Officer Candidates School
CONFIDENCE
“Testing Time”

As the third week unfolds at OCS, your candidate stands on the threshold of breakthrough and adaptation in their transformative journey. Week three is a pivotal period during which candidates begin to acclimate to the environment, stress, and expectations of OCS, marking a significant turning point in their Marine Corps experience.

Building Confidence—One Obstacle at a Time

This week, candidates take on one of the most defining experiences of their journey so far: the Confidence Course. Designed to challenge both mind and body, this grueling series of obstacles pushes them beyond comfort zones—forcing them to climb higher, crawl deeper, and move faster than they ever thought possible.

Towering walls, rope climbs, and muddy terrain are just the beginning. Fatigue sets in, fear creeps up, and yet—candidates press on. With drill instructors driving them forward, hesitation is replaced by grit. Each obstacle overcome becomes a lesson in resilience, reinforcing the belief that nothing is impossible with discipline, teamwork, and determination.

PT, PT, Builds My Body The Marine Corps Way

Mid-week ramps up with intensified physical training that tests the limits of each candidate. A challenging 4-mile hike pushes their endurance and grit, requiring them to carry full gear across rugged terrain, mirroring the physical demands of leading in the field.

Time to Challenge the Mind and the Body

Basic Reaction Course (BRC): Developing Tactical Leaders

Candidates will kick off the Basic Reaction Course (BRC)—a hands-on leadership evaluation that plays a critical role in their development as future Marine Corps officers. At the BRC, candidates are placed in small units and presented with a tactical scenario that simulates a combat or field mission. Each team is briefed on the situation and given a specific objective, such as retrieving an item, rescuing a simulated casualty, or crossing an obstacle-laden area.

What makes the BRC so effective is its unpredictability and complexity. Candidates must quickly analyze the scenario, formulate a plan, communicate that plan clearly to their team, and then lead the execution—all while facing time constraints, physical obstacles, and pressure from evaluators.

Key components of the BRC include:

• Stress-Based Leadership: Candidates are put in charge and must lead their team under stress, simulating the fog of war and the chaos of real-world missions.
• Tactical Thinking: The course emphasizes quick decision-making, adaptability, and the ability to overcome friction with limited information.
• Team Dynamics: Success requires effective communication, trust, and cohesion within the team—core qualities of any Marine leader.
• Evaluation: Candidates are observed and assessed by OCS staff on their leadership presence, problem-solving skills, and ability to motivate and control a team under pressure.

The BRC is more than a physical challenge—it’s a mental proving ground. It instills confidence, reinforces core leadership principles, and serves as a key building block for the more complex leadership evaluations to come.

Teamwork In Action

Week 3 culminates in events that test both physical stamina and emerging leadership skills. Candidates will take on the Junior Fartlek Course—an intense interval run designed to build endurance, speed, and mental toughness.

They’ll then face the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), where each candidate leads a four-person fire team through a series of complex physical and mental challenges. This exercise evaluates their ability to lead under stress, make rapid decisions, and communicate clearly—all while being assessed by OCS staff and their peers. It’s one of many graded leadership events that make up 50% of their final evaluation.

Throughout the week, candidates will also receive instruction on Marine Corps uniforms and continue to build a strong foundation in Corps history. The week concludes with Exam II, ensuring they retain the knowledge required of future Marine Corps Officers.

Tidbit Of The Week

As you accompany your candidate on this adventure, I will periodically cover non-training items of interest that are invaluable for both you and your candidate’s family. These resources are some of the most essential and supportive tools available to you. This week, I want to highlight the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) and the extensive array of services they provide for Marines and their families.

MCCS is a comprehensive support network within the Marine Corps that offers a wide range of programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families. From family support, recreational activities, and fitness centers to financial counseling, childcare, and deployment readiness, MCCS is dedicated to ensuring that Marines and their loved ones have the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking for assistance during a deployment or seeking ways to stay connected and engaged within the Marine Corps community, MCCS is there to support you every step of the way.

Thanks for reading along for week three. I’ll see you next week with more insights and stories during this pivotal time for you and your candidate.

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis