U.S. Army Officer Candidate Leslie Dela Cruz doesn't run away from a challenge. From leaving the Philippines at 18 to build a life in the United States on his own, to taking on Officer Candidate School at age 37, he consistently seeks out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“My next mountain to climb,” Dela Cruz said.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III, hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 205th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Washington National Guard (2/205th RTI), tests officer candidates’ leadership competencies and tactical decision‑making skills before they commission as second lieutenants. Dela Cruz credits his wife and young kids, ages four and one, as the biggest motivation in his pursuit of something greater in his Army career.
“I’m doing it for them,” Dela Cruz said, talking about his family. “After I made E-7, I felt like I needed to do more.”
The program itself is rigorous, and the transition from the enlisted ranks can be difficult to manage. Dela Cruz navigates that challenge by building a personal relationship with every team member he's worked with since Phase Zero, which started nearly a year ago, leading with kindness and empathy..
“I'm excited to assist them,” Dela Cruz said. ”Being able to help and contribute to their ‘go’s’ is a big thing for me.”
Phase III of the program brings together candidates from eight different states. For most, that would present a hurdle, but Dela Cruz’s demeanor bridges the gap. Observing his squad, one wouldn't guess that these candidates only met a week ago.
“He serves as an excellent example for the rest of the team,” said Kyle Haston, an officer candidate from Oregon in Dela Cruz’s squad. “ He's very knowledgeable. He's a great leader. He never misses anything. And when he's a follower, he doesn't step on your toes and lead for you. He's very inspiring. He's very friendly, and I would love to have him as a leader in the future.”
Dela Cruz also caught the attention of Capt. Chelsey Downer, an OCS cadre from Michigan. Though she has only been part of Dela Cruz’s training since the start of Phase III, his role as an anchor for his squad truly stood out to her.
“He draws on his previous experiences,” Downer said. “But also his attitude. Even in the middle of ‘the suck,’ when it's raining, gross, and nasty, he's just always smiling and trying to pump everybody up.”
The Washington cadre has watched Dela Cruz’s dedication to learning and adapting since the beginning of his journey.
“He knows what it takes to get the job done,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dylan Warburton. “I've seen him transform from enlisted to officer. He's a wonderful follower. He's a wonderful team player. He's a wonderful leader.”
Dela Cruz’s commitment to camaraderie is reflected in his deep devotion to family — both the one he comes from and the one he builds in uniform. Leaders like him are the driving force behind OCS, bringing the U.S. Army Officer Corps decisive leadership, diversity of experience, and trust. Approaching each challenge with intention, he carries a message for everyone following behind him.
“If I can do it, you can do it.”