Which of the following describes a critical thinking skill taught at OCS?

Evaluating multiple solutions to a problem is a key critical thinking skill emphasized at Officer Candidate School (OCS). This skill involves analyzing various potential courses of action, considering their effectiveness, feasibility, and outcomes before making a decision. In high-stakes environments such as military operations, it’s imperative for officers to assess different strategies and choose the most appropriate one based on the situation at hand.

This approach fosters flexibility and encourages candidates to think creatively, weighing the pros and cons of each possible solution. It aligns with the Navy's emphasis on informed decision-making and problem-solving, traits that are essential for effective leadership and operational success.

Other options, while potentially relevant, do not capture the essence of critical thinking as taught at OCS. Memory recall under stress might be important for immediate responses, but it does not involve the analytical processes associated with critical thinking. Following a strict protocol typically emphasizes adherence to established procedures rather than evaluating alternatives. Adapting to technological change is certainly important in the modern military context, but it focuses more on responsiveness and flexibility rather than the analytical evaluation of multiple solutions to problems.