One thing about LANDNAV at Fort Benning. The time of year matters. I've done that course in early October and in February. The difference is massive. Winter is not bad. If the vegetation is in full bloom, you can walk passed the posts by 10 feet and not see them, especially at night.
100%, I had a couple land nav courses at Fort Benning, one in September/October and one in January/February time frame. Both completely different. Glad I had red diamond in the winter.
I went to O.C.S. in 1994, and was a DMG (Distinguished Military Graduate), which means top 10% on physical fitness, academics, and I forget the third thing - it was 30 years ago, probably leadership. My advice upfront, is to go having decided that you will graduate. So, before you go, yes make sure there is zero issue doing very well on the APFT. Also, yes, do a 3 to 5 mile ruck march once per week for a few months beforehand, and be sure you can do a 12-mile ruck by doing one once a month before you go because this will build up your musculature for this sort of task. Also, to prevent blisters, do this half of the time before you go, and then 100% of the time while there... wear Ladies ankle-high nylons directly on the skin of you feet and then sock over these and the nylons will not slide on your skin, the socks slide on the nylons ( just a little -if a lot then your boots simply don't fit) and this takes friction/rubbing nearly completely away from your feet so no blisters. If you want a similar result- almost as good but no stigma of "nylons" then use thin military dress socks first and then standard socks over these and you get an effect that is similar. In OCS you do ruck, but not a ridiculous amount. Practice a 5-mile run, once per week for a few months before you go. I was in the fast-group and we did 5 miles, at a 6.5 minute miles pace. You do not need to run this fast, this was the. fast group, there was a medium and a slow group: I do not know the minimum pace. You get 1 hour per evening in the first two thirds of the course "free". I was a DMG academically because I used this hour to study what ever we had learned that day, once more. Some other advice : make it a goal to make 2 decent "friends" /buddies over the first few weeks as this just helps throughout the course. No-one in our class was kicked out for driving their cars when they shouldn't because no one did this: if you do this, and risk this huge life-enhancing opportunity, to get a fucking beer, you are a complete moron. Be an adult. You are there for a reason, to become a Commissioned Officer and lead troops. For the first two months they take up every hour of every day- no kidding ( yes you get 60 minutes free). For the last third, or month as a senior officer candidate you are off in the evenings, and they even let us rent a place off-base if you want, during the last month only. Saved my background info for last, because it gives context, but is least important. By the time I started OCS, I was a SGT (E-5) with 5 years+ in, MOS was Biomedical Equipment Repair (35G at the time but the MOS codes have changed since then), Airborne, EFMB, French Army Commando School, 60 semester hours of college completed. Good luck, and thank you for serving.
We all got three branch choices in my OCS class. The TAC officer who had us fill it out said all males had to put Infantry as one of their choices because that is what we would all be branched (Cold War 1988). After each choice, you put a reason. So I chose 1. Intel / Reason: I had a history degree and had been a USN Enlisted so I thought I would be a good fit. 2. Field Artillery / Reason: It was my Enlisted job in the Navy and the closest thing to my Navy MOS/NEC. AND!!!! 3. Infantry / Reason: The guy who had me filling this out said this had to be one of my choices. I was the only male OCS graduate in that cycle not to be branched Infantry. They branched me into Artillery and I ended up loving my job. Made 04 and retired after 24. As an aside, I spent my first few years attached to Mech and Light Infantry as a company and Later a Battalion FSO, so I guess Infantry has tentacles. But FSO was a great gig! (Fire Support Officer).
This video really helped me man it gives me a better insight so I can better prepare. I will comment on this again though when I’m done with it. I Appreciate the wisdom.
The advice I hear from everyone from WOCS to OCS students is learn to ruck. Especially if you want to go the SF route. Learn to ruck with up to 100 lbs on your back. SF has brutal selections that require a soul crushing amount of weight to be carried. So if you want to give yourself a leg up do as he says and learn to ruck. Also if your feet are tough you can endure a lot more.
If you fall out of a ruck at OCS, at least when I was there, they made you redo it on the 1 mile track per the mileage you didn’t pass. There were a handful of OCs that had to do that
I went through OCS on the mid 80's in both 50th and 51st companies. I got hurt, so I had to do it again, from the beginning! We had the branch detail program then, so I started in Armor, then when I promoted to Captain I got what I wanted, MI. Well, MI in an Engineer Battalion and since I had knowledge in tanks, I ran their CEV tank gunnery range! I might add something here, after going through basic training, OCS, Ranger School, my armor basic course, airborne school and SF, take care of yourself because it will come back in later life. Jumping off tanks, parachute landings, just plain over doing thing and pushing too hard. Just be smart. We all think we are indestructible. Work smart.
In terms of OCS being an indefinite position and wanting to get out of that 3 year contract once up, is more common not to be released. I ask that as like a legitmate factor because if it's extremely likely that changes things. Love the videos man great resource!
Hey Jonathan, thanks for the comment! Things change indeed. I didn’t expect to get injuries on my path. Life happens! OCS being a commissioning source will not impact your ability to get out. It’s your MOS and how many officers that are in your year group that are getting out as well. If they did, they’d make OCS a longer commitment. HRC or Human Resources command will look at how many people within your year group (year of commissioning) and determine who would have to stay in to keep enough CPTs within that MOS due to needs of the Army (in this case CPTs but this happens for every Office rank). In order to get out you have to drop a REFRAD or release from active duty packet. HRC receives this and they’ll look it over. I’ve seen some officers not get approved but most get approved for their REFRAD. The earlier you are in submission of your REFRAD, the better chances you have of it getting accepted by HRC and getting you out of the military.
Thanks for the amazing video. I’m starting basic in the next month then going to OCS. I’m in the reserves. Do you know how that works with stationing in different areas? Trying to figure out if I’m able to stay in the same state or if they’ll ask me to move.
I would prefer OCS over West point. Leadership comes with experience. " We had good officers,for the most part, but it was the NCOs that took care of you ".
I think the biggest aspect that we all get wrong is perspective. We hold our own perspective on the job that we do. I heard countless gripes from Soldiers on NCOs giving them tasks. I’ve heard NCOs gripes about Officers. We all have a job to do, it’s just a matter of perspective on what the job is and how to go about doing that job that makes everyone different. I’ve had great NCOs and Officers from all commissioning sources. 2 of the MAJs I worked with, 1 was a West Pointer and 1 was ROTC. Both phenomenal leaders and I’d follow them into battle any day. The problem is the character of the person. Their personality and who they are as a human being is what makes or breaks a leader. Having someone with horrible character shines through, especially to the personnel underneath that said leader.
@@SergeantMadmax Well said, it goes both ways. I guess from my experience during my deployment with the 1st infantry division definitely gave me a different view of what an Officer and NCO truly is. Their roles and responsibilities from an infantryman and field level perspective really brought out who they were. In a situation where solders lives were in their hands, I felt the NCOs showed more character and leadership. Most of the officers just needed more experience, they were all excellent soldiers. I never liked judging someone just because of their rank, their actions and personality was the most important thing. Go Army.
Hey man, thank you so much for the great content! As someone who is a recent college graduate, I've been doing some research as to whether or not joining the Army via OCS is the right path for me. I know it probably varies from person to person, but is there an average of how long the process takes to from applying to the board until you start basic training? I've heard it can take up to a year and different time lengths in between. Just wanting to think how early I should apply to keep the time window in mind. Appreciate your help!
