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We recently interviewed a new graduate of fall OCSÂ 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
This post originally appeared on the Sandboxx blog as History of Women in the Marine Corps The United States Marine Corps has a long and proud history that every recruit will learn about when they begin their journey to becoming a United States Marine. With the founding of the Marine Corps in 1776 it wasn’t until 1918 that women became a part of that history. Since … Continue reading History of Women in the Marine Corps
Thanks to Candidate X who graduated in the summer of 2016 for this benchmark PFT workout. “There was a MARSOC Captain I met after graduating OCS and he took my OSS through, what he called, a good Benchmark PFT. I would have to agree. It’s very simple, but the cumulative loading effect is what makes this difficult.” Benchmark PFT 5 pull-ups (kip when you can … Continue reading Test Your Physical Fitness With This PFT Benchmark Workout
Being a short and skinny candidate at Marine OCS So you have some concerns about being a short and skinny candidate at OCS? I was also a short and skinny candidate at OCS. Height: 5’ 6” and 120 lbs at my lightest point at OCS and the second shortest candidate in the platoon. Here is advice, tips, and straight talk to help you through OCS. … Continue reading The Little End: Lessons from a Short and Skinny Candidates At OCS
At OCS, candidates will transition to exercising more with boots and utes (MARPAT Camouflage) as the cycle progresses. This type of workout is epitomized by the Marine Combat Fitness Test (CFT). It is recommended that candidates have some exposure to working out in boots. Realistically, working out in boots is not much different than running shoes, however, there is a mental aspect that makes it … Continue reading 2017 Candidates, Are You Ready for the Marine Combat Fitness Test?
Thank you to Candidate C for taking some time to share advice you learned through your long, yet successful, Application! Stay tuned for more parts throughout this week. What was your relationship with your OSO like? I worked with three OSO’s since I started my initial application for NROTC my senior year in college and two for PLC in college. The first OSO really was … Continue reading Application Advice from a Successful Candidate: Part III of III
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 OCS Physical Fitness Goals for the Overachiever
Thanks to Candidate Tanner for sharing his perspective! A question I’ve asked and addressed several times is the idea of how different of an OCS experience will I have as a tall, skinny candidate. I am just shy of 6’2” and weigh 145 pounds soaking wet, and I graduated PLC Juniors this past summer, with Seniors approaching this summer, so that’s the perspective I am … Continue reading Guest Post: Tall and Skinny Candidates at OCS
Thanks to Lt Hee at USMCofficer.com for his great work and this guest post! Check out the most up-to-date information about his OCS and TBS experiences on his site. The most stressful aspect of preparing for OCS is doubting your ability to perform physically. Yes, there are a lot of physical events where you will be required to perform to a certain standard. The PFT and … Continue reading Guest Post: What You Need To Know About Combat Fitness
I challenge all candidates to achieve these minimum benchmarks before getting to OCS, and using them as training goals. This will put you in decent standing, but not the top of your class if these are your max sets. MALE Pullups: Max set 18 Pushups: Max set 65 Run: 21:00 3-mile Run: 880 meter sprint in 3:15 in boots (2:45 running shoes) Flutterkicks: Max set 60 … Continue reading One Easy Cheat Sheet to See if You’re Physically Ready for OCS
