Openbah / Journal of a Marine Officer Candidate

Author: Openbah

  • Preship PFT

    Yesterday was my 1-month pre-ship PFT (physical fitness test). I left my house at 1:30PM and freaked when I realized my truck wouldn’t start. I called the Staff Sergeant at the OSO office and told him what was happening and if he had any advice (he is a mechanic in the Corps). He said that “the problems an easy fix, but you ain’t fixin’ it” (SSgt is from El Paso, TX). He then asked if I was calling to tell him I wasn’t going to make it. I responded hell no and hopped in a cab.

    I scored a 273 out of 300. I did 18 pullups (I actually did 22, but the SSgt said 4 of them weren’t good enough), 100 crunches, and did my 3-mile run in 20:50. I’m not terribly happy with my run time, but considering how bad my body felt, I think 20:50 was acceptable.

    After the PFT the Staff Sergeant offered to give me a lift home and take a look at my truck. After 2 minutes he had it running. He gave me a list of things to buy, as well as some advice on how to take better care of my truck in the winter.

    The Staff Sergeant has nicknamed me “fruit loop” and claims he doesn’t like me but I think he’s lying.

  • OCS pack list

    (UPDATE: There is an updated pack list located in the articles section)

    In one month I will be reporting to Quantico, VA for Officer Candidates Class. Training is going well and I’ve started getting my shit together. With lots of help from friends I’ve made a list of what to bring.

    4 pairs Thorlo boot socks (black)
    2 sticks BodyGlide
    1 set of civvies (wrinkle free permanent crease and a plain polo shirt)
    1 pair of nice shoes
    2 pairs of go-fasters
    Pair of broken-in boots
    1 pair of boot insoles
    2 pairs of white running socks
    Underwear for about 5 days
    Extra sneaker laces
    Toothbrush and toothpaste
    Razor and shaving cream
    Travel size mouthwash
    Q-tips
    Wet wipes
    Hand sanitizer
    Liquid shower soap
    Towel
    Couple white washcloths for cleaning rifle
    Deodorant
    1 tube antibiotic ointment
    1 tube antifungal cream
    Motrin
    6 inch ruler
    Chap stick
    Zip lock bags (small and large)
    Black pens (erasable), red pen, pencils, and erasure
    Laundry pen (Sharpie’s “Rub a dub”)
    A cheap black water resistant watch
    $400 (small bills)
    2 inch clear tape, for your canteen
    1 roll of 1/2 inch and 5 rolls of 1 inch athletic tape
    Electrical tape
    Small nice scissors
    Waterproof spiral notebook
    Cell phone and charger

    I’ve been told to put everything in Ziploc bags and to mark everything. I’ve also been advised to pack it all in a sea bag or duffle bag, not a suitcase.

    The “sea bag drag” at OCS… can’t wait.
    sea bag drag

  • Last class

    I just finished teaching my last class at the Veteran’s Shelter. Dennis and Felipe stayed to talk a little longer after class ended. As they were leaving Dennis had some very kind words. Not only does everyone talk very highly of my classes, Dennis said he knows on a personal level that I’ve touched the lives of some of the men staying here. That made me feel good. I’m glad I got the chance.

  • Jeffrey’s Uncle

    Tim Lickness in Vietnam

    I received a letter last week from Tim Lickness, Cpl Jeffrey Starr’s uncle, with some words of advice I think anyone hoping to lead Marines one day should hear:

    I note you want to be a Marine officer. I wish you well. I was a young airborne First Lieutenant, infantry platoon leader during the Vietnam War. Today I had lunch with an old friend of mine, Norm Mahalic. Norm was a Marine aviator (rotor) combat pilot in Vietnam. We had a wonderful time talking about our exploits of 38 years ago. While having lunch we noticed three young (very young) Marines come into the restaurant with three young civilian friends. I guessed they were right out of the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot just a few miles away. I know graduations are on Friday so I thought the chances were pretty good this was their first meal out of MCRD. I told the waitress to bring me their bill; she did. A few minutes later the three were standing at attention at our table thanking us for our consideration. I asked if they had just graduated and they had. One was from California the other two from Chicago. Nice young men. I thanked them for their service to our country and said that the meal came with a condition. Sometime around thirty years from now if they see some young soldiers or Marines they are to buy their lunch. They all agreed. They couldn’t have been more than eighteen.

    Here’s the reason I’m writing. If you do become a Marine officer these are the guys you’ll be leading. The best our country has to offer. They (and you) are our future. It’s a tremendous responsiblity to lead these guys. It’s also a tremendous honor. Take your responsibility seriously. They, and our country, deserve it. You will be honored for doing so.

    Best wishes for a successful career. Honor Jeffrey by being the best. Duty, honor, country. Be courageous. Be forever faithful. Trust in God, he will provide. Jeffrey was a mighty man of God.

    Sincerely, Tim Lickness

    The following links are to essays written by Tim about Vietnam.
    This is the essay that first appeared in the WSJ in November 1996 under the title “and the War That Brought Out the Worst in Us”
    Two other stories that first appeared in newspapers in Texas
    This is a story related to Rescue Under Fire
    Also related to Rescue Under Fire
    Story in the San Diego Union Tribune

  • Veteran’s Shelter

    I’ve always had great respect those who fought for our country. In February, this respect led me to become a volunteer teacher at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Since then, I’ve gotten to know and spend a lot of time with those who gave everything up for you and I.

    A resident of the shelter once asked me why I’d want to become a Marine after seeing what happened to them? Truth is I see their sacrifices as encouraging. So many people work hard their whole lives for nothing but a paycheck. Like the men and women of the shelter, I want to work hard at something that will make a difference for our country.

    I am currently teaching my fifth and final semester at the shelter.