Candidates

Officer Candidates School

Ductus Exemplo - Leadership by Example

What to Expect
What We Are Looking For
Performance Breakdown
Academic Preparation
Physical Preparation
Pre-Ship Preparation

Firmness
All Candidates are required to meet Marine Corps standards. Candidates can also expect to be held accountable for their actions.

Fair Evaluation
The evaluation will be both mentally and physically challenging. Each candidate is provided every opportunity to prove their potential, because OCS wants candidates to succeed.

Respect
Every Candidate is treated with respect because each candidate has volunteered to come to OCS. The acceptance of the challenge to prove themselves as leaders is the first step in earning their commission as Second Lieutenants of Marines.

a. Five Marine Attributes:

1. Exemplary Character

A Marine has a clear understanding that they are entrusted with the special trust and confidence of their fellow Marines and that of the American people. Marines embody our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

2. Physically/Mentally Tough
A Marine fosters a warrior spirit, thrives in a complex and chaotic environment, is hardened against and resilient to adversity in order to persevere against seemingly impossible odds, and hones self-discipline to push past human factors and preconceived limits.

3. Warfighter
A Marine is proficient in their MOS and basic infantry skills, exercises sound ethical judgment, possesses a bias for action, and maintains an offensive mindset.   Marines are lethal, intellectually curious professionals, dedicated to a lifetime of study in the profession of arms and educated in the fundamentals of maneuver warfare, tactics, combined arms, and time-tested principles of battle.

4. Critical Thinker/ Decisive Actor/ Effective Communicator
A Marine thinks critically, makes the best possible decision, and acts on Commander's Intent.   Seizes the initiative and acts with boldness and determination on available information in a chaotic environment. Communicates effectively and issues concise orders and guidance.

5. Leader
A Marine embraces their responsibility to one's fellow Marines, their families, and our shared legacy.   A Marine has emotional intelligence to inspire and instill trust and confidence in other Marines.   Sets the conditions for creative thought and execution, through personal example of selflessness, adherence to standards regardless of conditions and circumstance, and treats others with dignity and respect.

b. Commanders Additional Expectations:

1. Give one hundred percent effort and commitment in all that you do.

2. Have respect for yourself, respect for others, and responsibility for all actions.

3. You are here to earn the privilege to lead Marines.

The Candidate evaluations breakdown as followed:

50% Leadership

The leadership grade is based on practical application events and staff observation. Evaluations are based on performance, communication skills, decision making, and leading subordinates. All of the leadership skills required for success are taught and assessed at OCS. The cumulative average for these assessments equal 50% of the candidate's overall grade.

25% Academics

The General Military Subjects taught to Officer Candidates provides basic information to include Marine Corps History, Tactics, Operations and Organization, Land Navigation and other military subjects. Officer Candidates are evaluated on this material through written exams and practical application.

25% Physical Fitness

The physical training program at OCS has been designed to teach, then test and evaluate, a very high level of physical fitness in a minimum amount of time. It is built on the principles which will test physical courage, will-power and determination, while preparing you for the rigors of future Marine Corps duty. The physical aspects of OCS are designed to test an individual's general strength and endurance under varying field and tactical conditions. You will find these aspects challenging and demanding.

CANDIDATE PREPARATION GUIDE

Success at Officer Candidates School begins before you arrive. This comprehensive guide covers an Introduction to Academics, Fundamentals of Leadership, Fundamentals of Tactics, and other recommended readings to set you up for success.

Read the Guide

OCS STUDENT OUTLINE

The OCS Student Outline is also available to Candidates for studying and preparation before arrival at Officer Candidates School. All material within it will be formally taught while at OCS.

Read the Outline

OCS Physical Fitness Pre-Shipping Program

Linked here is a PDF with the OCS Physical Fitness Pre-Shipping Program booklet. This program provides workouts in 30 and 60 day calendars for officer candidates to reference as they prepare physically for OCS. Each workout QR code located in the booklet can either be scanned on a phone (if booklet is being viewed on a computer) or clicked on (if booklet is being viewed on phone or tablet).

VIDEOS

1. 60-Day Letter

The OCS 60-Day Letter is a preparation aid for all candidates prior to shipping to OCS. It is expected that candidates thoroughly read and understand this document as well as the enclosures. Candidates are expected to arrive with all required items and documentation listed in the 60-Day Letter.

Enclosures (1), (2), and (3) have been converted to fillable PDFs. It is recommended that candidates use fillable PDFs to complete these enclosures to avoid mistakes and misspellings.

2. OCS Candidate Regulations

The OCS Candidate Regulations highlight training requirements in order to establish performance and conduct expectations while assigned to OCS. It is recommended that candidates thoroughly review the Candidate Regulations prior to arriving at OCS. Candidates will be issued a copy of the Candidate Regulations after arriving on Brown Field.

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