Dave Shutter
Registered User
...as for OCS suggestions, well I can't help obviously, but I exchanged messages with an OCS grad a while back who answered a bunch of questions for me. I asked a ton of questions and he was more than happy to reply. He wrote...
quote:Hey Dave,
Let me see if I can answer some questions for you. I'm prior enlisted
as well (Navy '91-'95) and I remember thinking that I'd been through boot
camp and that OCS couldn't be that much harder. Well, I was WRONG!
Academics are no Laughing matter at OCS. Each topic is usually covered in a
week and the amount of information put out is normally about the same as a
regular semester long class. You go to class nearly all day and study at
night.
The topics vary in difficulty with Seamanship and Navigation generally
considered the hardest. There's nothing I can say to prepare you for these
classes except pay attention in class and practice your mo-boards and
nav-charts. History isn't that bad as long as you don't blow it off. Some
candidates have a problem with it because it comes in your second week and
you've got so many other things going on at that time it's easy to loose your
focus.
As far as GPA and your major in college, they don't really mean much at
OCS. I was a Criminal Justice major with an average GPA and I had one of the
higher academic averages of my class (and I graduated in an Honor Class). My
roommate who has a Mathematics degree from St. John's had one of the lowest.
Nearly any one can pickup what is taught at OCS, but whether or not you excel
academically is based more on how much you pay attention in class (do not
sleep!), and how many hours of studying you put in each night (even after
taps). Basically, how bad do you want it? If you're willing to get by with
four or five hours of sleep a day then you'll do good. Just remember that
you'll have a lot of other things going on besides academics and that's what
makes it so difficult. It's very easy to loose your focus.
If you have any more questions feel free to write.
Later,
Zac
PS - Don't take the PT or Military phases of OCS for granted, I saw just as
many people roll out of our class for failures in those areas as I did for
academics.
I replied with a ton of questions and then he wrote...
quote:Hey Bro,
I'll try to answer your questions one by one:
- What community are you entering and when does your training start?
I'm a student Naval Aviator (desig 13950), I've already checked in to API and
have done all of my PRT and swim screens, I should class up mid-June.
- What are the barracks likes? How much cleaning do you get stuck with?
Regimental barracks SUCK!!! That's where you'll be for your first week or
two (poopie week), but don't worry you'll have so much on your mind at that
time you won't really mind. The Battalion barracks are much nicer. Your
class shares a common head and you'll share a room with four other guys (no
bunk beds). You'll be doing a lot of cleaning everyday.
- Do you get any schmuck duty: K.P, guard duty, CQ...etc?
Yeah, you have to stand watches from your second to the sixth week. It's no
big deal if you're "locked-on" and intense in front of the DI's, just
remember ballistics will save you. Try to buddy-up to your classes watchbill
coordinator so that you don't get assigned too many 0200 - 0400 watches.
That'll be the night you'll only get 3 hours of sleep, the good news is
you'll get a lot of studying done.
- Are classes organized into "companies" which are part of "battalions," the
organization would answer a couple of questions?
No, you'll just be assigned a class number (my class was 17-00) and all of
the classes are part of the battalion. Right now there's only one battalion
open but they're doing a lot of construction and they may open another one
before you get there.
- How much training is done by the USMC drill sergeants and how much is done
by the Chiefs?
The Chiefs don't do much training with the class. They do show you how to
wear your uniforms and also teach some leadership classes through out the 13
weeks, but they're mostly responsible for taking care of the many
administrative problems (pay, etc.) that come up amongst your class mates.
- How many uniforms do you wear at OCS and do you have to buy them? How much
did all that cost?
Your daily wear, other than PT gear in the morning, is wash khakis. You
stand inspections in your dress uniforms.
- Do you have to buy your graduation Saber, how much$$?
Only the top 10 - 15 of your class will wear sabers during the graduation
parade, they'll either be platoon commanders or distinguished graduates. The
sabers are running right around $400 but you don't have to buy one unless you
want to, if you are required to wear one in the parade it will be issued to
you from the regimental armory.
