Until I went to Quantico I was a civilian. For the 39 days I was at Officer Candidates School, I was referred to as Candidate. About 5 weeks into OCS we received our orders to TBS. I remember sitting in the classroom next to Candidate L. and seeing the words “Second Lieutenant” before my name. It was the first and last time I would see it printed that way.

Only a few days later while being admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital I was given a hospital bracelet which had Sergeant written on it. Apparently because we were receiving E-5 pay at OCS, I was thought to be a Sergeant.

Since being discharged from the Hospital, I have been being paid “incapacitation pay” by the Marines. Unfortunately for my wallet, those that NPQ from OCS receive a Private’s pay. So now I am in the system as Private. Hopefully one day this civilian will once again read “Second Lieutenant” before his name.