1. References:
  1. AR 40-501, 30 Aug 95, Standards of Medical Fitness.
  2. AR 140-50, 1 Aug 83, Officer Candidate Schools.
  3. DA Message R101700Z, June 1997, subject: Test Requirements for Officer Accession/Officer Candidate Programs.
  4. NGR (AR) 351-5, 15 Dec 85, State Military Academies.
  5. NGR (AR) 600-100, 15 Apr 94, Commissioned Officers – Federal Recognition And Related Personnel Actions.
  6. NGR (AR) 40-501, 1 Sep 94, Standards of Medical Fitness.
  7. All States Memorandum (I98-0150), 23 Jul 98, Subject: Clarification on American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for Enrollment into State OCS.

2. Enrollment Criteria.

  1. Age. Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age for appointment is 30 years of age. The Adjutant General (TAG) may approve waivers up to age 35. Approval authority beyond the 35th birthday is NGB-ARZ-HRP-O. Supporting documentation and endorsements must accompany all requests for exception to policy to NGB (Appendix A).
  2. Citizenship. Must attain United States citizenship prior to appointment (non-waivable).
  1. Test Scores.

            (1) The applicant must have an aptitude (GT) score of 110 or higher on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (non-waivable).

            (2) The ACT/SAT test score is not required for OCS enrollment and attendance.  However, evidence of the achievement of a qualifying score (within past six years) is required for commissioning and must be included in the candidate's packet. Test scores are not required when proof of a baccalaureate degree is provided. The ACT/SAT tests are available free of charge at each state education office.

    d. Education. Applicants must provide certified proof of completion of 60 or more semester hours (SH) from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment. The candidate must attain 90 SH prior to appointment. Candidates who complete OCS but are not educationally qualified to accept appointment are not eligible for a Certificate of Eligibility. They have up to 24 months to complete the full 90 SH and accept their commission. If the individual fails to complete 90 SH within 24 months, OCS must be repeated (non-waivable).

    e. Medical.

            (1) All State OCS candidates must pass an AR 40-501, Chapter 2 physical examination prior to the first day of school attendance. However, in exceptional circumstances (i.e. late applications) the TAG may allow a candidate to enroll in OCS without a completed physical. The candidate must complete the required physical NLT 90 days following the completion of OCS Phase 1, or be disenrolled. Candidates allowed to enroll in OCS pending a Chapter 2 physical must be counseled in writing as to a potential later disenrollment due to physical defects, injuries, and/or diseases if the condition is disqualifying under AR 40-501 Chapter 2 standards and a waiver is not granted by NGB-ARS. In these cases, entrance into training does not constitute grounds for later qualification or waiver.

            (2) Applicants for OCS must meet all procurement medical fitness standards prescribed in AR 40-501, Chapter 2, or receive waiver(s) for disqualifying conditions from NGB-ARS. Supporting documentation must accompany requests for medical waiver (Appendix A).

            (3) For enlisted soldiers in the ARNG, all Chapter 2 OCS physicals must be done by a MEPS or active component military medical treatment facility (MTF). Any physical done at a non-Army active component MTF must be approved by NGB-ARS regardless of the individual's assigned physical profile (PULHES).

            (4)  Chapter 2 physicals are valid for appointment for two years from the date of examination (provided there is no significant change in the individual's medical condition). If the Chapter 2 physical is more than one year old at the time of commissioning, the soldier must complete DA Form 7349R, Initial Medical Review – Annual Medical Certificate. The form must then be screened and approved by the state surgeon or appointed medical officer and be placed in the applicant's file/packet.

            (5) AR 40-501, Chapter 4 physicals approved by the U. S. Army Aeromedical Center, Ft. Rucker, AL will fulfill Chapter 2 physical requirements.

    f. Body Height/Weight. An applicant must meet the height/weight standards prescribed in AR 600-9, to include body fat limitations for enrollment and appointment. (non-waivable).

    g. Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Applicants must pass a standard APFT prior to enrollment. Within 12 months prior to commissioning or application for a Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant must pass a standard APFT. Certified DA Form 705 must be included in the applicant's packet (non-waivable).

    h. Security Status. Must have a minimum of a final SECRET security clearance on file prior to appointment.

    i. Prior Training. An applicant must have completed basic training, advanced individual training (AIT) and serve a minimum of one year in a Selected Reserve unit for enrollment. The requirement for AIT may be waived by NGB-ART for the State OCS Enlistment Option Inductees Program.

    j. Vacancy Requirement. A position vacancy is not required for OCS enrollment. However, assignment to a position vacancy or projected vacancy within 180 days following appointment is required (non-waivable).

    k. Moral/Administrative Qualifications. Must qualify IAW NGR 600-100, Chapter 2.

    l. Service Requirements. For enrollment, an applicant must have sufficient time remaining on his/her current enlistment contract or must extend the contract to complete the course (non-waivable). For commissioning, applicants must be able to complete 20 years of creditable service (waivable by the TAG).

    m. Appendices. Supporting documentation requirements for exception to policy and medical waiver requests are included at Appendix A. Waiver/exception authorities are listed at Appendix B.

3. This memorandum expires one year from publication date, unless sooner rescinded or superseded.

4. Point of contact is CPT Bevington, NGB-ARZ-HRP-O, at DSN 327-3400 or 703-607-3400.