My Experience at Marine Corps OCS
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- In this video, I provide an overview of my experience at OCS. There are many directions I could have taken in this video, so it is quite broad in scope. I hope viewers will understand what it is like to attend OCS.
If you have any questions or suggestions for videos you want me to make, please comment or reach out via Instagram. I do my best to respond to everyone.
Member A3/74th OCC 1971! (Yes, I'm Old) Interesting to compare your experience with my experience; some I can relate to, some I can't. I struggled with the physical aspects, and if I had know the level needed I would have joined a club and utilized a trainer. PT was hell. Otherwise, I agree that with the point that the OCS experience was TO subject you to the levels of stress to determine how much you could handle. I can remember, as if it was yesterday sitting on my locker box thinking "I'm not going to give these SOBs the satisfaction of quitting. If they want me out, they're going to have to fucking throw me out!" After that moment, I was home free!!! Think logically; more candidates have completed OCS then have failed. Believe in yourself! Don't try to beat the "Green Machine"! A3 had an attrition of 25%, I think total head count was about 40.
TBS will be another interesting experience; remain confident. I eventually was assigned as Special Staff Officer to the 3rd BN/10th Marines/2D Marine Division/CLNC, Honorably Discharged 1Nov1974. Semper Fi!
Thank you for the thoughtful response and for your service to our country and the Corps. I resonated deeply with your thought: “if they want me out, they’re going to have to fucking throw me out.” I had a similar thought and I think future candidates can benefit from a “burn the boat” mentality.
I am excited for TBS. The first month has been administrative heavy; but as we have started to move more into the basic officer course, I am enjoying the opportunity and and privilege. I feel confident it will make the hell of OCS worth it.
Semper Fi!
Even though I'm in the Marines as a Supply Officer, I love hearing other Marine's take on their experiences with OCS.
thank you, sir! I am glad you enjoyed listening. Hope we get to meet one day. oorah!
Congratulations Lima! I got dropped in week 5. Failure to adapt. I'm proud you made it bro.
you gonna go back? you should... I know several people who have been dropped for fta or leadership and go back and make it through.
If this is the Taj from Norman.. hit me up. 580-278-8137
I graduated this summer. Pick-up day was my birthday. What a way to turn 25...
And yes, they went after law contracts, lol. But I owe them so much for that.
It’s good for the Corps they go after us lawyers. Semper Fi!
I’ve watched your videos multiple times over and appreciate your insights. I take my board PFT on Tuesday hoping to be picked up for September. I am also taking the Bar Exam this July and hoping to become a judge advocate. Hope all is going well at the Naval School of Justice, I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
Thank you for the kind words! I am happy to hear these videos are inspiring and useful. I will continue to document NJS and beyond!
Thank you for your service. Happy 2024. From Sgt USA, 87 to 95 ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Many blessings to you and your family this 2024 !!
Thank you for sharing your experience. As a 25 yr old I am training myself for this decision
Best of luck! You can do it
OooRah! OCS in the spring of 1967 a different experience especially as a mustang and two years into Vietnam War. New 'brown bars' getting cranked out. We had only 10 weeks for OCS. I do remember we dropped buckets of sweat on the Hill Trail. You mentioned a woman candidate followed you as acting First Sergeant. Are women candidates part of the OCS program at Brown Field. In the last century their OCS was somewhere else.
Dropped my daughter off last Sunday. Today starts her second week on her birthday off all days. Praying for her every day... told her to be a leader and not a follower and NEVER give up. Retired AF, but can't wait to be a part of the Marine Corp family
My dad is retired AF too. He was so proud at graduation. Best to your daughter and an oorah to you!
I’d love to see a workout plan/prep for OCS.
Let me see what I can do. I may need to bring on a special guest to help me create something that is worthwhile. Someone who is better at PT than me
I'd love some PT content as well!!@@EduardoLima
During INDOC when was the height/weight taken? Were the candidates who failed h/t w/t and tape with you also attorneys or where some standard rising college seniors?
(Or in other words, anyone else who the USMC had no prior monetary investment in?)
Of those who taped and failed did anyone get kicked out? Great video,thanks
I'm starting my 2L year and hope to attend OCS after I graduate with my J.D. I'm starting to get in shape to prepare, and plan to speak to an OSO within the next couple of months, but I'm worried they won't have all the answers regarding law contracts since I know it isn't super common. I'd love to pick your brain about some parts of the application process specifically as it applies to law contracts, as well as just life as a Judge Advocate. I've spoken to JAGs in other branches but I have yet to find a Marine Corps JA to talk to, and I'd rather join the Marines than another branch.
Shoot me a text and we can schedule a call: 580-278-8137
@@EduardoLima I sent a text, thank you!
