NROTC MO OCS "Bulldog" Course

So sad to hear about the DOR. I can only imagine how difficult that must be for a student to reach that decision. I know that my DS got a bit stressed when they went through the mini-bulldog camp early this year. From a few of the stories he told me, I think anyone would have been. One of the DI Sergeants elbowed a boy in the gut. I did not think they were allowed to get physical. And another boy got pushed into a window and broke the glass but luckily did not go through. Things like that happen just over the weekend, I cannot imagine what must go on at OCS.

Kinnem, it makes me feel more relaxed knowing your son has done so well. Now you can take some time to breathe easier. I am sure your DS can as well. Surely the most challenging part of NROTC is behind him.
 
I finally have access to the internet again! Yay! Good luck to your sons in second increment. I've absolutely no doubt they'll do well. I know you'll hear the same great stories... only with different names. I think my favorite instructor quotes were:
"Well, I guess we can do whatever we want now!"
"Scream fail Kinne"
 
It has been one week since our DS left for the second increment of OCS. I thought I would try to fill in some of the very few gaps kinnem missed in his excellent commentary on this process.

Our last "conversation" with DS was when we dropped him off at the airport so I don't have a lot yet.

All the Marine Options are required to fly to Reagan International Airport where they wait in the USO until 4:00pm for pick up by Quantico staff. I think the rides to Quantico last until 8:00pm. They are supposedly fed dinner at Quantico.

We got a text from DS telling us he had arrived into DCO and later that evening or the next morning we got a text with his mailing address. He also sent a picture of a form letter he was sending us with his address including company and platoon. The final text came the next day advising they were taking all cell phones away.

If all goes according to plan, the next time we will speak with him is when they get liberty which is supposed to be after week 3 (if they pass inspection). Otherwise...

Since there have been some posts in the Naval Academy forum on initial letters from trainees, I thought I would share what we received yesterday. DS and all candidates are required to mail home a letter upon their arrival at Quantico. Our came yesterday (6 days after he got there). It simply states:

"I have arrived safely at Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. I plan on graduating on 16 August 2014. My address while in training is listed below..."

We also know that the first week is an admin week where they get all the gear issued, physicals, take a PFT, mark clothing, etc. Pictures of these events are on the following website: https://www.trngcmd.usmc.mil/OCS/default.aspx

No sighting of DS yet.
 
NorwichDad said:
No news is good news
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Thanks NorwichDad. You are right: no news is a good thing at this point. The first week has a lot of events that could get you a quick trip home: medical exam, initial PFT, lack of proper gear, etc.

Its not common but does happen. In fact, we know of a first increment Midshipman who failed the medical exam and was sent home for further recovery from a medical procedure. He is now back in the second increment.

At this point, we check the OCS website frequently for any updated pictures.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Thanks NorwichDad. You are right: no news is a good thing at this point. The first week has a lot of events that could get you a quick trip home: medical exam, initial PFT, lack of proper gear, etc.

Its not common but does happen. In fact, we know of a first increment Midshipman who failed the medical exam and was sent home for further recovery from a medical procedure. He is now back in the second increment.

At this point, we check the OCS website frequently for any updated pictures.
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I'll confirm that all info you provided is, of course, absolutely accurate. Don't drive yourself nuts looking at the pictures like I did. They do seem to show up when I was least expecting them. Also, I downloaded any pic that I thought DS was in or that I liked for other reasons. DS did not purchase the "class yearbook" and was relying on all pics being on the internet. I'm not so trusting. :rolleyes:

EDIT: PS - There is nothing like that first liberty phone call. Keep your cell phone close that day. I think we usually heard from DS around 2 PM.
 
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USMCgrunt, I am glad you have heard from your DS! We got a few texts early on, but no address yet. I am being hounded by his girlfriend and brother to get his address! I know he is in Lima Co., but that is all the info I have. Hoping to get the form letter with the address soon. What company is your DS in?
 
kinnem said:
I'll confirm that all info you provided is, of course, absolutely accurate. Don't drive yourself nuts looking at the pictures like I did.
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But what else can us Helicopter Parents do? DS flew out back to base this morning and I am already scanning the Brigade FB page.
 
NorwichDad said:
But what else can us Helicopter Parents do? DS flew out back to base this morning and I am already scanning the Brigade FB page.
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I completely understand. Nevertheless I thought my own checking of it every hour was a bit obsessive. :biggrin:
 
enived2 said:
USMCgrunt, I am glad you have heard from your DS! We got a few texts early on, but no address yet. I am being hounded by his girlfriend and brother to get his address! I know he is in Lima Co., but that is all the info I have. Hoping to get the form letter with the address soon. What company is your DS in?
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Enived2: DS is in "Lucky Lima" also. I assume you will get your form letter noting his platoon on Monday. :thumb:
 
Update on Session 2.

Two weeks down. If all goes according to plan, the candidates should get 24 hours of Liberty this weekend. Hoping to finally hear from our DS.

