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If you’re in high school and aim to become an officer in the Marine Corps, consider the following discussion and goals for your planning. The Realistic Odds and the Importance of Backup If 1 out of 3 OCS attendees fail (worse odds for females), and less than half of applications are accepted, your odds of becoming a Marine officer are tough even if you’re a qualified … Continue reading Advice for Future Officers in High School
Clothes, mainly. When meeting with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO), it would not hurt to dress a little bit more professional–like candidates on liberty. It’s not mandatory, but you want to consistently make a good impression in every interaction with your OSO. Obviously, when coming to the OSO’s office for a PFT or other workout, wear your personal, appropriate workout clothing. Like everything else in … Continue reading What to Wear to Your OSO Meeting
OSO: Officer Selection Officer Marine recruiters come in two categories: generic “Recruiters” usually refers to those serving the Enlisted Marine pipeline. An “Officer Recruiter” is an OSO, or Officer Selection Officer. He works out of an OSO…the Officer Selection Office. How to Contact an OSO This is where the confusion comes from. You might find OSO contact information online or at your college, but it’s … Continue reading How Do I Find a Marine Officer Recruiter? (Hint, it’s an “OSO”)
Candidate Question: I am currently enrolled in college, majoring in Computer Science. I have struggled quite a bit in finding a major to stick with, but am now positive this is the right major for me. I currently have roughly a 3.0 GPA and will continue to improve on that as I go. I have always been interested in serving our country. …after personal family … Continue reading Should I Talk to an OSO Before I’m “Ready” for OCS?
Thanks to an anonymous candidate who shared his recent experience at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for your preparation and awareness. The Mindset for MEPS I actually really enjoyed MEPS and I think that was because of the mindset I had going in with. Before going I had heard from everyone at my OSO office that it was going to be annoying, boring, obnoxious, and … Continue reading Advice from a Candidate at MEPS
From a candidate: My father is a former Marine and has always pounded the fact that leadership experience is a must when looking to enter OCS. The folks down at Quantico don’t just want well-built men with decent brain power. They are looking for the future leaders of their organization. Someone who can gather information, react and drive a path forward in stressful situations. Prove … Continue reading OCS Applications: Leadership vs. GPA or PFT
Marines – The Officer Selection Officer The path to becoming an officer begins with the Officer Selection Officer (OSO). The OSO’s duty is to identify those who will be worthy officer candidates. Your OSO will answer questions and help you decide which commissioning program best suits you. Once you have made the commitment to become an officer, your OSO will guide your physical training regimen … Continue reading Officer Selection Officer Video
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?
Special thanks to candidate Kyle who shares his insight There are two types of waivers: medical and moral Medical waivers are only considered as you are in the process of being medically qualified to apply for OCS. Once you are deemed medically qualified, review boards don’t see your medical waivers. They only see that you are medically qualified. Moral waivers are any waivers needed for … Continue reading The Truth About OCS Application Waivers
Candidate Question: Upon graduating college in 2009 I began the Army OCS and Air Force OTS application. At the time I knew very little about the various service branches and what life as a military officer would be like. Around October of 2009 I received a job officer to work with an alumni for a military non-profit in the Washington, DC area. At that point … Continue reading Candidate Q: Not Competitive for the Board? Now What?
