Officer Candidate Course | Quantico

Officer Candidates School
TESTING AND TACTICS
“Endurance”

The Crucible Continues – Alpha & Delta Company Face New Challenges

This week at OCS, the pressure ramps up for Alpha and Delta Company. They’ve conquered a series of evaluations, but the journey isn’t over yet! Buckle up, because Week 8 throws them into a new chapter filled with rigorous challenges and demanding assessments. It’s a testament to their dedication and perseverance as they continue their transformative journey to become Marine Corps Officers.

Putting Tactics into Action with Field Exercise 

Officer Candidates School throws candidates headfirst into practical application. Field Exercise  (FEX ) serves as a critical training ground where they’ll:

  • Sharpen Military Tactics: Candidates will actively learn and refine essential military tactics through real-world scenarios.
  • Develop Battlefield Decision-Making: FEX  provides a dynamic environment to hone their ability to make quick and effective decisions under pressure.
  • Test Leadership Skills: Leading a fire team through FEX ‘s simulated combat situations allows for practical application of leadership principles learned previously.

This immersive training experience prepares them for the complexities of battlefield leadership and tactical execution. FEX 3 is a pivotal step in their transformation into confident and capable Marine Corps Officers.

SULE II: Leadership Under Pressure

Candidates will head out into the field again for the field exercise SULE (SULE 2). Your candidate has experienced a SULE before, but with each event introduces a new challenge. Candidates will start the day with the rising sun as they board buses and get dropped off at various locations throughout the base. Since each candidate is required to be a Fire Team leader, the SULE will take a full day to complete. Your candidate will be fueling up on MREs to get them through the exercise.

Mastering Night Land Navigation

Officer Candidates School sharpens a critical skill for any Marine Corps Officer – night land navigation. Candidates will be fully immersed in this demanding training, learning to navigate unfamiliar terrain with precision and confidence even under the cloak of darkness.

Why Night Navigation?

The ability to navigate effectively at night is crucial for successful mission execution. This training ensures candidates acquire the tactical skills needed to confidently lead their fire teams during leadership evaluation events, regardless of the time of day. They’ll learn to:

  • Employ Advanced Navigation Techniques: Candidates will go beyond basic compass and map reading, developing specialized skills for precise nighttime navigation.
  • Sharpen Decision-Making under Pressure: Operating in darkness requires heightened awareness and quick decisions. This training strengthens their ability to think critically and make sound choices in challenging environments.

The week culminates with a timed Endurance Course. Candidates from Alpha and Delta Company will tackle their Timed Endurance Course at OCS, a 3.2-mile run that begins with an obstacle course and continues through the wooded trails of the training area. Along the route, they will navigate hills, crawl under ropes and through lanes, scale cargo nets, and ford water obstacles. This course is designed to push their physical limits while testing their ability to overcome diverse challenges in a timed environment, reinforcing their endurance and resilience. The grueling Endurance Course caps off another demanding week for your candidate. But don’t worry, they’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (just like we are!).

Tidbit Of The Week: The Military Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan available to members of the uniformed services. Similar to a civilian 401(k), the TSP allows service members to contribute a portion of their pay into a retirement account, with the option to invest in various funds that range from low-risk government securities to higher-risk stock index funds. Contributing to the TSP is a great way for Marines to plan for their financial future, providing a solid foundation for retirement after their service. Encourage your Marine to explore the benefits of the TSP and consider starting contributions early in their career to maximize their long-term savings.

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

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj (ret) Paul Davis