BEFORE YOU GO TO NAVY OCS, WATCH THIS!!! | Pt 2 - WHAT TO BRING TO OCS
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- čas přidán 1. 09. 2020
- Disclaimer 1: In the making of this video, I am not claiming to represent any public or private institution. All of the views and commentaries expressed in this video are mine and mine alone.
Disclaimer 2: Use your own judgement, I am not liable for any injury or harm that may come from watching my video. This video is not intended to endorse, promote, or advertise any product or brand. I did not receive any compensation for the making of this video.
Disclaimer 3: Please don't sue me. I'm just talking about what worked for me/what I wish I had known before going to OCS.
Required and recommended items per OTCN site (scroll down and click the tab that says Required and Recommended items): www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Na...
Some links are provided below.
Fox River Socks -
foxsox.com/collections/milita...
(The ones at the NEX are cheaper, but might not be available)
Baby/water body wipes
www.amazon.com/WaterWipes-Nos...
Face wipes
www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Cle...
If you have sensitive skin, bring your own sunscreen (no aerosols)
www.kokuasuncare.com/buy-now/...
Girls: Hair spray! Gel won’t cut it (non-aerosol)
Girls: Bun ring/bun sock. Learn how to do a sock bun. Bobby pins. 2 berets authorized (I recommend them!)
Hair doughnut: www.amazon.com/Womens-Donut-M...
Berets: www.amazon.com/Goody-Clips-Me...
Bobby pins: www.amazon.com/Goody-Ouchless...
Deodorant (perfume not authorized until candio phase)
Anti-chafe stick (i.e.; body glide):
Body glide 1: www.amazon.com/Body-Glide-Ori...
Foot glide: www.amazon.com/BodyGlide-Foot...
Outdoor: www.amazon.com/BodyGlide-Outd...
Mole skin (your class team may or may not authorize it, however)
Moleskin: www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Mol...
Phone cards
Stamps
Gold ball earrings (4mm-6mm) for candio phase: www.public.navy.mil/bupers-np...
Makeup and perfume for candio phase
Ninja star measurement (you’ll be issued a ruler): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
00:55 Boot socks (Fox Rivers)
01:20 Dress socks
03:11 Body Wipes
03:30 Shaving
05:00 Swimsuit for women/shaving
06:05 Blisters
06:38 Anti-chafe stick
07:00 Phone Cards and Stamps
08:32 Measurement Ninja Star
09:45 Clipboard for the bedsheet tuck-in
10:30 Disposable razors to get rid of turf
11:10 Tape
11:55 Combination Locks (Make sure you have 4 total: 2 given and 2 bought)
12:50 Trash can/ trash bags
13:45 Soreness
14:15 Gallon Ziploc Bags usefulness
16:00 Sanitizer
17:20 Laundry
18:20 Stains Tide Pen
19:00 Sunscreen
19:45 Chapstick
20:30 Wearing Jewelry (wedding ring, necklace)
22:50 Insects
23:10 Female Items
24:00 Female hair (pony tail, hair donut)
25:40 Wrist Watch
Thanks for the detailed summary!
@@Mollyloveblue Thought it would help other people because I already re-watched the video like 3 times, haha!
@@sasebobeast that's really considerate! Best of luck to you for a January class, it's gonna be a bit rough with it being so cold, so try to stay warm!
Thank you for these videos! Please keep them coming
Glad they're of some help to people!
Amazing info. Looking forward to learning/preparing more!
Happy to help!
I watched another video that recommended candidates bring COPY PAPER for printing study materials and writing letters. Also, a BLANKET so that you can sleep on top of your sheets instead of remaking your bed every day. Thank you for this series.
Hi! They provide you with a "fire" blanket that gets folded and put on top of your bed. Per the OCR, every candidate will sleep between their bedding. However, when your candios tell you that, they might be moving their head in an interesting way... don't worry about bringing your blanket, you'll have too much stuff to carry as it is.
For notes, you can bring flashcards and carry them in a manilla envelope, where you carry your "PII".
Thank you so much for this video and all your tips!
No problem!
Thanks!!! I’ve been generating my packing list this week so this was perfect timing!
@@erinfranklin5255 happy to help!
This is the most thorough series thank you so much Ma’am! 🫡
Happy to support!
This is the best video
Thank you!!
Thank you for these videos, OCS info online is only so finite so getting a first hand account from someone who went through the program recently is extremely beneficial .
If you were to make another video, could you talk more about what weekly training is like. I know earlier on in the program it’s more intensive but tapers off towards the candio phase. 3 mile runs 3-5 times a week, what pace are they run, how often formation runs are, when doing calisthenic work approximately for how long. Generalizing each week in the earlier phases.
RLP is another thing, from the officers that I’ve spoken to who’ve gone through, they like to keep it somewhat of a ‘fun’ secret, if you could shed some light that’d be awesome. Also classes, I understand generally what the courses are, but how do they operate. How long are they, what times of the day are they, how long do you have after a class is over, do you have multiple classes throughout the day, what do you do afterwards.
What would you consider to be the most difficult part of the entire experience and what was the best/most fun part?
From the point you were selected, how long was it before you got sworn in and a date to ship. I was selected to be an 1810 in May and have yet to get a date, I realize covid and half-capacity classes messed things up a bit.
