how to get through the o-course marine corps

by Dashawn Farrell 10 min read

What GPA do you need for Marine OCS? Pass the ASVAB, with an EL score of 115 or better; or have an SAT score of 1000 or better; or have an ACT of 45 (math+english). Pass a physical examination.

Part of a video titled 1 Min USMC O Course - YouTube
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Full Answer

What is an O-Course in the Marines?

Every O-Course in the Marine Corps is similar. The obstacle course alternates low obstacles with high obstacles. Between every obstacle is a low log, about three feet high, to set the pace. The course starts with clearing a low log.

How do you become a marine OCS Officer?

How Do You Get To Marine OCS? To qualify for Marine Corps OCS, you must be at least 18 years old and be commissioned prior to turning 28. You must be a U.S. citizen and have a four-year college degree, or be close to finishing a four-year degree.

Where do you go to basic training in the Marines?

Marine Corps basic training takes place at one of two locations: Recruit Training Depot (Parris Island, South Carolina) Recruit Training Depot (San Deigo, California) Where you get assigned for boot camp generally depends on where you live in the United States.

How do I prepare to join the Marine Corps?

The best preparation you can take for joining the Marines is getting into shape. Even if you think you are healthy and active, the Marine Corps is a whole other level when it comes to fitness. In fact, the Marine Corps requires every recruit to pass the Initial Strength Test (IST) prior to boot camp.

How do you do o course?

2:587:48How To Do The MARINE CORPS OBSTACLE COURSE! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing one log one foot in front of the other or utilizing two logs straddling the gap between theMoreUsing one log one foot in front of the other or utilizing two logs straddling the gap between the logs and walking death for either method you use once you get to the bottom of the balance laws.

How do you survive an obstacle course?

How to Survive an Obstacle Course: 8 Tips from a Former NewbieDon't Be Intimidated. ... Go In With Other People. ... Don't Get Too Competitive...at Least at First. ... Prep With Cardio Training. ... Dress Comfortably (and Bring Gloves!) ... Don't Overeat...But Don't Not Eat. ... Pace Yourself. ... Don't Plan Anything for the Next Day.

How do I train for a Marine obstacle course?

2:477:55The Toughest Obstacles Marines Face In The “Confidence Course”YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd contemplate each move the obstacle is 30 feet high and recruits aren't given any safety ropes orMoreAnd contemplate each move the obstacle is 30 feet high and recruits aren't given any safety ropes or harnesses.

What is the O course in Marine Corps?

—Marine Corps photos 2015/released. The "O"Course, or obstacle course, is a corner stone of the Combat Conditioning program. All recruits run the obstacle course several times during recruit training. The course challenges the recruit's upper body strength as well as their technique on the course.

How can I make my obstacle course faster?

To get better at obstacle course racing, focus most on improving endurance, upper body strength, balance and coordination, and lower body strength. Embrace your weaknesses until they are strengths, and remember to always keep your training varied and specific! Still not sure what to do?

How do I train for the gauntlet?

0:003:02How to Train for The Gauntlet | Tough Mudder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have weights feel free to grab them and make them a single leg rdl. So for your toe touch youMoreIf you have weights feel free to grab them and make them a single leg rdl. So for your toe touch you're going to balance on one leg push your hips back. And reach down towards your toes.

What is the hardest Marine boot camp?

The Marines' San Diego training station is the toughest in the nation: 688 recruits broke lower-leg — tibia and fibula — bones there from 2004 to 2010 (that translates into a rate of 28.9 fractures per 1,000 years of training).

Can you fail USMC boot camp?

​Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.

What is the hardest part of Marine boot camp?

Phase Three of Marine Corps Boot Camp Weeks 8-10 will be the hardest part of training as recruits will have to give everything they have and more to keep pushing forward. At the end of phase three recruits will go through The Crucible, the final event of training that will test them on everything.

How tall is the wall in boot camp?

eight foot tallIt's an eight foot tall wall that you need to clear. You'll have to jump, do a muscle-up to get on top of the wall, then swing your legs over the top.

How long is the endurance course OCS?

a 2.5 mileThe Endurance Course is a 2.5 mile obstacle course through the beautiful woods of Quantico. And passing it in a time limit is a mandatory requirement for completing OCS.

How high is the military rope climb?

20 feet highEvent #14: Rope Climb – This is a series of 20 feet high ropes that each participant must climb and touch the top of the rope before lowering themselves back to the ground.

How hard is Marine OCS?

Marine OCS is one of the most difficult officer training programs out there. It requires you to be physically and mentally tough while running on little sleep. One former Adjutant described the attrition rate for women at 50% and men around 25%, stating that it was, “pretty hard.”. Image: Quora.

What is OCS training?

OCS is where future Marine officers go to receive leadership training. During this time, officers will learn military customs, physical fitness, land navigation, and tactical training. The intent of OCS is to train Marine Corps members to have the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in a challenging environment.

How long is the OCS in the Army?

Length: Army OCS is 12 weeks versus 10 weeks for Marine OCS. Age: The Army requires individuals to be between the ages of 19 and 32, with the requirement of being commissioned prior to turning 34. The Marine Corps requires commissioning prior to turning 28.

What is the primary focus of OCS?

The primary focus of OCS is on leadership training with 50% of the overall focus being on leadership. Marines are evaluated during Command Evaluations, Leadership Reaction Courses, and Small Unit Leadership Evaluations with both staff observation and practical application.

What are Marine Corps officers taught?

Image: flickr. Marines are taught to be skilled leaders in any scenario. They are taught the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Marine Corps policy and history, basic lifesaving procedures, problem-solving, negotiation, and stress control.

