Final answer:
Enlisted applicants selected for OCS who are E-4 and below are advanced to E-5 upon reporting to OCS, reflecting the increased responsibilities and skills of officer candidates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enlisted applicants selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS) who are in the paygrade E-4 and below are advanced to the paygrade of E-5 upon reporting to OCS. This advancement recognizes the additional responsibilities and skills required of officer candidates and is intended to align their pay with these increased requirements. Once they successfully complete OCS and are commissioned as officers, they will then be elevated to the appropriate officer paygrade, typically O-1 for newly commissioned ensigns or second lieutenants.