Thanks again for all the info.
Hey! I am currently working on a comprehensive series that will cover pretty much exactly that! I'm going to have videos that essentially cover each week. The thing is that for those videos, I have to make sure I don't give out any of those "fun" secrets, and only say things that are already publicly available on official navy sites/ videos. Part of what takes so long is finding the exact resource so I don't get into trouble for saying anything that isn't already out there. But yes, I'm working on it!
@@Mollyloveblue Is that an NDA sort of deal or could you tell someone privately. I also understand the idea that if you had to go through it, not knowing what to expect, future candidates should also have to do that same.
@@imxblaze certain things are NDA, but whatever the Navy makes publicly available of their official sites is free game.
Quick question. Can you have your friends swear you? (If they are already officers). I noticed in some the graduation video it’s one mass swear in. Is that correct? Also same applies to the first salute. Thanks!
Yes, it's called a private commissioning. Everyone does the mass graduation together regardless, but you can do the private one as well. Your class team will bring that up as you get closer to your graduation. For your first salute, you can have anyone who is active duty enlisted give it to you. They just come to your graduation, there's no paperwork to do for that. You pick where and when to do it after you grab your commissioning documents.
Hi! Firstly thank you so much for your videos 🙏 I was wondering if they will let me bring in skincare items and 4 rollers for my hair, I have really frizzy curly hair so I use those after washing my hair to tame it
@priscillaadriana2079 for skincare, just call it hygiene and you'll probably be okay, but it honestly depends on your class officer, so they might not let you take it out until Candio phase.
For hair rollers, you'll probably not be allowed to use them until Candio phase. Your hair will be in a tight bun all the time anyway.
Hi, thanks so much for the vids, they've been very helpful! My friend who has previously gone through OCS sent me some OCS uniform items like collar pins, the hat band, and shoulder boards. Is that something I can reuse to save some money on uniform allowance or is it not worth the hassle/getting beat over?
You won't wear the collar devices until you've graduated (during SOC and Candio phase, you'll be wearing midshipman anchors/bars).
For the shoulder boards, it depends on when you're graduating. If you're graduating in the summer, wearing summer whites, you'll use the hard shoulder boards. If you're graduating in the fall/winter, you'll use the soft shoulder boards.
For your cover strap, there are two, one that you wear when you've got the khaki piece on (during candio phase--you wear the aviator cover when in SOC phase), and a different one when you've got the white piece on (for summer whites or dress blues). The cover comes with one strap already, which will be worn for graduation. But the second one will be temporarily issued to you while in Candio phase.
It will be nice to save a bit of cash, but ultimately it's up to you!
@@Mollyloveblue thank you for the response! Just wanted to make sure it was allowed; I was given the midn anchors/bars and both the hard and soft shoulder boards.
This was so useful! Is it just as strict when you get out of OCS when they move you to Pensacola or wherever they move you?
Once you're out of OCS, you don't have any more restrictions except for being a law- abiding citizen, and the stuff in the UCMJ.
Thanks for all the help! Quick question about the shaving and bathing suits... would it be possible to just wear the pt shorts when swimming? Also how does your period play a role if you get it during pool activities?
I think you can wear the PT shorts over your swimsuit if you ask.
Girl, you just put a tampon in and make sure your string isn't showing 😅
If it literally happens while you're at the pool, I'd ask around for a tampon. If no one has it, I'd see if while you're waiting for the group(s) ahead of you to finish, that maybe you can run back to Nimitz to grab a tampon. If all else fails, just keep your shorts on to cover, go in the pool and hope your flow doesn't get crazy while you're in there.
I go this march! Its refreshing to see this from another woman's perspective. Thank you for the tips, and do you know if we can arrive to OCS on the check in date with makeup on? Ill be driving up with my mom and plan to do a last breakfast with her, and shes a facebook mom so theres going to be lots of pictures
Congratulations! I recommend going ahead and wearing the makeup so you can do pictures with your mom, but just know that you'll not really have time to shower the first day you get in, so I recommend bringing makeup removal wipes and getting the makeup off at the gym on base before you run up to meet your candios
What do you carry the hand sanitizer in? Are our pockets big enough to carry stuff? I know this is a wierd question for the males lol but as a a female I'm not sure how to just carry something around like that unless we have really awesome pockets?
The pockets are deep enough for hand sanitizer, though once you're in a set of khakis, not quite so much.
You did say you were allowed prescription medication, but what about birth control used for things other than preventing pregnancy? Should I just not take it and stop before going since the stress may cancel out periods or just hope they let me continue to take it.
If it's a prescription medication, and it was cleared through MEPS that it doesn't disqualify you from joining the navy, then you can bring it. You'll have a check in with medical where you'll show them the prescription. You'll need to also have it ready in case they do a room inspection. I'm not your doctor, so I can't give out medical advice. It's true that some females had alerted menstrual cycles or lost them entirely while at OCS, but everyone is different.
You mentioned a lot of liquids (laundry, lotion, bug spray) is there somewhere there to buy these at the beginning, or should I get them after flying there but before getting to OCS? I'll be flying from across the country.
I would get them after flying. You will have the option after the first week to go to the NEX on base during weekends, but you'll want to get some small stuff to hold you over during that first week.
