What is Officer Candidate School designed to identify in candidates?

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is primarily designed to identify leadership potential and adaptability in candidates. The school's focus is on assessing an individual's ability to lead others, make decisions under pressure, and adapt to rapidly changing situations, which are essential qualities for successful officers in the Navy. This emphasis on leadership encompasses not only the ability to command but also the interpersonal skills necessary to motivate and inspire others.

While OCS does consider technical skills, physical endurance, and academic performance, these aspects are secondary to evaluating a candidate's leadership capabilities. The program tests candidates through various scenarios that reflect real-life challenges they may face as officers, highlighting the importance of decisiveness, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Thus, identifying leadership potential and adaptability stands out as the core focus of OCS.