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Officer Candidate School Graduation Class 501-25

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office

Oct. 1, 2025 | 01:09:39

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends Officer Candidate School Class 501-25 on September 4, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia. As the guest speaker, Hegseth delivered a message focused on the enduring importance of standards, character, and decentralized decision-making for the Army's newest second lieutenants. He emphasized that the demanding 12-week OCS "crucible" forged their character, which will lead to hope, and that their profession is unique because "we are in the business of kill or be killed, live or die," making adherence to standards non-negotiable. Hegseth urged the graduates to anchor their leadership in fundamentals, know their NCOs, and stressed that both he and the President have their backs as they face the risks of war, promising to ensure their "hands aren't tied behind your back as you bring violence on the enemy." He closed by reminding the graduates that they are "America's elite" and that their willingness to serve gives him hope.