Hey thanks for this video. How many pairs of socks (boot socks and dress socks) would you recommend buying? Will I need them for everyday?
I recommend having at least 3-4 pairs of each, since you can do laundry every few days.
Thank you for the video! Any tips on what brand of phone card to get? I am having trouble finding one for pay phones rather than mobile phone use
I do know that AT&T sells them at WalMart or on Amazon.
What specific fox river socks meet the Navy dress standard? I’m trying to look on their website and there is over 200 different options! Are they crew, are they knee high? What specifically do you recommend? Thank you!
Just the regular black boot socks that come up to about mid-calf. Don't worry about getting the white or brown ones. The white socks they issue you are for your sneakers, and you don't wear the brown ones at ocs at all.
Make sure that even though you are getting some fox river socks, you still take the socks they issue you, because you'll need those for your RLP inspection.
Thanks for the detailed notes! Do you have any thoughts on menstrual cup vs tampons?
I can't use a cup because I have an IUD, but if you can use it, I strongly recommend it! That or period panties would make your life easier, since you won't have as much trash to deal with.
This has been super helpful as I am shipping out to OCS on 12/19. I haven't been able to locate a list of exaclty what to bring with me as the links on the navy ocs website say its invalid..any advice on where to get this list?
Hi! I updated the link in the description, but it's also here: www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/OTCN/OCS/
Where did you dump your trash at and when was the best time to do it? Also is it encouraged to get a battery powered alarm clock? Thank you for the video!
You won't be authorized an alarm clock, you'll just have to rely on your watch, and they usually don't let you have one in the first phase of training.
Your trash is emptied in the dumpster as you line up before PT, right after reveille
Your videos are super helpful. Do you know if recovery products like bengay are allowed? I’m 30 and the legs hurt a little more after running a bunch and I currently use it to help. Thanks!
Nope, you can't use anything like that or wraps/tape or anything else that could be called "medicine". If you do have pain, you can go to medical and get something prescribed to help out
@@Mollyloveblue thanks for your reply 👍🏽
@@oski1990 happy to help! Best of luck!
Would it be a good idea to come extra prepared by bringing an excess of the same items? Such as 12 socks, double the amount of shirts etc. Or is it better to try to bring the minimum condense everything into one luggage bag. Also in what kind of luggage bag can we bring our stuff in and should we bring one or two?
You bring only one bag. It should be something you're able to carry up and down a couple of flights of stairs, and everything you bring has to be able to fit in a sea bag that will also be holding all of your uniform items and everything else they issue to you, so you don't want that to be too stuffed, or worse-- not able to fit everything.
There is an evolution early on in the program where you have to have a bunch of items clean, de-linted, de-threaded, and folded perfectly. Many of these items, however, are items you won't touch at this point in the program (i.e.; dress socks, coyote brown shirts, white shirts, dress shoes, garrison cover, etc), so they're not going to be messed up and thus you won't need extras. The uniform items you WILL get dirty by this point in the program are items that are issued to you upon arrival (i.e.; PT shirts and shorts, PT socks, your running shoes, your NWU bottoms, etc). Some people, when prepping for this inspection, realize they can't seem to get the turf out of their clothing, and during a NEX trip, they stop at the uniform store to grab more PT gear or towels or whatever.
I wouldn't come bringing double of everything, because you're pretty limited on space as it is, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to do laundry.
Edit: The one really big exception to this is underwear. Bring lots and lots of underwear. You will have to get away with sometimes wearing dirty clothing, but if you have clean underwear, you'll be in a much better place.
Thank you so much for the detailed tips. I leave in 3 weeks so I’m trying to get everything planned in as much detail as possible. Forgive me if I missed it, (and I swear I remember something about this in another video), but did you bring your own running shoes and a pair of very clean running shoes? Also, I’m assuming we can bring our own shampoo/conditioner/lotion. Does it have to be in a small bottle or can it be regular sized? Probably a weird question but just not knowing how much space I’ll have I wanted to ask. Thanks!
For shoes, they'll give you a pair, and you'll be required to wear them the whole time. I happened to get a personal shoe chit because of an injury, but they stopped doing that about 6 weeks later. So you'll just have the pair they issue you for PT and for your RLP inspection.
For shampoo and conditioner, I recommend you go ahead and bring a full-size bottle, I brought travel size and ended up having to buy full size while I was there to refill them. You'll have a decent amount of storage.
@@Mollyloveblue thank you so much! :)
@@tmccord378 no worries!
@@AFlowerBlooming The shoes are terrible. But they stopped allowing people to get personal shoe chits (even though the shoes literally caused people to get stress fractures--H class was the largest company at OCS!), so you just gotta let them issue them to you and see if you can finagle a personal shoe chit. There were 3 brands of shoes when I was there, it was SaS, New Balance, and then some weird mountain brand. All of them are terrible--yes even the NB ones. Not worth the 80-90 USD you're forced to spend your uniform allowance on. And no returns allowed. Maybe you'll get lucky and they won't have your size in stock when you arrive, so you get to wear personal shoes and then just... never pick up the shoes that are on backorder. Don't get shoes before you go, just wear whatever sneakers you already have broken in. There's a lot of marching in the sun, and depending on who your DI is, and what time of year you go, you'll get lots of drill in the sun on the field. Get sunscreen (non-aerosol). You're not allowed makeup, but you can get a tinted/color corrector moisturizer, so long as you don't run around telling everyone what it is/flaunt it. One of my suitemates did that.