A year sounds about right. My recommendation is that once you have that decision made and you feel ready, then talk with the recruiter and tell them your intentions on what you want. I’m sure there are new requirements but you’ll have to take the OPAT (occupational physical assessment), take the ASVAB, go through MEPS (your visit to MEPS lasts 2 years I believe, before you need to go back and get a physical again), go to the board etc. all of this is dependent on how quick your recruiter is able to get things going. If you have a high speed recruiter, they can get things moving quickly for you and you’ll be set. I started the process roughly a year and a half before I graduated and knocked all of it out. Upon graduating, they wanted me to ship 4 months later. That’s why I recommend when you’re ready to take that step, you take it. It can be a bit of a shock when they tell you your ship date, signing your contract, swearing in etc. Once all of that paperwork and processes are complete, they’re going to want you out to basic as soon as possible.
I have state OCS in January and I’m kinda nervous about it tbh. It’s apparently worse than federal OCS in that the TAC officers smoke you way worse for some odd reason. I did well in anything PT related in basic, but learning under pressure was something I struggled with
I had friends in BOLC that had state OCS and they said it was very challenging. However, think of how many people have gone through the course and competed it. Embrace the suck and do the best of your ability, and you’ll come out on top
@@SergeantMadmax yea state OCS is very underrated, the DS’ at my BCT didn’t even know what it was until near graduation when they realized after we (09S’) had previously reiterated to them multiple times, were not going to Fort Benning for OCS. Given their overall view of the guard, they probably think it’s easier than federal OCS lmao… I guess the bright side is because it’s longer, I’ll have more down time to learn what they’re teaching. BCT was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but mainly because I fell for all the mind games and empty threats. If I had a nickel for every time they said “recycle”…. One of the DS’ absolutely hated me for whatever reason despite me getting a good acft score and always busting my ass off in everything we did. There were times I felt like an idiot and a failure because I didn’t always learn things as fast as the other 09S’. I guess that kinda influences my uneasy and cynical view toward how I’d do in OCS
I went to state OCS back in 2019 and had to get out. It is challenging mentally more than it is physically. Learning to turn on/off the civilian/officer mindset is important.
Graduated in class 27-69, August 1969. OCS was 26 weeks back then. The exam most feared back then as I rememberwas Tactics, not LANDNAV. Don't recall a history exam back then. Could have been but don't remember it.
According to my company commander at OCS who’s classmate got a DUI during his time at OCS, the course used to be. When in garrison, Soldiers could see their families after the duty day if they were on base, go to the bar and grab a drink, or grab food whenever. This is better than basic or AIT for sure considering you’re not surrounded by drills. But it depends on your definition of a gentlemen’s course and what you’re comparing it to. The DUI resulted in mass punishment and a change to the course structure, but this is all from my former company commander that was at OCS
Just get proficient at plotting your points, that’s the most important part in my opinion, and don’t worry , fall or spring there are “candidate trails” that will guide you to your points
You said you could have your personal ipad/laptop? Does that mean you have your cellphone / internet too? I did Basic/MP school in 2011/2012 and used pay phones the entire time so I assumed it would be the same in OCS.
A fellow MP, eh? You do get your phone however, there is a strict no phone policy until your 1 hour of free time. iPads and laptops were viewed differently though. I wore an Apple Watch my entire time at OCS with cellular data, and texted my wife 😂
One thing I forgot to mention was internet. You can get internet inside of your room with boingo, if I’m remembering the correct ISP (internet service provider). 3 other guys and I split the cost of internet while we were there.
Thank you for this great content! And apologies in advance for this long comment lmao. I am currently a rising Junior attending Virginia Tech pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree and am interested in becoming an officer after college through OCS. There are so many things I am still learning about the Army and how the whole process of becoming an Officer works, but I am most interested in learning more about the difference in pay between a civilian with a certain job title and an Officer in the Army with the same job title? Also... I don't have a physical disability, but my shoulder pops out sometimes, especially when under a lot of stress from physical activity (the last time it popped out when I was doing pull-ups and I went too hard). Would this affect my chances of getting into/passing OCS? Thanks for your valuable insight!
Thanks for the comment! Pay consists of a lot of things. The army pay is very confusing for a civilian when looking at it initially due to where you live impacts dramatically how much you are paid. Every job is different based on location for civilians as well of course. I’d suggest looking at a 2LTs/O1’s pay and then compare to an ME entry level position to compare the 2. As far as the shoulder goes, that’s a hard thing to say. If it was me, and I’m not a doctor, I’d look into strengthening it or get some physical therapy prior to joining to make sure it’s good to go.
Prior Air Force enlisted thinking about becoming a commissioned officer in the Army. I want to help Army steer in thr right direction from all the woke stuff
Hey! Thank you so much for the great content ! I’m a nurse and I’m 31 years old. I wanna join in US Army by OCS but I feel bad about my age but let tell you something… THIS IS MY DREAM ! I think I have to learn more English but the time is running to me. What do you recommend me about the job if I Join ??? Medicine is my forte
Biggest thing is to get with a recruiter you feel comfortable with. I found a recruiter who was willing to work with my timelines, not theirs, the army, nor his commands timeline. I went in when I felt ready and able. Ask them all kinds of questions and find out if medical is going to work for you. When I went through, medical had no slots open for officers but that may change
Hi sir, I heard that we would need to study the Army history at OCS. I feel like I’m a slow learner. So can I get the material for history and other tests online or somewhere so I can get to study them for a little bit in advance? And how can I get it? Thank you!
I am wondering if I can have your opinion on my current situation. I enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2023 as a 88N. I leave for basic training on October 30th. Before enlisting I had a bachelors degree in Political science and a minor in International Relations with a 3.97 gpa. However I didn’t know until after I signed my enlisted contract that I could become an officer with a Bachelors degree. Should I do Army BCT and AIT first and then pursue my masters in Cybersecurity while doing Army ROTC under the simultaneous membership program or should I try to get out of my enlisted contract and apply for Army OCS instead?.
Hey MadMax, i wanted to know the 5 mile minimum for ocs people. I cant find it anywhere. Isnt there a 5 mile benchmark time? Ik about the 2 mile. Thanks. I appreciate your time
Do you think you could do a ranking on where it's most difficult to commission into. You said MP, however, I can't find anything on which is easiest to go into. Or is it just based on your ranking in your company?
I commissioned MP tho it wasn’t necessarily the hardest to get into. It’s all on slots available in your company. Medical services there were 0 slots available. Aviation we had 2 slots available. The better you do in the course, the better chances you have of getting your first pick of MOS. Infantry typically has a lot of slots. The people toward the bottom of the course were force branched either infantry or field artillery
I would like to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), Direct Commission (DC), or Officer Training School (OTS). I have a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree. I am a prior service member and I'm transferring to a new branch of service. I am 41 years old. My recruiter is saying that I'm too old to become an officer. What advice could you provide to help me pursue the officer route?
Hi, thanks a lot. I'm new in the military world. I took the ASVAB test and got an 80, passed the physical, and Recruiter will schedule the interview with the Board. These are the 3 fields I'm interested in: Cyber (working in the field already, Intelligence or Data Science Officer. My concern: How long does the bootcamp + cyber/intel/Data Sc. training takes? I want to start having a family right after the program. Also I'm looking for flexibility to focus on my future kids' education too ( reserved officer). I just turned 25y. What are your advices?
You have to submit a packet once you're at OCS to branch cyber. It's not done through OML like other branches. And it's super selective, so don't expect to get it even with an IT degree and some experience. You might, but you might not. You can't predict. Intel is done through OML, but it's almost always one of the most, if not the most, popular branch every time. Expect to graduate at the top of the OML, which means excelling at PT, land nav, military history, etc (basically everything that's evaluated at OCS).
If you have experience in the field already, you'll probably have better chances direct commissioning than running the rat race in OCS and getting stuck with a branch you don't want.
For me, since I enlisted as an O9S (officer candidate), I signed my contract in the early summer and then left in September for basic training and immediately left for OCS after completion of basic
There's 1 main MOS I am interested in, and 2 others I can accept as an alternative. Is there any circumstance I can be rejected for all 3 of those and forced to do something else or face a dishonorable discharge?