- Were there any women in your class?
Yeah, we graduated with 4 women but we had another 3 or 4 that rolled out due
to failing academics.
- How many people total in your class? How many people rolled out, basically
what was the percentage?
Honor Class 17-00 graduated 39 "Sons a bitches" on 12 May 00. We started
with 53, from that original group 21 graduated with the class. Of those 21
only 8 of us went all the way through OCS without failing a subject and
getting on the bubble. Including roll-ins from other classes we had
something like 82 people in Honor Class 17-00 during that 13 weeks and like I
said only 39 graduated.
- What made seamanship a hard subject?
Seamanship might not be that hard anymore. The maneuvering board problems
are what make the class tough, but my class was the last one under the old
seamanship curriculum. We had to learn 6 mo-board problems, but now I think
it's only 2 or 3 that you'll be taught. But mo-boards are only half of what
are taught in the class, you've got a ton of other basic seamanship info to
memorize.
- How was engineering? Are you required to solve problems or interpret
designs, or do they just familiarize you with equipment?
Engineering is tough. You're familiarized with everything from gas turbines
to nuclear reactors, but what makes it even harder is that the whole book is
taught in two days!
- What was the YP boat Nav exercise like? Doesn't sound like a day on the
lake!
Actually it's not that bad, it's a welcome break from the day to day mashings
you get from the DI's. You go out and apply all of the knowledge you learned
in your Seamanship and Navigation classes (you get three YP rides, one for
each class and one when you become Candidate Officers).
- How are the tests given, essay? scantron...?
All are multiple choice on a scantron.
- How much running did you do in a day/week, how much swimming?
Not much swimming, just know how to do the basic strokes. We PT'd everyday
but Thurs and Sun, and averaged 2.5 - 3 miles a day.
- What was the Damage control trainer like?
We didn't get to do it because it was too cold that day but we did do some
practical application in the trainer and I imagine it's pretty fun.
- How much fire fighting training?
None. I did some in bootcamp but none at OCS.
- Did you get the gas chamber as part of NBC...excuse me...CBR training?
None, you study it in Damage Control, but no trips to the gas chamber.
- How are the grades tabulated from all the different subjects, inspections
and exercises?
It's all averaged in together using some weird formula, they'll tell you
about it when you get there.
- Do you really get liberty on the weekends after the first few weeks, if
your have your own car do you get to jet? (Not that I would...of course, I'd
stay and study.)
Yeah, most classes secure on the 6th week but even then it's up to your class
team as to whether or not they'll give your class liberty.
- The weather? I know it's Florida but Military bases are notorious for
having "local weather" all their own?
Right now, it's HOT and HUMID! I came at the perfect time Feb - May, not too
hot or so cold that everyone got sick. There wasn't that much rain while I
was down there but that may change with the summer.
- Does the Navy have it's own system of navigation? Basically, if I study
ocean navigation from a library book will it help any?
You may pick-up a few helpful things but you may also forget most it before
you even get to Seamanship or Navigation.
- How's the food? Army chow was surprisingly good, especially breakfast,
albeit with a cafeteria flavor?
It's not that great, but you'll be so damn hungry it won't even matter.
Though the French toast sticks on M-W-F breakfast are pretty good.
- Knowing what you know now about OCS, if you had to do it all over gain,
what one thing or things would you do, or that you think other people should
have done, to study or prepare for?
Good question, I'd say GET IN SHAPE! Many people come down there in good
shape but still end up with injuries especially shin-splints and other
running injuries. You have to understand that only about 20% of your total
physical training comes from morning PT the rest is from getting mashed by
your Class Drill Instructor and that amount varies from DI to DI. If you're
unlucky you'll be in really good shape by the time you graduate.
Fire away with any more questions.
Later,
Zac
...last I heard of the guy. I assume he's burried up to his eyeballs in flight school studying. He did me a big help and I hope he's doing well.
