Author: Openbah

I am scheduled for the medical exam on 10 May. Since I have to be at the examination no later than 5:15AM, it was recommended that I take advantage of the free hotel stay they offer. They put you up in a local hotel, feed you dinner, wake you up at 4:00AM, feed you breakfast, and send you off to the exam. Sounds like a good deal to me. After the exam (which can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, ugh) I am to report to the OSO office. I was told to bring a suit so I will look nice for my picture. Apparently they take pictures of all of the applicants and hang them on the wall. After my picture, I will be administered a diagnostic PFT (Physical Fitness Test).

The Marine Corps PFT includes:

• Pullups (flex arm hang for females)
• Crunches (2 minute time limit)
• 3-mile run

To achieve a perfect score on the PFT, a male must do 20 consecutive pullups, 100 crunches in 2 minutes, and run 3-miles in 18 minutes.

I met with my OSO (Officer Selection Officer) this morning. We talked for quite a while. He joined the Marines via PLC (Platoon Leaders Class) as a Freshman back in 1991, he is now a Captain and flies helicopters. He talked about the typical day of an aviator, various deployments, as well as what its like being home in the civilian world.

Here is a list of things I must complete before I apply:

  Medical exam
  7 Letters of personal reference
  Letter from dentist
  Electronic Personnal Security Questionnaire Worksheet
  Application
  Pass ASTB (air test)
  Pass cycloplegic eye exam
  Final Physical Fitness Test (1 month before Class 190 board meets)

I will be applying in August for acceptance into OCS (Officer Candidates School). OCS is located in Quantico, Virginia. I am applying to Class 190 which runs from 9 October – 16 December. OCS “trains, evaluates, and screens qualified applicants to ensure they demonstrate the leadership, the mental and the physical qualities to be an Officer of Marines.”

After OCS comes TBS (The Basic School). TBS lasts for 6 months, and is also located in Quantico. TBS “educates newly commissioned or appointed officers in the high standards of Professional Knowledge, Esprit-de-corps, and Leadership required to prepare them for duty as a company grade officer in the Operating Forces, with particular emphasis on the duties, responsibilities and Warfighting Skills required of a rifle platoon commander.”

Unless you go into OCS and TBS with either an Aviation or Law contract, you are not guarenteed an MOS (Military Occupation Specialty). I am applying for an Aviation contract which will guarantee me the chance to go to flight school.

Aspiring aviators proceed to Pensacola, FL, where they complete the initial stages of flight training. After completing up to 16 months of military pilot training at flight school, I’ll be assigned to an aircraft based on my performance and the needs of the Corps.

On 18 February, I hopped a Greyhound to New York City. My father met me at the bus terminal. The goal for the weekend was to meet and discuss my future with 3 potential personal references.

First up was my former Youth Pastor. Since I left town, he became the Pastor of his own Methodist church. Next I met with a friend of the family, a retired Naval Aviator. He answered many of the questions I had and gave me his own non-biased opinion of the various branches. He spoke with a comforting lack of predudice. Finally I met with another friend of the family, the head of the New Jersey chapter of a national conservative political organization.

The meetings went very well. It was good to see them all and hear their guidance and support.