The Army will get what the Army wants. If you don't do well in the class and don't get one of your top 3 picks, you go to what the Army needs. So, do well in the course and you'll guarantee yourself the job you want. Assuming you don't want something that is highly specialized such as medical or flying as they don't have many slots for those fields and they fluctuate each class drastically.
@@SergeantMadmaxI'm looking at 17D which is Cyber Capabilities Development. With a few years of IT work and a 3.6 GPA cybersecurity degree it would be a waste to put me into anything besides the 17's
@@jcdenton7914 branch packets, if they still exist, will be your best route then. It’s never a guarantee but it helps quite a bit. One student was ranked in the 100s on the OML and was prior service (enlisted) as a signal soldier. He dropped a branch packet and due to his experience, he got his 1st pick even though he was in the 100s on the order merit list (OML). One of the guys that was in my PLT enlisted as a military intel soldier even though he had a degree so that when he went to OCS, he was guaranteed the job with his branch packet. You need to understand the military doesn’t care where they put you. If they need numbers and you don’t perform to the best of your ability to give yourself the best shot at being high on the OML, then they’ll put you where they need officers. There are opportunities to switch branches and go into other MOS for CCC (Captains Career Course) if you didn’t attain the MOS you desired but it’s never a guarantee and that’s after you’ve finished your time as a LT, which is roughly 4 years.
You think the OCS applications would be much shorter due to the recruiting being low atm? I was told before like 2 years ago that it would take 5 months to a year to be fully accepted and ship to BCT and OCS right after. You think the process is much shorter or still the same? Thank you!!!
You’d have to talk to a recruiter to get an accurate window of time as I’m pretty removed from that process now. It fluctuates quite a bit but while retention is low, the military has been quietly downsizing as well
And one last thing. When it comes to letters of recommendation, do I need to have a job or experience in some sort of job? I’ve never work due to being a full time student and getting my degree. I have been in a fire academy which I completed a while a while back but I was on the good side wit the fire chiefs
Awesome video ! Quick question I am 23 years old and about to hit my 6 year active duty mark in July but I won’t finish my bachelors until next year. Is there a waiver for submitting a packet over 6 years ? Any advice is appreciated !
I’d get with your S1 and see if there’s something they can do. My best bet is that they’re going to need a bachelors degree certificate before being able to complete your packet however, they might be able to help you get everything else set up prior to graduating and receiving your bachelors. Make sure you let it known to them and your leadership you want to get to OCS, and make sure you continue to hound your S1 so you don’t get screwed over due to paperwork not being complete. Hope this helps!
Enlisted back in December 2021 as 09S & became the first female to be assigned to Infantry in my “State”. I ship out July 2022. I’ve been holding my unit’s SFC as a close mentor, and started training with the Air Assault readiness team… I’m still scared as shit because I’m terrified of heights, and I’m worried I’ll get paralyzing fear at any point in training. Is there any advice you could provide for that?
Things that helped me personally were this. 1) I thought about how badly I wanted my goals and that I was determined, no matter what, to get them. This helped me with things that tossed me WAY outside my comfort zone. Keep those things and thoughts that keep you going in the forefront of your mind. 2) confidence is KEY. Not just in what they’re teaching you, but in yourself. There are thousands and thousands of Soldiers who have come before you that have completed the exact same training. If they can do it, you most certainly can too. 3) focus on the training that you receive. The military loves the crawl, walk, and run phases of training. They prep you to the point where it will become another process you run through. Focus on those fundamentals, and it’ll become muscle memory when execution of the mission comes. 4) For me, faith is important. I would pray before most of the things I was incredibly nervous for. I also did a lot of deliberate breathing. Big deep breaths to calm myself, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Focusing on the relaxation and to get my mind right when the time came to execute.
From my experience being airborne and a JM. What helped me, personally, is knowing that my Soldiers are watching. I need to demonstrate confidence and courage if I expect Soldiers to follow through with the jump. I'm also a religious man, so I have faith that the Lord will keep me from harms way.
hey man, thanks for the great content! i recently graduate from a college and doing some research to join the Army as a non citizenship, is it allowed as a foreigner with a green card to join the OCS?? is there any additional requirement for a non citizen to apply the OCS?. Thanks
You'll have to ask a recruiter than question but from my understanding, you can gain US citizenship by serving in the US military. As far as officership, I'm not entirely sure how that would go. My recommendation is to write down a list of questions, do some googling on them, and then go to a recruiter to ask as well. Keep in mind recruiters are wanting to get you in by any means necessary (most of the time) and will tell half truths or lie. Make sure you do your research prior to meeting with them.
It’s a team effort within your PLT and your Squad. The more you work for the betterment of the team, the less you need to be concerned with peer evals. The more of a turd you are, the more you should worry about it. My company saw 1 OC dropped due to peer evals and it was because every single person in the squad had them as last place
As an enlisted Navy guy with a bachelor’s degree, what would the pipeline look like if I was seeking to go to Army OCS? Would I have to go to enlisted Army basic?
When you checked your pay at Basic Training did you get paid as a Private and then once you moved to OCS get paid as a 2nd Lieutenant? ... Additionally did you do get shipped for OCS day after BCT graduation or was it a few weeks later.
In the O9S enlistment program, you’re paid as an E-4/SPC in basic training. At OCS, you’re paid as an E-5/SGT but never wear the rank or are called SGT. You wear OCS rank as you’re a candidate. Upon graduation of OCS, pay begins as a 2LT. The day after graduation, I was shipped to OCS. I’m not sure how other duty stations do it though.
@@SergeantMadmax Great thank you for the clarity. 1 other question. As a college grad, Did you do BCT, OCS and then your speciality training or was OCS and speciality traing combined. Bcz BCT and OCT are around 5 months already
@@princesslizzy5675 basic, OCS, and then BOLC (basic Officer leader course) are all separate entities. The only time basic and your job training are combined is through the enlisted side of the house. That’s called OSUT (one station unit training). Now if you have a job that is highly specialized such as a lawyer/doctor etc, you will skip basic and go straight to OCS, which is condensed.
@@SergeantMadmax Thank you for the insight. I defo need to do research into BOLC as I wasn't aware of this 3rd bit. I'm interested in Finance MOS, But on the army website doesn't mention it's highly specialised, but in the civilian world finance is.
@@princesslizzy5675 I recommend contacting a recruiter to give you further information, just be aware that retention of troops is very low and getting people to sign up is extremely challenging right now. They’ll tell you a lot of things you want to hear and not give you a full picture of what things are truly like. If you keep this in mind, coupled with your own research, that’s your best bet.
My time there, one person from our company was recycled off peer evals. It was someone in a different PLT than mine. It takes a lot, at least in my company it did, to recycle someone. It took the CPT in charge of said PLT to talk to the squad that voted this person the lowest to find out why. It raises an eye when the entire squad is voting the exact same person as the lowest individual. If the justification is enough, the CPT will keep eyes on that individual and have a discussion with them, and most likely, the Company Commander/1SG and the Battalion Commander/CSM.
@@SergeantMadmax Is there a way to argue this recycle if you have sworn statements from squad members attesting the comments made on the peer evals are false? Like who to reach out to etc?
@@johnshepard7630 you would need to go with the chain of command that is present. Aka, talk with your PLT CPT or NCO. Your Company commander may have an open door policy that you can get with as well and talk to them. Push comes to shove, the battalion commander and their open door policy Understand this is going to cause some waves within your company l but do what’s best for you.
I’m a prior Marine, I did 4 years active. Got out beginning of last year and been going to college ever since then using my GI Bill. Who do I talk to become an officer in the Army? Do I go through my University ROTC or the recruiting station near me?