Other than that, other OCS grads I've talked to describe OCS as boot camp and a college semester rolled into one. Oh joy. Hope this helps.
FLY NAVY!
D
quote:Hey Dave,
Let me see if I can answer some questions for you. I'm prior enlisted
as well (Navy '91-'95) and I remember thinking that I'd been through boot
camp and that OCS couldn't be that much harder. Well, I was WRONG!
Academics are no Laughing matter at OCS. Each topic is usually covered in a
week and the amount of information put out is normally about the same as a
regular semester long class. You go to class nearly all day and study at
night.
The topics vary in difficulty with Seamanship and Navigation generally
considered the hardest. There's nothing I can say to prepare you for these
classes except pay attention in class and practice your mo-boards and
nav-charts. History isn't that bad as long as you don't blow it off. Some
candidates have a problem with it because it comes in your second week and
you've got so many other things going on at that time it's easy to loose your
focus.
As far as GPA and your major in college, they don't really mean much at
OCS. I was a Criminal Justice major with an average GPA and I had one of the
higher academic averages of my class (and I graduated in an Honor Class). My
roommate who has a Mathematics degree from St. John's had one of the lowest.
Nearly any one can pickup what is taught at OCS, but whether or not you excel
academically is based more on how much you pay attention in class (do not
sleep!), and how many hours of studying you put in each night (even after
taps). Basically, how bad do you want it? If you're willing to get by with
four or five hours of sleep a day then you'll do good. Just remember that
you'll have a lot of other things going on besides academics and that's what
makes it so difficult. It's very easy to loose your focus.
If you have any more questions feel free to write.
Later,
Zac
PS - Don't take the PT or Military phases of OCS for granted, I saw just as
many people roll out of our class for failures in those areas as I did for
academics.
I replied with a ton of questions and then he wrote...
quote:Hey Bro,
I'll try to answer your questions one by one:
- What community are you entering and when does your training start?
I'm a student Naval Aviator (desig 13950), I've already checked in to API and
have done all of my PRT and swim screens, I should class up mid-June.
- What are the barracks likes? How much cleaning do you get stuck with?
Regimental barracks SUCK!!! That's where you'll be for your first week or
two (poopie week), but don't worry you'll have so much on your mind at that
time you won't really mind. The Battalion barracks are much nicer. Your
class shares a common head and you'll share a room with four other guys (no
bunk beds). You'll be doing a lot of cleaning everyday.
- Do you get any schmuck duty: K.P, guard duty, CQ...etc?
Yeah, you have to stand watches from your second to the sixth week. It's no
big deal if you're "locked-on" and intense in front of the DI's, just
remember ballistics will save you. Try to buddy-up to your classes watchbill
coordinator so that you don't get assigned too many 0200 - 0400 watches.
That'll be the night you'll only get 3 hours of sleep, the good news is
you'll get a lot of studying done.
- Are classes organized into "companies" which are part of "battalions," the
organization would answer a couple of questions?
No, you'll just be assigned a class number (my class was 17-00) and all of
the classes are part of the battalion. Right now there's only one battalion
open but they're doing a lot of construction and they may open another one
before you get there.
- How much training is done by the USMC drill sergeants and how much is done
by the Chiefs?
The Chiefs don't do much training with the class. They do show you how to
wear your uniforms and also teach some leadership classes through out the 13
weeks, but they're mostly responsible for taking care of the many
administrative problems (pay, etc.) that come up amongst your class mates.
- How many uniforms do you wear at OCS and do you have to buy them? How much
did all that cost?
Your daily wear, other than PT gear in the morning, is wash khakis. You
stand inspections in your dress uniforms.
- Do you have to buy your graduation Saber, how much$$?
Only the top 10 - 15 of your class will wear sabers during the graduation
parade, they'll either be platoon commanders or distinguished graduates. The
sabers are running right around $400 but you don't have to buy one unless you
want to, if you are required to wear one in the parade it will be issued to
you from the regimental armory.
- Were there any women in your class?
