Headed To Fall OCS? Part 2

Thanks to 2ndLt for answering our questions on OCS in the fall. Read Part 1 of his article. Q: Retrospectively, how should candidates prepare for OCS? Understand that at OCS you will almost never be given a long distance and told to just run. You will have a 3-mile boots and utes run, and  5-mile run towards the end of the cycle, along with three PFTs. … Continue reading Headed To Fall OCS? Part 2

Headed to Fall OCS? Here is Everything You Need to Know

We recently interviewed a new graduate of fall OCS in 2017. Thanks to Candidate X for their insight into the new changes implemented with fall OCS. Q: How did you study for the new test structure? Speaking in general terms about my study habits, I made sure to put in as much time as possible studying before I set foot on Brown Field, and I would … Continue reading Headed to Fall OCS? Here is Everything You Need to Know

Marine Commissioning

Can I Commission With Dual Citizenship?

There was a candidate in my Officer Selection office who lived his entire life in Montana. Turns out, he was actually born in Canada because that was the closest hospital. Dual citizenship came up on his security check. For all your questions about gaining a commission with dual citizenship, South Florida’s OSO, Capt Krygier has the answers. What you need to know about earning a commission … Continue reading Can I Commission With Dual Citizenship?

OCS Is A Fluid Problem Set

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

Avoiding Injury At OCS

We received this question via our email campaign. It’s good gouge for anyone heading to OCS. Getting injured at OCS and “failure to adapt” are the main reasons candidates get sent home. It’s of paramount importance to prepare for avoiding injury at OCS. Question: Avoiding injury at OCS? My top question is, “What is the best way to avoid injury and avoid being put on … Continue reading Avoiding Injury At OCS

Q&A With An OCS Medical Drop

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

Pay At OCS

Pay at OCS Congratulations, you scored a “paid internship.” Now, how will you receive pay at Officer Candidate School? Pay at OCS is through the standard military pay system (DFAS). Prior to shipping to OCS, candidates will submit direct deposit forms and a voided check to their Officer Selection Office. This will be included in the pre-ship paperwork you will complete with your OSO. Candidates … Continue reading Pay At OCS

Ask an OSO Video

I interviewed Marine Corps officer Capt Stoddard, who is the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for OSS Saint Louis today. We covered the top questions received on the blog and in our facebook page. Feel free to connect with either of us in Sandboxx as well. Note: we shot an hour of supplemental footage, containing advice exclusively available to future Marine Officers in the Sandboxx app. … Continue reading Ask an OSO Video

How OCS Views College Extracurriculars

College Student’s Question I’m an incoming college freshman trying to prepare for OCS after college. My question is: What extracurricular activities look best for OCS? Do they even care for extracurricular activities much at all? Do team sports look great or just clubs, or are they all the same in worth to OCS Admissions? Answer Extracurriculars with the following components look very good: Military Sports teams Fitness … Continue reading How OCS Views College Extracurriculars