I just got accepted as an OCS candidate and I am wait listed for a OCS class in July at Ft. Benning. Any help?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 May 2018 10:56:17 -0400

I am looking to hear from those who have been through federal OCS within the past year or two to tell me what to really expect, especially on the physical aspect. I have read a lot about the 5 mile release run but have questions. Is it timed? Is it pass or fail? The last thing I saw was based off of a point system and stated that females had 46:15 to run the 5 mile in. Is that the absolute, no later than cutoff time? Just looking for info and how to be better prepared.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 14 at 2018 11:17 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Mon, 14 May 2018 11:17:43 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I am an active duty OCS grad and I will say that you are mentally stressing yourself on a physical event unnecessarily. Remember, OCS is tough because it is a physical, mental and emotional test in time. Don't sweat it early, just prepare yourself for all eventualities. The 5-mile run is alike to Land NAV or the Road March, you must complete it in a timely fashion. I wish you all the best and don't sweat the small stuff.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 12:08 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 May 2018 12:08:05 -0400

Congratulations on being accepted. OCS is comprised of many physical and mental tests that challenge your ability to make decisions under extreme pressure. I agree with CPT Rana, do not gague yourself based on a single event, the challenge is this: can you lead under stress and perform in an environment of intense pressure. I suggest you prepare by being in the best shape possible (you run and ruck a lot!) and read up on platoon infantry tactics/Ranger handbook. Good luck and stay the course!

Response by SPC Kim Hunter made May 14 at 2018 2:09 PM

SPC Kim Hunter — Mon, 14 May 2018 14:09:21 -0400

My daughter is suppose to class up today but the active duty slots are limited because of the large amounts of holdovers. She got a 318 this morning but still waiting to hear if she got a slot. She says there were plenty that maxed the PT. If not she will have to wait 6 weeks for the next class. She is college op so don't know if she is competing with prior service.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 5:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 May 2018 17:52:29 -0400

I'm currently an OCS student, in intermediate phase.

There are a couple things about OCS that you should know. To begin, you will take a pt test to start the course. Priority goes to the following people:

1) those who are 33 years old (must commission prior to 34rd birthday)
2) all in service (already on ACTIVE duty, does not include prior service reserve/national guard)
3) national guard/reserve officer candidates going back to unit or state

After all those slots are filled, those that remain will be selected based upon PT scores. Historically they have been high, usually higher than a 275-280. Once the quota of 160 is filled, that's it until the next class.

Physically OCS is demanding, not because it's the hardest thing in the world; but because of the repeated wear and tear. I would suggest "hardening" your feet as you'll do pt every day except sundays, you'll do weighted ruck marches every other week with increasing miles and with the new program of instruction you'll spend a total of 4 weeks in the field.

Your feet and body will take a beating. The release runs are no longer a part of the course, there is a "class-up" run at the end of week one and a graduation run about 10 days prior to graduation. Otherwise you'll run plenty with cadre.

Academically speaking the course isn't difficult, providing you follow along with the cadre and take the coursework seriously.

Get familiar with the 5 paragraph operations order. Your skill level with it will decide your branch as almost 40% of your order of merit (oml) points come from writing an oporder and implementing it in the field.

For NCO's like myself coming into the course, it's tough. Be humble and remember your roots. Whether you're a college option candidate or an old grizzled nco, we are all equal here. The cadre and commandant ensure that the course applies equally to all students.

If you have any questions please let me know! My class will graduate in July so my view is still fresh!

Congratulations and best of luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 10:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 22:09:34 -0500

Im assuming you have already been through the
OCS and the whole process by now. I am at the very beginning point of building my packet and the unit i am stationed at doesnt know much about it.. so that makes it harder on me..we are a small company attached to a brigade. Any feedbacks with the package to start with it would be greatly appreciated. I am a 68D, with 2yrs active. I have a bachelor in arts from europe with legal studies. My gt score is 130 and my pt was 270 in Oct but now looks like i have to take another one within 30days before submitting the package and looking at the cold that its outside idk how ill get a good score again..anyway..pls contact me back here or at [login to see] , i really need help with the package and the branches and cant seem to find it anywhere..thank you!