OCS Reference Guide and Additional Resources
Welcome and Navigation
This website has been created to serve as a resource hub for all things OCS, from the individual schools to the application process to ways to prepare after being accepted. Information will be separated out by categories, with links provided for easy navigation off to the right. Both this website and the accompanying booklet were created using information from the resources on this site and personal experience, and all credit for any information goes to the original publisher of the content.
General Military Branch Websites and Information
Army
The Official Home Page of the U.S. Army - http://www.army.mil/
Army Careers - http://goarmy.com
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army
Navy
The Official Website of the U.S. Navy - http://www.navy.mil/
Navy Recruiting - http://www.navy.com/
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy
Air Force
The Official Home Page of the U.S. Air Force - http://www.af.mil/
Air Force Careers - http://www.airforce.com/
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force
Marine Corps
The Official Website of the U.S. Marine Corps - http://www.marines.mil/
Marines Recruiting - http://www.marines.com/home
Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps
The Official Home Page of the U.S. Army - http://www.army.mil/
Army Careers - http://goarmy.com
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army
Navy
The Official Website of the U.S. Navy - http://www.navy.mil/
Navy Recruiting - http://www.navy.com/
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy
Air Force
The Official Home Page of the U.S. Air Force - http://www.af.mil/
Air Force Careers - http://www.airforce.com/
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force
Marine Corps
The Official Website of the U.S. Marine Corps - http://www.marines.mil/
Marines Recruiting - http://www.marines.com/home
Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps
All There Is To Know About OCS/OTS
Army
Army OCS page - A lot of great information, especially under "Student Information" and "FAQ" - http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ocs/
Army OCS Recruiting - brief overview of Army OCS - http://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidate_School_(United_States_Army)
Army OCS portal - need to sign up to access information, but considered the unofficial Army OCS information source - http://www.armyocs.com/
Army OCS Behind-the-scenes video - check out several other recruiting videos for OCS uploaded by GOARMY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhHWCfV5TI
Navy
Naval Officer Training Command - general program information - http://www.ocs.navy.mil/ocs.asp
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidate_School_(United_States_Navy)
Video Overview of Navy OCS - has several additional videos that address various facets of the OCS program - http://todaysmilitary.com/videos/overview-navy-officer-candidate-school
Navy OCS Summary Video - overall a very comprehensive look into the day-to-day activities of students at OCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6LBuyxy6Ns
Survivor's Guide to Navy OCS - a great resource that talks about in detail a day by day then week by week basis on all the various activities at OCS and how to prepare for them - http://www.navydads.com/group/navyocsdads/forum/topics/survivors-guide-to-officer-candidate-school-ocs
Air Force
AF OTS Recruiting - brief overview of AF OTS - http://www.airforce.com/joining-the-air-force/officer-overview/
OTS Homepage - general program information - http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/index.asp
Air Froce OTS portal - need to sign up to access information, but considered the unofficial Air Force OTS information source - http://www.airforceots.com/portal/index.php
Air Force OTS Class Video - provides a small snapshot into day-to-day activities of some students of OTS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtIS7zu46PY
Marine Corps
Marine Officer Recruiting - brief overview of OCS - http://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/officer-candidates-school
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidates_School_(United_States_Marine_Corps)
Marine OCS Training Command - provides some general OCS and candidate information - http://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/Units/Northeast/OfficerCandidatesSchool.aspx
USMC Officer - great resource with a lot of information in nearby links - http://www.usmcofficer.com/officer-candidate-school/
Marine OCS Recruiting Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn-CYv5USd8
Army OCS page - A lot of great information, especially under "Student Information" and "FAQ" - http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ocs/
Army OCS Recruiting - brief overview of Army OCS - http://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidate_School_(United_States_Army)
Army OCS portal - need to sign up to access information, but considered the unofficial Army OCS information source - http://www.armyocs.com/
Army OCS Behind-the-scenes video - check out several other recruiting videos for OCS uploaded by GOARMY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhHWCfV5TI
Navy
Naval Officer Training Command - general program information - http://www.ocs.navy.mil/ocs.asp
