Commissioning Videos

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the Coast Guard's general officer commissioning program, open to civilians, prior service members, and Coast Guard enlisted members. The OCS application process is one of the most competitive of any Coast Guard officer program. Candidates must demonstrate leadership skills, project management experience, and strong academic credentials.

OCS is an intensive 12-week course of instruction in leadership and military subjects to prepare you for any Coast Guard officer career. The course convenes twice a year, beginning in late summer and mid-winter, and is held at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

If you have specialized skills or experience, you may be able to join the Coast Guard as an officer without attending Officer Candidate School or the Coast Guard Academy through our Direct Commission Officer programs. Depending on factors like experience, you may even be able to start your officer career at an advanced rank.

• Direct Commission Aviator (DCA)

• Direct Commission Cyber Officer (DCCO)

• Direct Commission Engineer (DCE)

• Direct Commission Environmental Manager (DCEM)

• Direct Commission Health Service Officer (DCHSO)

• Direct Commission Intelligence Officer (DCIO)

• Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL)

• Direct Commission Lawyer - Reserve (DCL-SELRES)

• Direct Commission Physician Assistant (DCPA)

• Direct Commission Physician Assistant - Reserve (DCPA-SELRES)

• Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS)

• Licensed Officer of the Merchant Marine (LOMM)

• Maritime Academy Graduate (MARGRAD)

• Prior Trained Military Officer (PTMO)

Want to serve but can only serve part-time? The Selected Reserve Direct Commission (SRDC) program gives you that opportunity.