Headed to OCS?
So you want to be an officer in the United States Marine Corps?
This site is designed to give you all the information you need to succeed at OCS.
The information is categorized on the following pages:
Have a question you’d like answered? Feel free to ask below or on the topic-specific page.
Semper Fidelis
Could you provide recommended gear to bring to winter ocs, and other information on how to survive and what to expect?
August 29, 2010 at 6:43 pm
“You’re not here to survive this, you’re here to take charge of this”-Instructor Robinson, UDT/SEAL instructor, NSWC.
June 10, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Hi Jarrod,
I have not attended winter OCS, it is substantially similar to Fall and Summer. Instead of heat exhaustion, frostbite etc is more of a risk. You will get cold weather gear issued though, I am sure.
September 12, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Being that you have attended Fall OCS I am sure you have an idea of what I could or should bring to supplement the cold weather gear you received during the fall. Any suggestions would help.
October 20, 2010 at 8:59 pm
You will be issued sufficient USMC cold weather gear. I would just recommend an olive drab Underarmour “coldgear” top without any turtleneck whatsoever, and any UA or Nike type “coldgear” bottoms to keep in a little heat and and wick sweat off your legs during field exercises where you’ll alternately sweat then lie around for a while. That’s all I had in addition to the issued gear, and could have survived without either honestly.
The Quantico mainside PX is a great place to get that gear before you report or during Liberty.
November 7, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Under Armour has a new olive green warm long sleeve base layer, no turtleneck. It’s high quality and they should have it at the PX in Quantico. I saw it in Camp Pendleton this week. It’s part of the line Under Armour Cold Gear.
October 21, 2011 at 6:53 am
that nasty thing doing the pull-up in the physical fitness picture got dropped because he failed the pft 4 times.
that’s either ironic or plain stupid.
alpha co. 3plt occ 10
November 12, 2010 at 4:15 am
Let that be a warning to any applicants/candidates who aren’t doing their pull ups! OCS isn’t easy, and getting there is no guarantee of success.
January 24, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Thanks for the OCC Winter gear comments. I’ve been looking to see online what I should expect regarding the winter course as opposed to summer. Looks like they will provide the majority of the winter gear. Thanks.
December 14, 2010 at 1:55 pm
How long is OCS? Because I have been training for the corps for about a month now. And I informed my recruiter that I wanted to do OCS. I am very excited for the opportunity. However I am going to OCS immediately after my 4 college years are done.
December 31, 2010 at 10:56 am
It’s ten weeks. That’s the most basic piece of information about OCS, so you need to keep researching. Furthermore, you need an Officer Selection Officer (OSO), not a recruiter. Do some more research.
December 31, 2010 at 2:15 pm
About OCS, I am probably doing the PLC program but my question to you is, how many times can a person try OCS? And, is it fairly easy to get dropped from the course?
January 19, 2011 at 1:55 am
Stephan,
Basically if you are dropped for leadership or ethics, the “interview” with the USMC is over. 99% probability, you will not be allowed back.
If you are dropped for physical ailment like sickness or an accidental injury, you get an open door to reapply. My rackmate at OCS failed out of his third OCS, with his third lower/mid ankle injury. Plenty of current officers I know went through it twice, usually due to sickness or injury.
“Easy” to get dropped? All I can say is, about a third of males and two thirds of females got dropped the fall I was there. It’s not easy to get dropped if you run a 300 PFT, are very smart, show strong leadership traits, can function without sleep, and are a respectful, cooperative candidate. But nobody’s perfect. Just do your best and prepare well.
January 22, 2011 at 1:31 am
Where does one find an OSO? same place as an enlistment recruiter?
January 22, 2011 at 8:24 am
Good question, I should have mentioned this before. You do NOT get to an Officer Selection Office via a Recruiter–who is enlisted only. You got to Marineofficer.com and request information, and one will contact you. You are already in the “territory” assigned to a local one, and the correct OSO will call you.
