OCS was established in 1941 to provide Infantry officers for World War II. Through all of the years OCS has remained an important commissioning source for the Army. Soldiers who successfully complete the demanding course are commissioned as Second Lieutenants for all branches of the Army.

The Army National Guard State OCS program lasts approximately 12 months.  Candidates enrolled in this program drill with their respective states for most the year.  OCS Training consists of a Pre-Phase and three required phases (Phase I-III).