USMC OCS this summer!

[jessieqwert]

Coming to you live from the 'Stan -

I would work on your run the most. If you can get down to a 20-21 min 3 mile you'll be in the middle of the squad, not struggling in the rear. Cadence becomes difficult when you have no air left. Pull-ups will get you singled out if you're struggling - 15+ at least.

Memorize these verbatim, not just the gist of them:

1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls [from posts]more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the guard only.

7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.

10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

 

[jessieqwert]

Oh, and watch these videos:

www.marinecorpstimes.com/class186/

 

[FelixDeCat]

PLEASE dont take one of these with you:

I hear it drives instructors batshit crazy.

 

[JDawg1536]

200 crunches in 120 seconds? I think you are mistaken.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

blog.anandtech.com/

I might be going to United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School this summer! Looking forward to it, plus I get paid! Also after my OCS graduation I have an option of either staying with the Marines or continuing a civilian life

Now need to work on my fitness
3 miles in 24 minutes
200 crunches in 2 minutes
15+ dead hang pull ups

Any other USMC personel here?

~Alfa147x
/blog.anandtech.com

Edit: Also want to shoot a gun before I leave

you should go get a fricken education so you can support yourself later and have a good life. doing anything in the military, esp. now, is a total waste of your time and possibly your life.

 

[nick1985]

you should go get a fricken education so you can support yourself later and have a good life. doing anything in the military, esp. now, is a total waste of your time and possibly your life.

You know that you have to have a college degree to even be chosen to attend OCS, right?

Stupid ignorant piss-ant

 

[nick1985]

200 crunches in 120 seconds? I think you are mistaken.

He is. Its 100

 

[jemcam]

Not USMC, but I completed Army OCS back in 1989. It was one of the best (and hellish) experiences of my life. It made Basic Training look like girl scout camp. I don't know if USMC is the same way, but the Army expected at least a 50% dropout rate back then. We started with 135 people and graduated 55. Most of those quit in the first week. Those that made it past the first month generally made it. Only a few that made it past the first month failed out or were injured.

That's only the first phase though, you still have to pass your branch school, and when you do, you're the lowest form of soldier, the dreaded second lieutenant with a little bit of authority and no knowledge. The best ones let the NCO's do their job. Hang onto the coattails of a seasoned E7 or E8 and listen to him. Just because you outrank someone doesn't mean you can't learn a hell of a lot from him.

 

[ichy]

I'd recommend picking up a copy of "One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer" by Nathaniel Fick. It was a generally positive but also brutally honest description of his training and career in the USMC.

 

[Train]

1. Yes sir.
2. No sir.
3. The candidate doesn't know sir.

You'll do fine.

 

[nick1985]

1. Yes sir.
2. No sir.
3. The candidate doesn't know sir.

You'll do fine.

You do not say sir in OCS.

"Yes Gunnery Sergeant"

"No Staff Sergeant"


Also, learn how to address the staff. A lot of people have problems with this.

It goes:

Greeting of the day + Billet + Rank + name, this candidate blah blah blah

Example: Good morning sergeant instructor staff sergeant Smith, this candidate requests permission to make a head call.


Never say the word I, or Need.

And do not make the mistake of calling a sergeant instructor the Army equivalent of a drill sergeant. My rackmate did this...oh Jesus was it bad.

 

[alfa147x]

Shaving supplies (and other basic toiletries)

Mouthwash. -- Works great for cleaning your canteen.

Vasaline for my crotch on long marches (chafing is your worst nightmare)

chapstick (I was in the winter class)

Extra socks

***BRING EAR PLUGS** you will need them to fall asleep when everyone else is making noise in the middle of the night

Bring a stencil with 1" lettering if your last name. DO THIS. You will have to stencil dozens of garments, and the stencil they provide you BLOWS ASS. This will save you so much time.

Also bring a 1/2" Stamp of your last name. Everything that is issued to you, or you bring, make sure it has your name stamped on it. Things get "lost" easily, mark everything as yours.

Bring a BROKEN IN pair of running shoes.

Good outdoor watch.

Pair of USMC combat boots. BREAK THEM IN FIRST. Go on some hikes with them.

Lots of athletic tape

If I think of other goodies to bring Ill post them.


*edit*

I almost forgot. On the day you fly to Q-town in your civies, do NOT wear dress shoes. Wear your running shoes. You will be walking for miles, you do not need unecessary blisters.

Noted.
Also do you know of a good source for combat boots?

 

[alfa147x]

Coming to you live from the 'Stan -

I would work on your run the most. If you can get down to a 20-21 min 3 mile you'll be in the middle of the squad, not struggling in the rear. Cadence becomes difficult when you have no air left. Pull-ups will get you singled out if you're struggling - 15+ at least.

Memorize these verbatim, not just the gist of them:

1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls [from posts]more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the guard only.

7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.

10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

I clearly have a lot of physical work in front of me... I'm really looking forward to the armstrong program

 

[alfa147x]

200 crunches in 120 seconds? I think you are mistaken.

Yes sir I stand corrected it's 100

 

[nick1985]

Noted.
Also do you know of a good source for combat boots?

Bates

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=12646922...s=bates%20usmc

 

[alfa147x]

Not USMC, but I completed Army OCS back in 1989. It was one of the best (and hellish) experiences of my life. It made Basic Training look like girl scout camp. I don't know if USMC is the same way, but the Army expected at least a 50% dropout rate back then. We started with 135 people and graduated 55. Most of those quit in the first week. Those that made it past the first month generally made it. Only a few that made it past the first month failed out or were injured.

