Blog
While 24 years may seem like a long time, I assure you that time will pass in a blink of an eye. I’ve had the privilege of being around Marines for most of my life and fortunate enough to call most of them “My Marines”. As an OSO, I see my officer candidates in the same light as I did my Marines; you were my … Continue reading “A Message to my Candidates” from Mustang OSO Capt Dubon
First of all, I’d like to thank the Marine OCS Blog for allowing me the opportunity to share my story and for providing a platform for me to get this information out. A couple of months ago as I reflected back on my career and thought about my rapidly approaching retirement date, I wanted to leave behind a tool that would assist those seeking information … Continue reading A Prior-Enlisted (and Prior Drill Instructor) OSO’s Advice for Candidates
Thanks to West Texas/New Mexico OSO Capt Wisotzkey for answering your questions about selection, OCS and becoming an officer of Marines. Submit your questions anytime by commenting on a blog post or contacting us through the home page. Tell us about your background. I was born and raised in a small coal mining town in western Kentucky named Madisonville. I decided I wanted to become a … Continue reading OSO Q&A: Becoming an Officer
Thank you to Norfolk Virginia’s Officer Selection Officer, Captain Calderon, for sharing her background and advice for future candidates. If you’re around the southern Virginia area, feel free to reach out to her recruiting unit with any questions about joining: 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District. What’s your background? I played Division I soccer all four years of college and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2011. I … Continue reading Marine OSO Q&A: Gateway to Marine Officer Candidates School
I interviewed Marine Corps officer Capt Stoddard, who is the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for OSS Saint Louis today. We covered the top questions received on the blog and in our facebook page. Feel free to connect with either of us in Sandboxx as well. Note: we shot an hour of supplemental footage, containing advice exclusively available to future Marine Officers in the Sandboxx app. … Continue reading Ask an OSO Video
Part I – First Contact: What to Expect When You Talking to an OSO for the First Time So you’ve decided you might be interested in becoming an officer in the Marine Corps. You’ve avoided the pull of the other branches, and you’ve done at least a little research into what Marine Officers do. What do you do next? If you’re not sure where your … Continue reading Getting to OCS, Part I: Application and OSO
My Story My first application, which was unsuccessful, was in 2012 with a 273 PFT and with the same exact recommendations/letters/reason-for-joining/waivers/etc. My second visit into the office was March 2015 and it was with a new Captain and Staff Sergeant, but the same civilian secretary. Instantly, the secretary vouched for me and praised me, telling everyone in the office that I was the “perfect gentlemen,” proclaiming how … Continue reading One Candidate’s Lessons Learned for OSOs
Clothes, mainly. When meeting with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO), it would not hurt to dress a little bit more professional–like candidates on liberty. It’s not mandatory, but you want to consistently make a good impression in every interaction with your OSO. Obviously, when coming to the OSO’s office for a PFT or other workout, wear your personal, appropriate workout clothing. Like everything else in … Continue reading What to Wear to Your OSO Meeting
OSO: Officer Selection Officer Marine recruiters come in two categories: generic “Recruiters” usually refers to those serving the Enlisted Marine pipeline. An “Officer Recruiter” is an OSO, or Officer Selection Officer. He works out of an OSO…the Officer Selection Office. How to Contact an OSO This is where the confusion comes from. You might find OSO contact information online or at your college, but it’s … Continue reading How Do I Find a Marine Officer Recruiter? (Hint, it’s an “OSO”)
Candidate Question: I am currently enrolled in college, majoring in Computer Science. I have struggled quite a bit in finding a major to stick with, but am now positive this is the right major for me. I currently have roughly a 3.0 GPA and will continue to improve on that as I go. I have always been interested in serving our country. …after personal family … Continue reading Should I Talk to an OSO Before I’m “Ready” for OCS?
