An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 24, 2015

Soldiers test leadership skills to become future Army officers

By Pvt. Joshua Quandt 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT MEADE, S.D. - Nearly 80 Soldiers from 21 states developed their leadership skills in a fast-paced, eight-week program to commission as second lieutenants in the Army National Guard at Fort Meade during the months of June and July.

The South Dakota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 196th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) conducts a consolidated Officer Candidate School program annually for Army National Guard Soldiers across the United States.

Throughout the course, the officer candidates face multiple tests in physical fitness, ruck marches up to 10 miles, leading a squad and platoon-size team tactically through combat scenarios, demonstrating an understanding of basic military skills and Army management systems.

"We teach the students basic leadership skills such as how to use troop leading procedures, how to give an operation order and how to make plans to move their unit in a combat mission," said Lt. Col. Deb Bartunek, 1st Battalion commander.

About half of the candidates have no prior-service military experience, other than attending Basic Combat Training. Regardless of experience, the officer candidates leadership skills are tested the same throughout the course.

"We give them the opportunity to go through some stressful situations while we evaluate their ability to act under pressure and make decisions," said Bartunek.

One example where the student's leadership skills are tested is during the urban patrol lane where a Soldier leads a squad through a combat scenario at West Camp Rapid in Rapid City.

"We had to move through some rugged terrain, and we came up to an urban site and cleared rooms of potential insurgents," said Officer Candidate Jack Palmer, Oklahoma Army National Guard. "I really enjoy being in the field and the lane I was in charge of."

If the Soldiers accomplish all the tasks presented to them successfully, they will be pinned as second lieutenants to potentially manage a platoon of approximately 40 Soldiers.

"These Soldiers will leave the course with a toolbox of leadership skills to use when they manage and direct a platoon of their own," said Bartunek.

OCS is a great place to develop leadership skills, said Officer Candidate Justin Parks, Oklahoma Army National Guard.

"Being in a teamwork environment helps you to learn about yourself and others," said Parks. "Improving each other is what it's all about."

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...