Hey man, quick question. I was talking to an ocs recruiter and they said that while im at college i can go for 6 weeks at a time during each summer. Should i do that or go after im completely done with college?
I see nothing wrong with the 6 week option. Obviously you’ll have to go back for a second 6 weeks. So I would say it’s a you decision. What do you have going on that summer otherwise? Could be a good chance for you to dip you toe. Maybe you find out it’s not for you.
Best of luck!
@@EduardoLima i just work construction during the summer. Also, usually im not extremely outspoken, ive heard of people recommending getting through bootcamp not having to be that vocal. But for OCS, as its more of a leadership position, is that something that would hurt me? Or can i just do the work and make it through.
6 weeks at a time worked well for me
the good old days. Brown Field, A co/3rd PLT, PLC COMBINED 87.’ We were well taken care of. We got three square 5 minute meals per day, union minimum 2-3 hours of sleep per day (when not on fire watch) and the Jenny Craig guarantee of losing 25 lbs of muscle in 9 weeks.
Lol. It isn’t that hard anymore. The muscle atrophy is real though
@@Okaybub ha! know what? my OSO never clued me in that OCS was basically a track meet. half my platoon were on college sports teams like track field and swimming. i was a 205 lbs power lifter with an 18-1/2” neck. almost died in first few weeks. seems the bench press wasn’t part of any evolution. thus, after 10 weeks of low caloric intake vice expenditure my body proceeded to eat itself from within. same with Tbs but at least i’d lost weight. but on AD, there was an arms race in the base gym at 0500. who knew? gained muscle back but always knew when the annual pft was.
I had GySgt (now 1stSgt) Velasco during his first cycle OCC 239. I couldn’t say enough good about him!
He knows how to make marine officers no doubt. Thanks for commenting! Oorah
Can you make a video about the SULEs? How to conduct yourself and basic mindsets to be in?
1974...not much has changed..
143rd OCS Honorman. 1990 Now retired. Ooh Rah
Oorah to that sir! 🫡 thank you for your comment
Great video. I’m going in January. I would appreciate some tips on the LRCs and SULES. Thank you
I will make an LRV video this Sunday. And a SULE one the weekend after that. Thanks for watching
LRC*
How is the chow these days? It was great back when I was there, just hated crossing that darn bridge. I've heard the new chowhall is closer to the squadbay. I remember the cake was some of the best I ever had.
I thought the chow was decent on most days. They got a little desperate towards the end of the POI
When I crossed the bridge for the last time to leave Brown Field, swore I’d never return haha
I did PLC Jr at Camp Upshur... and the PLC Jr in Quantico
When did you do your initial ht/wt during in processing? Awesome video, and did anyone get dropped/ sent home for HT/wt during In processing?
You do ht/wt right before pick up (week 1). And no. You get a write up if you fail. I failed ht/wt and I failed tape. They allow you to continue to train. But you have to pass by the end. Which will be easy to do cause you workout so much
@@EduardoLima is it a big deal if you fail ht/wt during in processing and were there a lot of people who also failed with you during in processing? And thanks for replying! I subscribed.
I would not say it’s a “big deal.” Yes, there were others who failed in my platoon. It will make you feel bad, but that’s about it.
Even if you were dropped you joined and tried to serve. Nothing to be ashamed of.
@EduardoLima were the other candidates who failed ht/wt and tape attorneys as well? What kind of candidates were the others (e.g just a basic college rising senior)? Thanks for the videos. Great work.
That’s awsome what OSO office were you at? I’ll be driving from Oklahoma also to the summer course💪🏼
Norman
Get some! (Regarding this summer)
Was there a specific report time for you driving the POV? Or a grace period of days of different arrivals?
Specific time
I want to go to ocs but got raise my asvab score.
Good content man. I’m prior service, did four years in the infantry and finished early 2020. I am going to go after I graduate college here in may. Any tips for a prior service marine that’s decided he’s going back in but as an officer?
None of the boot treatment would bug me, cause living in 29 palms gave me perspective. Mainly worried about the physical parts
Thank you for your kind words.
My thoughts: priors do the best at OCS. You are already use to being treated like a boot from your experience at boot camp. Comparatively, you are probably treated better at OCS. You won’t be phased by any of that stuff.
Physically: for me, the hardest part was my knee. As an older guy you will have more past injuries and our bodies don’t heal quite as quickly. But I know a guy who was age 41 who graduated OCS 244. Another guy age 37. The 37yo failed the E-course and still graduated (that was the only event he failed). If you are able to still run 5 miles in 40 min with boots and utes, you are more than able to go through OCS. Obviously physical recovery will be a big part of your time there. But they have stretch PT days and as long as you are stretching and foam rolling at night, you’ll be good.
