I’ve heard of many candidates who rocketed from less than 5 pullups to a max set of 10-15 using the Armstrong Pullup Program. The improvement came fast and strong at first. Everything was great. And then, staying disciplined, working out, and keeping optimistic…surprise: Plateau “Plateau: [Verb] to stop increasing or improving after a period of development.” You gained one, two, three pullups a week. You did it all right. Fifty pullups a week went to … Continue reading Armstrong Pullup Program Advanced: Bust Your Plateau
We are proud to announce a superb resource for all your high schoolers who are considering becoming an officer in the Marine Corps or Navy. USNA or bust is a great source of information on the how, the what, and of course, the why of attending Annapolis. The Naval Academy is a great pipeline to becoming a Marine Officer. Any questions you have about Annapolis can … Continue reading New Partner: USNA or Bust!
Some of you have expressed an interest in example workouts. A Fartlek is a very simple workout to understand, and is a staple of Marine OCS. Fartleks rock because you can completely tailor it to your own body and needs. Maybe this flexibility leads to analysis paralysis for some? Anyways–get your butt off the couch and try this one out! Each workout station is separated … Continue reading Burn some fat! Try this example no-gym Fartlek workout
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 Candidate’s Question: Prior Navy to OCS?
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 Interview Questions?
When I started increasing my running mileage in training for OCS, I remember how sore my calves and shins got. Hydration and ballistic stretching helped in my recovery, but the greatest boost to recovery and pain relief was massage. Now, 30 minute sessions can go for $50 in some places, so I was on a mission for a cheap and effective alternative. Solution: Self-Massage Made … Continue reading The Best Tool for Running Recovery Since H2O
Note–“gouge” is Marine Corps speak for getting the low down on a topic. Check out one candidate’s story which might change the way you think about how the OSO system works. I’m from a certain state west of the Mississippi and am contracting on Thursday for OCC-211. After a recent sitdown with my Captain, he mentioned offhand that my region (three total states) were each … Continue reading OSO Trades: Peak Behind the Curtain
While at Officer Candidates School, receiving mail is often one of the most enjoyable moments of any candidate’s day. However, there are certain thing that should and shouldn’t be done as a candidate and as parents/significant others/friends when receiving and sending mail. I’ll address this post to two different groups, first the parents, significant others, or friends sending mail to a candidate at Marine OCS. After I address that, I’ll discuss what candidates should and shouldn’t do when sending and receiving mail at Quantico.
Parents and others sending mail:
At Officer Candidates School, mail is distributed every day except Sunday. When your candidate arrives at Officer Candidates School, he/she will send you a letter in the first few days informing you of his/hers new address which will look the address listed below. Candidates find out their company and platoon upon arrival, so don’t attempt to figure out beforehand, you’ll just have to wait a few days for the exact address.
Candidate Last name, First, MI. ___ Company, ___Platoon Officer Candidates School 2189 Elrod Avenue Quantico, Virginia 22134-5033
Candidate families greeting their successful candidates on Family Day, OCC 209
When sending mail to a candidate at Officer Candidates School, it’s important to be positive and encouraging. Your candidate will likely be under a great deal of stress, so the last thing you want to do is cause him/her more stress by sending discouraging letters. When you do send your candidate a letter, make sure to send it in a normal, discrete looking envelope. Sending any outrageous post cards, funny stickers, etc won’t cheer up your candidate as much as they will cause some ridicule from the Sergeant Instructors.
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 … Continue reading Candidate Question: Application Recommendations and Grades
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?
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