Comments for Openbah / Journal of a Marine Officer Candidate

Comment on THR physical therapy by Carson

Carson — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:27:44 +0000

Terribly sorry to hear that the FVFG did not work for you but I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I had a FVFG done at Duke University 4 weeks ago and I know how badly that you want to get back to “normal”. The pain makes it very difficult to sleep and it is very frustrating having to use a walker and crutches.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience. It really helps to know what to expect going forward. Best of luck to you.

Comment on New Air Force uniforms? by Storm Bringer

Storm Bringer — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:33:39 +0000

The only type of uniform I ever associated with the Air Force with (besides the Bus Drivers they wore since WWII), were the leather bomber jackets & flying jackets. Leather jackets (WWI & WWII); Bus Drivers (SAC, Cold War, etc). Rather than scalp the Corps of their uniform, perhaps the USAF should have issued a leather bomber jacket like Colonel Hogan wore on Hogan’s Heroes. Of course it wouldn’t go good with the 700 medals & ribbons the AF hands out on a weekly basis. If anything, they should steal the Army uniform, not the Corps. Semper Fi….

Comment on New Air Force uniforms? by Justin Stone

Justin Stone — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:43:59 +0000

@L34th3rn3ck That's where your wrong, the uniform is from an old army air corps. design rightfully belonging to the af while the Marine Corps. dress blues are a knock off of the army's service dress of the 1910's because the original Marine Corps. uniform looked like crap so I don't blame the change just like our AF service jacket's LOOK LIKE CRAP

Comment on OCS tips and tricks by Openbah

Openbah — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:18:47 +0000

@Joe
At OCS, certain gear items need to be marked with your last name stenciled on a piece of white tape. As the tape gets dirty, it has to be replaced, or you’ll get a hard time from the staff. The staff teaches you to make a bunch of 6″ pieces and keep them in the lid of your foot locker. Unfortunately, the only time you really have to be messing with your foot locker is at night, which isn’t very useful. The above tip will allow you to remark your gear wherever you are, since you often are waiting around for others (i.e., after chow).

Take a roll of 1″ white tape and run it long ways down a 6″ ruler. Without ripping the tape, stencil your name in the center. Wrap the tape around the other side of the ruler, and stencil again. Repeat as desired. If you have other specific questions regarding the technique described, let me know. And good luck!

Comment on OCS tips and tricks by Joe

Joe — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:02:39 +0000

I found the “How to prepare for remarking your gear” tip somewhat confusing, could someone post pictures or explain it Barney style for me please?

Comment on I got married! by Openbah

Openbah — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:14:52 +0000

Thanks guys!

Comment on I got married! by CJ

CJ — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:13:10 +0000

Awww, congrats, Mike!!

Comment on I got married! by Roman

Roman — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:47:22 +0000

Mike, these past three posts really show how much life has changed since you started this blog! So happy for you!

Comment on Pack list for OCS by Openbah

Openbah — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:46:49 +0000

@Daniel I'm not really sure what will be most beneficial, since I think knowledge expectations change over time. If I were leaving for OCS in two weeks, I would relax, spend time with family/friends, and sleep in until noon. I would learn the basics for sure, especially ranks. Learn to recognize all the Marine Corps enlisted ranks inside and out so when you approach someone you won't hesitate to address them by their proper rank. I wouldn't worry too much about the history and war fighting topics, you will learn all that at OCS and TBS. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Comment on Pack list for OCS by Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:19:22 +0000

Like @Jonathan, I too will be attening OCS in October, leaving in about 2 weeks. Just saw this list and I feel like every time I see a new list I find something I had not previously seen.

My question is how much literature and studying to do prior to leaving. I am memorizing all the little things my OSO gave me, such as ranks, leadership principles and general orders ect., but I have been reading a lot of Marine history along with the Marine Corps OfficerÂ´s Guide. I also have books on Marine Leadership, War fighting, and Marine Troop LeaderÂ´s Guide. Is there something I should prioritize in my last 2 weeks before taking the drive to Quantico? Thanks for all your help -Daniel