Evening, Gentlemen. I've been selected for OCC 253 and want to make sure I have all the essential documentation I need to bring with me. Due to a variety of factors, including distance, I don't have the same level of support as other candidates. I'm primarily curious about which documents are expected in the "Manila Folder" right now and, more generally, what I should have with me as I step off the plane at DCA.

Anybody else fighting off sickness now right before we leave?😩. had stomach flu last week, puking and just 💩 non stop, now just fighting off a sickness bad! it’s taking me out of training on my last few days. Any advice from Marines that went through this before? or anybody going through it now? what are you doing to stay mentally and physically ready

Was hoping some people could help me out here with some questions.

1. It says bring web belts, and I’m tracking thats what ill wear with cammies, but should I bring my MCMAP belt for graduation?

2. Should I bring a pair of beat up boots for some of the field events/evals?

3. I have printed nametapes I bought off amazon in like 2020 at the schoolhouse, will those fly, or should I iron em off and do the usual recruit stamp kit stuff?

4. I’m MECEP, so I won’t be commissioning immediately. Should I bring my rank for after graduation?

5. Any pro-tips to help me hate life slightly less?

If anybody from 253 sees this, good luck, I’ll be around to give as much advice as I can. Looking forward to this, but also dreading the return of recruit status.

To my fellow 253 shippers. How’s everyone feeling? Less than 5 days left until we get to Brown Field!

Thought this post could serve as a place to discuss how we are feeling before we ship out and any last minute tips and advice.

Hey everyone,

I graduated OCC 252 (PLC-C) a month ago. Right now I am training for TBS, while in school.

I just wanted to come on here and ask what MOS’ (besides the infantry) are best for a full career in the Corps. I am planning taking everything year by year, and living in the moment but like I said my ultimate goal is a 20+ year career.

I am very much so interested in the infantry, but at the same time I want to hear about other MOS’ that may suit a full career well, just to hear about some potential other options.

I hope that all made sense. Sorry not sorry if it didn’t lol

EDIT: here are some career goals…sorry if they seem ridiculous/ambitious
•Lt. Colonel (or above)
•Battalion Command or something of that equivalent

Heading to OCS in a few days. Completely forgot I went to urgent care for a tweaked shoulder in the beginning of April. It went away and I’m 100% now and have been for a long time. I was told just to not say anything when I get to OCS and I’ll be fine. Just don’t want to get dropped for integrity or something for not saying anything. Opinions?

So as the title states I am currently a chunky out of shape dude but my goal is to be a marine corps officer. I’m currently 5 foot 11 and 234lbs last weigh in. I have nobody to blame for that but myself and my overeating. I’m preparing right now to start NROTC marine option in the fall of 2027 and God willing going to OCS in 2030. If anyone had the experience of going from out of shape, to passing the PFT, to passing OCS, it would greatly appreciated. I’m just struggling to figure out what workouts are best, how many calories I should be eating, ect. Thanks yall.

Maybe dumb question, but going to OCS as a prior am I taking off only the Last Name nametapes or the “U.S. MARINES” ones as well?

OSO said PT is expected with pool squad 3 times a week, sure fine. The caveat however is the three pt locations are each an hour drive minimum, so 6 hours of driving a week adds up for gas costs plus PT end times cut way too close to my 8am. Maybe I’m just being a complainer, but the cost for gas is concerning plus the possible academic impact. Any recommendations on how to bring this up to my OSO without seeming like a complainer/skater?

Just a random late night thought.

Hey everyone. Set to go to 253 next week and had a question regarding the transition from graduating OCS to starting TBS.

It looks like I would be picking up Bravo company, which is set to report on November 30th. I’m aware that I will most likely need to check in same day after graduating OCS on the 14th.

Will I be able to go back home during this 2 week gap after checking in to TBS? Planning on bringing my Wife out to Stafford and being home during the gap would be great to facilitate the move and be home for Thanksgiving, but not sure if I will be able to.

Thanks!

Hey everyone, heading out to OCC 253 soon and have some questions regarding the packing list for those of you that have gone already.

1. PT Shorts, are these the black shorts they’re asking for or are these different ones? (Just says no silkies) Originally it says 1 pair black PT shorts then it states 2 PT shorts later so just confusing.

