Blog
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
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
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
We’re on facebook. This will make it easier to share and follow new content, and give an easy forum for asking questions when the Q&A pages and comments area on here gets crowded. So, there you go. Friend the blog on the ‘book and don’t look back. Friend the USMC OCS blog  Continue reading Hooray Social Media.
The “Candidates’ Curse:” Patellar Tendinitis Many candidates get patellar tendinitis, “jumper’s knee” or runners knee at OCS or while preparing for it. If you are truly injured in your preparation for OCS, you first need to be honest and open with your OSO. If you shouldn’t get sent to OCS, but attempt to “sneak” in, they will find your injury during medical inprocessing or the … Continue reading Help! My knee hurts. How can I run?
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 … Continue reading Candidate Q: How do I learn the basics before OCS?
Reservists Marines currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve may apply for programs such as PLC and OCC through their Officer Selection Officer. Commissioning Programs for active duty enlisted Marines include: Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) For Marines who have earned a four-year degree before joining the Corps or during active duty Qualified Marines attend Officer Candidates School (OCS) Upon completion of OCS, they are commissioned as second lieutenants Reserve Officer opportunities … Continue reading How can currently enlisted Marines become officers?
Camp Dry is a godsend for the poor miserable creature known as the Officer Candidate. Wet is the Enemy. Always. It’s snow in the winter or freezing rain in the fall or freak rain showers and saturated, muddy ground in the summer. Next comes swollen, wet, blistering feet or soggy, chafing skin under belts and pack straps. I distinctly remember my whole squad feeling the … Continue reading Wet is the Enemy
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 School Preparation for USMC OCS
