Short Female Candidate Question: Obstacle Course

Female Candidate Question:

I will be applying for the OCS class who will enter in June of this year. This is a silly concern- but I’m 5’0 tall-even. I know that everything will be exceptionally more challenging for me considering my size but watching Obstacle Course videos online makes me feel like it will be impossible for me to pass the O course in time as well as any other challenges – any advice to help me feel less anxious about it?

Answer:

Many females get through OCS who are less than 5′. I even know two short males who were top candidates in my OCS platoon about 5′ tall and about 130 pounds and 120 pounds. They excelled!

You will need to modify your training

Start yesterday doing heavy, heavy deadlifts. Conventional or Romanian will build the strong foundation for humps. Do plyometrics several times a week. It would be great to get your vertical leap higher, because the O Course can be challenging for shorter candidates. And lastly, do lots of those pullups and learn how to climb a rope fast–using your *legs* since that will be a challenge as well.

Can you succeed? Of course! It’s been done before. If you want to become a Marine Officer so badly that you’ll ram your head through a wall, then nothing need stop you. But the above training suggestions can really set you up for success.

Sound good?

Semper Fi and good luck. You’ll do great.

This is the standard Marine Corps obstacle course layout for OCS and beyond.

Q&AOctober 31, 2016

Ask an OSO Video

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

Q&AFebruary 25, 2013

Female Candidate Q: Running and Lower Body Preparation

Female Candidate’s Q: Hi! I’m getting ready to leave for OCS in about 7 weeks. I’m confident about my core and upper body strength, but my run time is not ideal. My max is about 25 minutes. I could use some advice. Should I be doing 3 miles 5 days a week, focusing on hills and sprints, or doing distance? Should I be using weight … Continue reading Female Candidate Q: Running and Lower Body Prepara

Q&AJanuary 28, 2013

Female Candidate Q: How to Increase Chances of Acceptance?

Her Question: Hello I am a college junior and am considering Marine PLC, however, I know that getting acceptance into OCS is extremely difficult for females. What are things that I can do to increase my chances in addition to physical fitness? What other factors would help my application? A: Get leadership on your resume. If you don’t have leadership experience, get some! Join some … Continue read