Yeah, we graduated with 4 women but we had another 3 or 4 that rolled out due
to failing academics.
- How many people total in your class? How many people rolled out, basically
what was the percentage?
Honor Class 17-00 graduated 39 "Sons a bitches" on 12 May 00. We started
with 53, from that original group 21 graduated with the class. Of those 21
only 8 of us went all the way through OCS without failing a subject and
getting on the bubble. Including roll-ins from other classes we had
something like 82 people in Honor Class 17-00 during that 13 weeks and like I
said only 39 graduated.
- What made seamanship a hard subject?
Seamanship might not be that hard anymore. The maneuvering board problems
are what make the class tough, but my class was the last one under the old
seamanship curriculum. We had to learn 6 mo-board problems, but now I think
it's only 2 or 3 that you'll be taught. But mo-boards are only half of what
are taught in the class, you've got a ton of other basic seamanship info to
memorize.
- How was engineering? Are you required to solve problems or interpret
designs, or do they just familiarize you with equipment?
Engineering is tough. You're familiarized with everything from gas turbines
to nuclear reactors, but what makes it even harder is that the whole book is
taught in two days!
- What was the YP boat Nav exercise like? Doesn't sound like a day on the
lake!
Actually it's not that bad, it's a welcome break from the day to day mashings
you get from the DI's. You go out and apply all of the knowledge you learned
in your Seamanship and Navigation classes (you get three YP rides, one for
each class and one when you become Candidate Officers).
- How are the tests given, essay? scantron...?
All are multiple choice on a scantron.
- How much running did you do in a day/week, how much swimming?
Not much swimming, just know how to do the basic strokes. We PT'd everyday
but Thurs and Sun, and averaged 2.5 - 3 miles a day.
- What was the Damage control trainer like?
We didn't get to do it because it was too cold that day but we did do some
practical application in the trainer and I imagine it's pretty fun.
- How much fire fighting training?
None. I did some in bootcamp but none at OCS.
- Did you get the gas chamber as part of NBC...excuse me...CBR training?
None, you study it in Damage Control, but no trips to the gas chamber.
- How are the grades tabulated from all the different subjects, inspections
and exercises?
It's all averaged in together using some weird formula, they'll tell you
about it when you get there.
- Do you really get liberty on the weekends after the first few weeks, if
your have your own car do you get to jet? (Not that I would...of course, I'd
stay and study.)
Yeah, most classes secure on the 6th week but even then it's up to your class
team as to whether or not they'll give your class liberty.
- The weather? I know it's Florida but Military bases are notorious for
having "local weather" all their own?
Right now, it's HOT and HUMID! I came at the perfect time Feb - May, not too
hot or so cold that everyone got sick. There wasn't that much rain while I
was down there but that may change with the summer.
- Does the Navy have it's own system of navigation? Basically, if I study
ocean navigation from a library book will it help any?
You may pick-up a few helpful things but you may also forget most it before
you even get to Seamanship or Navigation.
- How's the food? Army chow was surprisingly good, especially breakfast,
albeit with a cafeteria flavor?
It's not that great, but you'll be so damn hungry it won't even matter.
Though the French toast sticks on M-W-F breakfast are pretty good.
- Knowing what you know now about OCS, if you had to do it all over gain,
what one thing or things would you do, or that you think other people should
have done, to study or prepare for?
Good question, I'd say GET IN SHAPE! Many people come down there in good
shape but still end up with injuries especially shin-splints and other
running injuries. You have to understand that only about 20% of your total
physical training comes from morning PT the rest is from getting mashed by
your Class Drill Instructor and that amount varies from DI to DI. If you're
unlucky you'll be in really good shape by the time you graduate.
Fire away with any more questions.
Later,
Zac
...last I heard of the guy. I assume he's burried up to his eyeballs in flight school studying. He did me a big help and I hope he's doing well.
Other than that, other OCS grads I've talked to describe OCS as boot camp and a college semester rolled into one. Oh joy. Hope this helps.
FLY NAVY!
D