Depends the route you want to go. If you want to do ROTC, I recommend talking with the ROTC department. If you want to go through OCS, talk to recruiter near you
You are given multiple attempts on events and if you fail those or break the code of conduct, you will be sent out of OCS to then become an E-4, if you take the route I took. If you didn’t, you’ll go back to your unit
I would say this: - ACFT - rucking - running When I was there, a 5 mile run in 40 minutes or less was a requirement. We also did the OPAT (occupation physical assessment test) to dictate what level we qualified for specific jobs. This had a shuttle run or beep/pacer test. Rucking was always tough for me since I’m a little bit on the shorter side. Running, 30/60s and 60/120s (run for 30 or 60 seconds, then walk for 60 or 120 seconds respectively) helped significantly in helping my run time increase. We did this at basic training a bunch. Rucking, find boots that fit your feet or get fitted for boots property. This will save your feet and find those hot spots on where your feet hurt. Get some moleskin and prepare your feet prior to each ruck with that. I learned not to overstride or “step it out” and to take smaller faster steps. It sucks but I found it worked for me. ACFT, take a practice one and find the events you need to work on.
@@SergeantMadmax I’m only 17 so I have plenty of time to get in peak physical condition. Is there a format I can follow to ensure I’m in peak physical condition for OCS within a 4 year timespan?
@@cgspeaks8401 there are a lot of programs you can find out on RUclips, or the internet in general. It’s hard to give you a “one perfect cookie cutter” program. Once you gain experience you find what you personally need to work on as far as physical fitness is concerned. If you’re going to college, there might be resources at your university/college that could help. Otherwise ROTC could be an option. My experience, I got into weight lifting (body building routine) and running. I weight lifted and ran for a good 4 years before I left for basic training. I was doing 80 push ups, 75 sit ups in 2 min, and running a 13:30 2 mile before I left. 5’7” and 155 lbs was what I was at. My run time improved at basic from the 30/60s and the 60/120s. There are so many programs that you’ll find so it can be overwhelming. Definitely consult a professional in the fitness field. The key to a good Soldier and Officer is knowing that when you’re asked a question, you know where to go or can find the answer and seek the answers to the questions you have. You’re on the right path. If you’re serious about it, now is the time to prepare.
@@SergeantMadmax Understood, I’m currently 6’0 200 and start training with my boxing coach for endurance training tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted on progress throughout my journey in your future videos and maybe you can help me along the way. Thank you for your time and help.💯
Talk with your recruiter and see if there’s anything they can do. Maybe push you back to a different class? I’m unsure what’s possible but it won’t hurt to ask. Otherwise, you could get an active slot later down the road. I’ve seen a lot of CPTs that were reservist gone active or vise versa
Hey could you just give me a run down on the physical aspects. I am currently a SSG in the Army and I hate running and rucking, I know it’s like why be an officer though, but I have my reasons. I just took and ACFT and passed with a 522, I’m a 5’9, 153 lb female. I would not say I’m in shape though, and the more I look into OCS I get nervous so, I’m just trying to mentally prepare myself in hopes that I get selected. So do you really run 3-5 miles everyday for PT? is there AGRs or everyone running together? I watched your ruck portion are they all group rucks or is that dependent on platoon? Is the swim test a must to pass? And is there a 4 mile? I just dropped an OCS packet this year and my HRC panel was 6-9 so hopefully the results come out early Jan or earlier. But from those results do you know how long it takes for active duty to get an actual class date I read on the Benning FAQs up to 12 months, but I was hoping for some leeway with the “up to”. Thanks in advance for any answers
Not sure on the selection time frame as I entered as a civilian and went to basic then OCS so it’s a different process from my understanding. As far as physicality goes, rucks for my class were as a company and not release rucks. Most of the running we did were release runs with exceptions to a couple of them. For example, you have to complete a 5 mile run in a specific amount of time and this was a release run. For the graduation 5 mile run, it was a formational run. For the runs themselves, we usually did anything between 1-3 miles and it was not everyday. I want to say it was around every other day or 3 days depending what was on the schedule. There was no swim when I went through, as the POI changed.
The requirements are a college degree to attend OCS. So, a Sergeant can attend OCS as long as they have a 4 year bachelors degree. You do receive E5 pay while at OCS, but you never wear the rank of Sergeant, only the “OCS” rank. You are referenced as Candidate while attending OCS
Leave your ego at the door. You’re all wearing OCS rank. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring your experience to assist those that need it. It’s the execution of how you convey that message and experience to those who are new to the Army. You can learn things from anyone, regardless of rank. Listen to the new troops and be willing to lend a helping hand with the experience you’ve garnered.
Sorry...but things have gotten so so so soft...went through active duty OCS in 98...this looks really weak compared to my experience. At that time, there were only a handful of classes graduating and commissioning each year..Only a few people coming direct from basic like this guy and NONE graduated..I was 11B20P, and it was probably comparable to Infantry OSUT Basic...frankly, this is pretty lame looking..I know, I know old grads always say its getting watered down...but...sorry...this ain't the same as what I went through ...personal time?!? LMAO
Different time, different Army that’s for sure. It’s hard to get people to WANT to go to OCS. Not saying it’s a gimme, but they were accepting a lot of people. I think somewhere around 60-70% of my basic training class was O9S (Officer Candidate). They were pumping the Army full of 2LTs in hopes of keeping people in past CPT and going on to MAJ since retention is garbage for those specific ranks.
Ugh, one of you guys. So predictable, so cliché. You are what we laugh at on our spare time. Many of us ENJOY having it easier. You think we're hurt or sad that the course is easier than it was for you old farts? Lmaoo
One thing about LANDNAV at Fort Benning. The time of year matters. I've done that course in early October and in February. The difference is massive. Winter is not bad. If the vegetation is in full bloom, you can walk passed the posts by 10 feet and not see them, especially at night.
100%, I had a couple land nav courses at Fort Benning, one in September/October and one in January/February time frame. Both completely different. Glad I had red diamond in the winter.
It's the spiders that get me lol.
Lol! Good ole Yankee North and South landnav course
I went to O.C.S. in 1994, and was a DMG (Distinguished Military Graduate), which means top 10% on physical fitness, academics, and I forget the third thing - it was 30 years ago, probably leadership. My advice upfront, is to go having decided that you will graduate. So, before you go, yes make sure there is zero issue doing very well on the APFT. Also, yes, do a 3 to 5 mile ruck march once per week for a few months beforehand, and be sure you can do a 12-mile ruck by doing one once a month before you go because this will build up your musculature for this sort of task. Also, to prevent blisters, do this half of the time before you go, and then 100% of the time while there... wear Ladies ankle-high nylons directly on the skin of you feet and then sock over these and the nylons will not slide on your skin, the socks slide on the nylons ( just a little -if a lot then your boots simply don't fit) and this takes friction/rubbing nearly completely away from your feet so no blisters. If you want a similar result- almost as good but no stigma of "nylons" then use thin military dress socks first and then standard socks over these and you get an effect that is similar. In OCS you do ruck, but not a ridiculous amount. Practice a 5-mile run, once per week for a few months before you go. I was in the fast-group and we did 5 miles, at a 6.5 minute miles pace. You do not need to run this fast, this was the. fast group, there was a medium and a slow group: I do not know the minimum pace. You get 1 hour per evening in the first two thirds of the course "free". I was a DMG academically because I used this hour to study what ever we had learned that day, once more. Some other advice : make it a goal to make 2 decent "friends" /buddies over the first few weeks as this just helps throughout the course. No-one in our class was kicked out for driving their cars when they shouldn't because no one did this: if you do this, and risk this huge life-enhancing opportunity, to get a fucking beer, you are a complete moron. Be an adult. You are there for a reason, to become a Commissioned Officer and lead troops. For the first two months they take up every hour of every day- no kidding ( yes you get 60 minutes free). For the last third, or month as a senior officer candidate you are off in the evenings, and they even let us rent a place off-base if you want, during the last month only. Saved my background info for last, because it gives context, but is least important. By the time I started OCS, I was a SGT (E-5) with 5 years+ in, MOS was Biomedical Equipment Repair (35G at the time but the MOS codes have changed since then), Airborne, EFMB, French Army Commando School, 60 semester hours of college completed. Good luck, and thank you for serving.
