b. The personnel officer will keep a current file on all OCS applicants. The file of each approved applicant assigned

14 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

to OCS will be marked “Assigned to Officer Candidate School Class (enter class number).” The file for nonselected or

withdrawn applicants will be marked “nonselected for or withdrawn from Officer Candidate School (enter date).” A

copy of the DA Form 61 will be held for 1 year, then destroyed.

Section III

Nonselection, Withdrawal, and Involuntary Removal

4–7. Nonselection

a. The CG, PERSCOM or designated representative will return the nonselectee’s application to the proper installa-

tion commander.

b. The custodian of the applicant’s military personnel record will enter on DA Form 2–1, item 4, the remarks in AR

600–8–104, table 5–2q. The statement will not be considered derogatory.

c. The applicant may reapply for the OCS program 1 year after the date of adjournment of the selection board that

did not select the applicant. The same procedures followed in submitting the first application will apply.

4–8. Withdrawal

a. If an applicant desires to withdraw from the program during the selection process, the unit commander will

interview the applicant to determine the reason. If the applicant persists after counseling, the following actions are

required:

(1) The applicant must sign a withdrawal agreement stating the specific reasons for withdrawal. A sample format is

at figure 4–3. The statement will be authenticated by the applicant’s unit commander and filed in the applicant’s local

unit file for 1 year, then destroyed.

(2) The applicant’s name, (Social Security Number (SSN), and reason for withdrawal will be reported promptly by

electrically transmitted message to CDR PERSCOM ALEX VA//TAPC–OPD–C//. An information copy will be

furnished to the appropriate MACOM.

(3) All reassignment restrictions will be deleted from the applicant’s DA Form 2–1.

b. The applicant may reapply for OCS training 1 year after the date of withdrawal. The same procedure for

submitting the first application will apply.

15AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Figure 4–3. Withdrawal agreement sample format

16 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

4–9. Involuntary removal

a. A review of suitability for OCS may be started if the conduct or efficiency of an approved applicant/selectee, not

yet enrolled in OCS, casts genuine doubt on that applicant’s/selectee’s potential for service as an officer. The

commander recommending removal will forward his or her recommendation to the GCMCA for decision. Other

actions, as necessary, may be initiated under AR 600–8–2 and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The

applicant/selectee will have the opportunity to review and comment on the recommendation before it is sent to the

GCMCA. The applicant’s/selectee’s statement will be enclosed with the recommendation for removal. The GCMCA

will direct any additional investigation needed. The decision of the GCMCA will be final and supersedes any earlier

recommendation for approval by the chain of command or selection by PERSCOM.

b. If the GCMCA approves the recommendation for an applicant’s removal from the program before issuance of

OCS orders, the GCMCA will notify the installation commander. The commander will promptly furnish the informa-

tion below, by electrically transmitted message, to CDR PERSCOM ALEX VA//TAPC–OPD–C//, with an information

copy to the proper MACOM and notification to the applicant:

(1) Applicant’s name and SSN.

(2) Command or installation that recommended the applicant for OCS.

(3) Reason for removal.

c. If the GCMCA approves the recommendation to remove the applicant from the program after orders assigning the

applicant to an OCS class, the GCMCA will notify the installation commander, who will—

(1) Revoke OCS orders and notify the applicant.

(2) Send a copy of the revocation to the USAIS as soon as possible.

(3) Promptly send the information below by electrically transmitted message to CDR PERSCOM ALEX VA//

TAPC–OPD–C//, with an information copy to the appropriate MACOM.

(a) Applicant’s name and SSN.

(b) OCS class assignment data.

(d) Reasons for removal.

(e) Identification of the revocation.

d. Soldiers who receive non–judicial punishment under the UCMJ after they have been notified of their selection for

OSC training.

Chapter 5

Officer Candidate School Attendance and Commissioning

Section I

Matriculation

5–1. Enrollment

a. After the selectee arrives at OCS, the school commandant or a named representative will review the selectee’s

records and application packet to insure that the—

(1) DA Form 4322 and Narrative Summary of Predeparture Interview are included.

