ROTC grads in OCS and etc

S

SpadGuy

5-Year Member
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Nov 28, 2014
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They're so much information's about SA grads, but less on the other.

How did ROTC grads stack up against SMC grads in OCS; their basic course standings, advanced branch course, and Command and General Staff College?

Defense Manpower Data Center https://www.dmdc.osd.mil often has the stats.....but not releasable.
 
You might not find too much distinction between some groups because SMC grads are ROTC grads. Other than their respective Corps traditions and practices, their training is the standard ROTC program and curriculum. They attend the same courses as all other ROTC cadets. And not everyone in the Corps of Cadets at an SMC are in ROTC. Some will complete their degree without pursuing a military career.

Also, maybe it was just a typo or you're referring to a specific ROTC, but Army ROTC and AF ROTC grads do not attend OCS (I left out NROTC and NROTC MO because I am not 100% positive. Kinnem?). All of their necessary training and commissioning requirements are completed throughout their time in school.

Edit: I went through some of your posts to clarify, and it looks like you're mostly referring to NROTC Marine Option because that is what you're DS is interested in at an SMC. Correct me if I am wrong. That would explain the OCS reference. Still, he will be at an SMC, but in the ROTC program.
 
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If you are referring to the Marine OCS summer training evolution, I would say that the top SMC candidates do slightly better than the top NROTC Marine Option candidates. Slightly. They may be more prepared for the "shock and awe" aspect and it seems the SMC schools have regulation obstacle courses where students can learn and practice the techniques used. (Some NROTC units also have O-courses but most do not)

I believe it all levels out for commissioned officers as they enter The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico after graduation. This is really where the incoming crop of 2nd Lt's delineate themselves and are ultimately racked and stacked. I have never noticed any SMC edge here or in the fleet.
 
I agree with USMCGrunt as usual. I would put the emphasis on the top SMC candidates doing slightly better. I would also say it's not true in all areas. Most Marine midshipmen are well prepared for OCS... and everyone is quaking in their boots prior to "pick up" by their training cadre.

The only thing I can say about TBS is that the facilities are incredible.
 
One final point: on occasion, SMC (and USNA) graduates can carry themselves with an air of superiority because of the school they attended. Its rare but it happens and I have to call it the way I have seen it. Most graduates have the interpersonal skills necessary to avoid silliness like this but some don't. Anyone who thinks that they are better than another because of the school they went to will find it works against them at TBS and in the fleet. Don't be that guy.
 
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Bull, I was about to re-clarity my OP and Kinnem and USMCGrunt make it clear. Thanks guys
 
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