What advice would you give to a civilian that is applying to OCS?

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:33:16 -0400

I am beginning the process of enlisting as an officer candidate. It seems like getting accepted to OCS is a huge roadblock for some people. What advice would you give to your younger self when applying to ocs? What advice would you give to a civilian applying to ocs? What should I look to improve on or work on? Thanks for the help!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2020 4:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:51:52 -0400

You need to articulate why you want to be a military officer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 4:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:56:30 -0400

If you know what OCS program you are going through ( I worked QA for an OCS School ) they should have a website with some preparation/advice/packing list ect. for their specific school. I do know PT, Ruck Marches, and Land Nav are three BIG ones to prepare for! It is a very physically demanding school so get into the best shape you can prior to going! Your recruiter should be able to give you more insight on the course as well. Best of Luck!

Response by Maj J B made May 13 at 2020 5:11 PM

Maj J B — Wed, 13 May 2020 17:11:44 -0400

It depends on the branch of service. Make sure your in peak physical shape, purchase an ASVAB study guide and understand which tests matter for the required score.
Remember leaders lead from the front! if you are not a good runner you better hit the pavement.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made May 13 at 2020 7:36 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Wed, 13 May 2020 19:36:02 -0400

Thats the road I took many moons ago. I got my degrees then I joined. It was extremely rewarding to me and I spent over a year in training but I enjoy challenges. It is also difficult because you have to succeed at every level. So give it your all and start preparing now, enter basic training in great shape. Keep in mind too that basic is designed to change you into a soldier, and OCS is designed to find your breaking point both physically and memtally and teach you how to be an officer. Don't be one of the crowd, lead in all you do. Have fun too.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made May 14 at 2020 7:27 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Thu, 14 May 2020 19:27:08 -0400

You can also buy a.copy of the Officers Handbook and a military etiquette book ahead of time.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 15 at 2020 1:35 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Fri, 15 May 2020 13:35:17 -0400

Be prepared to experience real change in who you are. Once you join the military you will never see things the same again.

Response by LTC Bernabe Rosa made May 15 at 2020 9:17 PM

LTC Bernabe Rosa — Fri, 15 May 2020 21:17:43 -0400

First; Know what you are signing for and never regret it or give up as it will be a very rewarding challenge and way of living.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made May 17 at 2020 4:43 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sun, 17 May 2020 16:43:06 -0400

Education both Civilian and Military is very important. Masters is where you need to aim. Endorsements from local Congress and Senators along with Mayor, Governor, Company Presidents are also important.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Aug 5 at 2020 5:46 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 17:46:46 -0400

I did the same thing many years ago: enlisted Regular Army -Infantry with a guaranteed OCS class date, provided I passed BCT (Basic Combat Training) and AIT (Advanced Individual Training). My advice is to get yourself in top physical condition: work on your endurance with long runs of at least three miles; your legs, core, upper body and arm strength; your hand-and-eye coordination (play baseball, or practice dry-firing a pistol equipped with a Crimson Trace laser); work on marksmanship with a rifle and a pistol. Become familiar with first aid techniques and camping outdoors. (I’ll probably think of more later.) Good luck and God bless you!

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Aug 6 at 2020 2:37 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:37:02 -0400

I will add that keep in mind the cadre's job is to try and break you, both physically and mentally. They want to see how you perform under duress and how you lead under pressure. We lost half of our class by the halfway point.