January 24, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Do you have to go through boot camp, ocs then another 6 months of training if you do rotc in college?
January 21, 2011 at 4:12 am
I don’t think so, unless you enlist first, going through basic, and doing college while in the reserves. I’ve met a few officers who did that. My school did not have ROTC so I am not very familiar with the program. Contact an OSO.
January 22, 2011 at 1:32 am
Hi sir, I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with.
1.)If I have graduated with a B.S. in Nursing will that be a qualification for OCS or my B.S. degree has to be in a specific field?
2.)The college I have graduated from is in the Philippines but I’m a American citizen, is that ok or I have to be from a college there?
3.)Before qualifiying for OCS i heard you have to get a 1000 in the SAT and pass the ASVAB, is this true?
3.)Do you have to go to Regular Boot camp before you get to OCS Boot Camp? So you go to boot camp twice is that right?
4.)When you were there at bootcamp did anybody who fail in Water survival? Because I ain’t a good swimmer and I get tired easily and I ain’t a good breather when I swim either.
Thank You sir I would really appreciate your help in my concerns.
January 23, 2011 at 1:25 pm
1. Any 4 year BS/BA degree works.
2. Probably okay but talk to your OSO.
3. No, your college GPA takes the place of those tests.
4. You don’t do boot camp before OCS–water survival is at TBS once you are an officer already. Yes, many Lts fail water survival! They made it much easier in 2011, however.
Very good questions.
January 24, 2011 at 5:03 pm
i have a question if i want to do ocs for the marines but im still in high school and i want to join when im in college is it possible because my recruiter is telling me i cant anymore and i want to make sure before i make my decision
January 26, 2011 at 1:34 am
Yes, Daisy. In college (where you can learn all about English Grammar) you talk to an Officer Selection Office via marineofficer.com and they’ll give you information on joining as an officer, via the college route. Good luck. Sounds like you’ll need it.
January 26, 2011 at 2:09 am
Hello,
I’m still in the early stages of trying to figure out if i want to do this, but the first thing I want to know is about the physical aspect. I feel like im in decent shape so i’m not worried about the pull ups/pushups upper body stuff and endurance, but i have a severe leg injury from last spring and can’t really run properly yet. So should I not even bother trying until my leg is 100% (which could be another year or 2) or what?
Meaning, will the recruiter just flat out tell me no one i tell them this? Thanks!
February 5, 2011 at 10:39 am
Frankly you are not setting yourself up for success with a bum leg. You need to be able to do say 4 3 mile runs a week with 4 hours of sleep a night for weeks on end. So basically your body won’t be healing as fast as in normal civilian life, so it’s in your best interest to be at 100% or as close as possible.
You will have to fill out a close medical questionnaire and get a full physical before getting to OCS. Then immediately when you arrive…so if your leg is still jacked up, they’ll probably find it and that won’t be good for you. If I were you, I’d wait.
February 6, 2011 at 12:31 am
Hello.
I’m extremely interested in joining the marine corps, more specifically an officer. my goal is to be selected for the PLC program as a freshmen in college, as of now i am only a senior in high school. But as of next year i’ve decided to attend a community college. will attending a community college give me an disadvantages for the PLC route? thank you!!
February 8, 2011 at 2:56 am
Hi Peter,
No, if you get good grades I don’t think it matters where you get your four-year-degree. Obviously, it just has to be an accredited institution. I know plenty of officers who did online colleges, in fact. Good job planning ahead of time!
February 8, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Hello,
I was contracted and my application was sent to the boards last month. I am applying for PLC Jrs. My contracting PFT was 267: 19/100/22:32. Not counting the other parts of my application, is this fairly competitive for selection for Jrs?
February 9, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Matt, I’m a little out of the loop on 2011′s PLC scores. I’d recommend talking to a few OSO’s if you could. But, in my experience, yes that would have been about average for when I was last in the loop. As a benchmark I recommend having a 21:00 pace going into OCS, since that was about the starting pace for our runs in 2009.