Thank you for the comment, you inspired me to make a video on this topic exactly
Disclaimer, it’s been a while since I was at OCS, so things may have changed.
1) if you can apply to attend OCS through the PLC program while in college, instead of waiting until after graduation (via OCC), your chances of being selected to attend OCS are much higher. Back in my day, there were more PLC slots available and less candidates applying. For OCC (after college, there were fewer slots available and more people applying.)
2) you mention physical fitness concerns. If that is a concern for you, I would focus on that immediately. OCS is a VERY physically demanding course and is a significant portion of your evaluation. OCS is a different beast than enlisted boot camp. You are not getting fucked with as much in terms of yelling and fuck fuck games. But the PT is WAY HARDER at OCS than boot. I would advise addressing your PT big time. Especially the running. Humping, CFT, Obstacle, E-Course all are numerous events too.
Yes, I have seen ample prior enlisted Marines fail OCS. And the number one reason that I saw prior enlisted fail was for PT.
I would argue that prior enlisted Marines have a higher success/graduation rate than your average college dude, but I’ve seen PLENTY of prior enlisted get dropped.
Addressing your PT concerns is my biggest recommendation.
3) don’t brag or exploit your prior enlisted experience. Internally, utilize your experience obviously. It will certainly help you bro.
But be advised, all candidates at OCS are considered equal, regardless of previous experiences. So when it comes to status, your prior experience don’t mean shit. You are the same Joe blow as every other candidate. Again, internally utilize your experiences. Just don’t use it as a bragging tool or to one up against someone in an argument.
Let me give you an example:
It’s Week 3, things are stressed. And the Sergeant Instructors are creating internal stress and candidates are constantly bickering with each other.
You are having an argument with another candidate on something. You yell “I was an infantry sergeant for 6 years and that’s how it’s done!”
Big no go man. Most of the prior enlisted guys already know this and are not stupid enough to state this, even if that’s how they truly feel.
Again, yes utilize your prior enlisted experience to your advantage. But keep that shit inside and don’t use it to “one up” anyone.
Obviously you’ll have to fill out your bio and do your intro, which I would say you need to mention your prior experience lol.
BLUF don’t exploit your prior experience as an open status elevator. Your actions should speak for themselves and elevate your status for you, naturally.
It took me twice to get through OCS, I got dropped Week 9 the first time. Hopefully this info helps.
I will say this, having been an Officer for 15 years… You’ve already earned the title Marine. Why would you not join a different branch of service as a commissioned officer lol? The training pipeline and requirements (and overall lifestyle) is much better.
But if you’ve still got your heart set on the Marine Corps and want to come back for Round 2 on the Officer side, more power to you man.
@@samuelnicholas7834 I think you are absolutely right with a lot of this.
As a non-prior, it wasn’t until about week 6 that I started to appreciate the wisdom of the priors, because I was too focused on my own internal battle. Most of the fresh out of college boys won’t care either. But by the time week 9 comes around, most recognize how useful/instrumental the priors have been throughout the process.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on this here. Very useful for other priors thinking about “round 2”
Semper Fi!
Is that 1stSGT Velasco and SSTG Kearns in the thumbnail?
Yes
@@EduardoLima nice, I had both of them as a PLT Sgt while in India and Lima CO..
How was your experience with prior enlisted candidates? I did roughly 6 years and got out as a Sgt and am going to occ here soon in September
they were indispensable. Learned a lot having them in my OCS class.. Stay humble while you are there. Best of luck. Semper Fi!
My son was in ocs class 244
Oorah! What company/platoon?
You have to get 1st class on the initial pft?!
Yes
How many attempts at passing the tests-- both physical and mental-- are you allowed?
If you fail your first PFT when you arrive you will go home.
Academic test you get one shot.
All physical events after the first PFT you technically get one shot. But you will do the event twice. The first time is graded, but not officially graded. It is to give you a baseline before the real test
What do you wear to Quantico when you're first arriving?
“Candidate cammies” (polo shirt tucked into slacks with dress shoes and a belt)
Females as platoon sergeants??
How long is each phase?
Can you tell me what you did to prepare for it?
Watch my most recent video
LIMMMAAAAAAAAA
DELTA 2 SQUAD
😂😂😂
Represent 😤
Always nice to hear other officers experiences. A lot of people say they hated OCS. I personally think it is the absolute best oart. Will never experience anything else like it in your life
I hated it while I was there. But I appreciate it now that I’m not. Thank you for watching.
Is that Gunny Velasco in the thumbnail?
He is First Sergeant Velasco now, but yes.
He was my platoon sergeant when I was in India Company two years ago. He was the best at teaching drill