Example Mini OCS (aka OCS Prep Weekend) Gear List (2017)
What is “Mini-OCS”?
OCS Prep Weekend, or “Mini-OCS” is a short, realistic weekend experience to expose candidates to facets of OCS before they ship. It prepares you for OCS, simply enough. We’ve written about it here before:
My Mini OCS Experience
Video Overview of OCS Prep Weekend
Your OCS Prep Weekend Packing List
This gear list was shared by a candidate who recently (May 2017) attended an OCS Prep Weekend. We’re sharing with the thought that it might help some of you in putting on or attending a Mini-OCS:
Mini OCS Gear List
On Person
- Broken in boots (preferably Marine Corps style/issued)
- Green tri-color camouflage trousers or cargo pants
- Belt
- Black/Blue dry fit Marine Officer shirt (one will be issued once on bus)*
- Boot socks
- Underwear (conservative in style)
- Pocket sized notebook
- Pen or mechanical pencil
- Wallet (Placed in one quart Ziploc bag, last name written on bag)
- ID Card (license or state ID)
- $20 cash (for purchases, recommended not required)
- Debit/credit cards (as needed, recommended not required)
Duffel Bag/Back Pack
- Proper civilian attire (for inspection/departure
- Khakis or similar pants
- Belt
- Collared shirt (polo or button down)
- Shoes (closed toe, non-athletic)
- Underwear (conservative in style)
- Dress socks
- (1) running shoes (no vibram toe shoes)
- (1) long sleeve t-shirt
- (3) pair underwear (conservative in style)
- (3) pair boot socks
- (2) pair white PT socks
- (2) pair running/gym shorts (dark color, conservative in style)
- (1) sweatshirt (for sleeping only)
- (1) flashlight w/extra batteries
- (1) towel
- (1) pair shower shoes/flip-flops
- (1) Hygiene bag
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Hairspray (females only)
- Large ziplock bag (for above items)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen/block
- Hand sanitizer
*Name tag will be placed on upper back using 2” white athletic tape and black permanent marker. The name tag will be secured using (2) safety pins placed at both ends of the tape. Name tag will read “LName, FI OST” in 1” block lettering. Stencil is preferred but not required.
For example Candidate John Smith from OST Gainesville will have “Smith, J GAN” on his name tag. These name tags need to be prepared before boarding the buses. It is recommended that candidates bring multiple name tapes.
Read More
Future Marine Corps officer candidates participate in mini OCS
By Cpl. Kyle Welshans | 4th Marine Corps District | May 1, 2015
Related Posts
Help! I think I’m below average–how do I get selected for OCS?
Thank you to West Texas+New Mexico OSO Captain Wisotzkey for sharing his advice to candidates who lack the perfect credentials. As an OSO, one of the most common questions I get from applicants is “how do I make myself more competitive for a selection board?” Sometimes this is due to the applicant wanting to crush the competition, but more often than not, it’s because they … Continue reading Help!
Why The First Salute?
The first salute also called the “Silver Dollar Salute” is one of the most important traditions in a new Marine Officers commissioning ceremony. Who gives the first salute? The first salute lives on as a tradition to honor the enlisted service member who has had the most impact on you. Many candidates choose a Sergeant Instructor they were particularly impressed with or ask a family member or … Co
Our Top Ten Most Popular Posts in 2017
Over the past year, these are the most-viewed posts on the entire site. Not all of these posts were written within the past year, although many get regularly updated. From least-viewed to most, here are the top ten posts of 2017: Number 10: Remember a Silver Dollar for Your First Salute The first salute a newly commissioned officer receives is a special moment. Naval tradition … Continue reading O