(2) Selectee is qualified to enroll in the program. If a selectee is considered unqualified, the school commandant will

act in the capacity of the GCMCA under the procedure in paragraph 4–9a.

b . W i t h i n 5 w o r k d a y s a f t e r e a c h c l a s s h a s e n r o l l e d , t h e s c h o o l c o m m a n d a n t w i l l s e n d t o P E R S C O M

(TAPC–OPD–C), Alexandria, VA 22332–0413 an alphabetical roster of the students, including grades and SSNs.

c. The commandant will send a final student roster to PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C) within 1 week of class

graduation. This roster will show candidates who were commissioned and indicate the status of those who were not

commissioned. PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C) will notify the proper career management divisions if assignment orders

are to be amended or revoked.

5–2. Grade authorization

Upon enrollment in class, candidates will be promoted to pay grade E–5, in accordance with AR 600–8–19, if they

then hold a lower grade. Candidates with a higher grade will retain that grade. Students promoted on the basis of OCS

attendance who fail to successfully complete the course will be reduced to the grade held before entering OCS or to a

grade deemed suitable.

17AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

5–3. Grade status

As students, all candidates will be considered equal. All grade insignia and badges (for example, Ranger Tab,

Parachutist Badge) will be removed from the candidate’s uniform during the school term. The officer candidate

insignia authorized by AR 670–1 will be worn. For economy, warrant officers may keep the piping on their class A

uniform.

Section II

Awards and Honors

5–4. Distinguished graduates

The commandant may designate as distinguished graduates those students who exhibit the outstanding leadership

ability and personal traits that are essential to become successful commissioned officers. To qualify for such designa-

tion, a graduate must be in the upper one–third of the final class standing. These graduates will be honored formally at

graduation ceremonies as the—

a. Distinguished Honor Graduate.

b. Distinguished Leadership Graduate.

c. Distinguished Academic Graduate.

d. Distinguished Physical Fitness Graduate.

Title not used Paragraph not used.

Section III

After Graduation

5–5. Leave upon graduation

Leave credit will be carried forward into commissioned officer service. The school commandant may grant up to 30

days delay en route to be chargeable against leave accrued. This delay will not extend beyond the officer’s branch

Service school report date.

5–6. Separation from prior service

On the day before appointment, the graduate’s records will be closed and a discharge certificate prepared. A discharge

certificate will not be given to a graduate until the oath of office to commissioned status has been taken.

5–7. Medical examination

Normally, graduates will not have to take a medical examination upon change from enlisted or warrant officer status to

commissioned officer status. A proper medical examination taken within the preceding 2 years will serve for appoint-

ment purposes. Under the provisions of AR 40–501, only graduates who become seriously ill or sustain an injury after

their last medical examination must be reexamined.

Section IV

Appointment and Assignment

5–8. Appointment procedures

a. The graduate’s OCS application DA Form 61 will also be used as the application for appointment as a Reserve

commissioned officer of the Army. An OCS graduate tendered an appointment becomes a commissioned officer upon

taking the oath of office and executing a DA Form 71 (Oath of Office—Military Personnel). This act serves as

acceptance of the appointment (10 USC 12203).

b. By direction of the President of the United States, the school commandant is authorized to tender each successful

graduate an appointment as a Reserve of the Army in the grade of second lieutenant. Upon receiving a properly

executed oath of office, the commandant will issue commissions (DD Form 1A (Officer Commission Certificate)) for

such appointments. The following annotation will be typed below the body of the oath on the left side of DA Form 71:

“DD Form 1A issued… (Date) … ” Appointed officers receive Army Reserve branch assignments based on the

PERSCOM branch assignment choice for that graduate.

c. Each OCS selection board is given a list of branch quotas based on the Army’s needs for newly commissioned

officers in various branches. A large proportion of these needs is in combat arms. In recommending branches, the

board considers—

(1) Army and branch strength requirements.

(2) Personal preferences stated on the DA Form 61.

(3) Educational background.

(4) Prior military training and experience.

(5) Physical qualifications.