That's only the first phase though, you still have to pass your branch school, and when you do, you're the lowest form of soldier, the dreaded second lieutenant with a little bit of authority and no knowledge. The best ones let the NCO's do their job. Hang onto the coattails of a seasoned E7 or E8 and listen to him. Just because you outrank someone doesn't mean you can't learn a hell of a lot from him.

I know I am going to have more then just my ass handed to me...

 

[nick1985]

I know I am going to have more then just my ass handed to me...

If you are planning on the summer course, you better get your ass in gear physically. If I were you, I would shoot for the fall class. MUCH better weather. Summers in Virginia are not pleasant, and it will give you more time to prepare.

 

[alfa147x]

You do not say sir in OCS.

"Yes Gunnery Sergeant"

"No Staff Sergeant"


Also, learn how to address the staff. A lot of people have problems with this.

It goes:

Greeting of the day + Billet + Rank + name, this candidate blah blah blah

Example: Good morning sergeant instructor staff sergeant Smith, this candidate requests permission to make a head call.


Never say the word I, or Need.

And do not make the mistake of calling a sergeant instructor the Army equivalent of a drill sergeant. My rackmate did this...oh Jesus was it bad.

I need to memorize Billet + ranks before I head out

and wow do those boots cost $$$

If you are planning on the summer course, you better get your ass in gear physically. If I were you, I would shoot for the fall class. MUCH better weather. Summers in Virginia are not pleasant, and it will give you more time to prepare.

It has got to be better then the summer weather here in south Georiga... but I also have never been to OCS here...

I'm doing 2x 6 week sets (Platoon Leaders Class)

 

[jemcam]

I know I am going to have more then just my ass handed to me...

Physically, it's not really that bad. It's the mind games. Remember OCS is all about mind games. It's all a mind fuck to make you quit and weed out the ones who don't have the fortitude to weather the storm. Make up your mind that they can't make you quit and you'll do fine. Again, I don't know about USMC OCS, but Army OCS was all about sleep deprivation + stress to see how you can keep your cool and make decisions. They EXPECT you to screw up and the program is designed to make you do it. It's how you react to it all and still have the ability to make decisions. Being in good physical condition and nutrition will help you cope with this stress. Learn to make a decision and go with it. You may need to change your plan as you go along, but the WORST you can do is be indecisive. Right or wrong, make the best decisions you can given the information and knowledge you have and drive on. That's what you have to do in real life in a combat situation. Sometimes it fails, and when it does, you have to have a certain flexibility to analyze a situation and modify your plan as the situation develops. This is what they're training you for.

IT'S ALL A MIND GAME. The worst they can do is kill you and eat you, and they sure as hell aren't going to do that.

Do you have any other military background? Basic training is a kind of kindgergarten of what you'll deal with.

I was an E5 with about 5 years of service by the time I got in so I was probably a little better prepared when I arrived at OCS.

 

[alfa147x]

Physically, it's not really that bad. It's the mind games. Remember OCS is all about mind games. It's all a mind fuck to make you quit and weed out the ones who don't have the fortitude to weather the storm. Make up your mind that they can't make you quit and you'll do fine. Again, I don't know about USMC OCS, but Army OCS was all about sleep deprivation + stress to see how you can keep your cool and make decisions. They EXPECT you to screw up and the program is designed to make you do it. It's how you react to it all and still have the ability to make decisions. Being in good physical condition and nutrition will help you cope with this stress. Learn to make a decision and go with it. You may need to change your plan as you go along, but the WORST you can do is be indecisive. Right or wrong, make the best decisions you can given the information and knowledge you have and drive on. That's what you have to do in real life in a combat situation. Sometimes it fails, and when it does, you have to have a certain flexibility to analyze a situation and modify your plan as the situation develops. This is what they're training you for.

IT'S ALL A MIND GAME. The worst they can do is kill you and eat you, and they sure as hell aren't going to do that.

Do you have any other military background? Basic training is a kind of kindgergarten of what you'll deal with.

I was an E5 with about 5 years of service by the time I got in so I was probably a little better prepared when I arrived at OCS.

Thanks for the advice, I have no military background... Nothing
well because my mom said she would kick me out of the house if I did join USMC... now things are different

 

[jemcam]

Thanks for the advice, I have no military background... Nothing
well because my mom said she would kick me out of the house if I did join USMC... now things are different

Sorry, but I've got to say this.....

If you're still letting your Mom dictate major life decisions, then OCS is not for you. If you really want it, go for it. If you're letting her influence you to not do something you really want, then you probably didn't have what it takes to complete one of the most difficult programs in the world's greatest military anyway. I'm not being an ass, just pointing out something that is obvious to me given my experience.

 

[alfa147x]

Sorry, but I've got to say this.....

If you're still letting your Mom dictate major life decisions, then OCS is not for you. If you really want it, go for it. If you're letting her influence you to not do something you really want, then you probably didn't have what it takes to complete one of the most difficult programs in the world's greatest military anyway. I'm not being an ass, just pointing out something that is obvious to me given my experience.

I wasn't living on my own, if i live under her roof I follow her rules

 

[alfa147x]

And When OCO asked me if I ever smoked weed i freaked the shit out... once over 2 years ago ... but damn I thought that was it!

 

[nick1985]

And When OCO asked me if I ever smoked weed i freaked the shit out... once over 2 years ago ... but damn I thought that was it!

OSO*

:awe:

 

[nick1985]

Heres what happens if you say the word "need"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCGqCGALd5I&feature=related

:awe: They have a 6th sense for anything not proper. Notice how they all swarm immediately? rofl