Officer Candidate School '98 "Fast Track" Graduates
[Class 41] ['98 "Fast Track"] [Class 42] [Co B, 1-205th Bn (GS)]
Story by SSG Jeff Clayton - Photos by SPC Charles Ames
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Three new Second Lieutenants were recently commissioned through the Officer Candidate School, run by Company B, 1st Battalion (GS), 205th Regiment (Leadership) headquartered on Camp Murray.
These new 2LT's are listed below in the order they are pictured, left to right:
2LT Kenneth C. Nickerson - Infantry
2LT Tyler E. Malejko - Armor
2LT Albert L. Hobaugh - Chemical
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The normal National Guard Officer Candidate will spend 16 months in Officer Candidate School - from May of one year through August of the following year. These three officers, however, are graduates of the OCS "Fast Track" Program. The "Fast Track" (or 501) Program allows National Guard Officer Candidates to complete the OCS program in less time than is normally required - typically in only a few months.
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The OCS "Fast Track" Program is not for everyone, however. Applicants must already have their Bachelors degree in hand. Most are also nearing the upper age limit for OCS, and would be unable to otherwise receive their commissions. "Fast Track" candidates are typically between 29 and 31 years of age. Typically they will also have more previous military experience than other candidates.
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There are currently 12 Officer Candidates enrolled in the normal 16-month Washington Army National Guard Officer Candidate School. If all 12 make it through this difficult and demanding training, they will be commissioned in August of 1999.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Company B, 1-205th Battalion (GS).
Among the distinguished visitors and guest speakers at the event was Brigadier General Errol Van Eaton, who delivered the Graduation Address. BG Van Eaton concluded his service to the Washington Army National Guard that same day, having helped to bring these new Second Lieutenants on board.
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