Candidate Q:
I had a question pertaining to having to maybe pull out of the upcoming OCS class. Is that possible? And would I be able to reapply for the next session?
I was hit with some major news from a family member and health issues and I’m just not sure if I can mentally focus to do the job that needs to be done while I am there.
This issue could potentially lead to a separation or divorce and I just know it will take my mind off what I really need to focus on. Unfortunately there is not enough time to fix this problem before the leave date.
A:
If you have serious family issues or distractions, you need to pull out of the upcoming OCS. You can always work with your OSO to get delayed to a later date and reapply then. You are going to need 100% mental focus at OCS. Any distractions, other fears, and unresolved issues outside OCS will simultaneously hamper your focus, and be completely out of the realm of communication. You will not be able to deal with anything else at all. There is no email, no phones, only delayed letter service, and you cannot manage significant life issues once you report to OCS.
We strongly advise you to hold off on attending OCS and get all your other affairs in order first.
As a prior enlisted Marine, with a couple deployments, I can tell you there are always Marines that are going through some great personal stuggles when the Corps needs them most. The candidates in my PLC platoon also had some extra hurdles to clear in their personal lives as well; death, illness, and divorse being a few.
The point I’m trying to make is that you need to truly sit back and make a rational decision when thinking about pushing back OCS. What if you were a Platoon Commander and you were heading out on deployment next month, would you expect your Platoon to deploy with a different LT? How would this affect your Company, your career, and especially your Marines?
As soon as you decide to take the plunge into commissioning as an Officer you have to realize this life is not about you anymore. There is a lot more at stake in every decision you make.
This person probably is a civilian, not yet a Marine. As a prior enlisted, you already know that the Marine Corps comes first. A civilian hasn’t learned that yet. It’s best for that civilian to go home, take care of the distractions and then hopefully come back ready to earn the title, Marine. Good luck Andrew in your quest to lead the finest fighting force in the world!