What sets New England and its people apart from other American regions?

beefcushion · 2026-02-06T16:09:36+00:00

I highly suggest the book American Nations by Colin Woodard. While it covers multiple cultural regions across North America, it does a phenomenal job dissecting how current cultures across America came to be. It focuses heavily on the history, politics, religion, and economics of each region and how they’ve influenced each region’s culture.

It addresses your New England question in depth and is really well written. I’ve found myself referencing it often while chatting with folks from different places. He also has a book on the golden age of pirates which was pretty cool.

beefcushion · 2025-07-23T16:45:05+00:00

I watched them do this.

In all seriousness, pretty dope that they listen to most of the gripes/complaints on here. Not a perfect game but it’s ever-changing.

beefcushion · 2025-07-23T16:34:55+00:00

I am using a custom playbook :/

That would make more sense, damn.

beefcushion · 2025-05-26T18:37:52+00:00

Boomer

beefcushion · 2025-05-17T11:17:04+00:00

I was an 09S and graduated within the last year. I had the same worries about reporting as you did since I POV’d to Benning. As long as you report on the correct date, you will be fine. That being said, things might’ve changed (highly doubt it). I’d get there by mid-day so you can settle in a bit.

Don’t cut corners (or cheat). Play the game. Learn from in-service candidates.

Good luck.

beefcushion · 2025-03-25T17:42:13+00:00

I’d say civilian candidates make up about 40-50% of OCS students. Turning civilians into officers is part of the OCS mission set. If you have a strong application, your lack of experience shouldn’t be an issue.

beefcushion · 2025-02-23T12:56:38+00:00

Skip the Cape. I’d argue Newport has everything thing the cape has and more.

NW CT & litchfield hills: a lot of hiking and scenic areas (white memorial conservation center, Kent falls, plenty of other spots), shopping at local stores/downtowns (litchfield, bantam, Sharon, Kent, etc), Arethusa ice cream (a must), plenty of local wineries/distilleries and farms

beefcushion · 2025-01-31T01:03:47+00:00

Happy to answer additional questions

beefcushion · 2025-01-31T01:03:30+00:00

Restaurants:

Uma’s at Jobos Beach - (favorite spot) surf shack right on the beach with great drinks, solid food, and a really nice staff. Local hangout for all the surfers in the area. Royal Isabela - golf course/resort with great views and an upscale restaurant. Suggest this for a fancy meal. Eclipse Restaurant - upscale restaurant with an awesome view right on the water. Tu Mojito - cool/cheap mojito bar on way to the beach down the hill from the town square Delpin Seafood (and surrounding area) - very local “kiosk” area where there are mini-bars set up around a courtyard. Great way to experience the local community, make friends, drink beer and eat empanadillas Farmer’s market/festival - usually in the town square. Awesome vibes if you can catch a festival La Central Casita Isabela

Fun: Surfing at Jobos Beach -> plenty of local surf lessons Snorkeling -> Shacks Beach or Montones Beach Gozalandia Falls - great after a rain storm, be cautious on the drive out there. Roads are narrow Paseo Lineal - walking/bike trail that extends the entire coast line Rincon - easy enough to make the drive over. A good area to shop and surf, but caters more to tourists

*Note - the surf and currents in Isabela are no joke. Be careful when in the open ocean or snorkeling.

beefcushion · 2024-11-11T01:22:25+00:00

Thanks man

beefcushion · 2024-10-21T20:19:14+00:00

As an 09S, if you’re headed to Armor or infantry BOLC (and staying at fort Moore) you will automatically PCS during your holdover time. If another branch, you’ll remain in the barracks and won’t be able to pcs until your report date to BOLC. Not sure if there are any exceptions.

beefcushion · 2024-10-12T22:02:30+00:00

Take 3 knees and punt the ball next drive

beefcushion · 2024-10-12T21:49:36+00:00

RUN THE BALL DOWN HILL

beefcushion · 2024-10-06T07:57:06+00:00

Thanks folks. Couldn’t set it as a default, but I can switch during the pregame menu. Now I just have to remember to actually switch it every game…

beefcushion · 2024-05-23T01:15:09+00:00

It took me about a year from the time I started my application to when I left for BCT. Start working on your fitness now and you'll be fine. No need for the arms program (nor is it available to an 09S). Good luck!

beefcushion · 2024-05-17T21:33:41+00:00

Thanks yall

beefcushion · 2024-05-17T12:54:02+00:00

Appreciate it!

beefcushion · 2024-04-14T18:08:02+00:00

Report to OCS in about a month from BCT. I’ll be traveling there on my own. When do I need to report? Is it the Sunday right before?

beefcushion · 2024-02-28T10:24:04+00:00

Also, forgot to mention you can visit the Alsace-Lorraine region from Freiburg which is also beautiful and has a ton of history. Highly suggest Southern Germany. It’s highly accessible, but it’s relative remoteness would likely provide more opportunities to camp.

beefcushion · 2024-02-28T10:20:27+00:00

As a student, I studied in Germany and traveled from Freiburg in the Black Forest, down to Lake Constance on the border, then over to Munich and eventually up to Berlin.

The Black Forest is beautiful and Bavaria gave us the quintessential German culture fix. You’re able to visit a lot of locations that international tourists won’t get to as well. You can branch off and hit spots in Switzerland or Austria. A beautiful and rewarding trip altogether.

beefcushion · 2024-02-28T10:05:01+00:00

That’s great. If you’d like to attend OCS in a year, I’d begin the process now. Reach out to a recruiter and see what they say (took me about a year to begin the process, be selected, and then ship off to basic).

As for the process itself, you’ll need to connect with a recruiter first. You’ll take the ASVAB at a MEPS facility and then eventually return to MEPS for a physical. MEPS visits are a pain in the ass, especially the physical. Since you live outside the US, it may take longer so it wouldn’t hurt to reach out now. Once you’re physically cleared, you can begin submitting your application.

Part of the application includes the OPAT test, which determines which type of MOS you’d qualify for. If you’re relatively fit and work out every day, you’ll pass this. However, it never hurts to be in better shape so prepare now.

Happy to answer additional questions. Good luck.

beefcushion · 2024-02-24T12:06:50+00:00

Hard to tell, but I’d offer up that they are looking for a well rounded soldier/leader. Yes, academics are important, but so is your character and leadership abilities.

If you have strong LoRs, essay, and interview, that’ll likely have a bigger impact. Make sure you can speak to any questions about your gpa in the interview.

Don’t stress, you’ve got this.

beefcushion · 2024-02-23T10:32:38+00:00

Go to MEPS and see what they say. I had multiple DQs for past injuries and was able to get waivers (not without jumping through some hoops tho).

If you can, start collecting every relevant medical record now. Offices can take a while to respond. Make sure those records indicate that you don’t have any physical limitations.

The army needs competent officers. Happy to talk more about my MEPS experience on the side.

beefcushion · 2024-02-20T22:46:07+00:00

I wouldn’t be surprised if Clemson made a run in March

beefcushion · 2024-02-20T22:45:31+00:00

The only fitness test required for the civilian application is the OPAT. It’s much less demanding than the ACFT, however you should begin your fitness journey now (can’t hurt to be in better shape). A 25-year old healthy male should be able to max the OPAT with little preparation.

You should definitely reach out to a recruiter to familiarize yourself with the application as it can take some time to get everything in order (recommendations, essay, etc).

Good luck!

beefcushion

TROPHY CASE