OCS Part 1 Getting There

I am going to start by saying that OCS is experience unlike anything else. There are different types of people who attend OCS. There is no way to stereotype the average candidate. They come in all ages, both genders, unique backgrounds, and have different interests. The first thing you need to realize about OCS is that the Navy pools all their future officers (except those in the Naval Academy and NROTC) into the same classes. These future officers encompass every area, a majority of them will become Surface Warfare Officers (those who drive and command ships). There are also Pilots, Naval Flight Officers (navigators), Intel Officers, Engineering Officers, various other communities and last but not least Supply Officers. I decided to save the best for last!

I came from a science background so I researched and absorbed all the information I could find. Every candidate should memorize the dreaded Big 3 (General Orders of a Sentry, Articles of the Code of Conduct, and Chain of Command), I believe most Officer Recruiters give these out in guides. There are other aspects that you are not told about that can be found in various Navy blogs like Chow Hall Procedures and what to expect from day 1 to the last week. Much of the OCS schedule changes, partially to keep people off guard and discourage the approach I took. The advice you can get from current officers is priceless though. You might need to look up a few acronyms, I will try to avoid using them here.

I would recommend taking a car when you travel to OCS if at all possible. One, the Navy will pay for your travel expenses whether you choose to drive or fly to Newport, RI. They will give you so many days to get there based on where you started from. From the first day you start your travel, you will begin to collect pay. When you get to OCS, if you have not brought a car, you will get all your additional stuff i.e civilian gear put in someone else's car. This idea was not very appealing to me. I brought additional gear just to make life a little easier latter on during the experience which I was able to retrieve on our first Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) run. I am not going to tell you what to bring, there are far too many lists already on blogs and they change.

I would recommend staying at the Navy Lodge the night before you report. The Lodge is on base and within walking distance of OCS. Make sure you book your reservation early since it will fill up quickly. OCS is one small part of a massive naval base located there in Newport. Make sure you report early, you do not want to be the first but you definitely do not want to be last either. The candidate officers who run check-in will take note of anyone who seems different. Being labeled at this point could be hazardous to your health.