Did you do a full 20-30 years? If so, what rank did you ultimately achieve?
We all got three branch choices in my OCS class. The TAC officer who had us fill it out said all males had to put Infantry as one of their choices because that is what we would all be branched (Cold War 1988). After each choice, you put a reason. So I chose 1. Intel / Reason: I had a history degree and had been a USN Enlisted so I thought I would be a good fit. 2. Field Artillery / Reason: It was my Enlisted job in the Navy and the closest thing to my Navy MOS/NEC. AND!!!! 3. Infantry / Reason: The guy who had me filling this out said this had to be one of my choices.
I was the only male OCS graduate in that cycle not to be branched Infantry. They branched me into Artillery and I ended up loving my job. Made 04 and retired after 24. As an aside, I spent my first few years attached to Mech and Light Infantry as a company and Later a Battalion FSO, so I guess Infantry has tentacles. But FSO was a great gig! (Fire Support Officer).
Considering OCS, thank you for this insight on the class
This video really helped me man it gives me a better insight so I can better prepare. I will comment on this again though when I’m done with it.
I Appreciate the wisdom.
Thank you so much, I have a BA and MPA, I'm highly considering joining the army so these videos are very informative
Anytime, if you have any questions, feel free to send them over!
The advice I hear from everyone from WOCS to OCS students is learn to ruck. Especially if you want to go the SF route. Learn to ruck with up to 100 lbs on your back. SF has brutal selections that require a soul crushing amount of weight to be carried.
So if you want to give yourself a leg up do as he says and learn to ruck. Also if your feet are tough you can endure a lot more.
If you fall out of a ruck at OCS, at least when I was there, they made you redo it on the 1 mile track per the mileage you didn’t pass. There were a handful of OCs that had to do that
Really great pieces of advise! Thanks
Hopefully it helps you out! Let me know if you have any other questions.
I went through OCS on the mid 80's in both 50th and 51st companies. I got hurt, so I had to do it again, from the beginning! We had the branch detail program then, so I started in Armor, then when I promoted to Captain I got what I wanted, MI. Well, MI in an Engineer Battalion and since I had knowledge in tanks, I ran their CEV tank gunnery range! I might add something here, after going through basic training, OCS, Ranger School, my armor basic course, airborne school and SF, take care of yourself because it will come back in later life. Jumping off tanks, parachute landings, just plain over doing thing and pushing too hard. Just be smart. We all think we are indestructible. Work smart.
Hoping to commission next year. Just have to lose weight and get in better shape. Would be an honour since my dad was a ranger in nam
How old was your dad when he had you? Vietnam vets are in their late 70s and 80s.
In terms of OCS being an indefinite position and wanting to get out of that 3 year contract once up, is more common not to be released. I ask that as like a legitmate factor because if it's extremely likely that changes things. Love the videos man great resource!
Hey Jonathan, thanks for the comment! Things change indeed. I didn’t expect to get injuries on my path. Life happens! OCS being a commissioning source will not impact your ability to get out. It’s your MOS and how many officers that are in your year group that are getting out as well. If they did, they’d make OCS a longer commitment. HRC or Human Resources command will look at how many people within your year group (year of commissioning) and determine who would have to stay in to keep enough CPTs within that MOS due to needs of the Army (in this case CPTs but this happens for every Office rank).
In order to get out you have to drop a REFRAD or release from active duty packet. HRC receives this and they’ll look it over. I’ve seen some officers not get approved but most get approved for their REFRAD. The earlier you are in submission of your REFRAD, the better chances you have of it getting accepted by HRC and getting you out of the military.
Loved this video thanks man 👌🏾
Thanks for checking it out! Hope it helped!
I appreciate these videos!
Thanks for checking it out! If you have any further questions, let me know!
Thanks for the amazing video.
I’m starting basic in the next month then going to OCS.
I’m in the reserves. Do you know how that works with stationing in different areas?
Trying to figure out if I’m able to stay in the same state or if they’ll ask me to move.
Are you doing national guard?
I would prefer OCS over West point.
Leadership comes with experience.
" We had good officers,for the most part, but it was the NCOs that took care of you ".
I think the biggest aspect that we all get wrong is perspective. We hold our own perspective on the job that we do. I heard countless gripes from Soldiers on NCOs giving them tasks. I’ve heard NCOs gripes about Officers. We all have a job to do, it’s just a matter of perspective on what the job is and how to go about doing that job that makes everyone different.
I’ve had great NCOs and Officers from all commissioning sources. 2 of the MAJs I worked with, 1 was a West Pointer and 1 was ROTC. Both phenomenal leaders and I’d follow them into battle any day. The problem is the character of the person. Their personality and who they are as a human being is what makes or breaks a leader. Having someone with horrible character shines through, especially to the personnel underneath that said leader.
@@SergeantMadmax Well said, it goes both ways. I guess from my experience during my deployment with the 1st infantry division definitely gave me a different view of what an Officer and NCO truly is. Their roles and responsibilities from an infantryman and field level perspective really brought out who they were. In a situation where solders lives were in their hands, I felt the NCOs showed more character and leadership. Most of the officers just needed more experience, they were all excellent soldiers. I never liked judging someone just because of their rank, their actions and personality was the most important thing.
Go Army.
Hey man, thank you so much for the great content! As someone who is a recent college graduate, I've been doing some research as to whether or not joining the Army via OCS is the right path for me. I know it probably varies from person to person, but is there an average of how long the process takes to from applying to the board until you start basic training? I've heard it can take up to a year and different time lengths in between. Just wanting to think how early I should apply to keep the time window in mind. Appreciate your help!
A year sounds about right. My recommendation is that once you have that decision made and you feel ready, then talk with the recruiter and tell them your intentions on what you want.
I’m sure there are new requirements but you’ll have to take the OPAT (occupational physical assessment), take the ASVAB, go through MEPS (your visit to MEPS lasts 2 years I believe, before you need to go back and get a physical again), go to the board etc. all of this is dependent on how quick your recruiter is able to get things going. If you have a high speed recruiter, they can get things moving quickly for you and you’ll be set.
I started the process roughly a year and a half before I graduated and knocked all of it out. Upon graduating, they wanted me to ship 4 months later. That’s why I recommend when you’re ready to take that step, you take it. It can be a bit of a shock when they tell you your ship date, signing your contract, swearing in etc. Once all of that paperwork and processes are complete, they’re going to want you out to basic as soon as possible.
I have state OCS in January and I’m kinda nervous about it tbh. It’s apparently worse than federal OCS in that the TAC officers smoke you way worse for some odd reason. I did well in anything PT related in basic, but learning under pressure was something I struggled with
I had friends in BOLC that had state OCS and they said it was very challenging. However, think of how many people have gone through the course and competed it. Embrace the suck and do the best of your ability, and you’ll come out on top
@@SergeantMadmax yea state OCS is very underrated, the DS’ at my BCT didn’t even know what it was until near graduation when they realized after we (09S’) had previously reiterated to them multiple times, were not going to Fort Benning for OCS. Given their overall view of the guard, they probably think it’s easier than federal OCS lmao… I guess the bright side is because it’s longer, I’ll have more down time to learn what they’re teaching. BCT was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but mainly because I fell for all the mind games and empty threats. If I had a nickel for every time they said “recycle”…. One of the DS’ absolutely hated me for whatever reason despite me getting a good acft score and always busting my ass off in everything we did. There were times I felt like an idiot and a failure because I didn’t always learn things as fast as the other 09S’. I guess that kinda influences my uneasy and cynical view toward how I’d do in OCS
I went to state OCS back in 2019 and had to get out. It is challenging mentally more than it is physically. Learning to turn on/off the civilian/officer mindset is important.