February 9, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Hello Sir,
I came across many websites saying the Minimum requirement is 5’8. Is this true? I’m only 5’3, so does this mean I won’t be able to qualify for OCS anymore? I just needed to hear this from you. I need your opinion or any suggestion on this matter. Thank You sir.
February 12, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Errol,
I know at least one male Captain who is under 5’3″, a very short guy. He got the height waived for OCS so I don’t see why you couldn’t, unless something has changed.
I know a 2nd Lt who went through OCS with me who is very short. He was a tiny guy, and there is no way he was close to 5’8″. It was very hard once we started carrying close to 100 lbs of gear but he never ever complained and actually the Sergeant Instructors were once overheard discussing how tough he was.
So show them what you got and work with what you have.
Go for it
February 12, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Hello, I graduated College 2 years ago and have been working as an Accounting Manager ever since. I have always looked into the military but chose civilian life instead. After 2 years, I decided I need more of a challenge in life and I am now looking to go into OCS. I am working towards their basic physical requirements but before I decide to go in 100%, I want to make sure this is the right choice. What do you think are the biggest difference b/w civilians and Marine officers? and what do you think I should look into to decide? thanks
February 16, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Frankly I think that Marine officers have dedication and commitment to something bigger than themselves. The biggest difference is the life of service, which entails the sacrifice but also reward that goes along with it. Roughly equivalent to police officers and such. I would recommend talking to officers and getting to know some in person.
February 18, 2011 at 2:53 pm
How hard is it to receive a medical waiver to go to OCS? Im prior-service Army and injured my foot and ankle, let out on a medical (honorable) discharge.
March 5, 2011 at 9:58 am
Well is it totally healed up now? I’m confused how you could be discharged from the Army for a foot but it would not interfere still with performance in another service’s boot camp.
March 6, 2011 at 8:13 am
What is the average length of the essays assigned to candidates in OCS? Will all of these essays be hand written? Is there a computer lab or do you bring a laptop? Your help would be most appreciated!
March 6, 2011 at 5:25 am
No you will go ten weeks without seeing a computer. Every essay will be 300 words, exactly, with each word numbered, and hand-written according to very strict guidelines that you will get there. You only are allowed to write them at night in your rack. I thought essays were some of the worst things about OCS, actually. That’s one of their favorite ways to cut into your sleep hours.
March 6, 2011 at 8:12 am
How often are they assigned?? Or is it more of a punishment?
March 7, 2011 at 5:05 am
Essays are definitely a punishment. But they might be assigned to a squad if only one member screws up, so you never know. If you’re relatively good to go at OCS, you won’t have more than one a week probably.
April 4, 2011 at 9:11 pm
How much does the PFT score factor into acceptance into OCS? Also, I am applying for PLC Jrs. for this summer, I am currently a freshman with an undeclared major, does that look bad on my application?
April 4, 2011 at 9:02 pm
The PFT is huge. It is a main indicator of candidate fitness and dedication. It is also 100% yours to control, so work hard and you’ll have near a 300.
Undeclared does look bad, in my opinion. You need a degree to be useful to the USMC. “Undeclared” is no major, and I am pretty sure you have to declare sooner or later to get a degree. As a freshman, undeclared is fairly common but I’d declare sooner rather than later if I were you. Remember you can always change majors too, which is commonplace and fine.
April 4, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Candidates: Please use this page for Questions: http://usmcocs.wordpress.com/ocs-questions-answers/
Thank you.
April 14, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Greetings, Id like to know how i can improve my physical condition, what i need to do, and so, by now i can do 12 pullups with my fists pointing on front, but i want to know what else i have to do…
May 2, 2011 at 4:07 am
I’m planning on going to PLC next year and I have quick question. Im not so worried about the physical and academic part as I am the leadership. I’m in fraternity and I guess I’ve held some leadership positions, but I’m still kinda worried I’ll screw up while holding a billet. What type of leadership mistakes are guys usually dropped for?
