Supporting our Next Generation of Service
Our national communities are honoring the generation of American servicemembers.
About Our Communities
Since 2009, OCS Enlistee Recognition Ceremonies have been held by local communities in banquet halls, auditoriums, and sports arenas from New York to California, with hundreds of thousands of attendees - a testimony to the appreciation of the young adults entering military service.
OCS Ceremonies are organized by parents, educators, business and community leaders, and veterans to provide community support for new enlistees and their families as they transition into military service, joining the 1% of Americans who serve in uniform.
Each OCS enlistee receives a pocket guide of the U.S. Constitution, gifts from sponsors, educational materials, and the recognition that their community supports their decision to serve.
OCS Community Ceremonies in 2024
See the list below for a community near you!
Don’t see a ceremony in your area? Click here to inquire
Arkansas
Central Arkansas - April 12
Northeast Arkansas - April 11
California
San Diego - May 20
San Jose - November 29
Colorado
Colorado Springs - May 2
Connecticut
Connecticut - May 18
Delaware
Delaware - May 14
Florida
Orlando - April 22
Pensacola - May 14
Tampa - April 24
Georgia
Atlanta - May 4
Columbus - May 11
Valdosta - April 27
Indiana
Northwest - May 22
Louisiana
Baton Rouge - April 9
2024 OCS Ceremonies
Maryland
Anne Arundel County - April 29
Baltimore - May 6
Massachusetts
Gillette Stadium - May 19
Montana
Helena - May 1
Nebraska
Lincoln - April 24
New Jersey
North Jersey - May 8
Central Jersey - May 9
South Jersey - May 7
New York
Brookhaven - May 15
Monroe County - May 22
Nassau County - May 15
North Carolina
Fayetteville - May 1
Pennsylvania
Bucks County - May 16
Montgomery County - May 13
Philadelphia - May 1
Pittsburgh - April 15
South Carolina
Midlands South - May 14
Low Country (Charleston Area) - May 16
Texas
Austin - April 23
Dallas - April 27
El Paso - April 17
Fort Worth - March 23
Houston - April 18
San Antonio - May 14
Virginia
Northern Virginia - May 3
Spotsylvania - April 24
Puerto Rico
San Juan - May 16
Virgin Islands
St. Croix - April 19
St. Thomas - April 26
OCS Ceremonies in the News
Community FAQs
Questions Frequently Asked About Our Communities
Looking for a ceremony near you?
Want to contact an OCS Community nearest you? Send us a note. We’ll be glad to help.
Can I volunteer to help at an OCS event?
Want to help plan an OCS event? Make a phone call to a potential sponsor? Act as a liaison with a service branch career recruiter? Consider volunteering with an OCS Community near you, or working with directly with our corporate office. We’re always on the look for great volunteer talent to help with a small task or project.
Can I start an OCS event in my community?
It begins with a commitment from a few volunteers who are willing to plan and implement an OCS graduation ceremony in their community.
People from just about every occupation imaginable are involved in leading an OCS chapter, including parents, educators, veterans, small business owners, and other leaders with a community.
Our national office receives and approves requests from local community leaders to start an OCS chapter in their community. To be considered as an official OCS chapter, please begin here.