Goodluck!!!
Graduated in class 27-69, August 1969. OCS was 26 weeks back then. The exam most feared back then as I rememberwas Tactics, not LANDNAV. Don't recall a history exam back then. Could have been but don't remember it.
We did have people fail the written LANDNAV test as I recall.
I graduated Infantry OCS 2 December 1964. Several of us went to Phenix City to give blood. Our TAC officers were not impressed.
Huh?🧐
No offense but the hour of free time and access to electronics in the evening ALONE does indeed make it a gentleman’s course 😂😂
According to my company commander at OCS who’s classmate got a DUI during his time at OCS, the course used to be. When in garrison, Soldiers could see their families after the duty day if they were on base, go to the bar and grab a drink, or grab food whenever. This is better than basic or AIT for sure considering you’re not surrounded by drills. But it depends on your definition of a gentlemen’s course and what you’re comparing it to. The DUI resulted in mass punishment and a change to the course structure, but this is all from my former company commander that was at OCS
When the TACs started harassing a candidate, we would start singing the Alma Mater! 😂
Please do a video on land nav please!!!?!?!
Just get proficient at plotting your points, that’s the most important part in my opinion, and don’t worry , fall or spring there are “candidate trails” that will guide you to your points
You said you could have your personal ipad/laptop? Does that mean you have your cellphone / internet too? I did Basic/MP school in 2011/2012 and used pay phones the entire time so I assumed it would be the same in OCS.
A fellow MP, eh? You do get your phone however, there is a strict no phone policy until your 1 hour of free time. iPads and laptops were viewed differently though. I wore an Apple Watch my entire time at OCS with cellular data, and texted my wife 😂
One thing I forgot to mention was internet. You can get internet inside of your room with boingo, if I’m remembering the correct ISP (internet service provider). 3 other guys and I split the cost of internet while we were there.
Appreciate you I am trying to get into the Army and im 42 but I want to go to OCS do my 20
Best of luck!
Cut off for officer is 31
@@michaelg6040 It’s 32, and waivers are allowed depending on the individual
If you have some prior service try the Air Force. I think they commission up to 40, so you would need a few years prior service.
Thank you for this great content! And apologies in advance for this long comment lmao. I am currently a rising Junior attending Virginia Tech pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree and am interested in becoming an officer after college through OCS. There are so many things I am still learning about the Army and how the whole process of becoming an Officer works, but I am most interested in learning more about the difference in pay between a civilian with a certain job title and an Officer in the Army with the same job title?
Also... I don't have a physical disability, but my shoulder pops out sometimes, especially when under a lot of stress from physical activity (the last time it popped out when I was doing pull-ups and I went too hard). Would this affect my chances of getting into/passing OCS? Thanks for your valuable insight!
Thanks for the comment! Pay consists of a lot of things. The army pay is very confusing for a civilian when looking at it initially due to where you live impacts dramatically how much you are paid. Every job is different based on location for civilians as well of course.
I’d suggest looking at a 2LTs/O1’s pay and then compare to an ME entry level position to compare the 2.
As far as the shoulder goes, that’s a hard thing to say. If it was me, and I’m not a doctor, I’d look into strengthening it or get some physical therapy prior to joining to make sure it’s good to go.
Prior Air Force enlisted thinking about becoming a commissioned officer in the Army. I want to help Army steer in thr right direction from all the woke stuff
Then you need to stay out of the military.DEI is the order of the day.
"Valley Forge, Custer's Ranks, San Juan Hill, and PATTON'S TANKS!!!!!!!!"
Hey! Thank you so much for the great content ! I’m a nurse and I’m 31 years old. I wanna join in US Army by OCS but I feel bad about my age but let tell you something… THIS IS MY DREAM ! I think I have to learn more English but the time is running to me. What do you recommend me about the job if I Join ??? Medicine is my forte
Biggest thing is to get with a recruiter you feel comfortable with. I found a recruiter who was willing to work with my timelines, not theirs, the army, nor his commands timeline. I went in when I felt ready and able. Ask them all kinds of questions and find out if medical is going to work for you. When I went through, medical had no slots open for officers but that may change
What is your native language? Are you a US citizen? Are you a licensed RN in the US?
Hi sir, I heard that we would need to study the Army history at OCS.
I feel like I’m a slow learner.
So can I get the material for history and other tests online or somewhere so I can get to study them for a little bit in advance? And how can I get it?
Thank you!
I am wondering if I can have your opinion on my current situation. I enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2023 as a 88N. I leave for basic training on October 30th. Before enlisting I had a bachelors degree in Political science and a minor in International Relations with a 3.97 gpa. However I didn’t know until after I signed my enlisted contract that I could become an officer with a Bachelors degree. Should I do Army BCT and AIT first and then pursue my masters in Cybersecurity while doing Army ROTC under the simultaneous membership program or should I try to get out of my enlisted contract and apply for Army OCS instead?.
I feel like pretending a computer can't do it everything a person could do is like pretending a computer isn't smarter than people why do we do that
Hey MadMax, i wanted to know the 5 mile minimum for ocs people. I cant find it anywhere. Isnt there a 5 mile benchmark time? Ik about the 2 mile. Thanks. I appreciate your time
Bright video
Do you think you could do a ranking on where it's most difficult to commission into. You said MP, however, I can't find anything on which is easiest to go into. Or is it just based on your ranking in your company?
I commissioned MP tho it wasn’t necessarily the hardest to get into. It’s all on slots available in your company. Medical services there were 0 slots available. Aviation we had 2 slots available.
The better you do in the course, the better chances you have of getting your first pick of MOS. Infantry typically has a lot of slots. The people toward the bottom of the course were force branched either infantry or field artillery
How long does it usually take from talking to a recruiter to go for OCS training?
Did you have to swim or do a water course?
How many pushups and situps for the PT test?
I would like to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), Direct Commission (DC), or Officer Training School (OTS). I have a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree. I am a prior service member and I'm transferring to a new branch of service. I am 41 years old. My recruiter is saying that I'm too old to become an officer. What advice could you provide to help me pursue the officer route?
Hi, thanks a lot. I'm new in the military world. I took the ASVAB test and got an 80, passed the physical, and Recruiter will schedule the interview with the Board.
These are the 3 fields I'm interested in: Cyber (working in the field already, Intelligence or Data Science Officer.
My concern: How long does the bootcamp + cyber/intel/Data Sc. training takes? I want to start having a family right after the program. Also I'm looking for flexibility to focus on my future kids' education too ( reserved officer). I just turned 25y.
What are your advices?
You have to submit a packet once you're at OCS to branch cyber. It's not done through OML like other branches. And it's super selective, so don't expect to get it even with an IT degree and some experience. You might, but you might not. You can't predict. Intel is done through OML, but it's almost always one of the most, if not the most, popular branch every time. Expect to graduate at the top of the OML, which means excelling at PT, land nav, military history, etc (basically everything that's evaluated at OCS).
If you have experience in the field already, you'll probably have better chances direct commissioning than running the rat race in OCS and getting stuck with a branch you don't want.
Srgt mad max i hve a very sensative question. How can i ask? Thanks
What's the age limit for OCS in the Army Reserves?
32 unless you get a waiver
Great video. How long did you have to wait until you received your orders to attend OCS once you submitted your packet?
