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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 M
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 …
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
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: Milita
Candidate Question I PT with a GPS watch and I want to know if GPS watches are allowed at OCC. I understand the watches will have to be all black. Thank you for your post and support. Answer No, you cannot use a GPS watch (or usually any watch at all) during OCS. For much of TBS, you cannot use a GPS watch either, just a … Continue reading GPS Watches at OCS and TBS
Candidate Question I’m a rising sophomore in the NROTC program in addition to being an applicant for PLC as well (not currently on scholarship). This summer, one of my goals has been to gain around five pounds, while not losing any cardio. I’ve been doing a powerlifting program 3x per week and am just starting to use creatine. With this being said, I also want … Continue reading What’s the Best OC
Candidate Question What is the pay for an OCS candidate while attending OCS? Is it disbursed once a month? Answer Candidates are considered at the pay grade of a Sergeant or E-5, “or the highest pay grade achieved if” entering… “directly from current service at a pay grade above E-5.” In other words, there’s no pay cut if you’re a prior enlisted Marine attending OCS. … Continue reading How Much Do
Candidate Question I’m looking for specific goals to train for OCS. Not the minimum benchmarks or averages, but high goals which would prepare me fully for the physical challenges at OCS. Specifically things like How many pull-ups should I be able to do to excel and not worry? Push-ups? Planks? Run 3 miles? 1 mile? CFT score? Bench? Curl? And any other areas you feel … Continue reading Specific O
Candidate Question I’m afraid of the challenge, uncertainty and high stakes at OCS. Is it wrong to be scared? Discussion You’re absolutely right about OCS being perhaps the biggest challenge of your life. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the outcome, and the impact graduation or failure can make on your whole life plan is incredible. “Fear” may not be the most helpful word, but you … Contin
Candidate’s Question Two questions about the packing list: Is there a specific brand of running shoes they want us to bring to OCS? Is it really necessary to bring two pairs of go-fasters to PLC Juniors or seniors considering they are both only six week segments? Answer First, very moto use of the term “go-fasters.” No need to use that OCS-specific word for “running shoes” … Continue reading Packi
Applicant Question I plan on applying for next year’s OCS summer course. I have contacted an OSO and he’s been helpful. I have a 3.2 GPA, I haven’t done a PFT (not sure when to do that yet) and I am a part of various organizations on my campus in which I have been involved with leadership. I want to make sure that I will get accepted and … Continue reading Six Recommendations to Build a Strong App
Candidate Question I’m looking at switching from an Air Contract to a Ground Contract, but I really only want to if I can secure an 0203 Ground Intel Officer MOS (to possibly further go on to Recon). How hard is it to get a specific MOS at TBS? I am in pretty good shape, I can stick with most candidates and run a 285+ PFT … Continue reading Can I Drop an Air Contract for a Guaranteed MOS?
Candidate Question I’m gluten intolerant. During the application process, they didn’t recognize this as a health issue. I get nauseous, experience mild to severe stomach pain, bloating, and inflammation. How is the food at OCS? Will I have the ability to minimize the amount of gluten I don’t have an option but to consume? Response Like most other things at OCS, your diet is mandatory … Continue re
Many thanks to a gracious Second Lieutenant at TBS who took part in a Q & A session with us to share advice after his recent graduation from OCS. Feel free to follow up with any questions or comments of your own below! How would you characterize your overall experience at OCS? My experience at OCS was that of an up/down adventure. There are good days, … Continue reading Q&A With a Successful OCS G
Candidate Question: Will getting dropped from OCS permanently disqualify me from enlisted service? Answer: No. Every service is always looking for a few good men and women. You are allowed to enlist, if you really want to, after getting dropped from OCS. However, it’s roughly the equivalent of getting your degree, applying to a white-collar job at some Fortune 500 company’s corporate office, bombi
Applicant’s Question I recently met with an OSO here in New York and began the OCS application process. I have great letters of recommendation, I’m in great physical shape. I’m 28 years old, and I shouldn’t have a problem scoring about 300 on the PFT. However, I have some waivers for a work misconduct firing recently and also a misdemeanor petty theft waiver I’m submitting. I also … Continue readi
Question This spring, I will finish my undergraduate studies as a 23-year old. Someday, I want to do my Masters. If I do it right after I’m done with my undergrad, I’ll be 25 once I’m finished. Is there an age limit to do OCS? What options do I have? Response If you want to do your Masters, we wholeheartedly recommend doing it sooner rather … Continue reading Will My Master’s Studies Take Me Past
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
