Specific OCS Physical Fitness Goals for the Overachiever

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

Candidate Q: Lower Back Strain?

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 Strain?

Nine Tips for Marine Corps Humps

In Marine speak a hike is known as a “hump,” and to carry a soldier’s load on your back while hiking is known as “humping” whatever gear it is. At OCS and also TBS, conditioning hikes are used as PT and boy do can they get rough! The longest will be in the neighborhood of 12-15 miles. Your packs could be 60-80 pounds and the … Continue reading Nine Tips for Marine Corps Humps

What You Need to Know When a Blister Could End Your OCS

With all the humps (forced marches) at OCS, and running in boots, and in wet conditions, my feet never looked worse than as a candidate. Here is my back and forth with an applicant who is getting a pre-OCS practice hump scheduled right after he overdid it in his boots: How can I heal a blister overnight? I am going on a mandatory hike tomorrow … Continue reading What You Need to Know When a Blister Could End Your OCS