Become an officer

How Do I Know If I Can Lead Marines?

Q: I’m a sophomore in high school. My number one concern is whether or not I’m officer material and can lead Marines. I don’t know if I can hold up to the leadership standards the Marines require. A: That’s a big question. Since you are starting this process so early, I would say the answer to that question is entirely up to you. If you want to … Continue reading How Do I Know If I Can Lead Marines?

Becoming an officer

OSO Q&A: Becoming an Officer

Thanks to West Texas/New Mexico OSO Capt Wisotzkey for answering your questions about selection, OCS and becoming an officer of Marines. Submit your questions anytime by commenting on a blog post or contacting us through the home page. Tell us about your background. I was born and raised in a small coal mining town in western Kentucky named Madisonville. I decided I wanted to become a … Continue reading OSO Q&A: Becoming an Officer

OCS is Not Boot Camp 2.0

Thanks to mustang officer 2ndLt W for answering our questions about the transition from enlisted recruit training/boot camp to a law candidate at OCS. Prior Service Marines Coming from a reserve unit and applying through an OSO, my application process was very similar to the one that civilians go through. Reservists go through a few small formalities with their units to get permission and approval to apply to … Continue reading OCS is Not Boot Camp 2.0

Straight Talk from a Successful Female Marine Candidate

Thanks to 2ndLt A for sharing her insight into OCS as a female Marine Candidate and the challenges you will face there. Regardless of gender, OCS is about mindset. Female Marine candidates, your mentality will be the reason you succeed or fail at OCS. You better be prepared to be a servant. As a female Marine candidate or any candidate, if you aren’t there for … Continue reading Straight Talk from a Successful Female Marine Candidate

Marine OSO

Marine OSO Q&A: Gateway to Marine Officer Candidates School

Thank you to Norfolk Virginia’s Officer Selection Officer, Captain Calderon, for sharing her background and advice for future candidates. If you’re around the southern Virginia area, feel free to reach out to her recruiting unit with any questions about joining: 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District. What’s your background? I played Division I soccer all four years of college and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2011. I … Continue reading Marine OSO Q&A: Gateway to Marine Officer Candidates School

Secrets of Marine Corps PLC Juniors and Seniors

Thanks to recent graduate Avery Soong for sharing his perspective on the differences and similarities between Marine Corps PLC Juniors and PLC Seniors. Check out his Youtube channel for more insight on OCS. I often get questions addressing the differences between Marine Corps PLC Juniors and Seniors; thus, I will address the major differences and then share my personal experiences. OCS made a lot of … Continue reading Secrets of Marine Corps PLC Juniors and Seniors