Considering Joining OCS

[caconrad0825]

New to the forum and possibly to Army life. I graduated in May with both my masters and bachelors in business administration, but unlike what most would think I wanted more. The job security, structure and opportunities of the Army OCS seem to be a fit for my life. Any insight a current or former candidate for OCS could give would be greatly appreciated.

[Batgirl]

There are a few members here who have attended OCS but I'm not sure how often they're able to check in given their commitments. I attended RMAS (Sandhurst) which is where the commissioning course for British Army officers is held and whilst I'm not able to advise on the specifics of OCS, I can offer a few insights into what I experienced.

However, before applying for selection you need to satisfy yourself that the military is the right career choice for you and importantly consider what your motivation is for wanting to become an officer. Leading Soldiers is an honour. The most important lesson you will learn if you do not know this already, is that it's not about you or what you want. It's about looking after your Soldiers and being able to lead them and make critical decisions under very stressful conditions. It requires tact, honesty, integrity, humility, compassion and respect for the men and women under your command. In order to get respect, you have to give respect. The mission comes first and then your Soldiers. You take care of the first two before even thinking about your own needs. Also when the crap starts to fly because one of your Soldiers has slipped up, it's your fault when the OC has you marking time in his box. On the other side of the token, if Cpl X pulls off a blinder, it's him/her who is put up for praise to the OC, not you.

Moving onto the training itself, it is challenging but if you arrive physically and mentally prepared, you will get through it. For us it was 44 weeks of physical training, field exercises, adventure training and academic studies as opposed to 12 weeks I believe for OCS (someone correct me if I'm wrong). It is a big adjustment in those initial few weeks and you will certainly be stressed but just remember you will mess up and it is expected and is almost a requirement for OCdts. It's recovering from those mistakes and putting in the maximum effort at all times and never giving up or cutting corners which the instructing staff will pick up on. Always be aware that you're continually being assessed on your leadership potential not only by the instructing staff but also by your peers. You want to earn both their respect. An important piece of advice I can offer is listen very carefully to your DS and work as hard as possible for him and your CSgt. These SNCOs know more than you may ever do and you don't want to get on the wrong side of them. Nothing gets past them. Our CSM gave us some good advice during our first appearance on the parade square. He said "Cadets, you have two ears and one mouth and for the next 44 weeks I'd suggest that you use them in that ratio." I should also add that a well developed sense of humour and being able to laugh at your cockups is a must as it will certainly help get you through the more challenging and stressful days.

I could go on but hopefully others will jump in with information relevant to the OCS experience.

[caconrad0825]

Originally Posted by Batgirl

There are a few members here who have attended OCS but I'm not sure how often they're able to check in given their commitments. I attended RMAS (Sandhurst) which is where the commissioning course for British Army officers is held and whilst I'm not able to advise on the specifics of OCS, I can offer a few insights into what I experienced.

However, before applying for selection you need to satisfy yourself that the military is the right career choice for you and importantly consider what your motivation is for wanting to become an officer. Leading Soldiers is an honour. The most important lesson you will learn if you do not know this already, is that it's not about you or what you want. It's about looking after your Soldiers and being able to lead them and make critical decisions under very stressful conditions. It requires tact, honesty, integrity, humility, compassion and respect for the men and women under your command. In order to get respect, you have to give respect. The mission comes first and then your Soldiers. You take care of the first two before even thinking about your own needs. Also when the crap starts to fly because one of your Soldiers has slipped up, it's your fault when the OC has you marking time in his box. On the other side of the token, if Cpl X pulls off a blinder, it's him/her who is put up for praise to the OC, not you.

Moving onto the training itself, it is challenging but if you arrive physically and mentally prepared, you will get through it. For us it was 44 weeks of physical training, field exercises, adventure training and academic studies as opposed to 12 weeks I believe for OCS (someone correct me if I'm wrong). It is a big adjustment in those initial few weeks and you will certainly be stressed but just remember you will mess up and it is expected and is almost a requirement for OCdts. It's recovering from those mistakes and putting in the maximum effort at all times and never giving up or cutting corners which the instructing staff will pick up on. Always be aware that you're continually being assessed on your leadership potential not only by the instructing staff but also by your peers. You want to earn both their respect. An important piece of advice I can offer is listen very carefully to your DS and work as hard as possible for him and your CSgt. These SNCOs know more than you may ever do and you don't want to get on the wrong side of them. Nothing gets past them. Our CSM gave us some good advice during our first appearance on the parade square. He said "Cadets, you have two ears and one mouth and for the next 44 weeks I'd suggest that you use them in that ratio." I should also add that a well developed sense of humour and being able to laugh at your cockups is a must as it will certainly help get you through the more challenging and stressful days.

I could go on but hopefully others will jump in with information relevant to the OCS experience.

The info really helped. The American OCS for Army is 14 weeks, which is very structured and has specific focuses for each week. Basic, which must be completed before entrance to OCS (for those not already enlisted), is a 9 week process

Week 1: Introduction

Reception, classroom, issuance of M16A2

Week 2: Focus on Loyalty

More PT and training in basic techniques. Still period of adjustment

Week 3: Focus on Duty

Tactics, Field training on more intermediate techniques (enemy pow, troop collection point, etc.)

Week 4: Focus on Respect

Marksmanship fundamentals. Everything from assembly, cleaning and everystep before ever firing a shot

Week 5: Focus on Selfless Service

Fit to Win obstacle course and Marksmanship Qualifying

Week 6: Focus on Honor

Battle Drill, Squad Training Exercises, Road March

Week 7: Focus on Integrity

Misson Oriented Protective Posture Exercises, Night Infiltration, Movement

Week 8: FOcus on Personal Courage

Bio, Chemical and Nuclear Posture Exercises, Guerilla Techniques, Urban Combat

Week 9: Graduation


Source: The Making of a Soldier (US Army 2008)