18 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

d. The OCS Board makes designation of branch incident to the selection process. The factors in c above are

evaluated during the decision process. Branch assignment may not be changed unless unusual qualifications surface

which, through no fault of the individual, were not available to the OCS Board at the time of designation. If such

i n f o r m a t i o n i s d i s c o v e r e d , t h e c a n d i d a t e m a y r e q u e s t r e d e s i g n a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e O C S B a t t a l i o n C o m m a n d e r t o

PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C), Alexandria, VA 22332–0413.

e. Before appointment, the school commandant will ensure favorable completion of the required personnel security

investigation. Candidates to be commissioned in MI should have begun an SBI when notified of selection for MI

branch. They may be appointed MI as an exception to policy pending favorable completion of an SBI. If the SBI is not

favorably completed, branch will be changed upon receipt of clearance determination.

f. The letter of appointment in AR 135–100 will be used. Appointment will be for an indefinite term, and the letter

will be dated as of the date of graduation. However, when an appointment letter is prepared after the graduation date,

the date of that letter will be the same as the appointment date. Retroactive appointments are not authorized.

g. Graduates must serve on active duty in a commissioned officer status for 3 years.

h. The school commandant will—

(1) Issue orders placing graduates on active duty under the authority in 10 USC 12301.

(2) Report OCS graduates commissioned as Active Army accessions to PERSCOM not later than 1 week after

graduation.

(3) Initiate DA Form 2B and DA Form 4037 (Officer Record Brief) (ORB) for each graduate being appointed as a

second lieutenant.

5–9. Disposition of records of candidates appointed in the Army Reserve

a. The records listed below and an alphabetical list of the names of appointees whose records are enclosed will be

sent to PERSCOM (TAPC–MSR), Alexandria, VA 22332–0400 by transmittal letter. Records of each appointee will be

arranged in the following order:

(1) Original DA Form 71 for appointment in the Army Reserve.

(2) Original letter of appointment. (Date of acceptance will be entered in lower left corner.)

(3) Original DA Form 61.

(4) DD Form 220 (Active Duty Report).

(5) One copy of active duty order.

(6) One legible copy of DD Form 2808 with signature and title of reviewing authority.

b. DA Form 201 of former warrant officer and enlisted personnel will continue to be used. The MPRJ, with

documents listed below, will be sent (handcarried in a sealed envelope) to the appointee’s gaining unit:

(1) Copy of letter of appointment. (Date of acceptance will be entered in lower left corner.)

(2) Two copies of active duty order.

(3) Original DD Form 2808 and DD Form 2807–1.

(4) Original DA Form 2B and DA Form 2–1.

c. A copy of the letter of appointment for each appointee, with date of acceptance in the lower left corner, and copy

of the active duty order will be distributed to PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–appropriate career management division),

Alexandria, VA 22332.

Section V

Candidates Not Commissioned

5–10. Relief and disposition of candidates not commissioned

a. Candidates who clearly show a lack of aptitude or qualification for commissioned status, as determined under

procedures established by the school commandant, will be relieved from OCS. Procedures to determine if the candidate

lacks aptitude or qualification for commissioning will be consistent with requirements in AR 351–1, paragraph 3–13b.

These procedures will include notice of the deficiency and an opportunity to respond before a decision is made on

relief from OCS.

b. The school commandant, or a named representative, may relieve a candidate whenever a lack of aptitude or

qualification for commissioning has been determined. The decision may be for—

(1) Disciplinary reasons.

(2) Academic deficiencies.

(3) Disqualifying physical conditions.

(4) Leadership deficiencies.

(5) Security reasons.

(6) Lacking motivation.

(7) Falsifying or omitting facts on application.

(8) Violating the honor code.

19AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

(9) Misconduct.

c. Additionally, the commandant may approve the resignation of a candidate for personal reasons. Candidates may

not resign until after enrolling in the class and completing at least 4 weeks of training. The only exception will be for

the convenience of the Government when personal reasons or physical or mental deficiencies, unforeseen before

enrollment, surface. If the commandant approves a candidate’s resignation, that candidate’s name will be reported

promptly to PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C). The candidate will then be reassigned based on the needs of the Service.

d. If a candidate is relieved for any reason in b or c above, or for failure to fulfill other requirements of this

regulation, DD Form 785 (Record of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate–Type Training) will be sent to PERSCOM

(TAPC–OPD–C).

e. The school commandant may issue a certificate of proficiency to candidates who honorably and successfully

complete—

(1) The course but are not appointed and commissioned as second lieutenants.

(2) Only a part of the course and are not appointed and commissioned as second lieutenants.

f. Warrant officers who do not graduate are immediately available for reassignment. A request for reassignment

instructions will be sent, by message, to CDR PERSCOM ALEX VA//TAPC—OPW//. The request will include the—

(1) Warrant officer’s name, grade, SSN, and PMOS.