May 8, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Anthony, it’s a good question but all I will say is read this post: http://usmcocs.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/ocs-mental-preparation-and-leadership-knowledge/
Also, they will let you know EXACTLY what they’re looking for. You will get demonstrations and instructions to give you a fair chance to show your leadership.
May 8, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Sir, Thank you for all the knowledge you’ve offered. I used your website to prepare for Juniors last summer and it helped me out quite a lot. I’m also returning to Seniors May 27th to finish up. Your site has been extremely useful.
May 22, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Thanks so much Erik! See you in the fleet.
June 24, 2011 at 6:50 pm
1. I recently disenrolled from the NROTC unit at my university, could I still do OCS? (transcript issues)
2. is the application online? or strictly where OSO administer the paper work?
3. My grades are mostly A’s and B’s do but I did get one D, am I automatically ecluded? (junior year)
4. Someone told me that they will reject all first time applicants as a test, is that true?
5. is there a way to view this application? one of the instructors from the NROTC program said he would help me when the time came to do the application but I’m excited NOW (he took the OCS route so of course I will use him as a resourse when I approach the actual time)
6. I want to know your personal opinion on Leadership, is it innate or can it be taught?
Your time and consideration is much appreciated (Please and Thank You)
V/R
Jasmine
June 22, 2011 at 9:27 pm
1: Just disenrolling from NROTC is no disqualification from OCS.
2: No, OSO must interview you and walk you through the process in person, on paper, over the course of several meetings with him. It includes several PFTs as well.
3: D’s stand for Diploma! You’re fine.
4: False; I was a 1st time applicant who succeeded at OCS.
5: You might be able to get a copy from him. I can’t find it anywhere online.
6: Leadership can be taught over a long time, though some are born with better leadership personalities. I think you have to learn it or be a born leader *before OCS* to succeed there.
June 24, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Thank you for your response. I really appreciate and value your help.
V/R
Jasmine
June 25, 2011 at 4:27 am
Being kicked out or dropped from NROTC isn’t going to prevent you from being able to do OCS. However, it may or may not be an ugly reflection on you. Whatever your reason for being dropped: grades, PT, discipline, DOR, you need to demonstrate that those are problems you can, will, and/or have overcome. You need to make sure you application shines.
July 29, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Sir,
I am currently starting In my 11th grade in high school. I am a cadet in the CAP and hope to be a future Marine Officer. I was hoping to enlisting in the reserves at 17 and go to bootcamp next summer, graduate HS, Go through college in the NROTC program and hopefully lead Marines in active-duty. The reason I wish to join earlier is to learn more and experience more and be better prepared for OCS.
1. Is there a program for this?
2. Should I contact a recruiter soon?
3. Will my height (5,4) and weight (124) lower my chances of success in bootcamp and/or OCS?
4. Is there a ‘high’ chance that I can be activated during my college studies and thus postponing my goal to be an officer or ruining my chances of going to OCS?
August 24, 2011 at 4:56 am
Josue, there is a program for this, and you should definitely talk to both a recruiter (who handles enlisted signing) and an Officer Selection Office, OSO, (who handles officer candidates). I know plenty of Marines who have done that, so there must be a common way. I’m not sure that they can activate you during college. Even if they can, so what? Get a year of experience in the Corps serving “over there,” then pickup where you left off. That’s the best of both worlds. There are plenty of Marines as small as you. I know one of the exact same dimensions who is a killer infantry officer. Just do heavy squats, deadlifts and lunges, in addition to your USMC-style workouts to build the extra lower body strength you’ll need for humping a pack. Good luck, time to talk to the professional recruiters.
August 25, 2011 at 10:26 pm
If a person were to choose PLC as their commissioning program, would their OSO work with them as an enlistment recruiter helps recruits? In other words, would the person see the OSO periodically for PT etc?
August 27, 2011 at 7:21 am
Ideally, yes, but due to the spread-out nature of OSO duties, with far-flung colleges to be visited, there is less personal time to spend with each candidate. Usually you will have periodic PFTs and mainly run your own personal workouts.
