USMC Philly
Registered User
I was reading through the TBS website and I saw all the references to IOC. What is it all about? How long is it? Is it an infantry officers MOS school? Etc. Any insights would be much appreciated.
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Infantry Officer Course
- Thread starter USMC Philly
- Start date
USMC Philly said:
Didn't really read the TBS site that closely did you?
https://www.tbs.usmc.mil/Pages/MyMOS/All_MOS_FAQ_Detail.asp?MOSid=0302
vvmountainvv
Registered User
i was a pilot slot at TBS, my room mate got grunts. i would have done IOC had they given me the opportunity, but anyhow...
i did IFS after TBS so i saw my old room mate occasionally as he went through IOC. they try to keep a lot of what they do on the down low as they don't want the TBS Lt's to have much idea of what goes on at IOC. needless to say, it is pretty tough. lots of field time, lots of uncertainty as to "what are we doing next"...they try to impose a lot of fog and friction on the students as they go through from what i understand. it's 10 weeks long.
things i do know IOC does include mortar week where you do mortar shoots, you will do a live fire assault with live mortar support, lots of MCMAP, you will probably get pepper sprayed at some point (much worse than the gas chamber i hear) and most if not all classes get to go out to CAX at 29 palms. my buddy also got to do a threat weapon fam fire, at least the AK-47, maybe some other weapons. double E course, who knows what else.
i did IFS after TBS so i saw my old room mate occasionally as he went through IOC. they try to keep a lot of what they do on the down low as they don't want the TBS Lt's to have much idea of what goes on at IOC. needless to say, it is pretty tough. lots of field time, lots of uncertainty as to "what are we doing next"...they try to impose a lot of fog and friction on the students as they go through from what i understand. it's 10 weeks long.
things i do know IOC does include mortar week where you do mortar shoots, you will do a live fire assault with live mortar support, lots of MCMAP, you will probably get pepper sprayed at some point (much worse than the gas chamber i hear) and most if not all classes get to go out to CAX at 29 palms. my buddy also got to do a threat weapon fam fire, at least the AK-47, maybe some other weapons. double E course, who knows what else.
phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
Michael W said:
That's not what I heard! I stuck around Quantico doing Leatherneck before I headed to P-Cola. My 3 roommates at the time were all going through IOC at the time. My good buddy was HORRIBLE at land nav. Had to redo indoc 3 times. It took us to sit down with him with our maps and figure out good starting points for any possible box he got... He turned into a great grunt, he was a phenomenal leader - just couldn't land nav for ****...
You have to get OC sprayed at IOC? That is rough...
I thought about it long and hard...and I think I might rather get shot w/ a 9mm than sprayed with that stuff again.
The instructor that sprayed us put it into perspective that makes sense:
When people come out of the gas chamber, you will see them lean forward so that they don't get snot and mucous on their skivvy shirt.
When people get sprayed with OC...they don't give a damn about their skivvy shirt...or anything else for that matter.
I thought about it long and hard...and I think I might rather get shot w/ a 9mm than sprayed with that stuff again.
The instructor that sprayed us put it into perspective that makes sense:
When people come out of the gas chamber, you will see them lean forward so that they don't get snot and mucous on their skivvy shirt.
When people get sprayed with OC...they don't give a damn about their skivvy shirt...or anything else for that matter.
E5B said:
yeah, that's about right. I think the first night we stayed out at the range convinced me IOC would not win out over the beach in pensacola for my prefered post-TBS hang out spot. I think FEX I got the rest of our air contracts, except for a misguided few :icon_smil
gaijin6423
Ask me about ninjas!
The last I heard, they were denying IOC slots to international officers who had specifically come to the US for the TBS/IOC package. An Estonian naval infantry friend of mine wound up having to attend a USAF base security officer course instead. He was pretty pissed, but changed his mind a little bit after he found out he was going to be in charge of training the security battalions for his entire country.
Regardless, with the demands of Iraq, Afghanistan, and other requirements, it seems to me that they're hesitant to put non-infantry types through IOC. Of course, I've heard rumors of arty and tanker types having to attend IOC lately, too. Anyone heard anything about that?
Regardless, with the demands of Iraq, Afghanistan, and other requirements, it seems to me that they're hesitant to put non-infantry types through IOC. Of course, I've heard rumors of arty and tanker types having to attend IOC lately, too. Anyone heard anything about that?
IOC facts
Most of this info is correct. I finished IOC roughly 1 year ago.
A primarily goal of IOC is definately developing the Lt's ability to lead in and unknown/chaotic/stressfull/etc environment. You apply much of the same stuff learned at TBS but under more difficult conditions. Much is unknown...and I will leave it unknown.
Second, you shoot a lot and learn particulars about infantry weapons/gear that TBS does not afford. This includes the infamous pepper spray, and it is as bad as anyone can make it out to be. I've since received it again in the fleet and it still sucks.
The package was 12 wks when I did it, including a trip to 29 Palms and the Mtn. Warfare Trng Center at Bridgeport, CA. I think it's still the same.
With that being said, IOC is a challenge....but an absolute blast to experience, complete, and have for your readiness as a leader in combat.
Most of this info is correct. I finished IOC roughly 1 year ago.
A primarily goal of IOC is definately developing the Lt's ability to lead in and unknown/chaotic/stressfull/etc environment. You apply much of the same stuff learned at TBS but under more difficult conditions. Much is unknown...and I will leave it unknown.
Second, you shoot a lot and learn particulars about infantry weapons/gear that TBS does not afford. This includes the infamous pepper spray, and it is as bad as anyone can make it out to be. I've since received it again in the fleet and it still sucks.
The package was 12 wks when I did it, including a trip to 29 Palms and the Mtn. Warfare Trng Center at Bridgeport, CA. I think it's still the same.
With that being said, IOC is a challenge....but an absolute blast to experience, complete, and have for your readiness as a leader in combat.
I tried to get into it after TBS. No dice. It was becasue they only have so many IOC slots, and right now they need those filled with 0302/intel types who actually rate the training.
And as for keeping tight lipped about it...maybe to other TBS guys, but they always were all too happy to give us a break down of the fun they had while I was doing IFS.
And as for keeping tight lipped about it...maybe to other TBS guys, but they always were all too happy to give us a break down of the fun they had while I was doing IFS.