Candidate Question: I am currently enrolled in college, majoring in Computer Science. I have struggled quite a bit in finding a major to stick with, but am now positive this is the right major for me. I currently have roughly a 3.0 GPA and will continue to improve on that as I go. I have always been interested in serving our country. …after personal family … Continue reading Should I Talk to an OS
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
Female Candidate Question: I will be applying for the OCS class who will enter in June of this year. This is a silly concern- but I’m 5’0 tall-even. I know that everything will be exceptionally more challenging for me considering my size but watching Obstacle Course videos online makes me feel like it will be impossible for me to pass the O course in time … Continue reading Short Female Candidate
Candidate Question I am very new to the website and so far it looks pretty good to me. I was sent here from futurejarheads about my path to become an officer in the Marines and I am kind of confused about the commissioning part of becoming an officer. I read you can either do PLC or OCC. Do you get commissioned to 2nd Lt after … Continue reading Candidate Q: Commissioning Timing After PLC and OCC
Candidate: First off I want to say this blog is fantastic and has so much helpful information on it! -I’m a competitive swimmer, I swim six days a week (meets are on weekends so it can end up being 7) and do weights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I want to get in shape but frankly have little to no time to go running, even on … Continue reading Candidate Q: Swimmer’s Running Preparation
Candidate Question: I am currently in NROTC at [college omitted]. I am applying for a PLC contract at this time. My question is, my PFT is pretty solid. However, I’m in shape, I’m just not athletic. Things like the O-Course are a serious challenge for me. We hardly ever run it on a regular basis (once every two to three months because we have so … Continue reading Candidate Q: Obstacle Course Tips
Candidate: I have two questions. 1- I recently sustained a foot injury from doing too much too soon (went from a lazy couch bum to 3 mile runs every day). The doctor said I need to rest it then ‘ease’ back into running. Summer break is approaching and lasts for 3 months. What is a good way to ‘ease’ back into my running while still … Continue reading Candidate Q: Easing Into Running
Candidate’s Question I’m thinking about doing OCC-R in two years once I finish my bachelors. Problem is that I’m 6’2″ and 258 right now. I know I have plenty of time to fix myself and get in regs so I’m not too worried about that right now. I do have some questions though. 1. What is a suitable replacement for Fartlek right now? I’ll be … Continue reading Armstrong Pullup Program Too Much? Customi
Candidate Question: I will be applying for the OCS class who will enter in June of this year. This is a silly concern- but I’m 5’0 tall- even. I know that that everything will be exceptionally more challenging for me considering my size but watching O Course videos online makes me feel like it will be impossible for me to pass the O course in … Continue reading Am I Too Short to Become a Marine Of
Q: Hello, I am heading to OCS this summer for PLC Juniors and have been following your blog site for over a year. I am familiar with the suggested “packing list” to bring to OCS on the blog. However, my OSO has told me that the only things I really will need to purchase beforehand is a decent watch and have about $500 of spending … Continue reading Do I Need All That Stuff On The Packing List?
Candidate Q: I currently run 3 miles a day, do 200 pushups, 75 pullups, and 200 crunches daily. I also get a lot of heavy loading work because I work as a masonry laborer. I have already run multiple 300 PFTs but I know that is merely a small part of what physical demands are placed upon you at OCS. Any recommendations for what more … Continue reading 300 PFT: Easy. Now What?
Candidate Q: I am going to be going to OCS after graduation and I have also found out that my TBS dates are approximately 2 months after I graduate from OCS. Is there any possibility of attending Jump school or any other trainings in between OCS and TBS? OCS Blog: No. Absolutely none. The only thing boot lieutenants can do between OCS and TBS other … Continue reading Jump School Between OCS and TB
Candidate’s Question: I’m an OCS applicant/poolee and would like to know if there is an appropriate and respectful way to greet my OSO in public or private. I understand that saluting is inappropriate for a civilian but is it appropriate to stand at attention when greeting a commanding officer? A: No need to stand at attention even once you’re a Marine unless it’s truly a … Continue reading How to
Candidate Q: I have been in the application process for quite some time, and I’m finally in the contract stage. My OSO informed me that the last board had a 23% acceptance rate, and some classes are becoming reserve officer only. My OSO told me that it’s not easy moving from reserve officer to active duty, but would it be a better idea to try that route … Continue reading Iffy Active Duty or Certa
Candidate Comment: This is more for peace of mind, than anything else, so feel free to take your time responding. I can run approximately a 275 PFT (I vary from around 270 to 285). However, while working out in a local gym, someone who used to be a Marine told me that I do not have the ‘look’ of a 2nd LT. Not a attractiveness … Continue reading Candidate Q: Skinny Lieutenants: Impossible!
