Accepted for Marine OCS - any tips/suggestions?

[Synpax]

Sup. Found out I got in. June 6 is the show-up day.

My PFT now is 288, should be mid-290s by the time I get there. Going to buy a book on USMC history and get someone to let me practice with an AR-15 (m-16 equivilent?) - not just shooting, but disassembling/reassembling.

Any advanced info would be helpful. If you've been, just share your experience with me.

 

[Rex]

I'm about to go house hunting. PM me and I'll hit you back with what I learned from Recruit Training at Parris Island two years ago, and what I came across in the fleet.

 

[jnuts]

Congrats! I have zero suggestions for you. My time of happiness was too long ago (1985) and in a different service (AF). It will suck, but that is the nature of the beast.

 

[Synpax]

Thanks.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

quit now while you're ahead?

i got out in march 2001. enlisted.

i enjoyed the times i had, for the most part, but i'm glad it's over.

don't worry about learning to assemble and disassemble the M16. piece of cake. i knew nothing about guns and i learned quick. easy as hell to do. it's been well over 3 years since i've touched one and i could do it no problem if one was put in front of me. you'll learn fast.

and that PFT score...that's awesome. just remember, not everyone running behind you is as fast....have SOME sympathy

 

[Rex]

Synpax: Can you describe the process for going the officer route. IE. what the recruiters said. MEPS process, etc.

 

[thelegacy again]

synpax thats awesome---im trying to get into the October OCS camp right now (i started a little late). my buddy just got accepted for the june 6 camp also --my other friend did 6 weeks of OCS over last summer and he will finish the second 6 weeks this summer. how many times did you take the PFT------please give me suggestions on what will increase my chances...I just finished playing football and my recruiter said my biggest problem was my weight cuz i weighed 250 lbs at the time..get this he said i needed to be under 203lbs----BUT i put the work in and now im 207 just 4 lbs away from 203--im trying to get in --- oh yea what was your time for the 3 mile run?

 

[Longhorn85]

Congrats, I would recommend going on ebay and buying the USMC Small Wars manual. It is over 60 yrs old but will help prepare you for your duties as a combat leader.

 

[chewyxrage]

have fun my brotha

 

[Synpax]

Heya,

To answer you guys:

Rex - Well, you know the PFT thing. You have to be 29 or under, a college grad with a 2.0 or higher GPA, and can pass the MEPS (health inspection). All but the last can probably be gotten around with waivers. The recruiters make you do a hell of paper work, answering very personal questions, etc. First you have to pass the MEPS and then you take a PFT. You gather recommendations, do a background check, etc. Then you wait after you apply and they tell you that you're in or you're not. What more specific questions do you want answered?

thelegacy_again - I think you can get a weight waver if you have a first class PFT (225 or higher). Anyway, how many pullups can you do now and how fast can you run with all that weight? Basically just get your PFT as high as possible and be advised that the run is looked at more than the total score. 20 pullups doesn't impress them much. An 18 minute 3 mile does. I clocked 20 flat the last time I tested. I will be faster next time. Oh - and contrary to what they tell you, pushups do zero for your pullups.

Longhorn85 - I have a lot of reading to do to prepare and that has been added to my list.

ChewYxRage - I plan to. Right now, life is as perfect as it can be.

 

[manny78]

Sup. Found out I got in. June 6 is the show-up day.

My PFT now is 288, should be mid-290s by the time I get there. Going to buy a book on USMC history and get someone to let me practice with an AR-15 (m-16 equivilent?) - not just shooting, but disassembling/reassembling.

Any advanced info would be helpful. If you've been, just share your experience with me.

Yeah, practice a bit with an AR-15 and its iron sights (or ghost rings). Also try a Beretta 92FS and a 1911 (Recon are issued this pistol). This way you wont get there and feel like a total newbie. Good luck.

 

[Synpax]

Thanks!

 

[juve]

synpax: is that why you needed to accomplish that 5k-race? either way I don't know what OCS means, but congratulations


marines - sounds tuff, they make you run a lot?

 

[Synpax]

Longhorn80 - FYI - You can get that manual and a 2004 draft version of 21st Century small war online here
http://www.smallwars.quantico.usmc.mil/

Downloading now.

 

[Synpax]

Juve - Yes. Officer Candiate School. Thanks. Yes.

 

[Rex]

Synpax: how strict were they about the tattoo policy? I went in with 3 but have since doubled that amount.

 

[thelegacy again]

i can do 20 pullups ans sit ups are good but i am worried about the running---when i ran alot (i was much smaller then) i ran a 20:00 3.1 miles---im sure its alot slower now but i guess i will just continue to run

 

[Synpax]

Rex - I really don't know. I don't have any. I think it depends in part on *what* tattoos you have, but honestly don't know. Maybe you should talk to your OSO.

thelegacy_again - that sounds pretty phenom for a guy your size. You shouldn't have any trouble getting in.

 

[Rex]

Snypax: I was under the impression that they have certain "standards" for officers to be accepted. Of course that impression was given to me from officers.

 

[Lestat]

good luck man, congratulations.

 

[Synpax]

Rex - Yes, there are standards. Basically:
- Good PFT
- 4 year College Degree /w above 2.0 GPA
- No medical conditions that would interfere
- Age 29 or under.

That's about it.

Lestat - thanks.