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

[Interactionok5226]

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.

Thank you for the informative post. Is there any opportunity to run on your own free time at ODS? Before the day officially begins or after it ends? Is there a gym with a treadmill we have access too? Would it be possible to do calisthenics in our rooms? How can we maintain fitness while there? Thank you!

 

[cecseabee]

@cecseabee I can only imagine how much standing you had to do. Especially with a class of 172 folks. Was thinking about just going to a MTF podiatrist and getting insoles for all the walking and standing at ODS. What footwear did you most commonly wore? Oxfords or boots? Any takeaways from your experience that you wish you would have known before going?

More standing than you can imagine. Get used to standing at attention for long periods. Especially at uniform inspections. We wore boots for a week and afterwards everyone’s feet looked horrible. The oxfords suck so get insoles if you can. I didn’t and after a week I got used to it. I didn’t read too much stuff going into it but overall had an amazing experience. Some of the stuff you do sucks but the people you’re doing it with are great for the most part. Also, hope you’re ready to be sleep deprived. Weeks 1-3 are the toughest. Weeks 4-5 are drastically different than the first 3.

 

[cecseabee]

Thank you for the informative post. Is there any opportunity to run on your own free time at ODS? Before the day officially begins or after it ends? Is there a gym with a treadmill we have access too? Would it be possible to do calisthenics in our rooms? How can we maintain fitness while there? Thank you!

Our class did a decent amount of pt. Enough that I raised my prt from GL to EH. It really depends on your RDCs. You can’t leave king hall in the mornings but there’s space to do push-ups etc in the room/hallway. I did push-ups in the room mainly at night if I felt like it. Gym access begins week 2 weekend liberty. But liberty privileges range from class to class. Weekend 1 we only had track access and it was in groups of 2-3. Get used to running on the track since the PRT is outdoors. All PT is done outdoors except we had a few HIT workouts indoors when the field was taken by the JROTC kids.

 

[RJS]

More standing than you can imagine. Get used to standing at attention for long periods. Especially at uniform inspections. We wore boots for a week and afterwards everyone’s feet looked horrible. The oxfords suck so get insoles if you can. I didn’t and after a week I got used to it. I didn’t read too much stuff going into it but overall had an amazing experience. Some of the stuff you do sucks but the people you’re doing it with are great for the most part. Also, hope you’re ready to be sleep deprived. Weeks 1-3 are the toughest. Weeks 4-5 are drastically different than the first 3.

Thanks for sharing this bit of information. I’ll probably wear the boots for a week, or so, to break them in. Not that my feet will be use to it but at least I won’t be spending time breaking them in while there.

During my uniform purchases, I’ve been picking up a few items suggested from my wife who’s AD. Insoles were one of them. Lol. I’ll buy a bigger size to allow for comfortable insole change.

I’m looking forward to the experience. Even the sleep deprivation. Fortunate for me, I don’t know what sleep is. Lol.

 

[Interactionok5226]

Our class did a decent amount of pt. Enough that I raised my prt from GL to EH. It really depends on your RDCs. You can’t leave king hall in the mornings but there’s space to do push-ups etc in the room/hallway. I did push-ups in the room mainly at night if I felt like it. Gym access begins week 2 weekend liberty. But liberty privileges range from class to class. Weekend 1 we only had track access and it was in groups of 2-3. Get used to running on the track since the PRT is outdoors. All PT is done outdoors except we had a few HIT workouts indoors when the field was taken by the JROTC kids.

Thanks for the response. I imagine could do burpees or jumping jacks in the room/hallway in the beginning. Gym access week 2, are there treadmills? Can you go before or after workday? Can you go to the gym by yourself? What about access to the track weekend 1? When did you have access to the track after that? Are you only ever able to go to the track with groups of 2-3? I am run daily and am stressed about not being able to during ODS but will definitely improvise. Thanks again.

 

[RJS]

Thanks for the response. I imagine could do burpees or jumping jacks in the room/hallway in the beginning. Gym access week 2, are there treadmills? Can you go before or after workday? Can you go to the gym by yourself? What about access to the track weekend 1? When did you have access to the track after that? Are you only ever able to go to the track with groups of 2-3? I am run daily and am stressed about not being able to during ODS but will definitely improvise. Thanks again.

