Pointers for AC Army OCS

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:29:25 -0400

I just got word last week that I was selected to attend OCS. I've been enlisted just over 3 years as a 13F. Earned my BS back in 2011...

I'm wondering there is anything I can do to prepare outside of the obvious? I will ensure I'm in great shape. I found a study guide online with various required knowledge (i.e. Alma Mater, 3 general orders, etc). What are the areas that cause the most issues? Is there anyway to get a head start on some of these things? Any tips or experiences are more than welcome. If you have knowledge to offer, please share it. Thank you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 10:31 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:31:13 -0400

Congrats future sir!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 10:43 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:43:42 -0400

First off, congratulations CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member! I can't speak for the Army, but in terms of the AF, you hit all of the important bullets that you CAN prepare for. The rest is mental. Getting yourself in the game and knowing that unlike in basic, the point is NOT to hide and hope to go unnoticed. Know that you will have to tackle multiple taskings under stress while delegating others, praising and redirecting along the way.

Best of luck to you!

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 12 at 2015 7:28 AM

CPT Bob Moore — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 07:28:41 -0400

Congrats! I can't speak for OCS, but be prepared for the change from NCO to Officer. The roles are different.

When I made the transition, I found an NCO that trusted and asked him privately to let me know if I started crossing back into NCO business.

Again, congrats!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 12 at 2015 9:40 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 09:40:33 -0400

Also can't help with army specifics. From a Marine perspective you must refuse to quit. Refuse to listen to people implanting doubt. Be as in shape as you possibly can be. Set the example. Ductus Exemplo.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 10:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 10:28:26 -0400

SGT Michael Everett, congratulations.
Having gone a couple of years ago, I will tell you what made a difference to me.
All of these proved to be important, only you can assign subjective values when you attend the school. Most of all, be ready to compete from day one:

1- Attention to details, and it starts with the specific packing list required. The website has the current approved packing list. Start on it early.
2- You really need to be in shape in order to class-up (making the cut for the next class), because only the top APFT performers leave HHD in the first two tries. If I remember correctly, our class cut-off score was 287; meaning only those scoring and above were in (they still used the extended scale then).
3- Don't shy away from volunteering for leadership assignments. You'll come off ahead if you do. You need 51% of your leadership look to pass the course. Think of having occupied 1SG+Commander and Platoon SGT, if you fail Commander but passed the other two you're at 66% of your leadership look.
4- History and Calling For Fires were killers exams for my class. so,pay close attention to these classes.
These are what came to mind. Wish you luck at OCS!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 12 at 2015 3:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 15:18:34 -0400

Be in top shape and be prepared to run a lot. Know some basic infantry skills. Don't lie, cheat, or steal. Take your car because the second half can be more relaxed on limitations. You will have to memorize the OCS smart book. You will get one leadership position amongst different operations. The cadre understands honest mistakes, you aren't even an officer yet. Don't be a BF. The focus is selecting the best candidates for OCS, not washing people out unless they can't accommodate the aforementioned demands. They will ask you which branch you will desire. Combat arms are the easiest to get, REMF jobs are harder. Which branch do you want? Good luck, and you read the post about leadership philosophy, and ask what does it entail to getting your own PLT.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 9:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 21:14:11 -0400

Congratulations! I just recently graduated in March, and I was also prior service enlisted. I'm actually still at OCS acting as one of the training company's XO until IBOLC. For in-service candidates, it is a bit of a culture shock because some expect it to be a gentleman's course. It is not. Come ready to be treated like everyone else, with the first four weeks similar to basic training. OCS is mostly student led, so there is a student CO, 1SG, XO, etc. and you are expected to make decisions and lead. In service personnel are generally given the top leadership positions at the beginning to teach the college option candidates how the Army works in terms of chain of command, marching, customs and courtesies, etc. We currently have a class with no prior service and its a challenge to get them to leave basic training mode and think for themselves. You will be a valuable asset in this.
The course is not difficult for those with prior service. You will probably not learn a lot of new things since the course focusing on teaching leadership from the ground up. Do be in good physical condition but it won't make a difference for classing up unless you fail. Study the required knowledge but make sure it is up to date because it changes every six months. Make sure your packing list is straight, and pay attention to detail. The usual.
Branching is based on OML, with events like the APFT, two 3 mile runs, LRC, CWST, history test, and some others which determines your branching rank, thus effecting your pick of branch. Usually MI, IN, and AR go first so if you want those, aim high. EN, CM, QM go in the middle, and FA, Trans, go near the end.
If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a message.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 20 at 2015 12:11 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:11:53 -0400

SWEEETTTTT!!!! Congratulations CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member !!!!

1. Be in the best shape ever.

2. Study all the online stuff you can find for required knowledge, so you are ahead of the game.

3. I would also recommend you know Operations Orders (WARNOs, and FRAGOs too), and Troop Leading Procedures, etc.

4. Brush up, and practice, Land Navigation.

5. Be good team player. Lead when it is your time, and be a good follower when you are not in charge.

6. Don't live in the past (where you came from), rather use your experience to help you, your squad and your platoon. Keep you mouth shut.

7. Take one day at time.

8. Never quit.

9. Be a sponge; learn all you can.

10. Remember, many many others have done this before you, so you can too.

Congratulations again and good luck!!!

OCS Class 1-85

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 8:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 08:08:02 -0400

Sgt, there are some very good books you can pick up I can't remember all of them off hand most say beginning officers or young officers guide they will give good information, I myself hope to ascend to the officer ranks in time. To be honest if your PT is good and you have basic knowledge you already have a leg up over the others pay attention focus on studies and have fun. It is not meant to be a crazy school like SFAS, however take charge it shouldn't be any harder than NCOA schools. Remember even though you are going on to become a officer never forget "I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2017 6:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 18:20:31 -0500

All,

Was just accepted to OCS with a June 17 report Date. Have a few questions with regards to the packing list. I am currently an E5 and wondering if the whole packing list is needed to be purchased prior to arrival or are you alloted time to acquire items needed such as ascots and other required items which are not at Polk?

Response by CPT Earl George made Mar 4 at 2017 7:12 PM

CPT Earl George — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 19:12:28 -0500

when in a leadership position, keep your people informed.

Response by LTC Mo Vanderslice made Mar 30 at 2017 10:22 PM

LTC Mo Vanderslice — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 22:22:38 -0400

Michael, if you've been through the NCO academy then you already know most of what you need to know for OCS. What is different will be how to stomach taking a load of crap every day for three months until you graduate. Your company-level TAC officers are there to trip you up emotionally. As long as you can take their crap without laughing in their faces or punching them then you'll be fine. A last point is to get with your CSM or 1SG for PT - have them make sure that your push ups are perfect and that you can flat-out run for two miles, three miles would be better. The better you are at PT the less hassles the TAC Officers will give you as they zero-in on the weak and slow.

Response by CPT Earl George made Jan 7 at 2019 4:15 PM

CPT Earl George — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 16:15:38 -0500

yes sir,no sir, no excuse sir. Don't let them get into your head.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 25 at 2019 1:59 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 25 May 2019 01:59:17 -0400

Never mess with a warrant.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 25 at 2019 2:01 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 25 May 2019 02:01:23 -0400

Give me a down vote west point cadet. My friend Pete Dawkins may have a talk with you

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 25 at 2019 2:02 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 25 May 2019 02:02:39 -0400

Kma west point. Best officers are former enlisted