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ODS AMA (Doc's, Nurses, JAGs, AMDOs, DCO's and others you'll be coming here!)

surf3001x

Fully Qualified
Haven't seen one of these on here, shout out to anyone else in 21030 lurking on here.


Overall ODS is not difficult, it’s more annoying, but as a prior I understood the "point" of it all. For my prior's don't expect anything too crazy and go out of your way to impart any knowledge you can on your classmates. They'll need it and are all super impressionable. Your class staff really dictate how the course goes, I don't think my class lead was very good, so our class suffered. The next course coming after me has an outstanding Chief so they're really lucky. Your physical conditioning will go down throughout your time at ODS, show up in shape and try your best to maintain. The chow hall is 90% starch and carbs - just accept your fate!

Basic Sked-
Weeks #1 and #2 in NGIS - you'll take a ton of online content, study and pass an exam. Expect basic military knowledge (standing at attention, proper greetings, basic drill, etc.).

Weeks #3 through #5 at King Hall - Your major evolutions will be Buttercup, Swim Qual, Firefighting, Khaki Inspection, Final Test and the "mock" PRT.

Couple notes-
Graduation is virtual, you'll get the stream link ahead of time.

Week #3 was the most challenging for our class.

They cut you off from coffee at the chow hall but not soda... all of which are full of caffeine. Once I shared this with my class I'd say 75% of the class was rocking a diet pepsi as one of their drinks each meal.

Expect to push a lot and everyone goes to the sand pit at least once.

Use the major evolution's above as your checklist (that's what I did).

If you get into a student leadership position do NOT be afraid to send things up the chain to class staff. It'll be your first chance to learn that shit rolls downhill, let most of it land on you so your folks can thrive.

There is a fine line between drinking all the kool aid and acting "too cool for school". Find a balance, recognize you're there for a reason, and don't force a crap attitude onto your shipmates. Especially the brand new ones whose first impression of the Navy will be ODS.

Feel free to private message me or post specific questions here, I'll happily answer whatever I can.
 

SELRES_AMDO

Well-Known Member
I'm so glad they are sending everyone to ODS. Let's just say I was less than impressed with the last few DCOs I've had to deal with in the reserves. It was quite obvious that they were completely unprepared. Two of them didn't make it past JG before dropping to IRR.
 

surf3001x

Fully Qualified
I'm so glad they are sending everyone to ODS. Let's just say I was less than impressed with the last few DCOs I've had to deal with in the reserves. It was quite obvious that they were completely unprepared. Two of them didn't make it past JG before dropping to IRR.

For sure, I mean I emphasize how annoying it was, but for me it felt like I was an actual officer now - if that makes sense? Like you get selected, wait for the scroll, then BAM you're it you're in, have at it! It feels almost like I was faking it (maybe due to prior service)? So having that baseline, being forced into Khaki inspections and saying aye aye, all that jazz really did help drive things home.

We for sure had at least two or three who will DEFINITELY be gone soon. I don't think they'll qual or pass their PRT, these folks were also already JG and had JUST come to ODS. When you're riding waivers on your first evolution its a shame... of course they were SELRES sigh.
 

link6

Member
Thanks for the AMA! A few questions:

Is there any "you" time in a given day? Are there opportunities to PT on your own, check email, etc.?

I'm an IWC DCO applicant for the March 2021 board. If I'm selected (?), I hope that 1) my physical condition won't take a huge hit, and 2) I won't be completely cut off from my family and my workplace.
 

surf3001x

Fully Qualified
Thanks for the AMA! A few questions:

Is there any "you" time in a given day? Are there opportunities to PT on your own, check email, etc.?

I'm an IWC DCO applicant for the March 2021 board. If I'm selected (?), I hope that 1) my physical condition won't take a huge hit, and 2) I won't be completely cut off from my family and my workplace.

Np so,

During ROM you'll have plenty of time to PT in your room, check email, etc..

Once you're out of ROM your free time will go down. Depending on your collateral you'll be dealing with that, whatever the class staff has, shining boots, uniforms, room prep, plus now you share a shower/head.

You'll definitely have time to self PT (if you want) and talk to family .. but it just depends .. are you fine going to bed at 1030 - 1100 pm and being up at 4am each day? I tried to be in bed by 1000 so its a toss up. Your fitness will take a hit no matter between straight up NOT pting due to other events and the awful chow hall choices .. just show up good to go I mean the PRT they have is a mock one and doesn't count so.

Let me know if you have any other questions also GL!
 

LawDawg740

Active Member
How much did you have to pay out on arrival for uniforms, equipment, etc. As a prior-service Enlisted folk, I am not particularly thrilled about not getting that uniform allowance anymore.
 

surf3001x

Fully Qualified
How much did you have to pay out on arrival for uniforms, equipment, etc. As a prior-service Enlisted folk, I am not particularly thrilled about not getting that uniform allowance anymore.

So it depends on what time of year you go, you'll need dress blues no matter but in summer months I believe you'll graduate in the dress whites.

I went in February, I'm prior service USAF not Navy, thus I had very little. On either the first or second night the class chief had us bring any uniform items on hand for his determination if they were servicable and allowed per OTCN. Certain Khaki's materials are no-go.

You will have to get PT gear, and its the old style stuff. That ran me about $350 but I got four sets of shorts/shirts and three sets of sweats. You can easily get away with 1-2 sets of sweats and 2 sets of shorts/shirts ... but it was really nice having the extra stuff on hand for days when laundry gets backed up etc.

I already had my NWU's so I only ended up buying one set of dress blues, two sets of Khaki's, and the bates dress shoes (you can't wear the corcoran's). I used the 10% military star incentive and it cost me $1100.

So I spent about $1450 not including little things like extra ribbons etc.

I highly highly recommend you use USAMM and get your ribbon rack and medals (large ones) assembled prior to leaving. Also noteworthy you have to wear the standard black boots with NWU. Total waste of money but no coyotes.. it is what it is.

You're eligible for a $400 allowance once back, I'm working that process now but it involves a letter, special request chit signed by CO, copy of completed orders and some elbow grease.

One last note for my priors here - sometimes you have to shut up and color - and ODS is filled with a lot of those moments.
 

surf3001x

Fully Qualified
Its the length, 15 weeks is pretty killer. Once you're out of ROM and indoc you're 1/3rs done right? Then you put up with it till candio and ride the rest out.

From what everyone I spoke to there said physical readiness seemed to be what tripped most people up.

ODS was challenging for brand new folks as well, its just not as long!
 

SELRES_AMDO

Well-Known Member
CandiO phased still sucked. You get liberty and can eat like a normal person but there's a bunch of ridiculous nonsense you still have to deal with. I went a long time ago so I have no idea how it works now.

The no caffeine part of OCS was the worst part for me. lol.
 

SELRES_AMDO

Well-Known Member
Things must have changed. I went a long time ago. We weren't allowed anything until Candio phase. No soda, no coffee, no Gatorade. Nothing but water.
 
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