If you’re exercising daily, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I had to do a mock PRT for submission of my application. Was given 5-6 weeks to get into good shape. Maxed out push-ups, plank, and had a 13:00 run. This was done on purpose just to get in the excellent range. I’m not much of a runner but can get up to about 11 mins if need too. Was told to find a balance next time. Honestly though, you should be just fine if you can keep your run in the good category and get your others in the outstanding or excellent categories. Just my two cents.

 

[cecseabee]

Thanks for the response. I imagine could do burpees or jumping jacks in the room/hallway in the beginning. Gym access week 2, are there treadmills? Can you go before or after workday? Can you go to the gym by yourself? What about access to the track weekend 1? When did you have access to the track after that? Are you only ever able to go to the track with groups of 2-3? I am run daily and am stressed about not being able to during ODS but will definitely improvise. Thanks again.

There are treadmills. By gym access I mean only during liberty periods on weekends. Weekdays are locked down. There isn’t much time anyways. Limited laundry machines, prepping uniforms, and memorizing the ODR all take time. The gym is a far walk btw. Liberty typically begins at 0800 on a weekend. The track we could go to after dinner and before taps on the weekdays and weekend 1 liberty. It’s right outside king hall. But don’t worry even if u don’t run you’ll be fine and won’t lose shape. You’ll learn but buddy system is always in effect for everything.

 

[Interactionok5226]

There are treadmills. By gym access I mean only during liberty periods on weekends. Weekdays are locked down. There isn’t much time anyways. Limited laundry machines, prepping uniforms, and memorizing the ODR all take time. The gym is a far walk btw. Liberty typically begins at 0800 on a weekend. The track we could go to after dinner and before taps on the weekdays and weekend 1 liberty. It’s right outside king hall. But don’t worry even if u don’t run you’ll be fine and won’t lose shape. You’ll learn but buddy system is always in effect for everything.

Thank you for the informative responses. I hope i have a buddy who is willing to go to the track once or twice per week.

Next up I have some questions regarding family contact (married with a 7 month old):

1.Are we able to call / video chat our families daily starting from day 1 in the evenings after the training day is over?

2.I read that based on our groups performance that we may have weekend liberty in Newport. Are our families able to visit us that weekend? What are the rules and regulations about spending time with them during the weekend day? We must always be in groups of 2-3 correct? Are we able to meet our families at a local restaurant or tourist attraction with our buddies?

3.I read we may also get weekend liberty to go within 100 miles of the base on a weekend liberty later on during the course. Ive read that many go to Boston. Are we able to see our families during this weekend liberty as well?

I am fully prepared to not see my family for 5 weeks but just want to set expectations for myself and my wife. Thank you!

 

[db619]

Buy moleskin first chance you get. It will sell out! Good luck if you haven’t started already.

Thank you, I will get some as soon as possible. Our class got started Sunday so we are underway.

 

[cecseabee]

Thank you, I will get some as soon as possible. Our class got started Sunday so we are underway.

Congrats! And good luck. Who are your class officers and RDCs

 

[cecseabee]

Thank you for the informative responses. I hope i have a buddy who is willing to go to the track once or twice per week.

Next up I have some questions regarding family contact (married with a 7 month old):

1.Are we able to call / video chat our families daily starting from day 1 in the evenings after the training day is over?

2.I read that based on our groups performance that we may have weekend liberty in Newport. Are our families able to visit us that weekend? What are the rules and regulations about spending time with them during the weekend day? We must always be in groups of 2-3 correct? Are we able to meet our families at a local restaurant or tourist attraction with our buddies?

3.I read we may also get weekend liberty to go within 100 miles of the base on a weekend liberty later on during the course. Ive read that many go to Boston. Are we able to see our families during this weekend liberty as well?

I am fully prepared to not see my family for 5 weeks but just want to set expectations for myself and my wife. Thank you!

1. You have phone access before muster at 0430 and after 1800 each day. Do not have your phone during those hours with you. Some people got caught using phones during lectures in that time and we got in trouble as a group. Also you’ll wanna minimize having nice stuff on you on days you feel a trip to he sandpit or RPT (reinforcement PT for behavior) is coming. I.e apple watches got super scuffed
2. Typically liberty is barracks/track, whole base, Newport, then 100 miles so basically Boston. You have to be in groups of 2 at least. Your family can visit then. I’m in the new college grad range so me and my friends didn’t have family coming during liberty but I know of some older classmates that had family visit.

