Our Leadership Philosophy
Candidates,
This site’s original goal was to educate candidates about what to expect at OCS. The goal has slightly shifted from merely describing OCS to publishing content which helps to actively prepare candidates for both OCS and the demands of USMC officer life. Regardless, no information “giving away secrets” about OCS leadership tests has been published. The idea is to ensure nobody shows up at OCS with a leg up on their peers. No one should be able to use any tricks or tips to game the system, and thereby pass leadership tests which they otherwise would have, and should have, failed.
If you don’t belong in the Marine officer ranks, OCS should weed you out. Any “help” we could give you to cheat the leadership tests would harm the system, and your future Marines by watering down officer leadership.
The Bottom Line
Therefore, no tips or unfair insights into OCS leadership testing will be revealed on this site. Ever.
Our Recommendation to You
Even though we do not condone any efforts to research OCS leadership testing ahead of time, we heartily applaud all efforts to increase your leadership skills in anticipation of not just OCS, but your stint as a Marine officer. We highly recommend that you invest in developing your own leadership knowledge, experience, and philosophy. Do not focus myopically on Officer Candidates School, but consider the bigger picture. Leadership skills will be a key component of your USMC service, but will also impact your life for years beyond a military career.
Leadership Without Shortcuts
“Leaders aren’t born; they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
— Vince Lombardi
Related Posts
Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy: A High School Leadership Opportunity
Thanks to Emmalyn O’Connor for contributing this article on the USMC Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy. O’Connor is a senior in high school, Commanding Officer of her NJROTC unit, an NROTC Marine Option Scholarship recipient, and a class of 2017 graduate of the USMC Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy. What is the summer leadership and character development academ
Rethink Your Leadership Experience
It’s often hard to gain relevant leadership experience before applying to OCS. Pick well-rounded leadership positions to stand out to the OCS Selection Board. This post was written by a candidate who attended OCC in 2016. Tips for Gaining Personal Leadership Experience I coached sports after high school and returned each year to help the team prepare for the regional and national championships. I
This Will Make You Rethink Marine Commissioning Routes
Before I graduated OCS, I tried every one of the commissioning routes, save enlisted to officer. I applied to the Naval Academy twice and spent a year and a half as a Marine Option Midshipman in NROTC. Only after that did I apply for the Platoon Leaders Course and attend the 10 week PLC combined. To be clear, good and bad officers come from all of … Continue reading This Will Make You Rethink Mari