Posted on May 14, 2018
I just got accepted as an OCS candidate and I am wait listed for a OCS class in July at Ft. Benning. Any help?
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I am looking to hear from those who have been through federal OCS within the past year or two to tell me what to really expect, especially on the physical aspect. I have read a lot about the 5 mile release run but have questions. Is it timed? Is it pass or fail? The last thing I saw was based off of a point system and stated that females had 46:15 to run the 5 mile in. Is that the absolute, no later than cutoff time? Just looking for info and how to be better prepared.
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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I'm currently an OCS student, in intermediate phase.
There are a couple things about OCS that you should know. To begin, you will take a pt test to start the course. Priority goes to the following people:
1) those who are 33 years old (must commission prior to 34rd birthday)
2) all in service (already on ACTIVE duty, does not include prior service reserve/national guard)
3) national guard/reserve officer candidates going back to unit or state
After all those slots are filled, those that remain will be selected based upon PT scores. Historically they have been high, usually higher than a 275-280. Once the quota of 160 is filled, that's it until the next class.
Physically OCS is demanding, not because it's the hardest thing in the world; but because of the repeated wear and tear. I would suggest "hardening" your feet as you'll do pt every day except sundays, you'll do weighted ruck marches every other week with increasing miles and with the new program of instruction you'll spend a total of 4 weeks in the field.
Your feet and body will take a beating. The release runs are no longer a part of the course, there is a "class-up" run at the end of week one and a graduation run about 10 days prior to graduation. Otherwise you'll run plenty with cadre.
Academically speaking the course isn't difficult, providing you follow along with the cadre and take the coursework seriously.
Get familiar with the 5 paragraph operations order. Your skill level with it will decide your branch as almost 40% of your order of merit (oml) points come from writing an oporder and implementing it in the field.
For NCO's like myself coming into the course, it's tough. Be humble and remember your roots. Whether you're a college option candidate or an old grizzled nco, we are all equal here. The cadre and commandant ensure that the course applies equally to all students.
If you have any questions please let me know! My class will graduate in July so my view is still fresh!
Congratulations and best of luck!
There are a couple things about OCS that you should know. To begin, you will take a pt test to start the course. Priority goes to the following people:
1) those who are 33 years old (must commission prior to 34rd birthday)
2) all in service (already on ACTIVE duty, does not include prior service reserve/national guard)
3) national guard/reserve officer candidates going back to unit or state
After all those slots are filled, those that remain will be selected based upon PT scores. Historically they have been high, usually higher than a 275-280. Once the quota of 160 is filled, that's it until the next class.
Physically OCS is demanding, not because it's the hardest thing in the world; but because of the repeated wear and tear. I would suggest "hardening" your feet as you'll do pt every day except sundays, you'll do weighted ruck marches every other week with increasing miles and with the new program of instruction you'll spend a total of 4 weeks in the field.
Your feet and body will take a beating. The release runs are no longer a part of the course, there is a "class-up" run at the end of week one and a graduation run about 10 days prior to graduation. Otherwise you'll run plenty with cadre.
Academically speaking the course isn't difficult, providing you follow along with the cadre and take the coursework seriously.
Get familiar with the 5 paragraph operations order. Your skill level with it will decide your branch as almost 40% of your order of merit (oml) points come from writing an oporder and implementing it in the field.
For NCO's like myself coming into the course, it's tough. Be humble and remember your roots. Whether you're a college option candidate or an old grizzled nco, we are all equal here. The cadre and commandant ensure that the course applies equally to all students.
If you have any questions please let me know! My class will graduate in July so my view is still fresh!
Congratulations and best of luck!
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SGT Christopher Hayden
"you'll do pt every day except sundays, you'll do weighted ruck marches every other week with increasing miles and with the new program of instruction you'll spend a total of 4 weeks in the field."
Oh the the horror!
Oh the the horror!
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SGT (Join to see), I am an active duty OCS grad and I will say that you are mentally stressing yourself on a physical event unnecessarily. Remember, OCS is tough because it is a physical, mental and emotional test in time. Don't sweat it early, just prepare yourself for all eventualities. The 5-mile run is alike to Land NAV or the Road March, you must complete it in a timely fashion. I wish you all the best and don't sweat the small stuff.
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Congratulations on being accepted. OCS is comprised of many physical and mental tests that challenge your ability to make decisions under extreme pressure. I agree with CPT Rana, do not gague yourself based on a single event, the challenge is this: can you lead under stress and perform in an environment of intense pressure. I suggest you prepare by being in the best shape possible (you run and ruck a lot!) and read up on platoon infantry tactics/Ranger handbook. Good luck and stay the course!
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