DA Form 4322: Army OCS Officer Candidate Contract (2026) – This one-page form formalizes your understanding and acceptance of the service obligations if selected for OCS. It helps reduce dropouts by ensuring candidates carefully consider the commitments involved.
What Is DA Form 4322?
DA Form 4322, titled Army Officer Candidate Contract and Service Agreement, is prescribed by AR 350-51 (United States Army Officer Candidate School). The current version dates to June 2001.
It serves as a binding acknowledgment for applicants selected to attend OCS. The form requires your signature to confirm you understand and accept specific conditions related to enlistment extensions, active duty status, waiver of certain options, training commitment, and post-graduation service obligations.
Download the official DA Form 4322 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A4322.pdf
Purpose of the Army Officer Candidate Contract
The principal purpose of DA Form 4322 is to obtain your understanding and acceptance of the obligation and service agreement conditions if selected for U.S. Army Officer Candidate School.
Routine uses include maintaining the record in your candidate training file at OCS as confirmation of obligation requirements. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide the required information results in non-acceptance of your OCS application.
This contract minimizes attrition during the rigorous OCS program by ensuring candidates are fully informed and committed before investing Army resources in their training.
Key Provisions and Obligations in DA Form 4322
The form includes a clear “Explanation to Applicant” section outlining five main conditions:
- Enlistment Extension — If you lack sufficient service remaining in your current Regular Army term at OCS enrollment, you agree to extend your enlistment under AR 601-280 to complete training.
- Reserve Component on Active Duty — You agree to remain on active duty in your present status long enough to complete OCS training.
- Waiver of Enlistment Commitment — Upon acceptance as an officer candidate, you waive your enlistment option. If you later withdraw or fail to complete OCS, you will serve the remainder of your original enlistment without the original option.
- Training Withdrawal Restriction — If enrolled, you agree not to withdraw from training (except as provided in AR 350-51) until completing at least 4 weeks.
- Commissioned Service Obligation — Upon graduation, you agree to accept a commission as a U.S. Army Reserve officer (if tendered) and serve a minimum of 3 years on active duty in commissioned status. Any remaining military service obligation carries over.
These provisions emphasize long-term commitment and informed consent.
Who Needs to Complete DA Form 4322?
- Active Component (AC) enlisted Soldiers applying for in-service OCS.
- Certain Reserve Component applicants on active duty.
- Individuals enlisting specifically for the OCS pathway (often under the 09S specialty code).
It forms a required part of the OCS application packet for eligible active duty applicants. Always check the latest HRC or USAREC guidance for your specific component, as requirements can vary between Regular Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard pathways.
How DA Form 4322 Fits into the OCS Application Process?
OCS is a demanding 12-week program at Fort Moore, Georgia, that trains, assesses, and commissions officers. DA Form 4322 is typically completed as part of the formal application packet.
Current U.S. Army OCS applicants should:
- Review the latest MILPER messages and HRC OCS application checklists (FY26 and beyond).
- Consult their chain of command, recruiter, or career counselor.
- Ensure all supporting documents (transcripts, physicals, recommendations, etc.) accompany the packet.
Signing the form demonstrates your serious intent and acceptance of the service terms.
Important Considerations Before Signing
- Long-term commitment — Carefully evaluate the 3-year active duty commissioned service obligation plus any carryover.
- Irreversible aspects — Waiving enlistment options and agreeing to extensions have career implications.
- Consult professionals — Speak with your commander, career counselor, or a Judge Advocate if you have questions.
- Current policies — While the form itself remains standard, application processes and boards evolve. Verify details through official Army channels like HRC or goarmy.com.
Download and Official Resources
Official DA Form 4322 PDF: Download Here
For the most current OCS information:
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) OCS pages.
- goarmy.com OCS section.
- AR 350-51 (governing regulation).
Pursuing a commission through OCS is a significant step toward leadership in the U.S. Army. DA Form 4322 ensures you enter the process with full awareness of the obligations. Approach it thoughtfully, prepare your packet thoroughly, and take pride in serving your country as a future Army officer.