Candidates, we are running a series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: I am a recent graduate from college and have been feverishly training (physically) for OCS for about a year now. I’ve done … Conti
Candidate Question: I’d like to be training for OCS as realistically as possible. What kind of rucksack is currently in use for training? I’d like to get used to carrying some weight around. Training hard now may make things easier later. Reply: The ILBE pack is currently in use but will be phased out over the next several years in the fleet, and eventually at … Continue reading What Pack is in Us
Candidate Question: Currently I am accepted for PLC for the first increment of Summer 2013. I’ve been training hard, achieving a 293 pft score, and been training long/short distance Fartleks; so I feel as though I have established a fine base in getting ready for OCS. My question here is when should I lower my training quantity before my ship date approx. in late May? … Continue reading Candidate
Candidate Question: If you are married when you report to TBS do you have the option to stay with your wife and not in a barracks? Answer: You will get a bunk and space in a barracks room (with other Second Lieutenants) but will be allowed to live out in town with your wife and you will receive BAH while there. I highly recommend living … Continue reading Married at The Basic School
Candidate Question: I am 6 feet tall and 200lbs at approximately 15% body fat. I’d like to maintain the definition in my arms and shoulders (chest shouldn’t be a problem considering the amount of pushups done during OCS). Is there any place I can train with weights during Liberty? A: Imagine if you weren’t so obsessed with your own appearance and were instead focused on … Continue reading Candidat
Candidate X did well at OCS physically, but ended up dropping with a new appreciation for his own strengths and weaknesses. He has graciously 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
Candidate Q: I do not have any vaccines except a tetanus shot. My question is: do you recommend getting as many shots as possible before shipping to OCS? How bad would it be to just get them all during the medical in-processing? My problem is that they are expensive and I am running out of time. Thanks very much for your help. A: Do not … Continue reading Vaccine Shots at OCS
Future Candidate’s Question: Hi, I’m a high school junior wanting to know what you did for leadership postitions to prepare for your application and as a future officer. I hold a leadership role in a school club and am joining National Honor Society. I know that I’m a few years away from applying, but that leadership is one of the key things that the selection … Continue reading Leadership Advice
Candidate Question: As a sophomore in High School, how can I better myself…especially at a young age? I can do 90 push-ups, 13 pull-ups, 100 crunches, but I have not done much running. Unfortunately I don’t participate in any sports but I am in some clubs (yet I don’t have any leadership positions). I am very motivated to joining the Corps as an officer, I … Continue reading Candidate Q: High Scho
Candidate Question: If selected, I will be 30 years old when I start OCS in October. I am an attorney currently running a 274 PFT. I was just wondering if either my age or being a law contract would affect my OCS experience or get me singled out (either good or bad). Assuming my PT isn’t notably worse than the younger candidates, would there be … Continue reading Candidate Q: JAG Candidates
Female Candidate’s Q: Hi! I’m getting ready to leave for OCS in about 7 weeks. I’m confident about my core and upper body strength, but my run time is not ideal. My max is about 25 minutes. I could use some advice. Should I be doing 3 miles 5 days a week, focusing on hills and sprints, or doing distance? Should I be using weight … Continue reading Female Candidate Q: Running and Lower Body Prepara
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 Candidat
Candidate Question: I am considering entering OCS in the summer of 2012, and my biggest question/concern is this. How much strain gets put on your lower back during OCS? I have experienced some slight muscle soreness more often in my lower back over the years, and I’m just concerned that it might be an issue. I really want to get through OCS but also I … Continue reading Candidate Q: Lower Back St
Her Question: Hello I am a college junior and am considering Marine PLC, however, I know that getting acceptance into OCS is extremely difficult for females. What are things that I can do to increase my chances in addition to physical fitness? What other factors would help my application? A: Get leadership on your resume. If you don’t have leadership experience, get some! Join some … Continue read
Hi Sir, I’m in the pre-candidate stage with my recruiter, and planning to attend OCS in January. I am very excited about doing this and have wanted to have a chance at becoming a Marine Officer since I was a kid. Having read a lot of information on your website and in other places while educating myself about the OCS process, I understand that if … Continue reading Candidate Q: Rejecting Your Comm
Candidate Question: As a starving college student I have to ask. I know I get paid at OCS Juniors for the time spent there but am I entitled to any sort of monthly pay between then and my next session at OCS? A: You only will get paid for time at OCS until you get to TBS–even if you commission 6 months before TBS! So … Continue reading Candidate Q: Active Duty Pay Between OCS & TBS?
