What is the minimum age required for OCS applicants?

The minimum age required for Officer Candidate School (OCS) applicants is 19. This age requirement ensures that candidates have reached a level of maturity and experience that is deemed necessary for the responsibilities of leadership positions in the military. This age criterion reflects the expectation that individuals should have completed some level of education, such as high school or, preferably, a college degree, by the time they apply to OCS. This age threshold aligns with the overall requirements for entry into competitive military officer programs, which also consider a candidate's educational background and physical readiness. Candidates younger than this may not possess the life experience and readiness to undertake the intense leadership training that OCS provides.