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidate_School_(United_States_Navy)
Video Overview of Navy OCS - has several additional videos that address various facets of the OCS program - http://todaysmilitary.com/videos/overview-navy-officer-candidate-school
Navy OCS Summary Video - overall a very comprehensive look into the day-to-day activities of students at OCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6LBuyxy6Ns
Survivor's Guide to Navy OCS - a great resource that talks about in detail a day by day then week by week basis on all the various activities at OCS and how to prepare for them - http://www.navydads.com/group/navyocsdads/forum/topics/survivors-guide-to-officer-candidate-school-ocs
Air Force
AF OTS Recruiting - brief overview of AF OTS - http://www.airforce.com/joining-the-air-force/officer-overview/
OTS Homepage - general program information - http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/index.asp
Air Froce OTS portal - need to sign up to access information, but considered the unofficial Air Force OTS information source - http://www.airforceots.com/portal/index.php
Air Force OTS Class Video - provides a small snapshot into day-to-day activities of some students of OTS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtIS7zu46PY
Marine Corps
Marine Officer Recruiting - brief overview of OCS - http://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/officer-candidates-school
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Candidates_School_(United_States_Marine_Corps)
Marine OCS Training Command - provides some general OCS and candidate information - http://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/Units/Northeast/OfficerCandidatesSchool.aspx
USMC Officer - great resource with a lot of information in nearby links - http://www.usmcofficer.com/officer-candidate-school/
Marine OCS Recruiting Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn-CYv5USd8
Finding Your Officer Recruiter
While the booklet provides at least one physical location in South Carolina where there is a recruiting station or an officer recruiting station, in some cases there are many more which could be in a more convenient location. It's also important to note that in some instances a interested applicant would be best served going to a general recruiting station if there is no officer-specific station in the vicinity.
Army
Army Recruiter Locator - Set the search to "enlisted" to find general recruiting stations. This map will quickly pinpoint the two closest stations to the given zip code - http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html
Navy
Navy Officer Recruiter Locator - Enter zip code and choose the officer recruiting location - https://www.navy.com/locator.html
Columbia, SC Officer Recruiter Facebook page - this is not up to date, but the address is correct and the office doesn't display on the recruiter locator map - https://www.facebook.com/Navy-Officer-Recruiting-Station-Columbia-SC-282501701778223/
Air Force
AF Officer Recruiter Locator - Enter zip code and select the "college graduate" option on the map. It will quickly pinpoint the closest station to that location - http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/
Marine Corps
Request Information - Filling out the information on this page will cause an officer recruiter to contact you instead of the other way around. There is no locator option for all the Marine recruiting stations. - https://www.marines.com/request-information?ver=C
Columbia, SC Officer Recruiter Facebook page - Fairly well maintained, allows you to keep up with local recruiting activities as well as contact information - https://www.facebook.com/osocolumbia/
Army
Army Recruiter Locator - Set the search to "enlisted" to find general recruiting stations. This map will quickly pinpoint the two closest stations to the given zip code - http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html
Navy
Navy Officer Recruiter Locator - Enter zip code and choose the officer recruiting location - https://www.navy.com/locator.html
Columbia, SC Officer Recruiter Facebook page - this is not up to date, but the address is correct and the office doesn't display on the recruiter locator map - https://www.facebook.com/Navy-Officer-Recruiting-Station-Columbia-SC-282501701778223/
Air Force
AF Officer Recruiter Locator - Enter zip code and select the "college graduate" option on the map. It will quickly pinpoint the closest station to that location - http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/
Marine Corps
Request Information - Filling out the information on this page will cause an officer recruiter to contact you instead of the other way around. There is no locator option for all the Marine recruiting stations. - https://www.marines.com/request-information?ver=C
Columbia, SC Officer Recruiter Facebook page - Fairly well maintained, allows you to keep up with local recruiting activities as well as contact information - https://www.facebook.com/osocolumbia/
Test Prep and Study Guides
The written/computer test portion is one of the most important components of each application. It's essential to do well not only to avoid disqualifying yourself, but to create a more competitive application. Instead of branches, the information below will be broken down by test.