 

[RJS]

1. You have phone access before muster at 0430 and after 1800 each day. Do not have your phone during those hours with you. Some people got caught using phones during lectures in that time and we got in trouble as a group. Also you’ll wanna minimize having nice stuff on you on days you feel a trip to he sandpit or RPT (reinforcement PT for behavior) is coming. I.e apple watches got super scuffed
2. Typically liberty is barracks/track, whole base, Newport, then 100 miles so basically Boston. You have to be in groups of 2 at least. Your family can visit then. I’m in the new college grad range so me and my friends didn’t have family coming during liberty but I know of some older classmates that had family visit.

In regards to the activities at ODS two quick questions:

1. How expensive are those pictures? Lol. Though I'd like a photo(s) in my dress uniform, is it worth the $30-$300 they said it would cost?
2. Did families attend the Graduation Luncheon/Reception? I do plan on having my wife, and children, attend regardless of the $20-$50 price range. With that said, are there limits to how many can attend these events (graduation included)? It will definitely be 3 for me.

I saw that MP3's were okay so, I'll definitely purchase one before coming since the cell phone can't be carried in between those hours. The only thing I'd like to focus primarily on are course requirements. Been working my way through memorization of the ODS Required Knowledge to prevent the added time used on learning it.

 

[cecseabee]

In regards to the activities at ODS two quick questions:

1. How expensive are those pictures? Lol. Though I'd like a photo(s) in my dress uniform, is it worth the $30-$300 they said it would cost?
2. Did families attend the Graduation Luncheon/Reception? I do plan on having my wife, and children, attend regardless of the $20-$50 price range. With that said, are there limits to how many can attend these events (graduation included)? It will definitely be 3 for me.

I saw that MP3's were okay so, I'll definitely purchase one before coming since the cell phone can't be carried in between those hours. The only thing I'd like to focus primarily on are course requirements. Been working my way through memorization of the ODS Required Knowledge to prevent the added time used on learning it.

It’s about 300 for the digital shots. I liked mine so I bought them.

Luncheon is something the class plans. We did a bbq. Most people brought family if they could. The grad ceremony is quick and u leave otcn afterwards. U get 2 tickets guranteed but we all ended up getting 3.

You can’t have a mp3 during the day. Pt has no electronics and during lecture only the academic Os can have laptops. The only thing you can have is your hydration tool (what they call a water bottle), notebook, and pen. You can have your phone during liberty tho. If running starting weekend 2, you get 1 earbud in.

 

[RJS]

It’s about 300 for the digital shots. I liked mine so I bought them.

Luncheon is something the class plans. We did a bbq. Most people brought family if they could. The grad ceremony is quick and u leave otcn afterwards. U get 2 tickets guranteed but we all ended up getting 3.

You can’t have a mp3 during the day. Pt has no electronics and during lecture only the academic Os can have laptops. The only thing you can have is your hydration tool (what they call a water bottle), notebook, and pen. You can have your phone during liberty tho. If running starting weekend 2, you get 1 earbud in.

Got it. I’ll look to possibly buying the digital photos. I definitely want those memories.

Good to know. I’m assuming that the outing is based upon season too. Would love to attend ODS in the summer but not looking to wait to complete it either. In regards to travel, I’m looking to take a day after to get back home. Planning to drive back with the fam since my wife just had a horrible experience flying. Lol.

Definitely appreciate you letting me know this before spending money on it. Good looking out on this.

 

[cecseabee]

Got it. I’ll look to possibly buying the digital photos. I definitely want those memories.

Good to know. I’m assuming that the outing is based upon season too. Would love to attend ODS in the summer but not looking to wait to complete it either. In regards to travel, I’m looking to take a day after to get back home. Planning to drive back with the fam since my wife just had a horrible experience flying. Lol.

Definitely appreciate you letting me know this before spending money on it. Good looking out on this.

Are you a reservist? Most of my class away AD. As a reservist you must fly or drive back that Friday due to orders ending. You can’t take an extra day not at your home residence.