What color socks do I need? I saw you hold up a black pair of boot socks but I thought they were supposed to be white. Same for PT socks and dress socks? I also heard coyote brown from other people? And what cut of socks did you use for PT?
They issue you white socks for PT, and you don't need to get any extra. For boots and black dress socks, they do issue you those as well, but you'll want to get the Fox River ones for those. You'll also be issued dress white socks. The only ones I needed were Fox River for dress black and for boot socks. You get the mid-calf ones.
@@Mollyloveblue thank you!!! You're doing God's work out here haha. I'm leaving in a month so I was gonna start to buy everything now to get ready. Didn't want to buy the wrong ones.
@@babineautheory9415 Haha, no worries! Good luck!
Hi Molly!
If you were a Drill Instructor, and during an inspection you ask about something and the recruit just answer: "who cares?"
1. What would you do?
2. Will she/he only get a verbal sanction or she/he better start praying?
3. She/he can quit in any moment?
Since I'm not a drill instructor and have not gone through the training, I can't really say. Based on what the DIs did at OCS whenever anyone so much as looked at them funny, I'm guessing a candidate would have to do some remedial physical training (RPT), followed by a couple of demerits and a meeting with their class officer. If they refused, well, OCS is a voluntary program, and if they're not volunteering to continue, they'd probably be processed out pretty quickly.
@@Mollyloveblue
Well.. RPT it is not a "punishment".. at least for me 💪🏻I consider it an opportunity to be healthier and stronger than the others recruits.
Pd. Did you search how block Google listening our microphones? 👀
Thanks for the insight on OCS.. I am very early though I am making changes now so that I know what to expect one I reach OCS. I expect to start the process now and be ready by mid 2022 ... did you graduate OCS?
No problem, best of luck!
Hi thanks for both of these videos. I have watched so many youtube videos on this subject, and your videos are by far the most informative. 😊 Since this is an older video, I am assuming that by now, you have started life as a Navy officer.
What are your views now on life in general in the Navy, and life as an officer in the Navy? Especially your likes and dislikes.
I just graduated from college and I am currently debating between joining the Air Force as an officer, or joining the Navy as an officer. So any help that you could offer would be very much appreciated.
Thank you 🙂
*Video has been up for less than 9 months*
Gabriel: "...Since this is an older video..." lmaooo
To answer your question: Yes, I have started my life here. General view on it Navy is that it provides some great opportunities. Remember, however, I'm new to the Navy and my only REAL experience in it has been during COVID-19. Given this, I don't think I can really give a fair assessment of the Navy, or really any branch, for that matter. I will say that the Navy has been one of the stricter branches when it came to mitigation efforts, which can be a good thing, in that people following the guidelines will probably have a lower chance of catching or spreading disease, but it can also be quite isolating. It's frustrating, too, when one navy-only billet on a base is so restricted, and then another billet ON THE SAME BASE (which is a joint billet, rather than Navy-only) has minimal restrictions. The lack of consistency across branches is really frustrating.
Outside of the confines of the pandemic, I would feel like I could offer better advice, but I'm not really in a position to do so. I will say, however, that in my experience, even with the pandemic, I've had a pretty great time with the folks I've met, and we've enjoyed each other's company as best we can given our circumstances. Also, in general, being in the military meant that we had to meet up for class/work every day, which provided some social interaction, while the rest of the country was totally isolated. Pandemic-induced languishing hits harder when you're isolated. Having somewhere to go every day, and work to do, and people to talk to really helped all of us get through the rougher patches. Since PCS-ing, as well, I've made more friends and we've been helping each other with quals, getting whatever social interaction we can, and leaning on each other when we need to. I don't know if that's a "navy" thing though, so much as it is a "military" thing.
The last thing I will say is that if you're unsure about which branch to join, take some time to research the different jobs, what you think you'd be interested in, and what your educational/work background looks like. Choose the branch which has a job that most closely matches what you want to do. In the Navy as an officer, you get to choose the designator (aka, job) you wish to apply for. I'm not sure about the other branches. If you want to be a pilot, both the air force and the navy can get you there. Both are competitive, and both are tough.
Can you bring makeup or a straightener for your hair? Are they still cutting women’s hair super short? Can I bring a disposable razor for my own shaving?
You can bring makeup, but can't wear it until the final phase of training. You can bring a straightener, but since your hair will be in a bun the entire time (even during liberty, you have to wear khakis unless you're in a hotel room for overnight), I wouldn't waste the space. They won't even let you have it until the final phase of training. You can bring an electric razor, a re-usable one, disposable ones, or some combination of the three. At OCS, females do not have to get a haircut unless they want to.
I’m married with a 7-yo son. While at OCS, I’m assuming that they must remain at our home of record? While at OCS, will I also receive BAH and BAS so my wife and son can have enough money to pay all the bills while I’m at OCS? Finally, when I graduate from OCS and transfer to Intelligence training for six months, do I get to go home to get them and bring them with me to Intelligence training, and does the Navy get my things and move us as if it’s a PCS?
