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Officer Development School

Navy Officer Development School graduates salute in formation during a graduation ceremony.

What Is Officer Development School (ODS)?

You've spent years developing your professional expertise. Officer Development School (ODS) prepares you to apply that expertise as a Commissioned Navy Officer. Officer Development School is where accomplished professionals become Navy Officers. Over five weeks, you'll gain the military knowledge, leadership skills and operational understanding needed to transition into commissioned service, preparing you to lead Sailors while continuing to practice the profession you've already mastered.

What Is Navy ODS?

What to expect

Navy Officer Development School students stand in formation while their service khaki uniforms are inspected at Officer Training Command Newport.

What to expect

ODS is an intensive five-week course held in Newport, Rhode Island, where Direct Commission Officers learn what it means to serve and lead in the U.S. Navy. You'll train alongside fellow professionals from a variety of career fields while developing the foundational military knowledge, leadership principles and confidence needed before reporting to your first command.

Along the way, you'll participate in classroom instruction, physical training, military drills and practical leadership exercises that prepare you to transition from civilian professional to Commissioned Officer.

Navy Officer Training Principles

Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making icon

Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making

Develop the confidence to lead with integrity through leadership exercises, ethical decision-making scenarios and practical training that prepares you to guide Sailors and support mission success. 

Navy Customs, Traditions and Core Values icon

Navy Customs, Traditions and Core Values

Learn the customs, traditions and core values that define the Navy, helping you build a strong foundation for serving as a Commissioned Officer and leading within the fleet.

Physical Readiness and Basic Military Skills icon

Physical Readiness and Basic Military Skills

Build the physical readiness, military bearing and foundational skills needed to confidently transition into Navy life and meet the demands of Officer service.

Military Law and Officership Responsibilities icon

Military Law and Officership Responsibilities

Gain an understanding of military law, officer responsibilities and professional expectations so you're prepared to lead with accountability while upholding Navy standards.

Professional Conduct and Command Relationships icon

Professional Conduct and Command Relationships

Understand how Navy commands operate while developing the communication, professionalism and leadership skills needed to build trust, collaborate effectively and lead within your command.

Ready To Put Your Expertise To Work?

Contact a Recruiter 

Frequently Asked Questions

All FAQS

ALL FAQS

Who attends Navy Officer Development School (ODS)?

Officer Development School (ODS) is designed for Direct Commission Officers—licensed professionals and subject matter experts who are entering the Navy to serve in specialized career fields. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, lawyers, chaplains, engineers and other qualified professionals whose civilian expertise directly supports the Navy's mission. 

How long is Navy Officer Development School?

ODS is a five-week leadership development program held in Newport, Rhode Island. During that time, you'll complete classroom instruction, leadership development, physical training and military fundamentals designed to prepare you for service as a Commissioned Navy Officer. 

How is ODS different from Officer Candidate School (OCS)?

Both programs prepare individuals to become Commissioned Navy Officers, but they serve different audiences. 

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is designed for civilians and Enlisted Sailors who are pursuing Officer careers. Officer Development School (ODS) is designed specifically for Direct Commission Officers who already possess professional expertise in fields like medicine, law, ministry or engineering. Rather than training you for a new profession, ODS prepares you to lead and serve within the Navy. 

Are there physical fitness requirements at ODS?

Yes. ODS includes physical training and fitness assessments that help prepare you for Navy service. While the program emphasizes leadership and military fundamentals, everyone attending ODS is expected to meet Navy physical readiness standards and participate throughout training. 

What is a typical day at Navy Officer Development School like?

Each day combines classroom instruction with military training and leadership development. You can expect physical training, inspections, military drills, leadership exercises and coursework covering topics like Navy customs, military law, ethics and officership. Every part of the schedule is designed to prepare you for your first assignment as a Navy Officer. 

Can I use my phone or laptop during ODS?

Yes, although their use is limited during training. Personal electronic devices are generally permitted during authorized personal time, but restrictions may apply throughout the training day. Your instructors will explain when and where electronic devices may be used after you arrive. 

What rank do I receive after graduating from ODS?

Your rank depends on your designated Navy career field and commissioning program. Many Direct Commission Officers begin service as an Ensign (O-1), while some professions may commission at a higher rank based on education, experience and Navy requirements. 

What happens if I don't successfully complete ODS?

The Navy evaluates each situation individually. Depending on the circumstances, the Navy may offer an opportunity to repeat portions of training, recommend additional preparation or determine that commissioning requirements have not been met. 

Do I have to go through Boot Camp before ODS?

No. Direct Commission Officers do not attend Navy Recruit Training (Boot Camp). ODS serves as your introduction to Navy culture, customs, leadership and military fundamentals before reporting to your first duty station. 

Do you pay for housing at Navy Officer Development School?

No. While attending ODS, housing and meals are provided as part of your training. Candidates should follow their official reporting instructions for details about accommodations and required travel arrangements. 

