Officer Candidates School
History and Combat Courses
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Week 4 is filled with challenges and determination. The first few weeks have only laid the groundwork for your candidate’s journey. Now, they’re ready to tackle the next exciting chapter on their path to becoming Marines.

Building a Legacy – History and Leadership

Week 4 marks a pivotal turning point at Officer Candidates School. Your candidate is now shifting from simply training to thinking and leading like a Marine—developing the combat mindset and leadership foundation essential for success in the field.

The week begins with continued focus on close-order drill and Marine Corps History II—two cornerstones of becoming a Marine Officer. Drill reinforces discipline, precision, and command presence, while history instills pride, perspective, and a deep understanding of the legacy they’re preparing to uphold.

Each step this week brings them closer to leading with purpose and carrying forward the values that define the Corps.

Getting in the Steps – Endurance Meets Leadership

Next, your candidate will take on a 4-mile hike in full combat gear, testing their physical endurance, mental toughness, and ability to operate under load—key traits for any Marine leader. These hikes are more than just physical challenges; they build resilience, unit cohesion, and the grit required to lead from the front.

Leadership Reaction Course II – Command the Chaos

Following the hike, candidates will face Leadership Reaction Course II (LRC2)—a high-pressure, team-based event designed to push their leadership to the edge. In this dynamic course, candidates must quickly assess complex challenges, develop a plan, and lead their team to execute it—all while racing against the clock.

Success requires sharp problem-solving, creative thinking, and the confidence to inspire others under stress. There’s no time for hesitation—LRC2 reinforces a core truth of Marine Corps leadership: when faced with uncertainty, decisive action wins the day.

This is where future officers learn to lead not when it’s easy—but when it counts.

Tarzan Course & Exam III – Confidence Meets Challenge

Later in the week, candidates will take on one of the most physically and mentally demanding events at OCS—the Tarzan Course. Inspired by British Royal Marines training, this high-angle confidence course pushes candidates to conquer fear, build resilience, and trust in both their gear and themselves.

Suspended ropes, cargo nets, and aerial obstacles require full-body coordination and absolute commitment. It’s not just about strength—it’s about grit, determination, and the will to lead through adversity.

After the course, candidates will shift focus and take on Exam III, further testing their knowledge and mental endurance under pressure.

This week is all about rising to the challenge—your candidate is earning every step toward becoming a Marine Corps Officer.

Together, these courses are designed to forge resilience, build teamwork, and prepare candidates for the physical demands of leading Marines. It’s a critical moment in their transformation—from civilians to confident, capable leaders of Marines.

Pushing the Limits in Seniors’ Fartlek Course

Ending the week at Officer Candidates School (OCS), Alpha and Delta Company tackle the demanding Seniors Fartlek Course. This training combines running with targeted exercises at designated stations, building overall strength, stamina, and endurance. The Fartlek format, meaning “speed play” in Swedish, challenges candidates with varied exercises after each running segment, pushing them to their physical limits. In addition to this physical test, candidates will face Exam III and a history evaluation. They will also be introduced to Boots and Utes running while conducting the Eye of the Needle.

As you can tell, your candidate’s week is filled with a lot of physical activity. This is to help prepare them for the continued physical demands that will be expected of them throughout the rest of the training. In your letter this week, ask your candidate what they learned from executing the Fire Movement Crs. Remind them to rest, recover, and STUDY.

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

Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj (ret) Paul Davis