Candidate Question: I am seriously considering going through the Aviation path of a Marine Officer, but I have a few questions before I decide: How long will your contract be when being in an Aviation Position? Do you have to have a Pilots License or anything specific before joining? What tests do you have to take to get into an Aviation position? I’m female, will … Continue reading Candidate Q: F
Candidates, we are running a series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: What is the class time to ‘work’ time ratio? Will you spend most of your time in the classroom or doing physical … Continue readin
Candidate Q: I’m leaving next summer to go to OCS. The only issue I have is my weight. I’m 5’10″ 235. I have to be at 192 to ship out. I also need to get my PFT up. My 3 mile is 27:45. Obviously if I lost the weight I would be able to do this with greater ease. I just don’t know how to … Continue reading Trying To Lose 50 Pounds In A Year For Marine Corps OCS
Candidates, this post serves just as a single page to share gouge on the recent trends in PFT scores. The below are real life candidates who have shared their stats in the last month: Candidate 1, Aviation Contract: “300 pft 3.78 GPA 8/8/8/58 ASTB 2 Yrs men’s intercollegiate Volleyball Lots of volunteer service including leadership experience Age waiver- I’m 27 Nonselect ..Not a whole lot … Contin
Candidate Question: Upon graduating college in 2009 I began the Army OCS and Air Force OTS application. At the time I knew very little about the various service branches and what life as a military officer would be like. Around October of 2009 I received a job officer to work with an alumni for a military non-profit in the Washington, DC area. At that point … Continue reading Candidate Q: Not Comp
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 housi
This question is from a few weeks ago but should help clarify the thinking of the many applicants who have not been selected this year. Candidate’s Question: I had a few questions about being selected for OCS. I am 21. I contracted twice for the PLC program and was not selected because of my PFT run time which was 25:40 the first year and 23:30 … Continue reading Enlist First, Try to Commission La
Candidate Questions: Great website, it is very helpful! I am hoping to go to OCC in January, but I have a question about boots. You mentioned that getting a pair beforehand would be a good idea. Can you take those boots with you to OCC once you have broken them in? What brand do they issue you at OCC? You mention jungles, would you recommend … Continue reading Candidate Q: OCS Boots
Candidate Question: Question about boot sizes. How much toe room should one have in the boots? And if there is too much room what happens? A: Brian, have just enough room for a bootsock liner (just use a dress sock) and a thick, cushioned bootsock. If there is more than just a little extra room, your foot will slide forward and back while running and … Continue reading Candidate Q: Boot sizes
Candidates, we are running a series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. A Sailor’s Question: I am currently enlisted in the Navy and have three and a half years left in my contract. My first question … Continue reading A C
Candidate Question: I’m getting ready to have my initial interview in a couple of days and have been working on a list of questions to ask my OSO. I want to stand out as much as possible and come fully prepared, like everyone else I’m sure. Any advice on “must ask” questions or being prepared in general? A: Firstly, are you married or engaged? If … Continue reading Have You Prepared Your OSO Inter
Candidates, we are running a series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: Do you know how heavily an applicant’s academic history plays into their application? I had a rough start to college, took time …
Candidate Question: I am a female hoping to go to OCC this summer. I was hoping you might have some insight as to why so many more women get dropped than men? I have a competitive PFT score, but, presumably, so did all the women that got dropped from your OCC class. I have been trying to focus a lot on upper body strength since … Continue reading Candidate Q: Female drop rate?
Candidates, we are beginning a new series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: How does the transition from OCS to TBS work? Are those that graduate from OCS typically able to enter TBS immediately? … Co
Candidates, we are beginning a new series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: Do you recommend CrossFit to prepare for Marine Corps OCS? A: Crossfit is a great workout program and might help some … Cont
Candidates, we are beginning a new series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: I have a question about the PFT and the CFT. Are the events (like pull-up, 3 mile run and crunches) back … Continue reading
OCS Candidate’s Mom’s Question: Can I mail my son at OCS one or two books regarding Marines? -Candidate mom A: Candidate Mom, Please don’t send him unrequested books at OCS. He won’t be able to read them–candidates are usually so busy they only get 2-4 hours of sleep at night. Really. He will send you a letter with his address when he gets one. I’d … Continue reading Candidate’s Families Q: Send B