You will receive BAH while at OCS but only if you have dependents (which you do). When you go to NIOBC, that counts as a PCS move, so you can bring your dependents and your whole household. After graduation from OCS, you will go home before going to NIOBC.
I haven't flown commercially in two years, and I will be flying to Providence for OCS and I'm not sure what the TSA is strict about. Were you able to bring items such as the padlocks and detergent through security without issue?
For carry-on baggage: No weapons (knives, lighters, or guns), and no liquids greater than 3oz. For any liquids that meet the regulation side, they have to be contained in a ziploc baggie.
I would recommend checking a bag to bring your detergent. But combination locks will get through TSA just fine.
For other TSA-related questions, check out the TSA's website: www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
I typically don’t like to go into anything blind. The more prepared the better. Thank you again for the helpful information. Blogs and other sources are often misleading now due to recent changes in protocol. Where and what taxi service did you take to gain entry on the base for processing upon arrival to OCS? My ship date is the October 3rd and I check in on October 4th. I am then quarantined for the mandatory 14 day ROM. Officially start training on the 18th of October. My biggest concern is gaining access and hotel accommodations upon arrival the day before.
To be sure I don't give out any bad information (I didn't use a taxi service to get on base), I would recommend calling the command duty officer (CDO) listed on the website www.public.navy.mil/netc/nstc/otcn/index.aspx and ask them.
To get through the gate, all I think you need is your orders and your government-issued ID, but again, check with the CDO.
Great to know! I appreciate the tips and information you give. Thank you again for the help.
@@J-Heme No problem!
I'll cya there!
Thanks for the great info. Any advice on what phone card I should buy? I went shopping for one today and was overwhelmed by all the different providers, options, and fees.
You want the one that just gives you minutes, not the pay-as-you- go, and not the one with a "sim kit". You want the kind that has the instructions on the back that says something like how to dial out, and then you put in a pin or something. I think they're around 10 bucks each, but don't quote me on that. There shouldn't be many fees other than the cost per minute (and *maybe* the initial cost of actually buying the card?). I would just try to see what the lowest cost per minute you can get it. Some y=mx+b stuff. Y is the total cost of the card, b is the initial fee of the card, solve for m to get how much your rate per x minute.
@@Mollyloveblue thank you!
@@kenseydahlquist4537 happy to help, best of luck!
I leave in one week for OCS! Most of my sports bras are black, will this be an issue under the pt shirts?
If you can see the bra through the shirt, then yes, it will be. You're supposed to wear white or skin-toned (light to dark brown/ beige). If you have access to a yellow PT shirt, check to make sure you can't see it through the shirt. If you can't see it, I wouldn't stress about it. Make sure you check in different types of lighting though.
Hey, Molly! Thanks for sharing the great info. Woth all the PT, how were you all able to get electrolytes in? Could you bring electrolyte tablets or packets for your water?
Hey, happy to help! You're not authorized to bring any supplements or food items, so no water flavorings or electrolytes. But as long as you eat as much as possible for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you won't have any problems with hyponatremia.
@@Mollyloveblue Thank you! Salt my food generously I shall (if we are even permitted to do that). How did you keep all your lock combos straight? You suggest taking 4, and that seems like a lot to remember ontop of OCR knowledge.
@@JNJ99_ You won't even have to salt your food much--they've got you covered, lol. As far as keeping all of my lock combos straight, I started by leaving the combo on the back at first, written on some tape. But after a while, the combos become muscle memory. If your combo lock is locked, they won't usually bother with looking at the back to unlock it. Their job is to get in, make a mess of what they can as quickly as possible, and then move on to the next room.
@@Mollyloveblue awesome! I'll write that down. Thanks so much for the tips, Molly! Are you in primary now? You're SNA, right?
What would be the benefit for priors to bring their enlisted uniforms?
Should priors remove any warfare devices before arriving?
If your type IIIs and boots (black) are still in great condition, then you won't have to pay for a new set. Don't bring your blues or whites, because they're obviously different. You can bring your khaki top and not have to buy one. You should bring your warfare devices, since you will wear them once you get to SOC phase.
Great video. How many people DOR'd in your class? Also, how hard is it to stamp clothing? I haven't seen anything online that talked about stamping.
Thanks! Happy people get some use out of it.
Regarding how many people DOR'd in your class--I wouldn't worry about that. Before I went, I was really worried about DORs, and then I realized that those numbers don't really matter that much to individual students. It's your call to Drop On Request (i.e.; quit). You're not going to GET DOR'd, you are the one who chooses whether or not you want to quit.
Stamping isn't hard. You just need to ask a candio or someone with more experience how to set up your stamp, and any tricks they might have. Then just make sure you stamp EXACTLY as the OCR states.
I WILL say that one thing I didn't mention in here but was a bit of a life saver was buying a THIN black sharpie. That way, if the stamp didn't put down all the ink on the first try, I could kind of fill it in with the sharpie. In one of my "how-to" videos, I'll be sure to include how to set up the stamp kit and how to use it. I'm in transition right now though, so I don't have access to it at the moment!
@@Mollyloveblue Awesome, thanks for your thorough reply. The only things I'm worried about at OCS is PT and drill. I've maxed out push ups, and I just started plank training. I'm most concerned about the run because I run the 1.5 miler in about 13:00, which is cutting close for passing. I have, however, built up to running 30 minutes consecutively without stopping. I'm sure I can get my run time down with the pressure that I'll feel there. I go to OCS in Summer 2021 after I graduate so I definitely have the time. I will literally not accept failure.. I will die trying at least! Haha thanks for your encouragement.
