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[Justin Bailey]

If so, what is/was your experience like? Any tips for someone that is considering going to OCS? I'm 24 with a Bachelors Degree in Information Systems.

BTW, I'll save someone the trouble - "Don't"

Ok, now that we've gotten that witty response out of the way. . .

 

[Doth Togo]

I was offered an appointment to participate in OCS at Pensicola in 2000. From there, I would've gone onto the Naval Intel program in Virginia, then, from there to Monterray, CA. I took all of the tests and passed with flying colors. Ultimately, I turned it down. That being said, I learned that OCS was 12 weeks of very demanding training and re-education to put you in line with the Navy way of thinking. Realize that OCS involves Marine Core drill instructors on your case for 24/7. They don't care who you are; you belong to them for those 12 weeks.

My advice if you decide to do it...

Get in shape NOW. Run 5 miles a day, 5 days a week.

Teach your body to get used to 6 hours of sleep a night. Go to bed at 10pm and get up at 4:00am.

Get used to taking orders from people that MAY not be as smart as you. Get used to hurrying up and waiting, and laziness.

Learn how to swim ASAP if you don't know how.

Start saving money now. They won't pay you much, and the benefits of what you have while in the Navy aren't great.

Your living conditions will be shit, wherever you are (on sea or land). The housing they give you....BOQ - Bachelor's Officers' Quarters...are ghetto. Many officers live off base. Your pay, just out of OCS as a commissioned officer, will be in the mid to upper $20k.

If I think of anything else, I'll edit my post.

Best of luck to you in your decision.

 

[Justin Bailey]

Awesome, I was hoping to get some info that the recruiter probably won't tell me and I did. Thanks - I'll keep it in mind.

 

[shpankey]

go air force instead... by far and away they have the best of everything (living conditions, pay, food, benefits) along with the easiest trainings.

 

[pnjtony]

Are you looking to work in information systems or supervise in information systems?

 

[Justin Bailey]

Are you looking to work in information systems or supervise in information systems?

Possibly, but I'm looking into other fields as well. I haven't talked to a recruiter yet so I don't really know what's feasible for me and what's not.

 

[pnjtony]

But what I meant was are you looking to work in the field you choose or just supervise.

 

[Justin Bailey]

But what I meant was are you looking to work in the field you choose or just supervise.

I'd imagine a little of both. Prolly start by working and then climb my way up to supervisor.

 

[pnjtony]

Well the thing is with officers is that they rarely ever actually "do" the job in thier field. Like engineers do and really high level shit they do, but not most jobs. I knew a girl who was right out of OTS and she was a marine biology major and wanted to work in that field then found out she'd only be supervising and that was a normal thing for officers, so she went missles & space which was a more hands on experience with a little supervising.

Just remember as an officer you're a leader..the guy that gives the orders...not so much taking them.

 

[way more]

My brother went to OCS about 5 years ago and is currently a Lieutenant Officer of the Supply Corps. He graduated with a bachelor in psychology and his current job is overseeing the transportation and housing of military prisoners and may soon move on to being the supplier of a underwater demolitions team.

What I learned from him is that the military is basically like a large, dumb corporation. Your recruiter will tell you things which he can't possibly have any control over to get you to join. You're superior officers will do likewise as most of them will be incompetent. Expect a lot of fuckups running the show.

He said during OCS that the most stressful parts were when they would be given a list of chores to do with no hope of actually accomplishing them. You would either choose between work or sleep and even forgoing sleep you would fail.

He served on a supply boat during the Iraq war and made paid off his beamer withen a year because of the hazard pay.

He told me that the best choice when joining the military is the Air Force. Like it was said they have the best amenities. They way they work is they want pilots, so you are given a comprehensive test and from there put on a career track according to how well you do.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

damn officers, dont trust not one of them.