SWF seeking Females fresh out of OCS (for advice)

[Lacilouwho2]

Hey I was wondering if there are any females who have graduated from OCS within the last 6 months to a year. I have been reading a lot about what to expect at OCS, however, most of it is geared towards males. From what I have read so far it seems that it is pretty much the same for males and females, but there are a couple of female specific questions that I would like to get answered, as well as some others I haven't gotten a straight answer to:

Upon arrival to OCS, do you still have to get your hair cut to the bottom of your uniform collar if it is long enough to secure it in a bun according to the uniform standards?

If I bring a prescription from my military doctor for oral contraceptives, can I continue to take them while at OCS? I'm obviously not worried about pregnancy prevention during my time there because I'm married and don't plan on having sex while at OCS, but I have been taking them non-stop for 7 years and I am worried about my body going through withdrawals and/or hormonal changes.

Can you wear contacts at OCS or only after you officially become a Candidate Officer?

Sorry for the lengthy post but any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[MPrice07]

Hey Lacilouwho2
I'm just a spouse--but what I saw when my husband went through OCS was this:

Yes, you can take your Oral Contraceptives---they required it for the females in my husband's class.

They will make you cut your hair shorter than your collar--you won't be able to pull it back at all. Very short.

I'm not sure about the contacts--but from what I know, the answer is no. You will have to wear military issued glasses for the first 9 weeks.

Hope that helps--but remember, I'm just a spouse! So, if you hear something else from someone who was there--they are probably right!!

Good luck!

 

[wplax26]

I went to OCS little over a year ago and I concur with what's posted above. Kiss that hair goodbye!

 

[Lacilouwho2]

Thanks for the quick response! I noticed your picture...is that the Mutli-mission aircraft that is going to be replacing the P-3 Orions?

 

[SWCS242]

Im a female at OCS right now and all of the above seems accurate, however no contacts. You can only where them when and if you get liberty (but only on liberty) and when you reach candy-o phase. Reason being, pink eye runs rampant at OCS and they dont want you touching your face much less your eye.

 

[CAVU]

SWCS242,

Based on your experience in OCS today, would you advise females to get their hair cut to regs, and then some, with a low maintenance style PRIOR to reporting?

My class had two females in it and they wish that they had taken care of the hair thing prior to that wonderful first morning under "the system". I think the words "f!@#ing butchers" still burns brightly and they had been taken out in town to get those haircuts, vice the cueball express for the rest of us. Although it wasn't discussed until we were all Candi-Os because none of us were laughing at the time.

 

[SWCS242]

SWCS242,

Based on your experience in OCS today, would you advise females to get their hair cut to regs, and then some, with a low maintenance style PRIOR to reporting?

My class had two females in it and they wish that they had taken care of the hair thing prior to that wonderful first morning under "the system". I think the words "f!@#ing butchers" still burns brightly and they had been taken out in town to get those haircuts, vice the cueball express for the rest of us. Although it wasn't discussed until we were all Candi-Os because none of us were laughing at the time.

I wouldn't advise females to get their hair cut beforehand because it would basically be a waste of money. There were two females in my class that had their hair cut prior to arriving and it didn't matter. Their hair just got cut shorter and butchered anyways. Everyone gets a haircut regardless on how short it is when they arrive.

 

[CAVU]

I wouldn't advise females to get their hair cut beforehand because it would basically be a waste of money. There were two females in my class that had their hair cut prior to arriving and it didn't matter. Their hair just got cut shorter and butchered anyways. Everyone gets a haircut regardless on how short it is when they arrive.

Great advice from the trenches. Thanks for sharing SWCS242!

 

[nikiterp86]

I'm planning on letting mine get as long as possible and then having it cut at home before OCS... this way, I can donate it to Locks of Love. I'll probably just get it chin-length, though, since they're going to cut it at OCS regardless and I don't want them to make it any shorter than is absolutely necessary.

 

[Jared_G]

Even though I'm a male I'll just throw out some advice.

Depending on your D.I., you hair may be cut a little regardless of it's length prior to you reporting. Not necessarily because it needs to be but because they can. However, if they do end up making you cut it they will likely only do it once whereas males must get it cut every...week I believe. It's been over two years so I don't remember exactly.

They will make you take birth control at OCS. There was a woman in my class who was not currently on them but was forced to take them while at OCS. Just policy I guess.

You can wear contacts at OCS if you like. It's not like anyone but medical personnel will go thru your records but if, during PT for instance, you suddenly start groping at the ground mumbling about losing a contact, you will be in for a little but of pain. There were people in my class who tried to wear contacts the first few days (the days after we met our D.I.) but soon realized it was impossible given our schedule and PT. I personally wear glasses but soon gave up on those because they fell off WAY too much (that strap didn't help much). I say if you can get away with not wearing them, then don't. Yeah, you may have to sit at the front of the class but at least you'll stay awake...or at east you'll be more likely to stay awake.

 

[Spekkio]

They will make you take birth control at OCS. There was a woman in my class who was not currently on them but was forced to take them while at OCS. Just policy I guess.

They didn't 'make' people take anything when I was there last summer. They give out the prescription, and it's up to the women to keep up with it.

 

[Jared_G]

They didn't 'make' people take anything when I was there last summer. They give out the prescription, and it's up to the women to keep up with it.

No, they didn't escort the women to the head, watch them place the pill in their mouth, place water in their mouth by way of a cup or cupped hands, tilt their heads back and swallow. You are absolutely, 100% accurate. But when they hand those pills to women the intent is for them to take them and not for them to squirrel them away in a locker.

Let me guess...you're going to be in the JAG corps?

 

[Spekkio]

Let me guess...you're going to be in the JAG corps?

No. I've seen posts on usnavyocs.com of women who were worried about being forced to take birth control. Yes, it's given. Yes, they'll tell women to take it. No, they won't watch them swallow it.

 

[TrickyFish]

I graduated OCS this past December. For the record, I was able to donate my hair at OCS, so there's really no need to cut it before then. Just ask a candio for the form while you are waiting in line.

If you want to stay on your current BC, just make sure you bring your written prescription with you as well as enough of them to get you through OCS. They may not have what you use at the hospital, in which case you'll have to take something else.

I don't wear glasses, but I can't imagine trying to wear contacts while at OCS. There is a very good chance that you'll lose one during one of many RPT sessions, and since you shouldn't be wearing them in the first place you won't be getting any sympathy from the staff.

 

[Reconjoe]

I'm surprised they even mention the words "birth control" to anyone officially, could see how that would turn into an ACLU issue of the month and have chancellor palpati..I mean Pope Benedict just blasting the US and it's military for that.

Anyone know what the reason for pushing birth control there is?