@@hogepoge4098 No problem!
Please don't die, lol.
Also, I see some of your replies you've said to not go ahead and buy everything and wait until I can get into the NEX. Say I did buy most of this stuff already, should I go ahead and bring it? Or bite the bullet and wait
another thing ive seen is that people mail themselves some of their things? do you recommend that? Sorry for the questions! this is just the first platform ive seen genuine responses
What's going to happen is you'll have to show all of your stuff to your candios and they may or may not allow you to bring it in with you. If they don't, it'll go on your Candio bag and you won't get it until the final phase of training.
@onyxmagno827 that's definitely an option, but might be expensive!
Hi again! What are the locks to buy specifically? I'd hate to show up with something that doesn't work. Also, how often do they do laundry? Is it daily or only during certain times? Thanks in advance for the info!
No problem!
The locks you use are the Master black and silver combination locks.
Laundry is done whenever you have time, people usually did theirs in the evenings.
How did you keep all of the combinations straight?
You're talking about these right, Molly? www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SQLJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_Pga1Fb92TQNGZ
Hi, I had another question. I am still kind of confused on the clothes we should bring. Should we bring jackets to OCS? What about shorts or t shirts. Are they going to give us/make us pay for al the clothes there? I did get the fox socks like you said in your video however. It also says on the site that you linked, "Anticipate $3,500 or more out-of-pocket expenses for uniform components and for misc. class costs". I do not have that kind of money...
Don't bring jackets or shorts or t-shirts beyond what is on the list on the OCS website (bring underwear of course). The clothes you arrive in will be the only civilian clothing you'll need (and unless you want to drive in your dress uniform, they'll be the clothes you leave in). Everything else, including your liberty uniform (khakis with midshipman anchors) is issued to you.
You won't pay the $3500 right up front. What happens is that they ISSUE you NEX gift cards (you don't have a choice) that have about $3500 on them (two $1500 cards, one $500 card). This is an interest-free LOAN from the NEX for OCS students. The items you are issued will be charged to those gift cards (unless you have an alternate form of payment).
Here's the thing, at the end of OCS, you'll have to pay back the $3500, so I don't recommend blowing it all, also DON'T LOSE THE CARDS (unless you've used the full amount on them), they don't have your name on them and anyone who finds one can use it and YOU will be held accountable. Near the end of OCS, you'll get an $1800 check deposited into your account, which is your uniform allowance. Whatever is left on the cards will be used to pay down the balance you owe to the NEX, and the $1800 should be used towards it as well. While you're in OCS, you're getting E5 pay (unless you're a prior at a higher rate).
TL;DR: You get $3500 as an interest free loan. You must close this balance before graduation. You get $1800 in a uniform allowance, and you get E5 pay while you're at OCS. You don't have to have $3500 on you when you go, just anticipate that you'll owe about $3500 when you leave if you spend the full amount on the gift cards (or if you lose them).
@@Mollyloveblue Thanks for the detailed and timely response. I really appreciate it.
@@DarkElmoSlayer No problem!
Curious did you know or see anybody that had a CPAP at OCS?? I’m applying and I’m not disqualified for having it so I just wanted to know if anyone has had experience with people having it there.
I personally didn't know of anyone with that while at OCS
Hi! Do you know if you can bring insoles for running shoes to OCS? I have waivers for prior knee issues, but not prescription orthotics. I didn't know if they were authorized or if I would have to get a chit. Thanks!
No one will be checking the inside of your shoes. Ever, lol. I bought superfeet for my boots and my sneakers while at ocs.
Mollyloveblue haha okay thank you! Different forums say different things so I didn’t know. Thanks so much !
@@meredithjohnston13 no worries! Best of luck!
Unrelated follow-up! Can you wear earring retainers (clear plastic, flat studs) so that your piercings don't close up or will these cause problems? Thanks!
@@meredithjohnston13 you're technically not allowed anything like that, but you're also undisturbed from 2200-0500, so... 🤷♀️
Is it possible to bring vitamins to OCS? Thanks for the awesome videos!
Of course-- happy people get some value out of them!
You are authorized 1 daily multivitamin, that's it. You have to clear it with your class team, too!
@@Mollyloveblue Wow, so strict! I guess i should've expected that hah. Thanks so much for giving me a heads up. Hope to catch u on your future videos. :)
Is it recommended to bring a wool blanket?
No, you'll have blankets issued to you while you're there.
It is so hard to find Marine OCS videos. I can't find anything and when I do, it's from a male perspective and not much info. I know your videos are from a Navy OCS perspective but I wonder if it still applies? Or do you know and female Marine offices that completed OCS?
Hi! A lot of this particular video still applies. Marines do their OCS a bit differently, as it has more of a physical focus, but you'll still need things like face wipes, tampons, a hair donut, sunscreen, etc. I'm not sure if/when marines get to start wearing earrings during their training. I recommend checking out some female marine officer forums!
@@Mollyloveblue ok, thank you!
@@CM-wu2qn No problem!
