How often are officer candidates required to conduct a face-to-face contact?

Officer candidates are required to conduct face-to-face contact once per quarter as a standard practice. This frequency ensures that candidates remain engaged with their programs, receive necessary guidance, and maintain consistent communication with their superiors. It allows for timely feedback and performance evaluations, which are critical for their progress and development. Regular face-to-face interactions facilitate a sense of accountability and allow for the cultivation of personal relationships between candidates and their mentors, enhancing the overall mentorship experience.

Other frequencies, such as once per month, twice per year, or once per semester, do not provide the same level of regular engagement necessary for effective training and assessment. Monthly contact may be too frequent and lead to communication overload, while semiannual or semesterly interactions could lead to significant gaps in support and performance tracking, ultimately hindering a candidate's development.