What advice do you guys have for someone attending Navy OCS after transferring from the Army Reserves?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:13:24 -0500

As much as I typically don't like these type of questions, I always find comments from experienced SM's that can't be found on a Google page. Thank you for anything you guys can offer

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Mar 10 at 2017 10:54 AM

1SG James Matthews — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:54:10 -0500

Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 10:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:57:28 -0500

Just know it takes longer to become a Lieutenant and a Captain In the Navy

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 10 at 2017 12:59 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:59:45 -0500

Your question is precisely the kind of question RP exists for. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. That said, I can't comment otherwise.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 11 at 2017 12:28 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 12:28:06 -0500

You'll have to offload most of your perceptions on how things work with one exception. That is what NCOs should be doing and a JO keeping their grubby fingers out of. You'll burn more unnecessary brain time trying to make sense between the different cultures vs. letting go and going with the new flow. It's like learning a foreign language. Once you start dreaming in it, you're converted. It's a Head, not a Latrine. So focus on the nomenclature early to get over the transition bump. BTW, if you have chest hardware, don't go egotistical over it as the real newbies won't have anything except the NDSM. No wearing ribbons on the right side so make sure you know the precedence and set your ribbon stack correctly. The staff will assume you've been around the block a few times so plan on getting tagged early for leadership in marching drills etc. That said, you don't want to be the long necked turkey around Thanksgiving. Quickly help others come up to speed and let them lead. It'll get noticed.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 4:01 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:01:27 -0400

Have Fun!

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 5:14 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:14:39 -0400

Take care of each other. Most of the kids will not have any clue what's going on but you've been through the ringer before so the yelling will just be slightly entertaining. For the others, however, it'll shake them up. Prepare them. And be there for them. Team building is key.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 11:38 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 23:38:49 -0400

As someone who recently commissioned from OCS (02-17E Aug-Nov), I can say that there's a few simple things to succeeding at, and enjoying Navy OCS.

1. Aim to exceed the standard. There will be many people at OCS, as there are in every place of work, that are there simply to slide under the radar, go unnoticed, not help, and squeak by 12 weeks later, emerging with a commission. I can honestly say that I felt much more gratification from the training process when I knew I was going above and beyond, and really aiming to get some great advice from the RDC's and DI's, rather than just avoiding them. That being said, don't shoot to do so well that you seem to make others look bad, as that will reflect poorly on you. People will naturally complain and think that you're selfish, and you will absolutely need them to complete the program in the way that it is currently operating.

2. Show up in great shape. It is an absolute shame that people just aim to meet SAT on the PRT. Push yourself. When you walk across the graduation stage, knowing you've physically evolved from when you arrived, you will be extremely proud of what you've done. I arrived being able to do 60/60 on curl up/push up, and ran about a 12:00 1.5 mile. When I left, I was 20lbs lighter, maxed pushups, 85 curl ups, and a 9:30 1.5 mile. Honestly, one of the proudest moments I've ever had for myself. Just simply put, push yourself physically. Use it as an outlet for the stress induced by the staff, and it will be much more enjoyable.

3. Enjoy the process. Like CAPT Ball said, the process of altering your military diction will definitely be paramount. Though not overwhelming, it will definitely be key. Since you have good prior experience, I cannot state enough, how much every one else will look up to you, almost as a sort of savior in their new environment. The priors in my class absolutely influenced me, and I wouldn't want the OCS experience without them. It's the way the program is designed. Learning leadership through valuable integration of experience. We had a Senior Chief in my class, and just seeing how he dealt with stress, problem solving, and social issues, directly shaped my view of leaders. There are few people that I respect more than that Senior Chief.

Hope all this helps, I'm sure you'll do great though. Good luck!

Response by SGT Cort Landry made Jun 26 at 2018 2:51 PM

SGT Cort Landry — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 14:51:24 -0400

Don't out do your instructors during PT. ;)

Response by LT Tom Murphy made Aug 15 at 2019 9:48 AM

LT Tom Murphy — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 09:48:17 -0400

I’ve heard it’s a bit easier with obviously less shooting practice than Navy OCS. It’s tough but fair. Graduation rates are relatively good. Was one of my best decisions. Read A Sea Story: Officer Candidate a School if you want a detailed look at the experience.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2019 12:47 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 00:47:01 -0500

It is very much like boot camp. Marine Corps Drill Instructors are intense; be in the best physical shape you can be in, that is one of the attributes they value most. It is a big filter, not exactly what the “Fleet” is like. Listen to instructions, and do what you are told. Live, Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Response by PO1 Sanford Snyder made Dec 5 at 2020 12:05 PM

PO1 Sanford Snyder — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:05:35 -0500

There was an AF Capt. in an exchange program flying A-7 Corsair II's with the Navy. He helped get priority servicing for the Navy Transport they were in flying cross country when it landed at an AF base. Hearing there was a "Captain" onboard, the Base Commander even turned out for the landing, they had assumed......