Category: OCS Academics

Enlisted to Officer, Featured, Military Rank Structure, OCS Academics

Marine Corps Rank Structure

Officers Candidates School introduces tactical, operational, and administrative learning objectives. Candidates are encouraged to commit the Marine Corps rank structure to memory before arriving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the crossroads of the USMC. Here is a complete breakdown of all Enlisted, Warrant Officer, and Officer ranks and associated grades. ENLISTED Often referred to as the backbone of the Corps, enlisted Marines with pay grades … Continue reading Marine Corps Rank Structure

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Q&A, USMC History

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

We recently interviewed a new graduate of fall OCSĀ 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

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USMC History

Marine Corps Birthday Ball Message 2017

The Marine Corps birthday has been celebrated each year since General Lejeune himself instituted the tradition in 1921. On 10 November, 1775, theĀ Continental Congress resolved, ā€œThat two Battalions of Marines be raisedā€¦.ā€ in founding our beloved Corps. Marines all over the world celebrate the birthday with a ball (as able), cake, and the reading of General Lejeuneā€™s message. The Marine Corps birthday video Additionally, each … Continue reading Marine Corps Birthday Ball Message 2017

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Battles Won Marine Corps commercial
USMC History

Battles Won: New 2017 Marine Corps Commercial

We have a motivating new Marine Corps commercial! It utilizes the new slogan or tagline “Battles Won.” Incredible homage to our illustrious history and values… But do you feel like there’s something missing? Battles aren’t won solely on the field That’s a common misconception Battles are won within Over enemies of fear Enemies of doubt In that place where promises are kept Promises to oneself … Continue reading Battles Won: New 2017 Marine Corps Commercial

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USMC History

The History of Marine Corps Officer Candidates School

Throughout history, the road to becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps has generally begunĀ with one of several programs at Officer Candidates School (OCS): Officer Candidates Class (OCC) Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) or The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Each course is designed to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled, challenging, and chaotic … Continue reading The History of Marine Corps Officer Candidates School

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OCS Academics, USMC History

Chesty Puller with his Hands in Pockets (or Out of Regs)

Somebody had to do it. Here’s a permanent page to host any and all pictures of Chesty Puller with his hands in his pockets, out of regs, or generally looking awesome. Lieutenant Chesty with his hands in his pockets while deployed The Battle of Agua Carta was an engagement between the National Guard of Nicaragua and the rebels of Augusto CĆ©sar Sandino in 1932.Ā It was … Continue reading Chesty Puller with his Hands in Pockets (or Out of Regs)

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Flight Contracts, OCS Academics

New Partner: Commandant’s Reading List

Our newest partner provides a very important resource for current and future Marines of every stripe. All Marines are required to read the books appropriate to their rank for professional development. There are categories for recruits and candidates as well. Now, the Commandant has added these additional special interest categories: Leadership Maneuver Warfare Strategic Thinking Counter-Insurgency Regional Studies Logistics Aviation Wounded Warrior Before you report … Continue reading New Partner: Commandant’s Reading List

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USMC History

Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday

The Marine Corps birthday has been celebrated each year since General Lejeune himself instituted the tradition in 1921. On 10 November, 1775, theĀ Continental Congress resolved, “That two Battalions of Marines be raised….” Marines all over the world celebrate the birthday with a ball (as able), cake, and the reading of General Lejeune’s message: HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921 (1) On November 10, … Continue reading Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday

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USMC History

United States Marine Corps History: ā€œTo the Shores of Tripoliā€

By 2ndLt. Dominic Galante This famous line from the Marine Corps Hymn has its origin in the Barbary War of the early 19th century. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the kingdoms of North Africa, called Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoliā€”today, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, respectivelyā€”conducted piracy in the Mediterranean Sea against American and European shipping. In 1785, the U.S. agreed to pay Algiers an … Continue reading United States Marine Corps History: ā€œTo the Shores of Tripoliā€

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General OCS Advice, Leadership, OCS Academics, Q&A

Interview With A Dropped Candidate

Candidate X did well at OCS physically, but ended up dropping with a new appreciation for his own strengths and weaknesses. He has graciouslyĀ accepted an invitation to conduct an interview with the OCS blog as he prepares for another run at the grueling course. How far into OCS did you get? While I wasn’t able to successfully complete USMC OCS by our end date in … Continue reading Interview With A Dropped Candidate

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