Should I Bring Kids to Family Day?

Spouse’s Question We have young kids (3 under the age of 4) and live across the country. Should I plan to bring them to Family Day and the Graduation ceremony, or just go out for it myself? -Sam Our Thoughts Hi Sam, After the insanity of OCS, the first thing your candidate will want is time with family and loved ones (coupled with many hours … Continue reading Should I Bring Kids to Family Day?

Know Your USMC OCS Waiver!

Candidate Question: As a single parent with custody of my daughter, does a Dependents Waiver hurt my package’s chances? Would the Marines rather select a single guy over me? Personally, I feel more competent now that I am a parent and I have to keep in mind that every man or woman I may potentially serve is someone’s child, brother, sister, husband, or wife. What … Continue reading Know Your USMC OCS Waiver!

Deal With Distractions Before OCS

Candidate Q: I had a question pertaining to having to maybe pull out of the upcoming OCS class. Is that possible? And would I be able to reapply for the next session? I was hit with some major news from a family member and health issues and I’m just not sure if I can mentally focus to do the job that needs to be done … Continue reading Deal With Distractions Before OCS

Christmas Gift Ideas For a Marine Lieutenant

Perhaps you have a candidate or newly commissioned Second Lieutenant in your family. Here are some gift ideas that will foster motivation or help in training at The Basic School. No need to tell where you got the ideas. Way to look like an expert gift-giver! Also consider items off the OCS Packing List of recommended gear to bring with you to OCS as a … Continue reading Christmas Gift Ideas For a Marine Lieutenant

Join the Military–With Your Eyes Wide Open

The costs of joining the Marine Corps If you’re on the fence about joining, even after talking to a recruiter or Officer Selection Office, this post will not push you towards the “Join” side. Brace yourself for the dirty little secrets of the unglamorous side of Marine Corps officer life. You will miss your family If you have a close relationship with your family, sorry, … Continue reading Join the Military–With Your Eyes Wide Open

Candidate’s Family Q: Sending Food?

Question from family members looking to support their candidate: Should we send food to our candidate? Obviously they could use extra calories and will miss home cooking. Answer: No. They will probably either be forced to throw away the food right away, or put it in a closet until they are released to eat it. The official OCS website says the following: DON’T send items … Continue reading Candidate’s Family Q: Sending Food?

Candidate Q: Spouse housing at TBS?

Candidate Question: During OCS and TBS, would my wife be provided housing in Quantico? A: Fantastic question! Very important–for OCS you will not be provided any type of housing for her at all. You should get a reduced BAH to help cover your rent but don’t count on it. At TBS you will live in the barracks (Bachelor Officers Quarters) and she can live in … Continue reading Candidate Q: Spouse housing at TBS?

Marine OCS Family Day

The following information is compiled from multiple places on the web, including the official USMC OCS page, and is cleaned up a little with directions added and so forth. If it leaves any question unanswered, please leave a comment on the bottom of the page and we will update! Family Day and Graduation take place on the last two days of training. Family Day gives … Continue reading Marine OCS Family Day

Driving Directions to USMC OCS Graduation

Click the picture for Google driving directions to OCS for Graduation or Check in Officer Candidates School is located on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico. Quantico is located in Northern Virginia, near Prince William County. It is accessible from Interstate 95 of HWY 1. Quantico is South of Washington D.C. and north of Fredericksburg, Va. There are two exits on both North and Southbound lanes … Continue reading Driving Directions to USMC OCS Graduation