While pictures have been posted on the OCS website, DS has kept a low profile and hasn't been spotted yet.

We did get a letter this weekend. Tore it open to find a quick note and a form letter inviting us to tour the Basic School during the family day events. DS swears no one goes based on his "vast experience." Kinnem can you shed a little light on this? I remember you did take the tour.

DS had time to scribble a quick note and said he is doing fine... "super intense but all good" were his exact words.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Update on Session 2.

Two weeks down. If all goes according to plan, the candidates should get 24 hours of Liberty this weekend. Hoping to finally hear from our DS.

While pictures have been posted on the OCS website, DS has kept a low profile and hasn't been spotted yet.

We did get a letter this weekend. Tore it open to find a quick note and a form letter inviting us to tour the Basic School during the family day events. DS swears no one goes based on his "vast experience." Kinnem can you shed a little light on this? I remember you did take the tour.

DS had time to scribble a quick note and said he is doing fine... "super intense but all good" were his exact words.
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That matches my experience and indeed turnout was pretty low. Nevertheless I recommend going. Nice tour of the academic facilities, sand tables, housing (I thought the new rooms there were great) and DS was glad we went. There was supposed to be a joint briefing from the TBS commander and OCS commander but it was cancelled due to the low turnout, so I wouldn't hold my breath for that. Dinner wasn't bad. Again, DS said it was nice to see they had "real food" as opposed to whatever they serve at OCS. What I could see of the pub was nice but didn't get a good look as they had one of their 2LT/higher officer mixers going on. DS said it was nice to get a peak downrange. I don't know if he was psyched prior to our visit but afterwards he said he couldn't wait to get to TBS.

All that being said, I don't think you're missing too awful much if you decide not to go, especially with your prior experience (all the barracks and classrooms are new though... everything except the gym). I thought it was great primarily to have some knowledge of where DS would be living and what he would be doing. I imagine the new 2 LTs will get on board easily enough when the time comes. BTW the Captains who were on staff there and led the tours were pretty impressive guys and were really squared away.

I would caution we also got the same comments from DS (re: no one goes) for the family day luncheon. His Mom and I had really been looking forward to that. Fortunately we were still able to purchase tickets at the door. YMMV so if that's something you really want to do make sure the boy knows so he can get tickets. The food was terrific, but of course the highlight was meeting some of the Sgt. Instructors there, especially the ones you heard stories about via letter or liberty phone calls. If you're not into meeting those folks though then the luncheon is probably not worth it.... but you'll need to eat somewhere about that time anyway.

One place he took us to after graduation was 'My Deli' in Q-town. Best bulgogi and kimchi I ever ate. The wife ordered some Indian dish she wasn't too happy about. I told her, when the guy behind the counter is Korean, you should order the Korean dishes. :rolleyes:

PS. My Deli is a small dive and my wife was searching for their health code rating... but the food was good and they were busy. They evidently have a loyal clientele.

I think I mentioned this in an earlier post but just in case... take note of where your kid is when you pick him or her up after the Commander's briefing. They'll be in the same spot for the ceremony the next day so pick your seating accordingly.
 
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Anyone PLC junior second increment 2014?

My son is attending PLC junior second increment at OCS. Do they get liberty third weekend? Do they get their cell phone?
 
Mbhatt said:
My son is attending PLC junior second increment at OCS. Do they get liberty third weekend? Do they get their cell phone?
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I don't see why they would treat them differently than the second increment NROTC folks in their company... so I assume that they do. That phone call should be coming in any moment now.
 
Thanks Kinnem

Thanks Kinnem. He just called and it was a big relief to hear his voice.
 
Well, the end of week 3 in the second session of OCS is complete. DS got liberty and gave us a quick call. He got off base for "fine dining" at Applebees! He has fire watch this evening so no off-base hotel for him. He sounds fine but reports lots of people sick. I suppose the physical strain and lack of sleep is catching up with them.

We also got a letter on Friday from DS. So to those parents of future candidates, you should know it is possible for your son/ daughter to sneak in a quick note (at least one) in the first three weeks.

I got a kick out of the letter. DS reported the following takeaways from OCS thus far:

1) The Quigley is disgusting but motivating
2) There is always something to do here
3) The PT is ridiculously hard
4) Sleep deprivation is a real thing

Both in his letter and over the phone, his constant theme is that he is fortunate to be given the opportunity to earn the title Marine Officer. He seems to be holding his own.
 
So glad to hear he's doing well and off the base for a little while. I know it was great hearing his voice. :thumb:
 
I hope he is catching every moment of sleep that he can! I bet he will have quite some stories to tell when he gets home.
 
Mbhatt said:
Thanks Kinnem. He just called and it was a big relief to hear his voice.
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Awesome! Best Wishes. As a military parent I have always kept good mental notes on home happenings and things that interest DS. I have found that it helps when the call finally comes.
 
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