Are uniforms issues prior to OCS for prior service?

2021-04-27T08:29:25-04:00

I am a prior service marine going to army OCS, to hopefully join the army Reserve. My question is, will there be a uniform issued to me, or will I need to cover it out of pocket? Secondly, does anyone have any online resources to hone your land navigation skills? Thank you all in advance.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 8:56 AM

2021-04-27T08:56:51-04:00

I can’t quote a reg or policy but I received a full issue of new uniforms (in 2005) and I was prior enlisted Army (with a break in service) when I went to OCS. My assumption is that you will receive a new issue of uniforms. They will get you set up at reception prior to signing in to OCS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 9:37 AM

2021-04-27T09:37:41-04:00

Your first stop at Benning should be 30th AG (Reception BN) for a few days where you’ll in process the Army and get all of your medical, dental and vision stuff done. There you should receive the initial issue that everyone gets when they join.

For land nav, don’t sweat it too much. You’ll get a few days of classes on land nav when you get to OCS and you will get a lot of practice out on the course before you actually test. The land nav pass rate at OCS is very high. We only ever recycled like 2-3 Candidates a class and most of the time no one failed. If you want to read ahead you can Google TC 3-25.26 Map Reading and Land Navigstion.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 27 at 2021 12:47 PM

2021-04-27T12:47:09-04:00

All uniforms will be provided. For land nav, check Youtube. There are quite a few good veteran/service member channels dedicated to it. I don't have any saved, but just put "Land Nav" in the search bar and it should give you a good list. All the best !

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 2:56 PM

2021-04-27T14:56:21-04:00

Until the day you commission, all uniforms food and housing are provided. The day you put on that gold bar everything changes and it’s on your dime.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Apr 27 at 2021 5:20 PM

2021-04-27T17:20:48-04:00

Good Luck Sgt....

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2021 6:37 PM

2021-04-27T18:37:19-04:00

Thank you very much; a big reason I created this post was that there was no information

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Apr 27 at 2021 8:47 PM

2021-04-27T20:47:30-04:00

Land Nav with a map and compass really isn't that difficult. If you want some practical experience, google "orienteering". Yes, it's a college sport, and fun, too. There may be someone in your area who can hook you up with a team so you can brush up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-04-29T17:44:43-04:00

I would recommend purchasing a few protractors from Ranger Joes and maybe some pace count beads before you report. The protractors they provide to you in OCS are ‘fine government quality’ which means you’ll be slightly off when plotting your points. This deviation can translate into being way off target when pacing to your point.