Q: Can I apply for OCS if I am not in college? A: The short answer is, “no”. A requirement of any Marine commissioning program is that you be currently enrolled in college full-time (credit load depending on your educational institution.) Or, have a 4 year degree from a accredited institution. So you can apply for and attend OCS after college. The major itself does … Continue reading Can I Attend OCS If I’m Not In College
We’re getting some great questions in response to our email campaign. We will be sharing the most compelling questions and answers as part of our Q&A series. Q: How do I show myself to be physically capable, adapt to the lifestyle/culture of the Marines, and above all, demonstrate competence and reliability in the eyes of the instructors and fellow candidates. A: Great questions. Sounds like you … Continue reading OCS Is A Fluid Problem Set
Are alarm clocks at OCS or bootcamp necessary? What priority will it take on your packing list? Continue reading Can I Bring An Alarm Clock to OCS
28 March 2018, The adage “One Team, One Team” is about to become more tangible for new sailors and Marines attending Officer Candidate School. The Marine Corps has revealed plans to consolidate Marine OCS with Navy OCS for all air contracts and non-combat arms MOSs. Candidates who are contracted for combat arms will still attend Marine OCS in Quantico, VA. The Naval services has a proud … Continue reading Combined Navy And Marine OCS: One And The Same
Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation is finally here! The day has finally come when you get to see your Candidate walk across the parade deck at Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation! It’s been a long 10 weeks as they have been away in Quantico. Here are our tips for getting the most out of the Family Day and Marine Officer Candidate School Graduation. Most … Continue reading Marine OCS Graduation
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! I think I’m below average–how do I get selected for OCS?
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 … Continue reading Why The First Salute?
Thank you to Candidate C, who very graciously volunteered to answer our questions about OCS Medical and the physical challenges of being a officer candidate. How far did you get in OCS? Unfortunately, after completing 5 weeks at OCS, going on the 6th week, I found out I had a stress fracture and was dropped at OCS medical. What did you learn? Throughout my time … Continue reading Q&A With An OCS Medical Drop
This post originally appeared on the Sandboxx Blog: A Marine Mom’s Guide to Boot Camp. Sandboxx is a military communications app that makes it easy to send mail to your recruit or candidate in their basic training. Family members, this is solid information and a great Mom’s guide to boot camp. From the moment that your son/ daughter signs their enlistment contract for Marine Boot Camp it … Continue reading A Marine Mom’s Guide to Boot Camp
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 Our Top Ten Most Popular Posts in 2017