Posted on Apr 1, 2021
SGT Driver
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I am headed to OCS in June and was wondering if anyone who has gone through it would mind sharing there experience with me. If someone has recently gone through could you explain to me how covid has effected the training? Just looking for advise and knowledge. I just got back from BCT and AIT in October 2020 and have not worked out much since returning home. I am a truck driver so it’s been difficult when you live on the road. I am looking for new career opportunities that keep me home.
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LTC Self Employed
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Edited 3 y ago
I am a courier and my job keeps me in shape. You can still do pushups and pull-ups on the road. Some hotels have gyms as you know. I am sure some of the classes may be virtual. Know your drill and ceremony. You may be a Squad Leader, PSG, PL, 1SG, XO or CO during your OCS time. I went to OCS less than a year out of AIT in the CAARNG. OCS taught us leadership and Infantry tactics. You will be taught this in more detail than basic. No boots, belt buckles or shoes to polish compared to the 1990s. Just do your mandatory online classes. Obey the Cadre. 'Cooperate and graduate is still the norm. Help those who are weak in a skill or subject and others may help you too. You learn there is no 'I' in 'Team'. CSM Charles Hayden
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SGT Driver
SGT (Join to see)
3 y
So compared to basic it is very similar just more detail and leadership oriented.
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LTC Self Employed
LTC (Join to see)
3 y
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SGT (Join to see) - In OCS, always take initiative. Work with others in your group. Learn to not complain. If you think you have a better idea, be polite and explain. You have to learn to work with others because they may ask the group which 3 of you would you like the most and which 3 of you do you like the least. You may be rated by your peers. This is called being 'peered out' . This TV show is on Netflix or amazon prime. It is a show on how secret agents in WW2 are chosen. It may not be this bad but the principles are the same. Be a good leader. Also, your written assignments and giving a class to others will be helpful. You went to Basic, it may be more frustrating or not. Either way, you are prior enlisted so you already have most of this mindset already. I went Military Police. Some went Engineer, combat arms or logistics. If you have issues finding a slot to be promoted later in life as a senior LT or young Captain, go to the Army Reserve. By the way, once you graduate from OCS, you will go 2 or 3 months to Basic Officer Leadership Course in your new Branch. It will not be hard just more detailed. You will be treated with respect. I enjoyed it. Here I was at My Military Officer Basic Course (now called BOLC) back in 1997. I am on the 2nd-row center smiliing. Something to be considered at a Truck Driver. ESGR, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve will protect your job if you are fired or if you are discriminated against if you go to OCS or any other military training and get screwed over. CSM Charles Hayden
https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80195811
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MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
3 y
SGT (Join to see) - I have heard OCS is much more physical than basic and AIT.
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LTC Self Employed
LTC (Join to see)
3 y
MAJ Byron Oyler I have also heard of officers being fired making officer candidates low crawl on old asphalt until their forearms bleed. It can be sadistic sometimes but it's to prove you want to be an officer. Going too far gets everybody in trouble.
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MAJ Brigade Communications Officer (S6)
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OCS is very physically demanding and much more challenging than BCT and or AIT in that you add the element of decision making into the whole process. Be expected to think, and make decisions under duress. While Cadre will get you in shape while there, I would highly advise you do what you can at home to prepare physically for the challenge. The traditional course is challenging enough so you can logically conclude that the accelerated course will be more demanding given the reduced time frame. Know land nav and the TLPs. Be confident, make decisions when in charge, and justify them whether it's right or wrong. My last piece of advice is this, the attrition rate is high but not because OCS is really that hard, it just really sucks (especially accelerated) and people give up.....DO NOT GIVE UP.
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