Become a Leader in the
Texas State Guard

“Sometimes the front lines are in our own backyards”

Texas needs strong professional leaders to keep our communities safe. Whether we are responding to hurricanes, supporting our southern border, or assisting healthcare providers during a pandemic, the Texas State Guard (TXSG) is on the front line of protecting Texans, and we depend on strong leaders: our commissioned line officers. Rising through the ranks, commissioned officers become managers and problem solvers. They maintain a commitment to excellence by making critical decisions and leading every mission. The place where they're made is Officer Candidate School.

The TXSG is a reserve component of the Texas Military Department (TMD). Without a prior federal commission, the only pathway to becoming a TXSG line officer is by application, completion, and graduation from the TXSG Officer Candidate School (OCS). 

Officer Candidate School is a physically and mentally challenging course designed to transform civilian professionals into strong, effective, military leaders. OCS is an intense leadership training ground. Those who are accepted -- and make it through -- agree it's one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Whether you're a civilian or have prior non-commissioned military experience, OCS will transform you into an effective and productive leader.
 

Officer Candidate School is a 6-month course, usually from August - January, producing one class each year. Candidates attend training one weekend each month (Thursday - Sunday). In between drills Candidates are assigned extensive research, writing, and studying programs. 

• Reception Weekend
  • Screening, evaluation, and boards to form the class
• Phase I
  • Hybrid Field and Online Learning
• Phase II
  • In-residence training at Camp Swift
• Graduation
  • Ceremony at Camp Mabry
     

The Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) is designed to help civilians with little to no military experience acclimate to and prepare for the rigors of OCS and induction into TXSG. 

For civilians interested in becoming an officer, the TXSG offers an OCS preparatory program for anyone who enlists with the desire to go directly into OCS for the next available class. The Officer Preparatory Course is conducted one drill weekend per month and requires the following:

• Once accepted into OPC, attendance is mandatory
• Ability to drill in Austin at Camp Mabry one weekend per month
• Must be able to complete a physical fitness test during each training weekend

The OPC course of instruction focuses on:

• Basic military instruction in:
  • Military rank recognition
  • Military courtesies and customs
  • Wear and appearance of the uniform
  • Drill and ceremony (dismounted drill)
  • Unit organization and structure
• Health and nutrition
• Preparing for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Mental Toughness/Resilience training
• Various other areas of instruction designed to prepare you for OCS

Attending OPC does not guarantee acceptance into the Officer Candidate Course. OPC provides trainees with learning and training opportunities that will dramatically increase their odds of success at OCS. Those who fail to join the next OCS class will be routed to general recruited as assigned to a home unit in their area.

How do I Join?

1. Go to https://tmd.texas.gov/join-the-state-guard page and complete the information. Select “Officer Candidate School” from the drop down asking which branch you would like to join and submit your information.
2. An Officer Selection Officer (OSO) will contact you via email to confirm interest and schedule a brief phone interview. 
3. Complete the phone interview with the OSO and receive an invitation to attend an OPC/OCS information session at Camp Mabry.
4. Attend the onsite OPC/OCS information session to ask questions and confirm interest.
5. Complete the enlistment packet, fingerprinting/background check, medical evaluation, and OPC application.
6. Upon favorable review of all documentation and medical evaluation, the applicant will be sworn in as a TXSG OC Trainee.
7. Attend OPC training weekends at Camp Mabry.