Am leaving next week
A candidate friend who graduated advised against getting a lot of stuff
I am sure things you went over may or may not be available at the exchange, can you confirm please?
Also
I am nervous about the inspections and physical, running time is slow (barely the bare min) and they’d only allow someone to roll. Any experience that you can share of how they bring u up to speed in 3 weeks ?
Mostly everything you can get from the NEX. Don't bring a ton of stuff right away, but be ready to buy it.
To improve your run time, they'll have you do sprint training. You'll sprint about 30 seconds for each minute you jog. Over time, it improves your run time.
@@Mollyloveblue really appreciate the quick response.
I guess at this point maybe because I am nervous and honestly afraid can ask a million other questions regarding any evolution especially the ones that get the many roll backs ( IST/PFT, RLP and maybe more), and of course the fear of failing
But I guess it all boils down to, taking breath. Do the best you can and not to be afraid of the worst.
Encouragement or insights much appreciated.
You did a great job with the explanation
Hope you are doing great at your designator and duty station.
@@mawas6801 totally normal to feel nervous! Just be ready to embrace the suck, do your best, and even if you DO roll into H, know that it's not the end of the world and that if you keep pushing, you can get through it!
@@Mollyloveblue 🙂 appreciate the encouragement
I will and have been pushing hard since January when I was doing a mile and a half In 19 mins down to 14.5 (am above 5,000 elevation), it’s that physically still barely min and with all the suck and evolutions that fear of strikes in.
Yes, rolling into H block isn’t the end of the world but there is a limit of how many times one can roll 😨
Sorry for the negative vibe, it’s a life changing occurrence and I can’t think without the overwhelming sense.
Did you have to wear a mask during workouts or any other times?
If you go during covid season, you'll wear a mask during drill, but not during morning PT.
@@Mollyloveblue thank you! I was getting nervous that i was gonna have to wear a mask while running lmao i leave on Saturday to quarantine and start OCS on the 7th
@@maxcollins1621 no problem!
For the foxriver dress socks you didn't mention if they were the lightweight or ultra light weight? Which ones would you prefer for boots and which ones for Dress socks?
The dress socks are pretty thin, but the boot socks are nice and cushy. I'm not sure which ones are light or ultra lightweight. The boot socks you can get from the NEX in newport, but the dress socks are harder to come by except online.
@@Mollyloveblue okay thank you! I will be pre-ordering boot socks and dress socks before just to make sure I have them on hand before heading in ROM.
@@sniffen_outdoors Best of luck!
To add to this what length were the dress socks? I see crew length and knee length and I’m not sure which to buy
@@armoneyemmanuel2978 crew is about mid- calf high, and knee is, well up to your knee. The socks we wore for dress socks and boot socks were up to our mid calves.
And you can just bring all of those extra items without them giving you grief? Love your videos btw!
They'll have a time when they give you your sea bag and you dump all of your stuff out of your "lucky bag" (the bag you show up with) and they will go through it and say "this is authorized, this isn't", etc. Whatever is not authorized will either be left in your lucky bag until candidate officer "candio" phase (or if it's truly heinous, you'll have to toss it), and whatever is authorized will go in your sea bag. You should bring a manila envelope for whatever PII documents you have (i.e.; birth certificate, driver's license, debit card, etc), and if it's roomy enough, you can stash flash cards in there, along with the measuring gauge.
Glad you're enjoying the videos!
@@Mollyloveblue Thanks again for another great video. I'm taking notes for my packing list now! Are there any requirements surrounding the "lucky bag?" I'm guessing a small duffel bag would be permitted, right?
@@anthonywcsu I'd check the ocs website just in case, but to my knowledge, there's not really any restriction on the size of your lucky bag. I will say that you're going to have to go up and down several flights of stairs with your bag until they take it from you, so I don't recommend bringing anything huge. A duffel bag is fine.
@@Mollyloveblue Alright, thank you for the heads up!
@@anthonywcsu no problem!
Do the fox river socks have to be black or would tan/brown be permitted?
At OCS, we were not allowed to wear any boots except the black steel-toed ones, and the socks they made us wear with those were black. No tan/ brown
@@Mollyloveblue Got it! Thank you for the helpful information!
@@corinneflorie5979 No problem!!
Hi, could you help describe what type or bag should I bring? Are you only allowed one? Should it be a duffle bag? How big?
Thanks!
I brought a standard large travel suitcase with wheels and an extendable handle.
@@Mollyloveblue Thanks so much! You’ve been a great help. Last question, on the list of items it says to expect to spend $3,500 out of pocket for uniform expenses. Was that the actual case?
@@kenyeah8775 of course! Yeah, the price is pretty accurate. You won't need to have $3500 saved up before you go though-- you'll be given an interest-free loan in the form of 3 NEX gift cards. Two of the cards have $1500 on them, the third has $500. At the end of your time, you return the cards and pay for whatever you used (don't lose these, or you'll have to pay the full amount). While you're at OCS, you'll be getting paid as an E5, and when you get to the end of candio phase, you'll be given a one-time uniform allowance of $1800 added to your paycheck, which will help cover some of the costs. Before you commission, you'll have to pay off whatever you charged to the cards.
What type of watches are sold at the NEX while training?
The NEX has a variety of watches available, but I would get one before going, because you'll have an opportunity to test it out and make sure the alarm actually wakes you up.