ASVAB/AFQT
ASVAB and Army Jobs - provides a breakdown of how each area is scored, and each the minimum required score for each available job (does include enlisted options) - http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab/asvab-and-army-jobs.html
Official ASVAB Testing Page for Applicants - complete walkthrough of the test, how its scored, what to expect, as well as sample questions - http://official-asvab.com/applicants.htm
Free Practice ASVAB Exams - can choose which sections to include, large bank of questions pulled from - https://www.4tests.com/asvab
Practice Exam - explanation of each section as well as a practice portion for each section - https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/practice-test
10 Free ASVAB Practice Tests - http://www.asvabpracticetests.com/
ASTB/OAR
ASTB Overview - explanation of subtests, scoring, general information - http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/Pages/ASTBOverview.aspx
Air Warriors ASTB forum - user forum with references, place to ask and look over questions, and links for any and all ASTB information - https://www.airwarriors.com/community/index.php?forums/astb.47/
There are also numerous study guide books that can be purchased in stores or online. A popular one is here - http://www.amazon.com/ASTB-Study-Guide-Practice-Questions/dp/1941743447
PDF Study Guide - study supplement with practice questions - https://manlypat.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/astb_study_guide.pdf
AFOQT
AFOQT Study Guides - comprehensive all-in-one website with practice exams, study guides, and a detailed explanation of the test itself - http://afoqtguide.com/
How to Prepare for the AFOQT - another detailed breakdown of the exam, with several links to popular physical book study guides, including the most up to date ones - http://www.baseops.net/afoqt
ASVAB/AFQT
ASVAB and Army Jobs - provides a breakdown of how each area is scored, and each the minimum required score for each available job (does include enlisted options) - http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab/asvab-and-army-jobs.html
Official ASVAB Testing Page for Applicants - complete walkthrough of the test, how its scored, what to expect, as well as sample questions - http://official-asvab.com/applicants.htm
Free Practice ASVAB Exams - can choose which sections to include, large bank of questions pulled from - https://www.4tests.com/asvab
Practice Exam - explanation of each section as well as a practice portion for each section - https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/practice-test
10 Free ASVAB Practice Tests - http://www.asvabpracticetests.com/
ASTB/OAR
ASTB Overview - explanation of subtests, scoring, general information - http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/Pages/ASTBOverview.aspx
Air Warriors ASTB forum - user forum with references, place to ask and look over questions, and links for any and all ASTB information - https://www.airwarriors.com/community/index.php?forums/astb.47/
There are also numerous study guide books that can be purchased in stores or online. A popular one is here - http://www.amazon.com/ASTB-Study-Guide-Practice-Questions/dp/1941743447
PDF Study Guide - study supplement with practice questions - https://manlypat.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/astb_study_guide.pdf
AFOQT
AFOQT Study Guides - comprehensive all-in-one website with practice exams, study guides, and a detailed explanation of the test itself - http://afoqtguide.com/
How to Prepare for the AFOQT - another detailed breakdown of the exam, with several links to popular physical book study guides, including the most up to date ones - http://www.baseops.net/afoqt
Military Entrance Processing Station
Below are just a few sites that will provide a little more information on MEPS than was touched on in the booklet.
MEPS at a Glance - pretty general overview of what to expect and how to prepare for it - http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/meps-process-requirements.html
Brief Overview of MEPS - same concept from a different perspective - http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/mepsglance.htm
MEPS Overview Video - http://todaysmilitary.com/videos/a-look-inside-navy-meps
Fort Jackson MEPS - http://www.mepcom.army.mil/meps/fortjackson/
MEPS at a Glance - pretty general overview of what to expect and how to prepare for it - http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/meps-process-requirements.html
Brief Overview of MEPS - same concept from a different perspective - http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/mepsglance.htm
MEPS Overview Video - http://todaysmilitary.com/videos/a-look-inside-navy-meps
Fort Jackson MEPS - http://www.mepcom.army.mil/meps/fortjackson/
Physical Fitness
Along with written tests, the physical fitness component is one of the most important aspects of your application. Some branches place more emphasis on it than others, and all have different requirements, but it's important that during the time after being accepted and attending OCS that this be your number one priority.
It should also be noted that the training plans aren't exclusive to one branch or the other. All but the Marine Corps test for the same 3 events, so it's easy to find a plan to utilize training for one branch on another branch's site.