For me, since I enlisted as an O9S (officer candidate), I signed my contract in the early summer and then left in September for basic training and immediately left for OCS after completion of basic
@@SergeantMadmax So was you away from Sep - Jan
There's 1 main MOS I am interested in, and 2 others I can accept as an alternative. Is there any circumstance I can be rejected for all 3 of those and forced to do something else or face a dishonorable discharge?
The Army will get what the Army wants. If you don't do well in the class and don't get one of your top 3 picks, you go to what the Army needs. So, do well in the course and you'll guarantee yourself the job you want. Assuming you don't want something that is highly specialized such as medical or flying as they don't have many slots for those fields and they fluctuate each class drastically.
@@SergeantMadmaxI'm looking at 17D which is Cyber Capabilities Development. With a few years of IT work and a 3.6 GPA cybersecurity degree it would be a waste to put me into anything besides the 17's
@@jcdenton7914 branch packets, if they still exist, will be your best route then. It’s never a guarantee but it helps quite a bit. One student was ranked in the 100s on the OML and was prior service (enlisted) as a signal soldier. He dropped a branch packet and due to his experience, he got his 1st pick even though he was in the 100s on the order merit list (OML). One of the guys that was in my PLT enlisted as a military intel soldier even though he had a degree so that when he went to OCS, he was guaranteed the job with his branch packet.
You need to understand the military doesn’t care where they put you. If they need numbers and you don’t perform to the best of your ability to give yourself the best shot at being high on the OML, then they’ll put you where they need officers. There are opportunities to switch branches and go into other MOS for CCC (Captains Career Course) if you didn’t attain the MOS you desired but it’s never a guarantee and that’s after you’ve finished your time as a LT, which is roughly 4 years.
You think the OCS applications would be much shorter due to the recruiting being low atm? I was told before like 2 years ago that it would take 5 months to a year to be fully accepted and ship to BCT and OCS right after. You think the process is much shorter or still the same? Thank you!!!
You’d have to talk to a recruiter to get an accurate window of time as I’m pretty removed from that process now. It fluctuates quite a bit but while retention is low, the military has been quietly downsizing as well
And one last thing. When it comes to letters of recommendation, do I need to have a job or experience in some sort of job? I’ve never work due to being a full time student and getting my degree. I have been in a fire academy which I completed a while a while back but I was on the good side wit the fire chiefs
Awesome video ! Quick question I am 23 years old and about to hit my 6 year active duty mark in July but I won’t finish my bachelors until next year. Is there a waiver for submitting a packet over 6 years ? Any advice is appreciated !
I’d get with your S1 and see if there’s something they can do. My best bet is that they’re going to need a bachelors degree certificate before being able to complete your packet however, they might be able to help you get everything else set up prior to graduating and receiving your bachelors. Make sure you let it known to them and your leadership you want to get to OCS, and make sure you continue to hound your S1 so you don’t get screwed over due to paperwork not being complete. Hope this helps!
Why would you want to cross into the dark side? Drop that warrant pack and live the true good life
Enlisted back in December 2021 as 09S & became the first female to be assigned to Infantry in my “State”. I ship out July 2022.
I’ve been holding my unit’s SFC as a close mentor, and started training with the Air Assault readiness team… I’m still scared as shit because I’m terrified of heights, and I’m worried I’ll get paralyzing fear at any point in training.
Is there any advice you could provide for that?
Things that helped me personally were this.
1) I thought about how badly I wanted my goals and that I was determined, no matter what, to get them. This helped me with things that tossed me WAY outside my comfort zone. Keep those things and thoughts that keep you going in the forefront of your mind.
2) confidence is KEY. Not just in what they’re teaching you, but in yourself. There are thousands and thousands of Soldiers who have come before you that have completed the exact same training. If they can do it, you most certainly can too.
3) focus on the training that you receive. The military loves the crawl, walk, and run phases of training. They prep you to the point where it will become another process you run through. Focus on those fundamentals, and it’ll become muscle memory when execution of the mission comes.
4) For me, faith is important. I would pray before most of the things I was incredibly nervous for. I also did a lot of deliberate breathing. Big deep breaths to calm myself, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Focusing on the relaxation and to get my mind right when the time came to execute.
From my experience being airborne and a JM. What helped me, personally, is knowing that my Soldiers are watching. I need to demonstrate confidence and courage if I expect Soldiers to follow through with the jump. I'm also a religious man, so I have faith that the Lord will keep me from harms way.
hey man, thanks for the great content! i recently graduate from a college and doing some research to join the Army as a non citizenship, is it allowed as a foreigner with a green card to join the OCS?? is there any additional requirement for a non citizen to apply the OCS?. Thanks
You'll have to ask a recruiter than question but from my understanding, you can gain US citizenship by serving in the US military. As far as officership, I'm not entirely sure how that would go. My recommendation is to write down a list of questions, do some googling on them, and then go to a recruiter to ask as well.
Keep in mind recruiters are wanting to get you in by any means necessary (most of the time) and will tell half truths or lie. Make sure you do your research prior to meeting with them.
What about the peer evaluations?
It’s a team effort within your PLT and your Squad. The more you work for the betterment of the team, the less you need to be concerned with peer evals. The more of a turd you are, the more you should worry about it. My company saw 1 OC dropped due to peer evals and it was because every single person in the squad had them as last place
As an enlisted Navy guy with a bachelor’s degree, what would the pipeline look like if I was seeking to go to Army OCS? Would I have to go to enlisted Army basic?
I think it depends on your MOS. I had a few navy guys that were with me in Basic but their MOS wasn’t accepted as basic training certified.
Do you have to do OCS even if you do Army ROTC for 4 years in college?
Nope. If you do ROTC you commission through ROTC. I you are a civilian with a college degree and no military experience, commission through OCS.
When you checked your pay at Basic Training did you get paid as a Private and then once you moved to OCS get paid as a 2nd Lieutenant? ... Additionally did you do get shipped for OCS day after BCT graduation or was it a few weeks later.
In the O9S enlistment program, you’re paid as an E-4/SPC in basic training. At OCS, you’re paid as an E-5/SGT but never wear the rank or are called SGT. You wear OCS rank as you’re a candidate. Upon graduation of OCS, pay begins as a 2LT.
The day after graduation, I was shipped to OCS. I’m not sure how other duty stations do it though.
@@SergeantMadmax Great thank you for the clarity. 1 other question. As a college grad, Did you do BCT, OCS and then your speciality training or was OCS and speciality traing combined. Bcz BCT and OCT are around 5 months already
@@princesslizzy5675 basic, OCS, and then BOLC (basic Officer leader course) are all separate entities. The only time basic and your job training are combined is through the enlisted side of the house. That’s called OSUT (one station unit training).
Now if you have a job that is highly specialized such as a lawyer/doctor etc, you will skip basic and go straight to OCS, which is condensed.
@@SergeantMadmax Thank you for the insight. I defo need to do research into BOLC as I wasn't aware of this 3rd bit. I'm interested in Finance MOS, But on the army website doesn't mention it's highly specialised, but in the civilian world finance is.
@@princesslizzy5675 I recommend contacting a recruiter to give you further information, just be aware that retention of troops is very low and getting people to sign up is extremely challenging right now. They’ll tell you a lot of things you want to hear and not give you a full picture of what things are truly like. If you keep this in mind, coupled with your own research, that’s your best bet.
Do people get recycled over peer evaluations?
My time there, one person from our company was recycled off peer evals. It was someone in a different PLT than mine. It takes a lot, at least in my company it did, to recycle someone. It took the CPT in charge of said PLT to talk to the squad that voted this person the lowest to find out why. It raises an eye when the entire squad is voting the exact same person as the lowest individual.
If the justification is enough, the CPT will keep eyes on that individual and have a discussion with them, and most likely, the Company Commander/1SG and the Battalion Commander/CSM.
@@SergeantMadmax Is there a way to argue this recycle if you have sworn statements from squad members attesting the comments made on the peer evals are false? Like who to reach out to etc?
