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NEWS | July 14, 2020

CONNECTICUT NATIONAL GUARD TO HOST MEDIA AVAILABILITY THURSDAY DURING ANNUAL OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL

With officer candidates from nine states enrolled in Phase One of Officer Candidate School, the Connecticut National Guard invites media to view training at Stones Ranch Military Reservation in East Lyme, Connecticut.

OCS is designed to assess the candidates’ abilities before commissioning as officers at the end of a demanding 14-month development program. Phase One, a two-week program, tests the candidates’ initial leadership abilities and proficiency on basic soldier skills such as land navigation, general military knowledge and squad and platoon tactics.

Media are invited to view candidates’ routine in a field environment on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Opportunities for interviews with OCS leadership, instructors and candidates are available. Schedule of events includes:

(All times approximate and subject to change)

1:00 p.m.: Parking lot ACROSS from 500 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, Conn. opens.
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.: Shuttles to-and-from training site begin. Please note: Civilian vehicles are not permitted on the training site and the shuttle is mandatory (Recommended all media personnel dress comfortably. Proper personal protective equipment in line with COVID-19 guidelines is mandatory for entry on post).
1:30 p.m.: An introduction/explanation of expected training.
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Observation of Candidates’ training, with interview opportunities available.
3:00 p.m. – Begin shuttles back to parking lot.

Media are only permitted on Stones Ranch with prior coordination and an escort at all times. Those interested in attending must notify the Public Affairs Office in advance to coordinate transportation. Those who do not coordinate will be turned away for security purposes. Please call 860-524-4857 or email Mr. Tim Koster at timothy.r.koster.civ@mail.mil.

GPS Location: Parking Lot is ACROSS the street from 500 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, Conn.

Directions to Stones Ranch Geodetic Parking Lot FROM I-95 NORTH:
Take Exit 75 (4 Mile River Road). Turn right on 4 Mile River Road. Turn right on US-1 and proceed approximately a half-mile to the parking lot on your LEFT (across from 500 Boston Post Road). Connecticut National Guard personnel will check Government I.D. and direct you further.

Directions to Stones Ranch Geodetic Parking Lot FROM I-95 SOUTH: Take Exit 75 (US-1 toward Flanders/Waterford).
Follow US-1 approximately four miles to the parking lot on your RIGHT (across from 500 Boston Post Road). Connecticut National Guard personnel will check Government I.D. and direct you further.