Army
Army PRT - the ultimate PRT information source, from background to technique to training methods and workout plans, as well as scoring systems - http://www.armyprt.com/
Navy
PRT Standards - contains tables breaking down scoring by gender and age, as well as minimum scores. Also contains links to several other Navy and fitness related websites and training plans - http://www.navy-prt.com/
Overview of Navy PRT - Explanation of PRT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/navy-fitness-requirements/navy-basic-training-pft
Air Force
Overview of Air Force PFT - Explanation of PFT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/air-force-fitness-requirements/air-force-basic-military-training-fitness-test
Air Force Personnel Center - another brief overview of PFT - http://www.afpc.af.mil/affitnessprogram/
Marine Corps
Overview of Marine PFT - Explanation of PFT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/usmc-physical-fitness-test
Ultimate OCS Prep Workout - workout plan put together by a former OCS attendee with daily workouts - http://officercandidatesschool.com/blog/2013/03/07/the-ocs-preparation-workout/
Marine Recruiting Fitness Recommendations - brief overview of some ways to improve the physical component of your application - http://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/ocs-physical-prep
It should also be noted that the training plans aren't exclusive to one branch or the other. All but the Marine Corps test for the same 3 events, so it's easy to find a plan to utilize training for one branch on another branch's site.
Army
Army PRT - the ultimate PRT information source, from background to technique to training methods and workout plans, as well as scoring systems - http://www.armyprt.com/
Navy
PRT Standards - contains tables breaking down scoring by gender and age, as well as minimum scores. Also contains links to several other Navy and fitness related websites and training plans - http://www.navy-prt.com/
Overview of Navy PRT - Explanation of PRT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/navy-fitness-requirements/navy-basic-training-pft
Air Force
Overview of Air Force PFT - Explanation of PFT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/air-force-fitness-requirements/air-force-basic-military-training-fitness-test
Air Force Personnel Center - another brief overview of PFT - http://www.afpc.af.mil/affitnessprogram/
Marine Corps
Overview of Marine PFT - Explanation of PFT, scoring system, and several links to training programs, score tables, and other fitness sites - http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/usmc-physical-fitness-test
Ultimate OCS Prep Workout - workout plan put together by a former OCS attendee with daily workouts - http://officercandidatesschool.com/blog/2013/03/07/the-ocs-preparation-workout/
Marine Recruiting Fitness Recommendations - brief overview of some ways to improve the physical component of your application - http://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/ocs-physical-prep
Blogs, Forums, and Miscellaneous
Below are just a few other resources that I found helpful when creating the booklet, and are worth exploring when one has more than just a couple of minutes.
Air Warriors - A personal favorite. This is a forum that is primarily dedicated to Naval Aviation, but contains threads on almost every military and non-military topic imaginable. There is a special focus on putting together Navy and Marine OCS applications, flying as an MOS, ASTB test taking, and much more - https://www.airwarriors.com/community/
Officer Candidate School - A blog launched by a man who went through the entire Marine OCS application process, was accepted, and attended OCS only to become injured and unable to return after numerous surgeries. His posts date for years, and it's worth starting at the beginning and working towards the present, as he has a lot of insight and details about the whole process - http://officercandidatesschool.com/
DOD Dictionary of Military Terms - Self-explanatory, but very helpful when scanning through information and uncertain of what something is referring to - http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary/
Air Warriors - A personal favorite. This is a forum that is primarily dedicated to Naval Aviation, but contains threads on almost every military and non-military topic imaginable. There is a special focus on putting together Navy and Marine OCS applications, flying as an MOS, ASTB test taking, and much more - https://www.airwarriors.com/community/
Officer Candidate School - A blog launched by a man who went through the entire Marine OCS application process, was accepted, and attended OCS only to become injured and unable to return after numerous surgeries. His posts date for years, and it's worth starting at the beginning and working towards the present, as he has a lot of insight and details about the whole process - http://officercandidatesschool.com/
DOD Dictionary of Military Terms - Self-explanatory, but very helpful when scanning through information and uncertain of what something is referring to - http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary/
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