Marine OCS Winter experiences?

Gatorfan178

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Apr 19, 2021
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Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone on here has experience with going to Marine OCS in the Winter. Is the training different? How is Quantico weather in the Winter? Is it better to go in the Summer?
 
I can't speak for Winter OCC classes but I know some people that went through it. From what I heard, it is brutal. You will still have to PT In the mornings (Winter Fatigues of Course) and will still have to go through the Quigley (Can't imagine going in there in the Winter). Training will not be any different than summer classes, the end goal Is to become a Marine Officer so training will not change. Just a quick note, it is April right now, if you are the one going to OCC then can your OSO not get you in a Summer or Fall OCC class? I would ask to see. Quantico Winters can be brutal.
 
The humidity and temperatures in the summer can be brutal too. I expect there are plenty of snakes in the Quigley over the summer. Pick your poison.
 
I can't speak for Winter OCC classes but I know some people that went through it. From what I heard, it is brutal. You will still have to PT In the mornings (Winter Fatigues of Course) and will still have to go through the Quigley (Can't imagine going in there in the Winter). Training will not be any different than summer classes, the end goal Is to become a Marine Officer so training will not change. Just a quick note, it is April right now, if you are the one going to OCC then can your OSO not get you in a Summer or Fall OCC class? I would ask to see. Quantico Winters can be brutal.
Thanks, I have not been selected yet but my OSO is confident I will be selected soon and is anticipating me attending in the Winter. Summer classes apparently are filled up. I would much rather prefer to go in the heat then in the cold but will be prepared for anything. Will they make us go in the Quigley even if it’s frozen? Wouldn’t the water be freezing in the Winter?
 
@Gatorfan178 - I got to enjoy Quantico from May through February. OCS was in July and August. TBS was May through October. IOC was Nov - February.

Frankly, winter and summer are both rough. Quantico is famous for its heat and humidity. I am sure I have the total wrong, but I believe we had 14 Black Flag days in a row during my OCS training. Do you think Uncle Sam changes the curriculum? Nope, they moved the training day up to 4:30 and we hit the PT field just as the sun was coming up. We were inside during the heat of the day for classes. We had to drain our canteens "by the numbers" to ensure we were hydrated. Heat casualties were frequent.

In the winter, we moved from freezing rain to snow. Nothing was cancelled or changed. Frankly, I have never been so miserable as the evening we were in defensive positions having spent the entire day in freezing rain. Would have much rather been moving, patrolling, forced march but we sat in the defense and waited for the OPFOR to attack.

Fall in Quantico is absolutely fantastic. I recall my land navigation class was in the height of the fall season. What better way to tromp through the woods with crisp air, fall foliage, a little orienteering? People would pay for that experience!

Oh... and the Quigley in winter? You betcha!
 
Will they make us go in the Quigley even if it’s frozen? Wouldn’t the water be freezing in the Winter?
Some cold water won't stop a Marine from doing their job and it won't stop the enemy from doing their's either, so yes you will go into the Quigley even in the Winter. I wouldn't stress much about the Quigley, it is actually pretty fun taking a dip in there but that was in the Summer. If I were you, focus on maxing the PFT, stay out of trouble, and take care of your body and you should be good.

Hey! If you go in the Winter your going to be a part of the Frozen Few!
 
I don't believe there are OCC sessions in the summer. They're booked solid with 2 sessions of OCS for NROTC MO, and PLC sessions. They also have sessions for Academy folks in the summer. Most OCC folks I have know start in January.
 
I went through TBS during summer and then finished in winter. As mentioned there are pros and cons to winter or summer. Summer is hot and humid. Winter can be cold, and vary from snow to mild. They will watch you closely with evolutions dealing with water, rain or snow. Being cold and stuck in the field for days on end is the worst thing ever. But I think at OCS you don’t spend many nights in the field like you do in TBS. Also, if you do any land nav... no leaves! Much easier to find.
 
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Temp at Turner Field this am at MCAF Quantico. It's on the Potomac. I live on the other side of I-95 probably 3-4 miles from the water and my temp this morning was 32 F.

quantico.jpg
 
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