What are some good steps to take in anticipation of state pre-OCS and OCS? What advice can you give?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:11:19 -0500

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 17 at 2018 6:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:16:30 -0500

Become a stud by deed an reputation. Think why you want to become an officer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 6:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:25:07 -0500

Be physically fit. Be able to do 270 or above on the existing APFT Know some military history. Keep up on current events. Read the paper, listen to the news. Watch the History Channel, study up on your soldier skills. Be ready to have a Cadence call available. Having a laptop and a good printer. A good color printer could be a cheap $60 printer. You already have good mentors on rallypoint so you are on the right foot.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 6:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:34:03 -0500

Spool up on map reading and land navigation, I saw many sent home over this failure. Learn the 5 paragraph OPORD and ALL of it's intricate sub-paragraphs. As previously stated, be a PT STUD! Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. And perhaps the best advice I can give you....be 100% sure you want it. Tenacity is a virtue you MUST have. Those who are not 100% committed will not succeed.

1LT Michael T Eble
INARNG
State OCS Class 56-10

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 6:35 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:35:39 -0500

Download a copy of the Officer candidate guide online. Lots of relevant information in there.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 6:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:55:13 -0500

Be a go to guy. When someone needs help, you are the guy who figures it out. Good for peer evals. Volunteer for everything. That whole nonsense of "not volunteering for anything" is how you become a grey man and stagnant. Stand out. Carry the weight. Speak up. Don't be an a-hole. Get passionate about learning how to land nav, communicate by tactical radio, OPORD, TLPs, and make a sound decision. Don't get discouraged when you learn you've got room to develop.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 17 at 2018 9:14 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:14:40 -0500

Develop sound time management practices! This takes practice and can irritate people when you move on to another subject or AO! SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Learn to be brief, say what you want to communicate and shaddup!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 7:35 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 07:35:51 -0500

Keep your eye on the prize. Traditional state OCS is a very long process but it will get you ready for what it’s like being a PL in the guard or reserves. Also when leadership is assigned try to help out as much as you can. Also be a good joe when you’re not in leadership and be in charge when you are. The cadre may not seem like they are paying attention at all times but trust me they are. Also when you get to the end of phase 2 and 3 make sure you have a good OPORDER shell for the STX lanes it will allow you to spend more time on your sand table and practicing your brief. Good Luck at OCS

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 5:29 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 17:29:29 -0500

I was AF OTS, but I can tell you that the 2 "Priors" in my Flight were a godsend. They knew the AF ways and could explain it to us newbies! Be prepared for alot of clueless "I-was-a-civilian-yesterday-and-now-I'm-an-Officer" types asking lots of questions!

Good advice on the printer (wish I'd had mine), and don't forget paper (the printer for the dorm floor NEVER seemed to have paper).