sTUPID qUESTIONS aBOUT ocs

[tide7]

Actually the Navy gave me $800. So still $2200 out of pocket.

 

[Meyerkord]

Actually the Navy gave me $800. So still $2200 out of pocket.

That sucks; they must have just changed that then. I graduated in June and got a $1800 stipend for initial clothing.

 

[Skywalker]

Can any recent OCS grads comment on the current running shoe policy? I've heard rumors that we can no longer bring our own running shoes.

Not sure if someone answered you already. I'm currently in Med Hold at OCS, and you're allowed to bring your own shoes, but they expect you to wear the ones they issue you... With the exception of certain individuals. Some were allowed to wear what they brought. I was not. I don't know what criterion determines this.

 

[crj021]

Not sure if someone answered you already. I'm currently in Med Hold at OCS, and you're allowed to bring your own shoes, but they expect you to wear the ones they issue you... With the exception of certain individuals. Some were allowed to wear what they brought. I was not. I don't know what criterion determines this.

Do they measure your feet/stride and give you running shoes based on that? Just kinda worried because I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, and what shoes I wear make a big difference with respect to shin splints/lower leg pain

 

[Meyerkord]

Do they measure your feet/stride and give you running shoes based on that? Just kinda worried because I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, and what shoes I wear make a big difference with respect to shin splints/lower leg pain

Yeah you step on a machine that measures your foot profile and there’s a few different shoes they give you based on that. If you have a special circumstance where you need special shoes I would bring it up.

 

[Skywalker]

Do they measure your feet/stride and give you running shoes based on that? Just kinda worried because I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, and what shoes I wear make a big difference with respect to shin splints/lower leg pain

They have you stand on a machine that measures weight distribution in your feet, and you're allowed to try on several pairs before you choose one. Based off of your concerns, I recommend looking at SEAL/Ranger forums about heel strike/foot strike with regards to running. Some of my fellow Med Hold people have absolutely and seemingly inexplicably destroyed their legs, and there have been people sent home for running injuries in the past. This place breaks bodies.

 

[tide7]

If you normally wear insoles or special shoes you could bring them and try to get a medical chit (special authorization) to wear them. Unless a doctor says otherwise, you're going to have to wear the shoes they give you.

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

Do they measure your feet/stride and give you running shoes based on that? Just kinda worried because I have flat feet and overpronate a lot, and what shoes I wear make a big difference with respect to shin splints/lower leg pain

Inserts to replace the crappy insole shoes usually come with can also make a big difference. I'm mildly flat footed and it never bothered me really, but for the sake of avoiding potential issues and sake of throwing away money I get a good pair of inserts.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Insoles-Instant-Relief-Orthotics-Flat/dp/B079STNNJ4

 

[tide7]

Inserts to replace the crappy insole shoes usually come with can also make a big difference. I'm mildly flat footed and it never bothered me really, but for the sake of avoiding potential issues and sake of throwing away money I get a good pair of inserts.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Insoles-Instant-Relief-Orthotics-Flat/dp/B079STNNJ4

They won't let you wear your own insoles without authorization from medical. You can bring them and try to get a chit, but don't be disappointed if you threw that money away.

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

They won't let you wear your own insoles without authorization from medical. You can bring them and try to get a chit, but don't be disappointed if you threw that money away.

Thanks, I'll keep it in mind but fortunately I won't be needing them anyways as it's not severe.

I've made a lot of value out of the inserts in any case. They're great for every day walking/running, providing a little more comfort than normal insoles for me, and I could imagine making a bigger difference for more severe pes planus related conditions in regular day-to-day.

With that said, I also like to do arch-strengthening exercises like short foot (with variants using small towels), toe yoga, calf raises, etc. They helped me when I started getting back into running. Whatever simple things OP can do to help his situation will pay dividends.

 

[tide7]

For what it’s worth, you can wear insoles with your boots and oxfords. Just not the running shoes. (No I don’t know why the policy is different for different shoes). I found they were both much more comfortable with insoles. Not sure if that’ll help your situation.

 

[123spacego]

My spouse has an emotional support dog and we would like to bring it to graduation. Would it be more trouble than its worth? In its defense, it’s a really cute dog.

 

[AIRMMCPORET]

My spouse has an emotional support dog and we would like to bring it to graduation. Would it be more trouble than its worth? In its defense, it’s a really cute dog.

Dog hair for all my shipmates dress blues.?

 

[Gatordev]

My spouse has an emotional support dog and we would like to bring it to graduation. Would it be more trouble than its worth? In its defense, it’s a really cute dog.

So let's tackle this from the pragmatist's point of view...

- What will she do with the dog during the National Anthem?
- What happens if the dog barks during the ceremony? (I know many dogs won't do this, but it's worth asking)
- Who manages the dog during pictures with you and your spouse? Who manages the dog when your managers also want to be in the picture with you and your spouse?
- Can the dog even be inside? (assuming it's a winter graduation)
- Can the dog survive outside in the heat (assuming it's a summer graduation)
- Are you okay with the focus being on the dog? Because it's your day, but that's what will happen.

Have you figured out the answer yet?

 

[AULANI]

My spouse has an emotional support dog and we would like to bring it to graduation. Would it be more trouble than its worth? In its defense, it’s a really cute dog.

I'm not sure what an emotional support dog is since all dogs provide emotional support except for mine who's an a-hole. That being said, when I graduated in June someone had a small dog there, in dress blues lol.