Posted on May 13, 2020
What advice would you give to a civilian that is applying to OCS?
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I am beginning the process of enlisting as an officer candidate. It seems like getting accepted to OCS is a huge roadblock for some people. What advice would you give to your younger self when applying to ocs? What advice would you give to a civilian applying to ocs? What should I look to improve on or work on? Thanks for the help!!
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
11A: Infantry OfficerOhio ARNG
Officer
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) 11A: Infantry OfficerOhio ARNG Officer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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If you know what OCS program you are going through ( I worked QA for an OCS School ) they should have a website with some preparation/advice/packing list ect. for their specific school. I do know PT, Ruck Marches, and Land Nav are three BIG ones to prepare for! It is a very physically demanding school so get into the best shape you can prior to going! Your recruiter should be able to give you more insight on the course as well. Best of Luck!
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SPC (Join to see)
No Problem! Be prepared to go back to "Basic Training" treatment as well. You will wear no rank, you will be Officer Candidate Newman.
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(Join to see)
The "why" is the most recurring piece of advice I've gotten from reading stuff on ocs, and from talking to people. Thanks for the advice I appreciate it
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MAJ Ken Landgren
There are a few reasons.
- u know what u r getting into
- u will write an essay on why
- u will need 2 articulate why for letters of recommendation (Join to see)
- u know what u r getting into
- u will write an essay on why
- u will need 2 articulate why for letters of recommendation (Join to see)
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Thats the road I took many moons ago. I got my degrees then I joined. It was extremely rewarding to me and I spent over a year in training but I enjoy challenges. It is also difficult because you have to succeed at every level. So give it your all and start preparing now, enter basic training in great shape. Keep in mind too that basic is designed to change you into a soldier, and OCS is designed to find your breaking point both physically and memtally and teach you how to be an officer. Don't be one of the crowd, lead in all you do. Have fun too.
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CPT (Join to see)
Couldn’t agree more. Go in the best physical shape you can. Research memorization items in advance. Jump at every chance to lead. Jump at every detail (odd job or tasking). Try to get something out of history rides and mandatorily fun. Always be positive.
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