Officer Candidates School
GRIND WEEK
“Over The Hump”
Alpha and Delta Company have reached a pivotal milestone—they’ve officially crossed the halfway point at OCS. Now, the real test begins. This week marks a turning point, transforming into a demanding crucible that will push your candidate to their limits and reveal their true grit, determination, and leadership potential.
It’s not just about getting through—it’s about rising above.
PT, PT Builds My Body The Marine Corps Way
Week 6 kicks off with the final Combat Fitness Test (CFT)—a high-intensity, mission-driven assessment that measures a candidate’s physical readiness for the demands of combat leadership. The CFT is designed to replicate the physical stresses of the battlefield, pushing candidates to perform with speed, strength, and endurance under pressure.
The CFT includes three timed events:
- 880-yard Movement to Contact run – Tests anaerobic endurance through a fast-paced sprint in boots and utility uniform.
- Ammunition Can Lifts – Candidates lift a 30-pound ammo can overhead repeatedly for two minutes, testing muscular endurance and stamina.
- Maneuver Under Fire – A dynamic combat simulation that includes low crawls, fireman carries, buddy drags, agility runs, and grenade throws, all under strict time constraints.
This isn’t just a fitness test—it’s a proving ground for physical leadership. The CFT demands everything a Marine Officer must be: fast, strong, and ready to lead from the front.
On the Ropes… J-Hook or S-Method? Time to Climb and Conquer
Next up is a brutal combination of events designed to push your candidate’s endurance, speed, and mental grit to the edge. It starts with a timed run through the Obstacle Course (O-Course)—a fast-paced challenge of strength, agility, and precision.
Then it’s on to the legendary Crash Course —a relentless circuit where candidates complete the O-Course, immediately launch into a one-mile run around the PFT route, and repeat the cycle until the PT session ends.
This event isn’t just a physical trial—it’s a mental crucible. Crash Course demands smart pacing, total commitment, and the will to keep moving when the body says stop.
It’s not about how fast you start—it’s about how deep you dig. This is where candidates forge the Marine mindset: perseverance, resilience, and the refusal to quit.
Forged Through Challenge – Combat Course Complete
This week, the candidates faced one of the most intense tests of their journey yet—a grueling combat course designed to push them to their physical and mental limits. From navigating rough terrain to scaling high walls, conquering rope climbs, and carrying heavy loads, every obstacle demanded more than just strength—it required strategy, teamwork, and relentless determination.
Under pressure, covered in mud, and racing against the clock, they pressed forward—executing combat movement drills that reflect the chaos and complexity of real-world operations.
This wasn’t just a test of fitness—it was a trial of grit, adaptability, and the will to lead in adversity. Each candidate emerged sharper, tougher, and more prepared to lead Marines in the fight.
Navigating with Purpose – Terrain Association & Day Compass Evaluation
Later in the week, candidates will face a timed land navigation evaluation, where they’ll rely on terrain association and compass skills to locate designated points across unfamiliar terrain. This isn’t just a test of map reading—it’s a vital combat skill every Marine officer must master.
Armed only with a map, compass, and their training, candidates must move with purpose and precision. Success requires confidence, attention to detail, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure—often while alone and under time constraints.
This evaluation marks a key milestone in their leadership journey, reinforcing that in the field, every decision carries weight—and that true leaders know how to find their way, no matter the obstacles.
Fireteam in the Offense – Field Exercise I (FEXI)
Candidates will finish the week by stepping into the fight—leading from the front during Field Exercise I (FEX1), a hands-on immersion into offensive operations at the fireteam level, one of the most critical foundations of Marine Corps combat tactics.
The fireteam—the Corps’ smallest yet most lethal unit—is made up of four Marines: a team leader, rifleman, automatic rifleman, and assistant automatic rifleman. In this exercise, candidates will learn not just how to maneuver the team, but how to lead it with confidence, clarity, and control.
They’ll execute assaults on enemy positions, employ cover and concealment, and coordinate tactical movement to seize the advantage—all while under the stress of a simulated combat environment.
FEX1 isn’t just about tactics—it’s about transforming leadership under pressure into action on the ground. This is where candidates begin to think, move, and lead like Marine Officers.
Quick Educational Tidbit: The Military Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan available to members of the uniformed services. Similar to a civilian 401(k), the TSP allows service members to contribute a portion of their pay into a retirement account, with the option to invest in various funds that range from low-risk government securities to higher-risk stock index funds. Contributing to the TSP is a great way for Marines to plan for their financial future, providing a solid foundation for retirement after their service. Encourage your Marine to explore the benefits of the TSP and consider starting contributions early in their career to maximize their long-term savings.
Week 6 at Officer Candidates School wraps up an intense stretch of growth and grit. Your candidate has tackled physically demanding PT sessions, sharpened their tactical mindset, and successfully led their peers through challenging leadership evaluations. Each evolution is forging them into a more confident, capable, and resilient future Marine Officer. The transformation continues—and they’re rising to meet the challenge.
Stay tuned next week for more exciting updates on their path to becoming a Marine Corps Officer!
Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj (ret) Paul Davis