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The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test, or PFT, evaluates stamina and physical conditioning. It includes 3 parts: pull-ups or push-ups, crunches or plank pose, and a 3-mile timed run. Pull-ups and push-ups are essential to building the upper body strength necessary to win battles. Crunches and planks are critical to maintaining a strong core and being battle-ready at a moment’s notice. Males must complete the … Continue reading USMC PFT Scores and Requirements
On 10 November 1970, Commandant Chapman challenged all Marines, active and inactive, young and old, deployed or recently returned from combat, “not to look back, but instead, to look to the future.” He insisted that we celebrate our anniversary, “not as an end of almost two centuries of dedicated service, but as preparation for new service, new dedication, and new achievement.” Those sage words resonate … Continue reading Happy 246th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps
OORAH! Our new OCS blog mobile app brings more access to premium content, videos, and study material. What to expect: Premium articles and blog posts Leadership Tribe Monthly Newsletter OCS & TBS Study Guides Nutrition and Fitness Tips Special Event notifications Continue reading OCS Blog Mobile App
MCBUL 1020 MPO 29 Oct 2021 Situation. Marines have inherited a legacy that we must honor and preserve for future generations of men and women bearing the title United States Marine, and that means meeting and exceeding the standards the American people have come to expect from our Corps. The American people expect Marines to be disciplined, physically fit, and ready to accomplish any mission. … Continue reading New Marine Corps Tattoo Regulations
Officers Candidates School introduces tactical, operational, and administrative learning objectives. Candidates are encouraged to commit the Marine Corps rank structure to memory before arriving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the crossroads of the USMC. Here is a complete breakdown of all Enlisted, Warrant Officer, and Officer ranks and associated grades. ENLISTED Often referred to as the backbone of the Corps, enlisted Marines with pay grades … Continue reading Marine Corps Rank Structure
Robert B. Neller, General, USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps, recently published the Commander’s Leadership Handbook, a general guide written for commanders and prospective commanders of the rank of Captain through Colonel. Regardless of your rank or waiting to ship to OCS, you must download the handbook (see below) and be prepared. The key to successful advancement is to be ready for the opportunity. There … Continue reading USMC Leadership Principles
As an Officer Candidate, you will be communicating in a new way, the military way. And this will begin by giving a brief or operational order to your peers and instructors at OCS and TBS. The faster you can learn the structure, the quicker you will build your confidence in your presentations. Candidates will have a much easier time with a basic understanding of SMEAC … Continue reading The Marine Brief: SMEAC
Thank you to Ben for sharing this guest post! At different times throughout every year, groups of hopeful men and women are sent to Quantico Virginia in order to pass the USMC Officer Candidates School and become new 2nd Lieutenants. OCS is both a challenging mental and physical experience, but it can be passed. Here are a few of my experiences. The official mission statement … Continue reading The Path to Becoming a United States Marine Corps Officer: My Experience
“Embrace the Suck” is a mantra you will become very familiar with over the course of your Marine Corps service. “Embrace the suck” means, yes, this situation sucks, but lean in and accept the challenge as much as possible. The following blog includes a list of what I believe to be the 8 most “Embrace the Suck Moments” of the USMC’s The Basic School (TBS). … Continue reading “Embrace the Suck Moments” of The Basic School
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