August 27, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Thank you very much Sir. Also, how long is this site going to be here? Do you have plans of deleting it or will it be here a while?
August 28, 2011 at 11:14 pm
This is my more permanent site. I don’t plan on taking it down anytime soon.
August 30, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Is it wise in order to adjust to the time schedule at OCS, that i begin to wake at 5 am and go to bed closer to 9 pm now so i am prepared. Or should i wait until i arrive at OCS to be accustomed to this. I have heard both sides of the argument, and just wanted your opinion on this.
August 29, 2011 at 1:14 am
Jess, that’s fine to avoid some minor “jet lag” the first couple days–but those are only inprocessing anyway. If you’re nearly to OCS, I would simply recommend getting all the sleep you possibly can so you don’t have a sleep debt beforehand.
August 30, 2011 at 9:48 pm
To Jess, please don’t sacrifice sleep needlessly! Being a former midshipman in NROTC switching over to PLC, I personally set my own records for 44 straight hours of no sleep as well as 65 hours with only 3 hours of total sleep in between during my freshman year (all nighters are a b&%ch If you are within months of OCS, you do NOT want to start OCS with any “sleep debt” as I’ve heard it called. You WILL be tired but unless you’re unfit to be a Marine or don’t want it as much as you think you do, you WILL be able to handle the sleep deprivation. If not, you’ll either quit or be forcably dropped, but it’d have to be for serious inaptitude. I’ve read from SEALs who’ve answered the question of whether wannabe SEALs should practice cold water training with cold showers, skinny-dipping, etc, to prep for “surf torture”, they say it’d mostly be a waste of time unless you’re into some moderate self-torture (hehehe) and could also be very DANGEROUS to your health, both the self-inflicted sleep deprivation and water training. Just focus on the big 3: academics, PT, and leadership [by example].
August 29, 2011 at 2:36 am
Short and sweet, if you like to sleep at 2100 and wake up at 0500, that’s mostly up to you. You’d still be getting 8 good hours of sleep, but honestly, most people’s bodies don’t work that way. If that’s for you, go ahead. Plenty of everyday Americans do that, not just animals like the Devil Dogs or SEALs. Whatever you do, don’t personally impose deprivation on yourself. It does more harm than good.
August 29, 2011 at 2:40 am
Hello my name is Jake i’m 16 and i would really like to become a Marine Officer. I am not in great shape but am working as best i can i usually work muscles and do sprints Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and i run 3 miles on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday’s. Is their anything you recommend to drop weight faster and get fit as well. A healthy diet obviously, but should i run more or lift more or change my workout entirely?
Thanks,
Jake Cranston
October 19, 2011 at 4:11 am
Yes, Jake, when it comes to losing weight, stay disciplined and eat fewer calories of healthy food–but everyone knows that. My personal opinion is that the best exercising to do is swimming, due to the extra caloric drain of cold water. Read this: http://abcn.ws/aN9YEE
October 19, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Thanks ill start that.
October 20, 2011 at 1:45 am
Sir,
I would just like to say how grateful I am that you have created this site. Extremely informative and very thoughtful that you take the time to respond to everyone. I am planning on talking to an OSO upon my return from Afghanistan (currently Air National Guard – enlistment ends in March). I know the ANG is just about the bottom of the pole as far as military branches are ranked, but it provided means for a degree, so I can’t complain too much. That said, I have two questions: 1) Will my prior-service affect my application for Marine Officer? 2) Will having served two deployments (Iraq and Afghanistan) and having excellent LOR’s from COs help me or do the selection boards not really care what you did in your prior service? Right now I run a 285 PFT but am trying to get to 300. Thank you for your response.
October 25, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Cameren, thanks for your service and don’t be ashamed of doing something good for your country. Even though it’s “just” the ANG, it should put you ahead of college kids out there. Your LOR’s are very important, and yours will be awesome coming from COs. Get that PFT up to 300. It is extremely competitive right now–even some candidates with 300 PFT scores aren’t getting accepted on the first try!
