Thank you to Candidate Z for answer questions readers submitted! Got another question? Message our instagram: @marineocsblog I went through OCC-227 from January-March of 2018. It was cold when we checked in and it was cold when we graduated. There’s no escaping the cold. Just keep moving. Unless you’re in formation…Then, just find a way to take your mind off the cold. Are we required … Continue reading Q&A with a Winter OCS Candidate
Thank you to OCC 235 Graduate X for sharing an update on what to expect during the times of Covid Obviously COVID has affected nearly every facet of life for every organization globally. This includes the Marine Corps. But here’s some free motivation for you soon to be candidates and newly minted Marine Officers: The Marine Corps adapts, thus it’s still making Marines and leaders … Continue reading My experience with COVID OCS – OCC 235
JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is the nonsensical ditty you’ll remember for decades What is JJ DID TIE BUCKLE? “JJ DID TIE BUCKLE” is an acronym for remembering the Marine Corps Leadership traits which you will frequently be tested upon at OCS. What does JJ DID TIE BUCKLE stand for? Judgment Justice Dependability Integrity Decisiveness Tact Initiative Enthusiasm Bearing Unselfishness Courage Knowledge Loyalty Endurance These are … Continue reading What is JJ DID TIE BUCKLE?
Thank you to a recent candidate who shared his advice after attending OCS this past summer, 2020. Finding the Why at OCS Makes it Bearable Everything at OCS has a purpose, from the discipline to PT to how you eat chow. Find the “why” (IOT) in everything and OCS goes from a drag to really meaningful quickly. My Experience It was like the end of … Continue reading The Reason of OCS
Obviously, talk to an Officer Selection Officer (OSO), or officer recruiter, if it’s something you’re interested in. (Contact an OSO through the official site: http://officer.marines.com/ ) Come in with an idea of what you want to do/achieve, show that you have already thought about it and that you’re motivated. Cultivate a good relationship with your OSO as this can help you get contracted. There are … Continue reading How to Contract for OCS
We asked our fans who had passed OCS to share their advice with the above prompt. We shared “Don’t go to OCS if…” and got the following responses (and more!) Clear themes that emerged emphasized the importance of humbly being able to receive criticism, coming with commitment and mental toughness, not being a quitter, and most heavily emphasized: don’t be selfish and expect to succeed … Continue reading 66 Reasons NOT to go to OCS
This one goes out to all the normal-sized (or smaller) human beings approaching the challenge of OCS You belong. Don’t think every candidate there will be 6’2” 180 lbs. This can create a “I will not belong there” or a “I’m not going to do well there” mindset, which can be very hard to get out of for a short candidate. Eat to compete Eat … Continue reading Six Tips for Short or Thin Officer Candidates at OCS
What are the 14 days of quarantine at OCS in 2020 like? 8/17 update: candidates are going to do their induction PFT during the first week of ROM, so be prepared to max your PFT any day upon arriving at OCS! Also, we polled our readers, and here are the top answers: “The 2 weeks of quarantine is extremely uneventful: In the first 3 days … Continue reading Covid Quarantine at 2020 OCS
Officer Candidates School in the Time of COVID-19 Thanks to SSgt Seitz for this guest post. SSgt Seitz is a Officer Selection Assistant from Officer Selection Team Denver As an Officer Selection Assistant, it is my job to guide an individual through the application, selection, and preparation process. I can inform, remind, prompt, encourage, and assist in that process, but I cannot do it for … Continue reading The Trouble Is, You Think You Have Time.
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Thank you to Candidate S for sharing her tips after attending OCS in 2019! 1.) Broken-in boots Lightweight and comfy combat boots to wear on the everyday. Not your O-course/endurance/stamina course boots. Not your inspection boots. Just good, comfortable, broken in boots (Bates Lites are a common choice). You should be able to walk, run, and drill in these, as you will wear them for … Continue reading The Top 10 Items Every Candidate Should Bring To OCS