What happens after OCS?

What Happens After Marine OCS? After OCS, Marines are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and attend The Basic School. The Basic School is located at Quantico, Virginia, as well. This portion of training will advance leadership skills and work on improving war-fighting skills as a commander.

What is the OSO for Marine Corps?

Those who wish to become a Marine Corps officer will meet with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO) who will help you with the entire application and entrance requirements. They will also be required to submit SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and submit an application for review by the board.

What is the training for a Marine?

The two most common paths to becoming a Marine Officer are the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and the Officer Candidate Course (OCC).

What are the battles that Marines are determined to win?

For freedom and against tyranny. For justice and against every obstacle in the way of our Nation’s prosperity. These are the battles Marines are determined to win—but make no mistake: no Marine Officer leads alone.

Where is PLC training?

PLC is the most common path to becoming one of us and all training sessions take place in Quantico, VA. This path has two training options: Two six-week summer training sessions for college freshman and sophomores. One ten-week training session for college juniors.

What is the purpose of OCS?

The mission of Officer Candidates School (OCS) is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled and challenging environment in order to evaluate and screen individuals for the leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps ...

What do you need to know before you can lead as a Marine?

Before you can lead as a Marine Officer, you must first fight to become one. At Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS), mind, body, and character are put to the test to evaluate your capabilities as both a fighter and an officer.

What is a billet in a platoon?

You are assigned a billet – a specific job within your platoon/company. These billets vary in responsibility and you are expected to perform to standard wherever you are assigned. Billets can be small like Candidate Fire Team leader where you’re in charge of just a few candidates. Also, they can be larger like Candidate Platoon Sergeant. They can be as large as Candidate Company Commander. You will likely get one small billet and one larger billet at least platoon sized.

What are the responsibilities of a platoon sergeant?

Some of your responsibilities include holding accountability, coordinating movements, and delegating tasks to others. Depending on your billet, you also report numbers to your respective senior. For example, as Candidate Platoon Sergeant, you will communicate with the Candidate Platoon Commander.

What is a sule in LRC?

SULE I comes after LRC I and is the first tactical leadership evaluation. Prior to the evaluation, you will practice in a Field Exercise (FEX I). This field exercise will allow you to practice Fire Team sized tactics to include buddy rushing and planning. By this evaluation, you will have learned the weapons conditions and be ready to safely execute the mission. SULE I focuses on you leading a Fire Team.

What is the mission of Marine OCS?

The mission of Marine OCS is to screen candidates for the physical, mental, and moral requirements expected of a Marine Corps Officer. This is done by evaluating how you handle yourself under a variety of stressful situations. Even after the long hours of physical and mental training, you are expected to pass academics.

What is LRC 1?

LRC I is the first grade leadership evaluation conducted at Marine OCS. You will be in charge of a task in an enclose station given to you and your fire team. Also, you must work together by delegating tasks to your fire team and accomplishing the mission in a given time period.

How to keep things moving forward in a drill?

No matter how stressful of a situation you are put into, make a decision to keep things moving forward . That’s what your drill instructors want you to do. Even if it was the wrong move, be confident and accept your decision. Take responsibility and own up to the consequences of your decision.

How many pull ups do you need to do to get a PFT?

You must score a 220 on the PFT in order to begin training and a 235 to graduate. This includes at least 8 pull-ups, 70 crunches in two minutes, and a 24 minute three mile run.

How long does it take to get into the Marine Corps?

Marine Corps basic training takes a little over 12 weeks to complete. It’s among the most grueling things you’ll do in your lifetime so make sure you are prepared! Your first few days at boot camp involve a lot of paperwork, medical exams, and receiving uniforms and gear at Recruit Receiving.

How long is Marine Corps basic training?

Marine Corps Basic Training Overview. Marine Corps basic training lasts 12 weeks and pushes you to the absolute limits of strength and endurance. Image: Marines.com. The United States Marines serves as the expeditionary and amphibious operations force for the military.

How do poolees prepare for boot camp?

Poolees spend time at functions preparing for Marine boot camp by participating in marching and drill practice. You can also practice the various physical fitness tests of the Marine Corps including the Initial Strength Test (IST).

What Marines did Jeff serve in?

Jeff served with the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman with Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines from 1997 to 2003. 3/23 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served primarily in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Since exiting, Jeff has served as a non-profit manager in the area of foster care and adoption.

How many Marines are there in the USMC?

Marine Corps Basic Training Guide. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is one of the smallest and most selective branch of the Armed Forces. There are only 186,000 active-duty Marines compared to the U.S. Army which has over 1,000,000 and U.S. Navy with 337,000.

What is phase 2 of Marine Corps?

Meanwhile, the second phase of the Marine Corps basic training revolves around rifle exercises and marksmanship. However, it’s still far from gravy experiencing weeks 5 through 7 of Marine Corps boot camp.

What is Marine IST?

Marine IST is a shorter version of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) that you’ll need to complete during basic training. The Marines tests you for pull-ups, sit-ups, push press, and 1.5-mile run for the IST. You need to meet the minimum standards to continue your training with the USMC: Activity. Men.

What to do when everyone is scrambling to get in their hooches?

Be Last: When everyone is scrambling to get in their hooches or get back to the barracks or hop in a hot shower – help a brother out. Bobo isn’t going anywhere so be the last to eat by volunteering for gear guard. Take responsibility until it crushes you….

Is it bad to be cold and wet in OCS?

Be First: There are few things worse than being cold wet and, if you make it through OCS, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be cold and wet as a Marine. If you’re first in the chute for the water obstacles (like the Quigley) or some sort of challenge, you don’t have time to complain or get worked up about it.

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