OCS Part 4 Classes and OLQ

The end of week 4 marks a new transition for your class. From this point on OCS is no longer focused on physical training. At this point you have proven to your Drill Instructor that you can take physical punishment and have the mental discipline to work through pain. The next step is to train you academically, your academic classes will become your primary focus. Of course you still have daily rifle drill practices and the occasional beating to deal with. These will continue until the rifle drill competition around week 8 or 9.

Your classes consist of topics like Naval History, Navigation, Mortar Boards and Engineering. Depending on what you majored in college some will be more difficult than others. I struggled with Mortar Boards the most, but most candidates without a science background had trouble with Engineering. Your overall scores in the classes are based primarily on midterms and finals. By the way, do not even think about falling asleep in class. The drill instructor will not be in the classroom with you as most of the classes are taught by officers but they will not hesitate to report you. This will get your entire class beat. You are allowed to bring in water to splash on your face and you can stand up and move to the back of the room or start doing push-ups. Just find something that works for you and pay attention at the same time. Sleep deprivation really takes its toll during these weeks.

Right around midterms, week 6, you will face an Officer Like Quality Inspection (OLQ). This will be conducted by officers and passing this inspection is based less on appearance and more on general knowledge of the Navy. Your ability to pass is all about memorizing the information in your gouge pack. This will be the first time you are allowed to wear your khaki uniform and you better be wearing it right. Depending on who inspects you, you may fail the first inspection but will have a second try. Everyone generally passes by the second attempt (this is not RLP).

Around week 8, finals will be given and overall grades will be calculated. If a candidate fails any class one of two options are presented to them. They may be allowed to retake the final exam or roll to H-class to start the classes all over again. Those that retake the classes are set back by about a month and this is obviously a major set back. It is a relief to pass all the classes because your candidate officer phase is coming up next, only one major challenge stands between you and being the senior class on deck.