What rank will I hold after completing ODS?

ODS is designed for Direct Commission Officers who have already been commissioned before reporting for training. Unlike Officer Candidate School (OCS), ODS prepares professionals such as Medical Officers, Chaplains, lawyers, nurses and other Staff Corps Officers for service as Navy Officers. 

While attending ODS, you wear the rank you were commissioned with. For many Officers, this is Ensign (O-1). After completing ODS, you report to your first duty station or follow-on training at that same rank. Promotion is based on your commissioning program, time in grade and performance, not graduation. 

Although many Officers begin their careers as Ensigns, certain Direct Commission communities may commission at higher grades based on professional experience and Navy credit. Depending on the Officer community, this may include Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2), Lieutenant (O-3) or, in some cases, higher ranks. 

Will I have my hair cut in Navy ODS?

Unlike Boot Camp, there is not a mandatory haircut for all candidates. However, all Officers attending ODS are expected to comply with Navy grooming standards throughout training. If your appearance does not meet regulations upon arrival, you may be required to make adjustments. 

Considering ODS

Considering ODS

Who attends Navy Officer Development School (ODS)?

Officer Development School (ODS) is designed for Direct Commission Officers—licensed professionals and subject matter experts who are entering the Navy to serve in specialized career fields. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, lawyers, chaplains, engineers and other qualified professionals whose civilian expertise directly supports the Navy's mission. 

How long is Navy Officer Development School?

ODS is a five-week leadership development program held in Newport, Rhode Island. During that time, you'll complete classroom instruction, leadership development, physical training and military fundamentals designed to prepare you for service as a Commissioned Navy Officer. 

How is ODS different from Officer Candidate School (OCS)?

Both programs prepare individuals to become Commissioned Navy Officers, but they serve different audiences. 

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is designed for civilians and Enlisted Sailors who are pursuing Officer careers. Officer Development School (ODS) is designed specifically for Direct Commission Officers who already possess professional expertise in fields like medicine, law, ministry or engineering. Rather than training you for a new profession, ODS prepares you to lead and serve within the Navy. 

Do I have to go through Boot Camp before ODS?

No. Direct Commission Officers do not attend Navy Recruit Training (Boot Camp). ODS serves as your introduction to Navy culture, customs, leadership and military fundamentals before reporting to your first duty station. 

Preparing for ODS

Preparing for ODS

Are there physical fitness requirements at ODS?

Yes. ODS includes physical training and fitness assessments that help prepare you for Navy service. While the program emphasizes leadership and military fundamentals, everyone attending ODS is expected to meet Navy physical readiness standards and participate throughout training. 

What is a typical day at Navy Officer Development School like?

Each day combines classroom instruction with military training and leadership development. You can expect physical training, inspections, military drills, leadership exercises and coursework covering topics like Navy customs, military law, ethics and officership. Every part of the schedule is designed to prepare you for your first assignment as a Navy Officer. 

Can I use my phone or laptop during ODS?

Yes, although their use is limited during training. Personal electronic devices are generally permitted during authorized personal time, but restrictions may apply throughout the training day. Your instructors will explain when and where electronic devices may be used after you arrive. 

What rank do I receive after graduating from ODS?

Your rank depends on your designated Navy career field and commissioning program. Many Direct Commission Officers begin service as an Ensign (O-1), while some professions may commission at a higher rank based on education, experience and Navy requirements. 

What happens if I don't successfully complete ODS?

The Navy evaluates each situation individually. Depending on the circumstances, the Navy may offer an opportunity to repeat portions of training, recommend additional preparation or determine that commissioning requirements have not been met. 

Do you pay for housing at Navy Officer Development School?

No. While attending ODS, housing and meals are provided as part of your training. Candidates should follow their official reporting instructions for details about accommodations and required travel arrangements. 

What rank will I hold after completing ODS?

ODS is designed for Direct Commission Officers who have already been commissioned before reporting for training. Unlike Officer Candidate School (OCS), ODS prepares professionals such as Medical Officers, Chaplains, lawyers, nurses and other Staff Corps Officers for service as Navy Officers. 

While attending ODS, you wear the rank you were commissioned with. For many Officers, this is Ensign (O-1). After completing ODS, you report to your first duty station or follow-on training at that same rank. Promotion is based on your commissioning program, time in grade and performance, not graduation. 

Although many Officers begin their careers as Ensigns, certain Direct Commission communities may commission at higher grades based on professional experience and Navy credit. Depending on the Officer community, this may include Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2), Lieutenant (O-3) or, in some cases, higher ranks. 

Will I have my hair cut in Navy ODS?

Unlike Boot Camp, there is not a mandatory haircut for all candidates. However, all Officers attending ODS are expected to comply with Navy grooming standards throughout training. If your appearance does not meet regulations upon arrival, you may be required to make adjustments.