(2) Number of days of delay en route desired, if any.

g. Enlisted students who do not graduate must complete the time remaining in their current term of enlistment or

reenlistment, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation. They are immediately available for reassignment and

will be reported as prescribed in AR 614–200.

h. The application packet will be returned to students who fail to graduate from OCS.

5–11. Use of DD Form 785

a. The school commandant will complete a DD Form 785 for—

(1) Candidates disenrolled from OCS.

(2) Candidates completing the course but not commissioned.

b. The school commandant will send a copy of the completed DD Form 785 to PERSCOM (TAPC–OPD–C),

Alexandria, VA 22332–0413, when a candidate is disenrolled. Specific reasons for disenrollment must be explained in

detail.

c. If a request for information regarding a candidate’s disenrollment is received from another Uniformed Service, the

request will be sent to the school commandant.

d. The DD Form 785 will be held at the school for 5 years after disenrollment of the candidate, and then destroyed.

5–12. Retention of candidates

a. The school commandant may hold over for a later class candidates who—

(1) Fail to complete a course through no personal fault.

(2) Fail for other reasons, but whose records show that they may reasonably be expected to overcome their

deficiencies by joining a later class.

b. Candidates described in a above may be—

(1) Turned back to the beginning of the next class.

(2) Required to complete only those portions of the class considered necessary by the commandant.

c. Students who miss or cannot actively participate in a significant amount of training for 14 or more days of

instruction due to medical reasons may be relieved or turned back to a later class. At the discretion of the commandant,

these students may be assigned to a later class after meeting the medical standards in paragraph 1–5l.

20 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Appendix A

References

Section I

Required Publications

This section contains no entries.

Section II

Related Publications

A related publication is a source of additional information. The user does not have to read it to understand this

regulation.

AR 40–501

Standards of Medical Fitness

AR 135–100

Appointment of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Army

AR 135–101

Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to the Army Medical Department Branches

AR 140–50

Officer Candidate Schools, Army Reserve

AR 351–1

Individual Military Education and Training

AR 600–8–2

Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (Flags)

AR 600–8–10

Leaves and Passes

AR 600–8–19

Enlisted Promotions and Reductions

AR 600–8–104

Military Personnel Information Management/Records

AR 600–9

The Army Weight Control Program

AR 601–210

Regular Army and Army Reserve Enlistment Program

AR 601–280

Army Retention Program

AR 611–110

Selection and Training of Army Aviation Officers

AR 614–6

Permanent Change of Station Policy

AR 614–30

Overseas Service

AR 614–200

Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management

21AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

AR 635–200

Enlisted Personnel

AR 640–30

Photographs for Military Personnel Files

AR 670–1

Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia

DA Pam 600–8–1

Standard Installation/Division Personnel System (SIDPERS) Battalion S1 Level Procedures

DA Pam 611–5

Structured Interview (SI): Interviewer’s Guide

FM 21–20

Physical Fitness Training

NGR 351–5

State Military Academies (This publication can be found at http://www.ngbpdc.ngb.army.mil/pubfiles/351/3515.pdf)

U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 12203

Commissioned officers: appointment, how made; term

U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 12301

Reserve components generally

Section III

Prescribed Forms

Except as otherwise indicated below, the following forms are available on the Army Electronic Library (AEL)

CD–ROM (EM0001) and the USAPA Web site (www.usapa.army.mil). DD forms are available on the ODS Web site

(http://web1.whs.osd.mil/icdhome/icdhome.htm).

DA Form 4322

Army Officer Candidate Contract and Service Agreement (Prescribed in paras 3–4, 3–9 and 5–1.)

DA Form 5339

OCS Applicant’s Commanders Evaluation Sheet (Prescribed in paras 3–5 and 3–9.)

DA Form 6283

Leadership Assessment Program (Video) (Prescribed in para 1–6.) (This form is available through normal supply

channels.)

DA Form 6285

Interview Plan No. 2 (Prescribed in para 1–6.)

Section IV

Referenced Forms

Except as otherwise indicated below, the following forms are available on the Army Electronic Library (AEL)

CD–ROM (EM0001) and the USAPA web site (www.usapa.army.mil).

