Officer Candidate Course | Quantico

Officer Candidates School
LEADERSHIP and Endurance
“Tighten Up”

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.

Close Order Drill & Marine Corps History

Starting in week 4, candidates will focus on more close-order drills, History classes two and three, and rigorous physical training. Each step in a close-order drill is meticulously taught, demanding precision and teamwork as candidates march in synchronized formations.

Leadership Tested: LRC 2

Later in the week, Officer Candidate’s School pushes leadership skills to the next level. Candidates will return to the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) with LRC 2. This iteration ups the ante by incorporating challenging water obstacles. The ability to effectively lead a fire team through these new complexities will be a key evaluation point. This focus on adapting leadership under pressure strengthens their ability to make quick decisions and guide their team through diverse situations, a crucial skill for any future Marine Corps Officer.

Building Endurance in Hiking

It’s time to hit the field for more “rucking” – carrying a heavy rucksack (main pack) on challenging hikes. Candidates will learn efficient packing techniques before embarking on a 4-mile trek, a dual-purpose mission. This initial march not only familiarizes them with proper loaded foot march conduct but also establishes the baseline Marine Corps pace of 3.6 mph. Don’t underestimate the importance of rucking – it’s a skill that requires practice, just like shooting or combat maneuvers. Throughout OCS, expect to see a lot of “rucking, rucking, and then rucking some more” as they build the endurance needed for Marine Corps life.

Building Endurance in Hiking

It’s time to hit the field for more “rucking” – carrying a heavy rucksack (main pack) on challenging hikes. Candidates will learn efficient packing techniques before embarking on a 4-mile trek, a dual-purpose mission. This initial march not only familiarizes them with proper loaded foot march conduct but also establishes the baseline Marine Corps pace of 3.6 mph. Don’t underestimate the importance of rucking – it’s a skill that requires practice, just like shooting or combat maneuvers. Throughout OCS, expect to see a lot of “rucking, rucking, and then rucking some more” as they build the endurance needed for Marine Corps life.

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.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from your candidate right away this weekend during their first liberty evaluation period; they are probably studying for their next test.

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 training. In your letter this week, ask your candidate what they learned from executing the LRC and Fire Movement Crs. Remind them to rest, recover, and STUDY during their first liberty period this weekend.

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