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Join us on ParadeDeck.com for upcoming live interviews with our military community. We believe everyone should have a voice and share their story. USMC Jackie Barnum shares her passion for leadership! (see full interview below) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackie | Mentor (@jackiee.barnum) U.S. Army Veteran Justin Pearson, owner of ProperPatriot.com A 20 year Army Veteran, Justin has mentored and … Continue reading Leadership Interview Series
The OCS Leadership Reaction Course is designed to test a candidate’s quick thinking and problem The OCS Leadership Reaction Course is designed to test a candidate’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills and encourage teamwork among the candidates. The Leadership Reaction Course is an essential component of your leadership grade at Marine OCS. The LRC is a group of condensed challenges and obstacles carried out as … Continue reading Top 5 Tips on the OCS Leadership Reaction Course
By Ty Kiisel (ondeck) Field commanders need to make decisions in less-than-perfect conditions on the battlefield all the time, so the Marine Corps created a framework their officers learn to help them make command decisions—even if they don’t have all the information or the troop strength they’d like to have to ensure success. Leading a small business might not be the battlefield, but sometimes requires … Continue reading 70% Solution: The Marine Corps Framework for Making Battlefield Decisions
The School’s “Five Horizontal Themes” define the expectations of every student officer at TBS. A Leader of Exemplary Character Selflessly devoted to leading Marines 24/7. Has a clear understanding that a Marine commission brings with it “special trust and confidence” and the highest expectations of the American people. Devoted to our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment Possesses a moral compass that unerringly points … Continue reading Five Horizontal Themes for USMC TBS
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
As an Officer Candidate, you will be communicating in a new way, the military way. And this will begin by giving a brief or operational order to your peers and instructors at OCS and TBS. The faster you can learn the structure, the quicker you will build your confidence in your presentations. Candidates will have a much easier time with a basic understanding of SMEAC … Continue reading The Marine Brief: SMEAC
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?
While 24 years may seem like a long time, I assure you that time will pass in a blink of an eye. I’ve had the privilege of being around Marines for most of my life and fortunate enough to call most of them “My Marines”. As an OSO, I see my officer candidates in the same light as I did my Marines; you were my … Continue reading “A Message to my Candidates” from Mustang OSO Capt Dubon
Thanks to SSgt Seitz for this guest post about the Battles Won Academy. SSgt Seitz is a Officer Selection Assistant from Officer Selection Team Denver One of the best things about the Marine Corps is the endless opportunities for personal and professional development. The Marine Corps has three missions  to make Marines, to win battles, and to return quality citizens to American society. Most of the … Continue reading Battles Won Academy
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