DA Form 2A

Personnel Qualification Record—Part I—Enlisted—Peacetime

DA Form 2B

Personnel Qualification Record—Part 1—Warrant Officer—Peacetime (This form is available through normal supply

channels.)

DA Form 2–1

Personnel Qualification Record—Part II

22 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

DA Form 61

Application for Appointment

DA Form 71

Oath of Office–Military Personnel

DA Form 201

Military Personnel Records Jacket, U.S. Army (This form is available through normal supply channels.)

DA Form 483

Officer’s Assignment Preference Statement (This form is available through normal supply channels.)

DA Form 705

Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard

DA Form 873

Certificate of Clearance and/or Security Determination

DA Form 4037

Officer Record Brief (This form is available on the (TOPMIS) system and is S&I at Commander, USAICS-

ARPERCEN, ATTN: Barbara Baker, 9700 Page Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132–5200.)

DA Form 4187

Personnel Action

DA Form 5500–R

Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male)

DA Form 6256

Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST) Battery Scoring Worksheet (This form is available through normal

supply channels.)

DA Form 6285

Interview Plan No. 2

DD Form 1A

Officers Commission Certificate (This form is available in paper through normal supply channels.)

DD Form 220

Active Duty Report (This form is available at http://web1.whs.osd.mil/icdhome/DDEFORMS.HTM.)

DD Form 785

Record of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate–Type Training (This form is available in paper through normal supply

channels.)

DD Form 2807–1

Report of Medical History (This form is available at http://web1.whs.osd.mil/icdhome/DDEFORMS.HTM.)

DD Form 2808

Report of Medical Examination (This form is available at http://web1.whs.osd.mil/icdhome/DDEFORMS.HTM.)

SF 86

Questionnaire for National Security Positions

23AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Glossary

Section I

Abbreviations

ACT

American College Test

AFAST

Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test

AIT

advanced individual training

ALCPT

American Language Course Placement Test

ALEX

Alexandria

Army Nurse Corps

APFT

Army Physical Fitness Test

Armor; Army regulation

ARNGUS

Army National Guard of the United States

ASVAB

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

Aviation

BCT

Basic Combat Training

Civil Affairs

Commanding General

Chaplain

CONUS

continental United States

Department of the Army

DA SBO

DA Staff Bands Officer

DCSPER

Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel

24 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

Dental Corps

DLIFLC

Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center

ECLT

English Comprehension Level Test

GCMCA

general court–martial convening authority

General Technical Aptitude Test

HQDA

Headquarters, Department of the Army

Infantry

Judge Advocate

J.D.

Doctor of Jurisprudence

LL.B

Bachelor of Law

MACOM

major Army command

Medical Corps

Military Intelligence

MPF

military personnel file

MPRJ

Military Personnel Record Jacket

Medical Service Corps

OBC

Officer Basic Course

OCS

Officer Candidate School

ORB

Officer Record Brief

Physician Assistant

25AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

PCS

permanent change of station

PERSCOM

U.S. Total Army Personnel Command

PMOS

primary military occupational specialty

ROTC

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test

SBI

special background investigation

Army Medical Specialty Corps

Special Services

SSN

social security number

TCO

test control officer

TDY

temporary duty

TRADOC

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

UCMJ

Uniform Code of Military Justice

USAIS

United States Army Infantry School

USAR

U.S. Army Reserve

Veterinary Corps

Section II

Terms

applicant

An eligible Active Army enlisted member or warrant officer who applies for enrollment in OCS. Members of the

USAR and, where indicated, the ARNGUS, may also apply for OCS.

approved applicant

An applicant who meets all of the requirements of this regulation and is recommended by all the appropriate

commanders in the chain of command for selection for attendance at OCS.

26 AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

candidate

A student who is enrolled in OCS.

chain of command

Applicant’s unit commander, intermediate commander, installation commander, and major Army commander.

disenrolled candidate

A candidate who is relieved from OCS.

M–day

The term used to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization commences or is due to commence.

Officer Candidate School

A 14–week course conducted at designated Army schools to train qualified persons to serve as commissioned officers

in the U.S. Army.

selectee

An approved applicant who has been selected for OCS by the U.S. Total Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM)

OCS Selection Board.

Section III

Special Abbreviations and Terms

This section contains no entries.

27AR 350–51 • 11 June 2001

UNCLASSIFIED PIN 077616–000