When requesting Commission, and attending OCS, what are some challenges that one can experience? And how did you over come them?

If you are a competent person with a level head you'll be just fine. Take it seriously at all times (even when it's game playing time). Be in great shape. Don't build up OCS to be something that it's not. It's not difficult to pass, it's more difficult to excel. Effort is everything.

Greatest challenge will be to keep your head in the game as a prior service candidate. You're not too good for anything they do. If you ever think you are, they will identify that and being on the bad side of the cadre is almost a guaranteed recycle.

Peer reviews matter. A lot. So use your experience to help the candidates in your class. Peers aside, helping other people will benefit everyone.

I just went this past summer so if you want more info PM me. This school changes all the time. Experiences will reflect that.

Here's a couple pointers I have some buddies getting ready to to go Benning for OCS:

1) Be healthy and good st PT.
2) Keep your head in the game the whole time. For me, the mental aspect was more challenging than the physical aspect.
3) Study for your tests, ESPECIALLY for the history week (10 days).
4) Act like an officer. We sometimes get bad reps from our enlisted Soldiers, but you're there to become an officer despite that. Embrace it. Act like the professionals we ALL are in the military, but you have to lead that culture of professionalism.
5) LT Everett said it perfectly, "it's not difficult to pass, it's more difficult to excel." This could not be more true. Everyone there is going to be on top of their game and you should be too, especially when it comes to branching week!
6) Be prepared to make mistakes and be very open to criticism. You're going to mess up, take the ass chewing but KEEP the advice and guidance your mentors provide after.

Good luck!

My experience wasn't with Army OCS...but there are doubtless common elements:

1. As a "prior", you're going to probably feel like they're making you do things "all over again"...that's going to sting a little, but always bear in mind that your experiencing the same old harassment package from a different perspective...eventually, your experience will make HUGE differences.

2. We all know the worn out adage, "I ain't paid to think", is a myth at any rank...but you will be evaluated on your ability to think under pressure in a leadership role in much more focused way. It helps to develop a sense of the "bigger picture" early on.

3. You will be competing more than team building...and against younger folks. The cons are that up to now, you've been part of team achievement, whereas now, you'll be individually assessed. The pros are that you understand how it feels to be part of a team much better than most, which will ultimately make you a better leader.

4. Mr. Everett has laid down some great advice...I'll leave it at that.

Bonne Chance!