Officer Careers

Take a look at some of the options below to further enhance and build your leadership as a commissioned officer in the North Dakota Army National Guard.  Below you will find details of each commissioning program.  If you would like further information and discuss options, please contact:

Traditional (OCS):

This program is broken into four phases. Phase 0 is completed over a set of four drill weekends from February through May and includes orientation, administrative information, and preparation for Phase I. Phase I is conducted over a two-week annual training period in June or July at Fort Meade, South Dakota. Phase II is conducted over 12 monthly drills at Camp Grafton, ND and Phase III includes an additional two weeks of annual training at Fort Meade, South Dakota.

Accelerated (OCS):

This program gives officer candidates the opportunity to complete phases I, II and III and graduate from OCS within eight weeks. The winter program runs from January through March and the summer program runs from June through August. Training takes place at either Fort Meade, South Dakota or Fort McClellan, Alabama. Prior to leaving for either accelerated program, four Phase 0 drill weekends must be completed.

Federal OCS:

All new recruits with a Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university have the ability to enlist with the OCS option. Federal OCS is conducted over a 12-week period at Fort Benning, Georgia.  Individuals must be screened and requested prior to contracting at MEPS. Training is conducted immediately after basic training.

Direct Commissioning:

If you are a doctor, dentist, physician assistant, attorney, or chaplain, we would like to extend a special invitation for you to use your professional skills serving soldiers and your country. Contact the state officer strength manager for more information on Army Medical, Judge Advocate General, and Chaplain incentive programs.

Non-Commissioned Officers (E5 BLC complete) under the age of 42 can also achieve a Direct Commission. This individual must have multiple letters of recommendation, minimum of 2 years in the ARNG, no civil convictions, secret security clearance and several other requirements must be met.

ROTC/SMP:

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps / Simultaneous Membership Program allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the US Army National Guard at the same time, with additional training opportunities and experience. Cadets serve as officer trainees in the North Dakota National Guard while completing college. You can earn Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances. Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty and Dedicated Army National Guard scholarships are available through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps for selected individuals.

Transfers:

If you are serving in the US armed forces in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Active or Reserve, we would like to extend an invitation to transfer to the North Dakota Army National Guard. For more details, please feel free to call.