Officer Candidate Course | Quantico

Officer Candidates School
LEADERSHIP AND EVALUATIONS
“Sule 1”

Week 7 at OCS is crunch time! Gone are the introductory weeks. Now, your candidate faces a gauntlet of academic and leadership assessments through simulated combat and rigorous fitness tests. These high-stakes evaluations measure their progress and provide crucial feedback on their journey to becoming Marines. Buckle up – this week will be a test of their dedication and perseverance!

Leadership Under Fire – SULE, TDGs, and More

This week at OCS is a whirlwind of leadership development for your candidate. It all starts with the Small Unit Leader Evaluation (SULE 1), a critical test where they’ll lead a fire team through simulated combat scenarios. This high-pressure environment demands sound decision-making under fire, honing their tactical skills and leadership abilities.

But the challenges don’t stop there. They’ll then jump right into Tactical Decision Games (TDGs), further refining their tactical acumen in simulated battlefield situations. Precision and teamwork are also emphasized through additional close order drill. Next candidates will conduct a demanding 6.2-mile hike, pushing their physical and mental endurance.

Against the Clock

Just when you thought the week was over, up next is the Obstacle Course (O-Course). It is a timed test. The purpose of the Obstacle Course is to test the candidate’s ability to negotiate obstacles using the correct techniques while displaying a high level of agility.

Tactics & Endurance – Pushing Limits on the Endurance Course Test

This week at OCS has been a crucible of Tactics & Endurance. The week will culminate with the Endurance Course Test. Forget a leisurely jog – this demanding 3.2-mile gauntlet throws them headfirst into the obstacle course, pushing them to their physical limits right from the start. The adrenaline doesn’t stop there. They’ll then navigate the challenging wooded trails of OCS, encountering obstacles designed to test their:

  • Physical Endurance: Hills, ropes, cargo nets, and water crossings will demand every ounce of their strength and stamina.
  • Mental Toughness: Maintaining pace and focus throughout the grueling course becomes a test of their mental fortitude.
  • Teamwork: Successful navigation and overcoming obstacles might require relying on and supporting their fellow candidates.

This demanding test is followed by a Platoon Commander Inspection and another Liberty Period Evaluation. It’s a week that separates those who can persevere from those who cannot, forging the resilience and teamwork needed for future Marine Corps Officers.

This week at OCS was a whirlwind of tactics and endurance! After conquering challenges and honing their skills, your candidate heads into liberty. Expect limited communication – rest, recovery, and hitting the books are likely top priorities! In your letter, ask how they aced the O-Course (we know they did!) and remind them to recharge and keep studying. The journey continues!

Stay tuned next week for more exciting updates on their path to becoming a Marine Corps Officer!

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj (ret) Paul Davis