Every summer, the 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute invites officer candidates from across the country to Washington State for the final phase of Officer Candidate School. For two weeks, the unit and the cadres who oversee field training are pushed to their limits.

This year, however, the 2/205th RTI partnered with the 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment, Kansas Army National Guard to make the two-week experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

“We invited LTC Nicky Inskeep, commander of 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment, Kansas Army National Guard, to serve as our camp commander for this year’s Phase III,” said LTC Nicholas Zaharevich, commander of 2/205th RTI. “This year’s event highlighted the unique partnership between the Total Army School System battalions in Washington and Kansas, complemented by the usual support relationships of platoon instructors and cadre for their candidates. It is a true testament to the power of collaboration and leadership within the National Guard.”

The Total Army School System (TASS) aims to standardize and improve training across the states, ensuring a consistent and high level of preparation for all National Guard students attending training.

“The successful execution of OCS Phase III in 2024 with its multi-state collaboration is a testament to the effectiveness of the TASS system. It shows how shared resources and combined efforts can lead to better training outcomes,” said Zaharevich. “LTC Inskeep was able to get involved and know exactly what the structure of OCS Phase III would look like, as we all work together during OCS Phases I and II.”

This year’s OCS Phase III included candidates from ten states and cadres from six states, each bringing their own background and experience but with standardized expectations and evaluation criteria.

“OCS Phase III includes a series of demanding exercises designed to challenge candidates both physically and mentally. Being on the same page and ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of their roles is essential to preparing the Army National Guard’s future leaders,” said Zaharevich. “This collaboration of diverse leaders ensured that candidates received comprehensive, high-quality training and benefited from both the support relationships they are accustomed to and the new intergovernmental partnership.”

According to Zaharevich, OCS Phase III was a tremendous success and demonstrated the strength of partnership between multiple National Guard states. It also demonstrated the benefits of pooling resources and expertise to achieve a common goal.

“This collaboration has not only enhanced the training of officer candidates, but also set a precedent for future joint efforts,” said Zaharevich. “OCS Phase III serves as a model for future initiatives and demonstrates how collaboration can produce excellent results.”