October 26, 2011 at 1:38 am
Sir, when you went to your OSO, what were the questions asked of you? What types of things are you evaluated on before you are selected for OCS? I’m thinking of doing the PLC program and I was going to talk to my local OSO. Thank you in advance.
October 27, 2011 at 12:49 am
Hello,
I am very deeply committed to becoming a proud Marine Officer. I just have a couple of questions to help me out in the long run.
1. If I graduate from a community college does that affect my chances at OCS?
2. Are there any specific items I would need to take when going to see the OSO? Or would he tell me that before hand?
3. I am pretty confident I will make a great score in the PFT, but the academics part is what I think would weigh me down, MATH to be precise. Is there a lot of mathematical problems?
4. If I am in my second semester of my first year in college would it be smart to start talking to an OSO or should i wait until I have my degree?
Thank you very much for your time, your answers to my questions will be greatly appreciated.
October 28, 2011 at 10:44 am
Firstly, there is no math at OCS. It’s all about learning more about the Marine Corps! How much did you even look around this site before asking? Go through all the material on http://usmcocs.wordpress.com/ocs_academics/ That is a huge portion of your academics right there. For all the other questions, talk to an OSO. That’s their job, to answer OCS questions.
October 30, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Sorry, I forgot one question,
Is PLC strictly a part of Universities or can you attend while at a community college?
Thank you,
Elizabeth
October 28, 2011 at 10:54 am
Greetings,
I realize the OCS boards look at the candidates as a “whole.” Would numerous leadership roles within the college environment and life experiences help offset a median GPA such as a 2.6 to 2.8.? And from your personal experience or knowledge, do selection committees select more candidates based upon academia or all of their attributes they bring to the table. These are premature questions I know, but I just would like to get a general idea as to where I stand.
Thanks!
October 31, 2011 at 9:35 pm
You really want to have a GPA above 3.0 to be competitive unless you’re at a very difficult school. Academia is only one thing they look at but you’re going for few slots and competing against many well-placed candidates.
November 6, 2011 at 11:27 pm
I think I have a good chance of OCS in Jan. Problem is, my only sister is getting married May 19 and the family is pissed I may not make it due to TBS starting up around April. Any one know how TBS staff would treat a request for a night away? I know you get weekends “off” but I’m trying to figure out what that really means.
Thanks for any advice
November 2, 2011 at 4:13 am
Bryan,
You will be surprised how flexible your TBS Co Staff are when it comes to family events. Generally, if you are not going to miss a major event you can get a day or two to attend a “once in a life time function” like a family member’s wedding. Also if you let the M Co (forming/holding Co) staff know about your sisters wedding when you get to TBS they may be able to push you into the next Co. You just need to ensure that you let all parties know about your situation right out of the gate. If your not up front about your situation and/or wait until the last minute more than likely they will deny any leave or special liberty request.
You do get weekends off during TBS unless you fail Land Nav. Land Nav remedial is on saturday.
December 17, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Sorry if this has already been answered, but I haven’t noticed anything about it (and by the way this is a greatly informative site, very much appreciated). How much time do we spend on the rifle range? I’m an avid shooter, so was just curious how much time we will spend putting rounds down range. I come from an enlisted background, so I’m pretty comfortable with the Boot Camp schedule, just seeing how OCS differs.
Thanks again for this great site.
November 22, 2011 at 7:25 am
Nick, OCS is very very similar to boot camp. Except for Lieutenants, the rifle range, swimming and MCMAP tan belt activities all happen at TBS. No live rounds at all at OCS.
