What is the secret to success in Army OCS?

CPT Chris Loomis — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 13:36:34 -0400

What is the secret to success in Army OCS? Based on your experience at either a State or Federal Army OCS?

(Please be mindful of the OCS Honor Code)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2013 6:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:14:55 -0500

Push ups and lots of them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2013 3:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 03:05:59 -0500

I attended the Federal OCS at Ft Benning last year. Know that OCS is a dynamic institution that changes quickly and often so specific answers will change with time. I will try and give you some timeless truths: 1) Show up physically fit (be prepared to run!). If you show up thinking they will get you into shape, you are in for a rude awakening. 2) Listen to the cadre. Their job is to help you succeed. If you listen to them, you'll be fine. 3) Don't stress about the exams. Pay attention in class and study in your free time. You'll be fine. Not even the history exam was that bad. Stressing out about it only makes it worse. 4) Don't listen to the rumor mill. Don't do it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 5:30 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:30:27 -0500

Just go in with the idea that you can learn something from everyone. You will likely have things that you have learned and are good at. Help you fellow soldiers and you will suceed as a team. Think back to basic training and remember what you learned there.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 23 at 2013 5:36 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:36:12 -0500

I had a former Soldier of mine...who went Green to Gold and is currently a MAJ in the Armor community...tell me the secret to success is...

Keep your wall locker locked during inspections and most importantly when you are not within arms length of it... ;)

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Nov 23 at 2013 6:35 PM

MAJ Laurie H. — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:35:18 -0500

I went through the state program in Massachusetts. The secrets?

- Learn from your fellow OCs, and share what knowledge you have. Everyone has something to offer regardless of what experience they have.

- Listen to the TACs. They're giving you the answers. They want you to succeed and it's their job to produce good officers. (And they're people too, shhhh)

- Make friends. You're going to need them.

- For state programs: as much of a pain it will be, have face to face leadership meetings between drills; they work wonders.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 2 at 2015 3:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 15:26:36 -0400

Tell your class you will be the honor grad!

Response by CPT Brian Delrosario made Oct 2 at 2015 7:15 PM

CPT Brian Delrosario — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:15:02 -0400

Flash cards ... and violence of action on the objective. Kill.