The United States Army
08/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/16/2024 07:26
Washington National Guard's 205th Regional Training Institute forges tomorrow’s leaders during final phase of officer candidate school
[Link] 1 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Illinois Officer Candidate Yves Doumen, trudges through a thick forest at a Situational Training Exercise during Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 24, 2024. OCS Phase III is the final, extensive, exercise for candidates to utilize the skills they've gained over the last year of training prior to commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Reyfield Betz) (Photo Credit: Spc. Reyfield Betz)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Soldiers conduct a Situational Tactical Exercise rehearsal during phase III of Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 21, 2024. Phase III of OCS is a culminating event facilitated by the 205th Regional Training Institute for officer candidates testing their leadership and critical thinking abilities before commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas A. Cloward) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Nicolas A. Cloward)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Officer Candidate Mitchell May, with the Kansas National Guard, keeps his eye on simulated opposing forces during a platoon situational training exercise during Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 28, 2024. OCS Phase III, conducted by the Washington National Guard's 205th Regional Training Canter, is the final exercise for candidates to utilize the skills they've gained over the last year of training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Reyfield Betz) (Photo Credit: Spc. Reyfield Betz)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army National Guard officer candidates work together to process an obstacle as part of the squad competition during Phase III of Officer Candidate School (OCS) on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 1, 2024. OCS Phase III is the culminating event hosted by the 205th Regional Training Institute for officer candidates to test their leadership and critical thinking abilities before commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tristen Hepinstall) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Tristen Hepinstall)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Officer Candidate Jack Doolittle, with the Washington National Guard, fires a M240B machine gun during Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2024. OCS Phase III is the final, extensive, exercise for candidates to utilize the skills they've gained over the last year of training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Reyfield Betz) (Photo Credit: Spc. Reyfield Betz)VIEW ORIGINAL
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - The 205th Regiment with the Washington National Guard is spearheading the final phase of Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) training, preparing future leaders for roles across the U.S. Army National Guard. The OCS Phase III training, conducted in collaboration with the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Warrior Forge program, is where officer candidates undergo their final leadership evaluations.
Officer candidates begin their journey through OCS by completing phases zero through two in their home states. During these phases, they focus on administrative and operational planning, military history, customs and courtesies, and essential Soldier skills.
At Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the 205th Regiment takes over for the consolidated Phase III training, delivering advanced instruction in platoon-level infantry tactics and leadership. This 16 day phase represents the pinnacle of their training, where candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to lead and make critical decisions.
"We're doing platoon-level infantry tactics…everyone is a rifleman when it comes down to it, [candidates] may be called on to do this someday," said Capt. Chris Rothwell, a platoon trainer with the 205th Regiment.
The 2nd Battalion, 205th Regional Training Institute (RTI) plays a crucial role in this training, ensuring high standards are maintained. The RTI's cadre, recognized for their exceptional quality and dedication, prepare candidates through rigorous instruction and field exercises.
"We can take any candidate and help forge them to the next level, just based on the quality of the cadre and our program," said Capt. Eric Dunkley, senior platoon trainer and company commander for the 2024 Phase III cycle.
The 2-205th RTI has gained recognition from twelve other states for its advanced capabilities and unique training methods. The institute utilizes specialized facilities like Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) sites and integrates with active duty units for comprehensive training experiences.
"In terms of training areas, it is very unique," Dunkley said. "We're able to tie in with active duty units, conduct Air Assault operations, and utilize MOUT sites, which sets our program apart."
The dedication of the 2-205th RTI cadre ensures that candidates receive top-notch training, reflecting the Army National Guard's commitment to developing exceptional leaders.