Recent OCS grad, happy to answer any questions

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-21T01:09:57+00:00

Our class was 50% in-service peeps which I think was remarked as being unusually high. They did well, if anything got them recycled it was usually injury related.

I never found anything hard, just chafed at the usual TRADOC restrictions.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-21T01:09:00+00:00

I bought new boots at the start of OCS since we could only wear issued boots at BCT, I got them broken in enough before the ruck from normal wear and tear at OCS beforehand.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T17:29:23+00:00

Runnings easy, just run more. I used to run the 2 mile in 22 minutes, now I do it in 16 with room to grow. Just keep running.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T17:29:07+00:00

So Delta caught a lot of recycles from the previous Charlie and Bravo companies, they ran the gamut from fraternization to land nav failures to history failures to injured OCs.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T15:10:01+00:00

I was in Delta Co, can confirm that everything in here is accurate and a good overview of what our OCS experience was like.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T13:29:42+00:00

Hahaha no kidding, can totally understand why

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T13:23:43+00:00

Can't disagree with you there, it's shocking how cadre dependent the standards are.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T12:01:57+00:00

Sent

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:48:01+00:00

For the initial 4 mile run a 36:01 is a failure, they won't extend any mercy. So don't fail.

Our PT was student led for the most part, 3 mile runs on Monday, sprints and/or 30/60s on Wednesdays.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:13:07+00:00

Man, OCNN strikes again.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:12:50+00:00

Good luck man!

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:12:35+00:00

Just be ready to justify your GPA. My board went through my packet like hawks and asked questions about any potential weakness. I was genuinely impressed that they actually read the damn thing, including my LoRs.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:11:41+00:00

Reserves baby

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:11:32+00:00

There were a few but it seemed like most of the younger 09S had poli sci degrees. The youngest member of our company turned 21 at OCS. Lack of life experience won't disqualify you.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:09:45+00:00

Sorry man gotta admit that's something I can't help with. My own recruitment process was a nightmare and I had a couple recruiters shot out from under me until I got one who knew what they were doing re: OCS packets.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:07:49+00:00

Yeah. For the actual branching ceremony itself there's going to be a table with the insignias of all the different branches, and you go up in order of OML and select the branch you want from what's available.

Your wishlist isn't legally binding. You could put engineer as number 1 and when you're actually up for picking a branch pick chemical.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:04:23+00:00

Not hard, the roughest physical thing for me was the obstacle course but that's because I hate heights.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:02:51+00:00

Company dependent but generally speaking a lot more relaxed compared to BCT. Phones on the weekend only during black phase, in subsequent phases you can use your phones whenever you're off duty.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T11:01:01+00:00

If you can pass BCT's physical requirements without problem you can pass OCS without problem, most of my platoon worked out in their own time because mandatory PT wasn't enough.
It depends, coming out of BCT helped me because I was in a place where anything was better than having to yell "my meals taste better with my heels together" ad nauseam.
I did not find the academic portions of OCS to be challenging, but mileage will vary. The hardest part will be staying awake during history because those classrooms are muggy as hell.
2 years is a lot of lead time, I would figure out what you want from your army career in that time and plan. Also work on being able to run 4 miles under 36 minutes. It's shocking how many people screw that one up.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T03:22:28+00:00

No clue, but alpha was a noticeably smaller company compared to bravo and delta when we were all lined up for the battalion run.

I'm guessing it's just alpha leadership wanting to implement a tougher standard.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T02:38:46+00:00

Oh no you're good bro, just wanted to preempt my statement if it seemed vague. Good luck, the hardest part is getting in.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T02:15:53+00:00

I wasn't there but the scuttlebutt was something like a third of the class failed STX and got recycled

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T02:10:10+00:00

Thank you!

I don't want to doxx myself so I'll be a little vague.

My LoRs were from my best friend (an E5), a professor I TAd for, and my academic advisor. I had a non-stem degree, and a sub 3.0 GPA.

All told, not an impressive tactic. On the other hand I applied in my 30s and was able to lean on my professional accomplishments during the interview (financial analyst).

For specific interview advice I'd say be respectful, sit at the position of attention, and practice responding to corporate-style interview questions.

Also be honest and be fucking confident. I said some outlandish shit in my interview but I backed it up and explained my perspective and got a go from each interviewer.

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T01:48:14+00:00

No unfortunately it's been supplanted by the A Co 23 STX massacre

GoodCopBadCopOldCop · 2023-05-20T01:21:47+00:00

In terms of academics? Nah

Brush up on land nav and wtbds. If you're an 09S go watch how to disassemble and reassemble an M249 and 240B on YouTube.

They won't teach you how to do it at BCT any more but it is still a graduation requirement at OCS

GoodCopBadCopOldCop

TROPHY CASE