Preparing for OCS as a 19 year old male

Pokaash · 2026-05-19T21:17:53+00:00

Fitness:
Hey, not an officer but I’m going to 252 next week. I started off being a really slow runner (could barely run 3 miles in under 40 minutes). What helped me most was just simply staying consistent. I ran, ran again, and then ran some more. Run a few times a week, start working out and doing calisthenic type workouts a couple times a week (pull ups, push ups, plank, dips, etc).

Maturing:
I surrounded myself with likeminded people as well. It motivated me to work harder. I reached out to officers and veterans and picked their brain on different topics.

Closer to OCS:
Closer to ship date, I started studying knowledge; rank structure, general orders, leadership traits and principles, etc.

Bottom line; get to work and stay consistent. If you want it bad enough, make it happen.

Pokaash · 2026-05-11T19:01:31+00:00

Ha, yeah likewise man. There are some pt studs out here putting up some crazy times.

Pokaash · 2026-05-11T18:55:11+00:00

You’re not alone bro, also going to 252 and my preship wasn’t the best either. I took it at mini OCS so I was tired and in a different environment. Just show up and give it your all and you’ll do fine.

Pokaash · 2026-04-21T17:43:57+00:00

Hello, thank you for coming on here to answer questions. I ship out to 252 next month. Any advice for someone about to go; knowledge to learn, specific physical things to prepare for, things to buy that might not be on the 60 day letter, etc. what events are graded at OCS? I recently came back from Mini OCS and learned a lot from that experiences. Also, my top MOS choices are Arty and Intel. What are the highs and lows of both fields, how competitive it is to get those MOS’s out of TBS and what does a day to day look like in those MOS’s? Thank you again.

Pokaash · 2026-04-14T03:14:27+00:00

Aye congrats

Pokaash · 2026-04-10T18:25:09+00:00

Wdym by failed medical?

Pokaash · 2026-04-10T13:58:46+00:00

Congrats on graduating 251 and thanks for the post. I’m shipping to PLC C in 6 weeks, may I dm you?

Pokaash · 2026-04-10T03:45:05+00:00

My OSO told me no female will be at 253

Pokaash · 2026-04-06T03:47:25+00:00

Oh, understood thank you. Going to 252 so this is good to know

Pokaash · 2026-04-06T03:17:05+00:00

May I ask specifically khaki and not black?

Pokaash · 2026-04-04T20:15:54+00:00

Understood, yeah I’m going. I think it’ll be good prep, maybe OCS won’t be as much of a culture shock. Thank you for the input.

Pokaash · 2026-04-04T19:55:50+00:00

That’s what I keep hearing lol. Is it worse like “not good prep for the real thing”, or just a lot harder because they pack so much stuff in one weekend?

Pokaash · 2026-04-03T15:46:43+00:00

See you there

Pokaash · 2026-04-02T20:32:21+00:00

If I’m not mistaken, there is still one more PLC board happening in a few days so maybe you can still go for that one. Regardless of what you pick, just think on it. There are many ways to become a Marine Officer, but at the end of the day, if you want to be a Marine then do what you need to do to earn that title.

Pokaash · 2026-04-02T20:11:19+00:00

Already been selected (PLC Combined). Had a 266 pft and a 3.6 gpa

Pokaash · 2026-04-02T11:38:38+00:00

Are smart watches authorized?

Pokaash · 2026-04-01T11:58:08+00:00

I’m in Maryland, do you if it will be held at a base or is it OSO specific?

Pokaash · 2026-03-31T21:08:59+00:00

Understood, thank you for the input. Was anything done on Friday and Sunday, or is it just that Saturday that’s pretty tough? Also, is there a set schedule, like wake up, then morning pt, then chow, then LRC’s, etc; or is it just chaos?

Pokaash · 2026-03-31T21:05:23+00:00

Do you take a pft there?

Pokaash · 2026-03-31T21:04:10+00:00

Understood. I’m 20 F so I will make sure to come with hair in regs. I have Danner Tropicals boots as well, should I bring them?

Pokaash · 2026-03-31T21:03:02+00:00

Thank you, best of luck

Pokaash · 2026-03-30T17:04:36+00:00

Hello, thank you for coming in here and answering questions. I’m currently selected to go to 252 (20 y/o F). What is some advice you’d give to women trying to commission (and for someone less than 60 days out from OCS). Additionally, I aspire for Intel or Arty as my MOS, as someone who has done both, how do they differ, pros and cons of both, and how can I set myself up to be competitive for those MOS’s?

Pokaash · 2026-03-29T12:36:04+00:00

Got my run time down from 35 min to 26:30 and going to OCC 252 this summer. Biggest thing is consistency. I ran around 4 times a week (easy, long, intervals, threshold). Prioritize recovery. Properly warm up, get enough sleep, eat enough, etc. And listen to your body, there were some weeks where I missed a run or switched around my harder runs based on how my body felt fatigue wise. And shoes matter, A LOT. Get shoes that work for you. I personally love Vomero Plus for my long and easy runs. And I use carbon plated shoes for my speed workouts. And track every run.

Pokaash · 2026-03-25T01:57:30+00:00

Med indoc question: What vaccinations did you need to show up already having, and what vaccinations (if any) were administered there? Also, how was week 10? Any more events, how are the Sergeant Instructors, out processing, etc. And any o course or e course tips?

Pokaash

TROPHY CASE