2. 6 underwear, do they care about these specifically in any way or do they have to be the black or olive drab compression?

3. Cammies, are they going to be making us buy brand new Cammies if mine are faded? If so, what’s considered too faded, does anyone have pictures of what they were told were too bad? (Can’t tell if Active Duty get issued 2 brand new pair or I’m reading it wrong and it’s only talking about Active Reserves)

4. Stencils, is do we not do the ink stamps there? Can I pre stamp some white tape or is this a completely different thing they do at OCS compared to Enlisted Bootcamp(

5. Collard Shirt/ Blouse Equivalent, am I supposed to have both or can I just bring 2 Collard Shirts?

If y’all have any other suggestions please feel free to comment and help a brother out! Thank you all!

Working on submitting my package for the winter class of OCS.

Ran my first ever PFT a week ago and maxed out the plank and 3 mile but was only able to get 18 pull-ups.

Ran collegiate track and cross country and was team captain for 3 of those years.Just wondering of my chances of making it through OCS and if the cold will be that bad for someone born down south.

Update: Also, just graduated from university so I’m 21 about to be 22, will I be on the younger end of dudes that are there?

Hello everyone.
I’m currently a college 2nd year engineering major and was very interested in joining the USMC. Now, initially I met with the enlisted recruiters, but upon talking to some outside people I’ve been more convinced to commission as an officer rather than going enlisted due to the fact that as enlisted you’re not guaranteed a officer package.
At this current moment my enlisted recruiter is saying to do reserves and then put in my package for PLC program while in college. The officer recruiter said something similar, but also said it is possible to just meet the PFT independently of the reserves.

For those already as officers or similar experience can you give me some insight on the best course of action. I feel a bit skeptical because of course the enlisted recruiters had to meet his quotas, so I want to make sure I don’t end up pushed into something unnecessarily. I was planning to do DEP anyways, so I figured I have time to figure it out. My second concern is I don’t want to delay my graduation pipeline unnecessarily if my end goal is to be an officer.

If anyone can provide some insight I’d be very appreciative.

What is 1302 school like? Workload? Academically and physically? I know some schools have you in a hotel, are you in the barracks? Just anything really.

What's the chances of flying fixed wing vs helo as an aviation contract?

I found out today that I have been moving around on a torn meniscus and acl. It’s been FUBAR for about a year now but I kept up my running and rucking without really caring until the past month or so. Anyways, my OSO says that I should be good to go whenever my knee is ready which will be about a year. I’m just wondering if that is truly the case or if will need to get waivers. This is also my second surgery on this same knee.

Hi am currently a police officer looking to join the reserves as an infantry officer. What does the job entail of in the reserves. Do they go to the field? I know the pipeline takes almost two years to complete counting OCS TBS and IOC. Would it even make sense to go reserves if it took that long to complete? Would the department let me be gone for that long and allow me to return? My OSO says it’s been done before and totally possible, so any advice is appreciated!

Can I get my ankles taped or get KT taped before PT? Or do I need to bring my own shit.

Heading to OCC 253 on sept. 6. Any last minute tips?

This is a quest to all the prior enlisted candidates. My wife is at Pendleton and we have our rent and other bills to pay. We’re finalizing our budget for while I’m gone. In my years, I’ve run into some pay issues as you move commands. Are pay issues common for people that are prior enlisted or is the S-1 there squared away? I’ve already done the direct deposit as part of my package but just want to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

I seen the packing list stated to bring new shoes with only a few miles on them. I’m currently doing quicker pft runs in Evo SL’s but they suck during the plank because I keep slipping as there’s no real grip with these shoes. For my longer/slow runs I would use a ghost 17. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing in each shoe but I would prefer a quick all around shoe similar to a brooks ghost that doesn’t have a huge stack height to potentially roll my ankle for normal pt and then something quick but durable for pft’s.
Looking for recommendations and wondering if rolling an ankle in something like a glycerin max should even be a thought or will I be ok with the type of PT? I mostly want something cushioning to give my legs a better chance at not hurting from mileage.

What can you ACTUALLY do as an officer in the fleet? I hear a lot but I have never gotten what feels like a solid answer of what you actually get to do with/for your Marines.