Thank you very much!
@@J-Heme No problem!
Will someone who attended OCS send me their email address i have questions im currently in A school and would love to go the officer route since im qualified thank you 😊
Thank you so much for this! I'm sorry if I missed this portion, but how many body wipes would you recommend bringing? My pre-OCS adrenaline shopping is telling me to order 100+, but I don't want to look like a goober showing up with too many. Thank you again!
Lmao at your use of "Goober" I love it!
You'll have opportunities to go to the exchange to buy more, but to start, you gotta think one for the face, one for each armpit, and one for down below, about 2 or 3 times a day. Your first 5 days though, you're not getting pushed, so you won't need as many. I'd say 30 will get you started, and you can get more at the NEX after your first week. Good luck!
@@Mollyloveblue If that wasn't an appropriate time to use the word "goober" I don't know what would be! 😂 A few more quick questions, if you don't mind! What kind of clothes did you wear to check in and for ROM? Did they supply you PT clothes during ROM? I'm trying to figure out if I can wear my usual workout leggings for ROM PT or if I need to grab some gym shorts. Thank you so so so much!! You're amazing!
@@joellealexander7006 you'll check in wearing civvies (I just wore jeans and a t-shirt, with my hair up in a bun). They do give you pt gear, but you're not required to wear it during ROM. You just have the option to, if you'd like, or you can bring comfortable civvies and wear those instead. While you're in ROM, you're not actually "in" OCS, and you'll be confined to your room, with the exception of doing laundry, which you can do as long as you wear a mask.
@@Mollyloveblue Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
@@joellealexander7006 no problem, best of luck!
How difficult is it to keep a journal?
It isn't, you just have to use your time wisely. I would scribble notes down whenever I could into a small notebook in my pocket throughout the day, and in the evenings if I had time, I'd write down a more complete account of everything. You could also write letters and send them home and you'll be able to look at them when you commission.
@@Mollyloveblue Thats a great idea! Thank you
Hello Ma'am,
Can you suggest what bathing suit is appropriate for females? Also, are shorts over the bathing suit for modesty approved?
As long as it's dark blue or black, and is a full coverage (no thong) one piece, you're good. You can wear the navy pt shorts over it, but I don't recommend it during the actual swim because it'll just bog you down.
@@Mollyloveblue thank you ma'am!
@@melissasafford1533 no problem!
May I ask your designator/rate as a Navy officer? How do you like it, or not like it, so far? Thanks.
Hi! I don't share what my designator is or where I'm stationed on CZcams-- but I will say that I do love what I do and I've had a lot of great experiences since joining! If I had to do OCS all over again to keep doing what I'm doing, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
@@Mollyloveblue very nice. I was prior enlisted as a corpsman and had quite a bad experience I must say. But I don’t think being an officer is the same thing. (Also I was stationed with Marines, green side). There’s a lot to weigh, but I’m thinking of going Human Resources or Admin designator. If you have any input on those designators or recommendations I’d appreciate it. 🙂
@@Kingx90 I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience! There's ups and downs with every job. I'm thankful that mine has had more positives than negatives, and I've met some really great people along the way!
@@Mollyloveblue thank you. Are there any designators you recommend, or recommend avoiding?
@@Kingx90 The designator you choose will depend on what you're interested in, what you're good at, and what you have experience in. It will also depend on how you do on the OAR/ASTB and your GPA. Do your research, talk to people on navy forums, and reach out to people in various designators to get an idea of the pipeline for each. See what you're interested in and whether you'd like to do one tour or a whole career. Best of luck!
Kind of a silly question, do guys get any sort of haircut before or at OCS?
For men, the haircut is mandatory at ocs. They'll get a buzz cut day one. No need to cut their hair beforehand, because the buzz cut is required regardless. For females, no haircut is required.
@@Mollyloveblue Thanks for the info! Since we have to pack clothes for ROM, I am having trouble fitting everything into a duffle. Do you think it would be ok to bring a duffle and a backpack?
@@firetail29 for ROM you won't need that much to wear-- pretty much just 3 outfits, because you can leave your room to do laundry, so long as you wear a mask. So don't bring too much for ROM.
@@Mollyloveblue Gotcha, thanks! Your videos have been really helpful for preparing!
@@firetail29 happy to help!
Are the following items cleared for OCS? What happens to the items that I bring but are not allowed?
- Vitamins
- Shirt stays
- Printer paper
- Wrist watch
- Alarm clock
- Stick roller
Thank you so much!
Only a single bottle of a multivitamin, and no alarm clocks. You'll be issued shirt stays. Printer paper may be brought in a manila envelope along with your birth certificate/orders/other PII. Wrist watch is fine, stick roller fine.
For blading males, are they allowed to shave their heads?
All males are required to get a buzzcut, so you'll be good!
@@Mollyloveblue I was think if Candidate Officers could shave their heads to the scalp?
@@beauxdavis candios can shave completely if they want.
I use vaseline for chafing is it allowed to being or sold at NEX?
You could bring it, but it might get put into your candio bag and you might not get to touch it until candio phase.
Also do I bring a box of tampons?
Watch the video, girl! All of your questions are answered in it, lol 🤣
Haha thanks sorry got carried away
@@danireyofsunshine no worries, I was the same way. Best of luck!