Category: General OCS Advice

General OCS Advice

Unleash the Secrets of Success: OCS and TBS Life Hacks

This website is dedicated to helping aspiring US Marine Corps officers navigate the challenging and demanding process of Officer Candidate School (OCS) and The Basic School (TBS). From physical and mental preparation tips to insider insights and strategies, our goal is to provide valuable advice and inspiration to help you achieve success and excel in your training. We’ll also share life hacks to make the … Continue reading Unleash the Secrets of Success: OCS and TBS Life Hacks

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General OCS Advice

You can be the voice for veterans we need in public policy

Veterans benefits are just one example of how the government touches people’s lives. Many Americans work for companies that adhere to environmental, trade or defense policies that are always changing. Millions of others notice policy changes related to taxes, Medicare and Medicaid, and rules aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. What you may not realize about government is that certain constituencies can be hurt … Continue reading You can be the voice for veterans we need in public policy

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Families, Military Benefits & Support

Red Cross Hero Care Mobile App

The American Red Cross Hero Care Network enables us to provide critical services to military members, veterans and their families all over the world. They can access these Red Cross services by downloading the FREE Red Cross Hero Care App on any Apple or Android device. The Hero Care Network offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources worldwide. … Continue reading Red Cross Hero Care Mobile App

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General OCS Advice

1st Annual Holiday Pull-up Challenge

The pull-up challenge begins at midnight Thanksgiving and ends December 8th, with the winners announced December 10th.  All proceeds go to the non-profit, Irreverent Warriors. The MISSION of Irreverent Warriors is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. How the challenge works: we have two categories, individual (Female/Male) and 3-member teams (F/M). The requirements are pretty simple – do the most … Continue reading 1st Annual Holiday Pull-up Challenge

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General OCS Advice

Happy 246th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps

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

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Featured, General OCS Advice, Leadership

USMC Leadership Principles

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

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Families, General OCS Advice

Top Financial Tips for New Military Families

Serving in the military, both enlisted and as an officer, can be overwhelming, especially financially. The military brings new opportunities, as well as challenges. From transitioning from base to base, long deployments, and the general demands of serving. Although there may be a lot on your mind, one thing to consider early on is your financial plan, including savings, investments, education, insurance, and other benefits … Continue reading Top Financial Tips for New Military Families

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General OCS Advice

Q&A with a Winter OCS Candidate

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

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covid ocs haircut
General OCS Advice

My experience with COVID OCS – OCC 235

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

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usmc leadership jj did tie buckle
Featured, General OCS Advice, Leadership

What is JJ DID TIE BUCKLE?

JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is the nonsensical ditty you’ll remember for decades. The Marine Corps Leadership traits are perhaps the essential concepts Marines learn during recruit or OCS training. And with most Marines, terms are easily remembered using acronyms. JJDIDTIEBUCKLE (pronounced “JJ did tie buckle”), representing justice, judgment, dependability, integrity, decisiveness, tact, initiative, endurance, bearing, unselfishness, courage, knowledge, loyalty, and enthusiasm. JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is an … Continue reading What is JJ DID TIE BUCKLE?

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