Q&AOCS Tips & Training

Candidate Q: OCS Boots

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Candidate Questions:

Great website, it is very helpful! I am hoping to go to OCC in January, but I have a question about boots. You mentioned that getting a pair beforehand would be a good idea.
Can you take those boots with you to OCC once you have broken them in?
What brand do they issue you at OCC?
You mention jungles, would you recommend a particular brand or is it just whatever fits best?

Answer:

When I went to OCS, I was able to bring my Bates Lights I had broken in beforehand. Bates Lights were a no-go, but have now been approved again for OCS. Yeah, it’s just dependent on your own foot. Whatever works for you. I recommend googling “Quantico Boot,” and seeing what the approved USMC boot styles are and whatever is in your price range.
I think they issue Bates or Bellevilles.

If I were you, I would get my preferred boot on Amazon: The Bates 30501

If you don’t have boots yet, I highly recommend getting  early from Amazon, so that you have time to exchange them if they don’t fit right. You really want some good time to break them in. Your first pair might not be the right size, so don’t put off getting them!

Bates E30501 Men's USMC DuraShocks(r) Hot Weather Boot Beige/Khaki 10 M US

Another Lt’s response:

Dont get a pair before hand anymore or buy a pair on libo. They issue you a pair of Jungles and Moonboots when you get there. They are Bates and are all you need for OCS. When you get to TBS you will have a better idea of what you want and need in terms of equipment. They give you all that you need when you get there and anything you want to improve or replace can be done on libo or during haircuts when you go to the small MCX. A good pair of socks and some mole skin is all you should need to get on top of the boots for your feet.

Other things to bring if you want (not needed)
-Slider/compression shorts (decrease friction between thight on hikes)
– must not be seen while wearing PT gear.
-Magnum black permanent marker (2)
-Small round nose scissors
-a few large plastic ziploc bags (to put knowledge in)
-erasable pens (for essays)
-A laminated 5 paragraph order sheet. (admin can post one to print and laminate)

batesbates 30501bates lights bootscandidatemarinemarine corpsmarine corps ocsmarine corps officer candidate schoolmarine ocsmarinesmilitaryoccocsocs bootsofficer candidate course

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