November 30, 2011 at 2:12 am
Hello:
First, thank you for all of your comments, I find that several posters had questions similar to my own. I am applying for the Marine Corps JAG program and my application is now complete. I am hoping you could answer a few questions for me:
1. I know it is purely opinion, but what do you think my chances at appointment are (I read it was as low as 4% somewhere)? I go to a T-14 law school (average grades), undergrad GPA 3.91, LSAT 171 (98th percentile), PFT 293, female. I think faults in my application include average grades in law school, a SAT score of only 90th percentile or so, and few extra-curricular activities in law school besides sports. I’m just looking for an opinion.
2. If I am appointed, when does the summer OCS start (i.e., late May? early June?)?
3. As a female, I am concerned about the very high drop out rate. You list sickness/injury and stupidity as the most common reasons for not finishing OCS. Are female dropouts in any way distinct? What are some of the most common injuries? Can you take ibuprofen? When I am at OCS they will ‘force’ me awake, correct (they wont let you just sleep in)?
4. Any other advice?
Thank you in advance. I appreciate your thoughts and advice.
November 26, 2011 at 2:31 pm
1. Slap whoever told you 4%. If you want it badly enough, next to nothing will stop you. Also, in my opinion the bar is set lower for JAG–they need lawyers badly I think. They help you out. The scores look awesome academically and physically. Your packet looks very competitive to me.
2. There are differing OCS dates–you’ll have to talk to an OSO.
3. Yes, female injuries are much more prevalent. Also, females can end up losing more sleep due to smaller numbers. Shin splints, rolled ankles, sprained knees, and overuse injuries are the most common. Ibuprofen is passed out like candy at OCS. Yes of course they force you awake. Every minute of every day, you are following orders–I am not exaggerating.
4. Preparation+Determination=Success.
See you in the fleet when you’re a lieutenant.
November 30, 2011 at 2:10 am
Hello again,
This site has continued to be an invaluable resource for me during my time applying for OCC 211. Thank you for the effort you’ve put into this blog.
I’m currently applying for a law slot and understand the the slim chances involved especially with my less than stellar academics. Regardless, I’m going hard until they tell me no. I currently have a 291 PFT. He told me closer to the boards he would sit down with me and we’d go through all of my extracirriculars and volunteer work. He wants me to have that page filled up.
With that said, do you think day long Saturdays at animal shelters, churches, etc is sufficient or do I need to do week(s) with them to look good on my application? I’m currently an attorney so my time is strapped between work and working out, but I’ll do whatever necessary to enhance my chances.
Thank you, sir.
December 30, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Gill, thanks for the support. Those volunteer activities sound good, they should be fine. The grades sound like your only concern. At the end of the day, nobody is a slam dunk, and your track (law) is extremely competitive. Sorry I can’t tell you more! Good luck.
December 30, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Do you have any tips on how to prepare for the leadership aspect? And would someone in ROTC be in the ten week course?
January 14, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Garrett, leadership is the number one thing they grade you on. So, great question. But, I don’t want to give any tips about the leadership tests so that nobody gets past them who doesn’t deserve to be an officer on his own merits. They will test your leadership in many different ways. Good luck!
January 29, 2012 at 7:22 pm
When does the four-year commitment start? As soon as you graduate college?
January 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm
As soon as you commission, or pin on Second Lt.
January 29, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Is liberty just one day during the entire course?
January 17, 2012 at 10:19 pm
24 hours at a time. Most of the weekends after the first 3 weeks.
January 29, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Dear Former Candidate,
Thank you for answering questions concerning the Marine Officer programs, it has been very useful to me. I’m seeing an officer in about a month to apply for OCS but I have a concern about some of my past work experience. I’ve had much experience taking care of mentally impaired adults since I have been a teenager, and I want to count that as a leadership role. However, the business I worked for was owned by my mother, and I’m concerned that mentioning that fact will cast doubt on my experiences. Should I avoid telling him or will he find out anyway?
January 30, 2012 at 7:58 am
John, that should be fine to mention. You still were working there, whoever was in charge or owner. That really shows you have a good heart and character. Leadership and integrity of character are #1 and #2 that they look at. So just be open about who you’ve been and who you want to be.
January 30, 2012 at 12:42 pm