@@johnshepard7630 you would need to go with the chain of command that is present. Aka, talk with your PLT CPT or NCO. Your Company commander may have an open door policy that you can get with as well and talk to them. Push comes to shove, the battalion commander and their open door policy
Understand this is going to cause some waves within your company l but do what’s best for you.
@@SergeantMadmax I've tried replying with my discord to get a chance to speak to you but my comments don't go through.
Ohhh I’m gonna talk to my husband about joining officer school he got a bachelor degree.
I’m a prior Marine, I did 4 years active. Got out beginning of last year and been going to college ever since then using my GI Bill. Who do I talk to become an officer in the Army? Do I go through my University ROTC or the recruiting station near me?
Depends the route you want to go. If you want to do ROTC, I recommend talking with the ROTC department. If you want to go through OCS, talk to recruiter near you
@@SergeantMadmax I’m not trying to do rotc, so I’ll probably go talk to a recruiter
@@gogurtz1738 Do it man! I'm currently at MIBOLC and we've got two former marines in our class. I graduate in 3 weeks and am off to JBLM.
@@Brofessor-Sam I am currently in ROTC, got two years left before I commission.
@@gogurtz1738 Hell yeah, what branch do you want?
Hey what happens if you fail? Are you given the choice to be discharged or forced to enlist as an E4?
You are given multiple attempts on events and if you fail those or break the code of conduct, you will be sent out of OCS to then become an E-4, if you take the route I took. If you didn’t, you’ll go back to your unit
Were you working before you got shipped out?
No, I was solely focused on fitness and preparing for leaving
What are the biggest things I need to worry about as fas as physical fitness?
I would say this:
- ACFT
- rucking
- running
When I was there, a 5 mile run in 40 minutes or less was a requirement. We also did the OPAT (occupation physical assessment test) to dictate what level we qualified for specific jobs. This had a shuttle run or beep/pacer test. Rucking was always tough for me since I’m a little bit on the shorter side.
Running, 30/60s and 60/120s (run for 30 or 60 seconds, then walk for 60 or 120 seconds respectively) helped significantly in helping my run time increase. We did this at basic training a bunch.
Rucking, find boots that fit your feet or get fitted for boots property. This will save your feet and find those hot spots on where your feet hurt. Get some moleskin and prepare your feet prior to each ruck with that. I learned not to overstride or “step it out” and to take smaller faster steps. It sucks but I found it worked for me.
ACFT, take a practice one and find the events you need to work on.
@@SergeantMadmax I’m only 17 so I have plenty of time to get in peak physical condition. Is there a format I can follow to ensure I’m in peak physical condition for OCS within a 4 year timespan?
@@cgspeaks8401 there are a lot of programs you can find out on RUclips, or the internet in general. It’s hard to give you a “one perfect cookie cutter” program. Once you gain experience you find what you personally need to work on as far as physical fitness is concerned. If you’re going to college, there might be resources at your university/college that could help. Otherwise ROTC could be an option.
My experience, I got into weight lifting (body building routine) and running. I weight lifted and ran for a good 4 years before I left for basic training. I was doing 80 push ups, 75 sit ups in 2 min, and running a 13:30 2 mile before I left. 5’7” and 155 lbs was what I was at. My run time improved at basic from the 30/60s and the 60/120s. There are so many programs that you’ll find so it can be overwhelming. Definitely consult a professional in the fitness field.
The key to a good Soldier and Officer is knowing that when you’re asked a question, you know where to go or can find the answer and seek the answers to the questions you have. You’re on the right path. If you’re serious about it, now is the time to prepare.
@@SergeantMadmax Understood, I’m currently 6’0 200 and start training with my boxing coach for endurance training tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted on progress throughout my journey in your future videos and maybe you can help me along the way. Thank you for your time and help.💯
@@cgspeaks8401 of course man, best of luck to you. Boxing would be a great intensity workout and will get you going I’m sure
Did you have to buy your ascot, specifically black, or is it given to you.
You buy the white ascot (senior phase) otherwise the black and blue are given to you.
@@SergeantMadmax thanks
@@lmbarnes3 anytime!
I got a reserve slot but not an active duty slot. I want to be an active duty officer. Any advice?
Talk with your recruiter and see if there’s anything they can do. Maybe push you back to a different class? I’m unsure what’s possible but it won’t hurt to ask. Otherwise, you could get an active slot later down the road. I’ve seen a lot of CPTs that were reservist gone active or vise versa
@@SergeantMadmax unfortunately my deadline passed already...maybe next year
Hey could you just give me a run down on the physical aspects. I am currently a SSG in the Army and I hate running and rucking, I know it’s like why be an officer though, but I have my reasons. I just took and ACFT and passed with a 522, I’m a 5’9, 153 lb female. I would not say I’m in shape though, and the more I look into OCS I get nervous so, I’m just trying to mentally prepare myself in hopes that I get selected. So do you really run 3-5 miles everyday for PT? is there AGRs or everyone running together? I watched your ruck portion are they all group rucks or is that dependent on platoon? Is the swim test a must to pass? And is there a 4 mile? I just dropped an OCS packet this year and my HRC panel was 6-9 so hopefully the results come out early Jan or earlier. But from those results do you know how long it takes for active duty to get an actual class date I read on the Benning FAQs up to 12 months, but I was hoping for some leeway with the “up to”. Thanks in advance for any answers
Not sure on the selection time frame as I entered as a civilian and went to basic then OCS so it’s a different process from my understanding.
As far as physicality goes, rucks for my class were as a company and not release rucks. Most of the running we did were release runs with exceptions to a couple of them. For example, you have to complete a 5 mile run in a specific amount of time and this was a release run. For the graduation 5 mile run, it was a formational run. For the runs themselves, we usually did anything between 1-3 miles and it was not everyday. I want to say it was around every other day or 3 days depending what was on the schedule.
There was no swim when I went through, as the POI changed.
043 Reginald Ranch
What was the average age of soldiers?
Hard to say, but if I had to put my finger on it I would say anywhere from 24-26 for average. I was 24 when I went.
How is it that you're only a Sergeant but went to OCS????
The requirements are a college degree to attend OCS. So, a Sergeant can attend OCS as long as they have a 4 year bachelors degree. You do receive E5 pay while at OCS, but you never wear the rank of Sergeant, only the “OCS” rank. You are referenced as Candidate while attending OCS
@@SergeantMadmax but dr disrespect must be a real doctor!
Any tips for prior service returning to do ocs?
Leave your ego at the door. You’re all wearing OCS rank. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring your experience to assist those that need it. It’s the execution of how you convey that message and experience to those who are new to the Army. You can learn things from anyone, regardless of rank. Listen to the new troops and be willing to lend a helping hand with the experience you’ve garnered.
Sorry...but things have gotten so so so soft...went through active duty OCS in 98...this looks really weak compared to my experience. At that time, there were only a handful of classes graduating and commissioning each year..Only a few people coming direct from basic like this guy and NONE graduated..I was 11B20P, and it was probably comparable to Infantry OSUT Basic...frankly, this is pretty lame looking..I know, I know old grads always say its getting watered down...but...sorry...this ain't the same as what I went through ...personal time?!? LMAO
Different time, different Army that’s for sure. It’s hard to get people to WANT to go to OCS. Not saying it’s a gimme, but they were accepting a lot of people. I think somewhere around 60-70% of my basic training class was O9S (Officer Candidate). They were pumping the Army full of 2LTs in hopes of keeping people in past CPT and going on to MAJ since retention is garbage for those specific ranks.
Ugh, one of you guys. So predictable, so cliché. You are what we laugh at on our spare time. Many of us ENJOY having it easier. You think we're hurt or sad that the course is easier than it was for you old farts? Lmaoo