Platoon Leaders Course Jr. | Quantico

Officer Candidates School
FIELD TRAINING
“The Sule”

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.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Candidates begin the week by taking the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a key assessment of their overall physical readiness. The Marine Corps PFT consists of three events:

  • Pull-ups or push-ups (maximum reps) to test upper body strength
  • Planks for time to evaluate core endurance
  • Three-mile run to measure cardiovascular stamina

This test sets a baseline for their physical conditioning and reinforces the high standards expected of future Marine Corps Officers. Performing well on the PFT is critical, as physical fitness is a cornerstone of leadership and effectiveness in the field.

Building Tactical Proficiency: The Fire and Movement Course

Next, Officer Candidates focus on building foundational tactical skills crucial for future success.

The Fire and Movement Course serves as a critical introduction to:

Tactical Obstacle Negotiation
Candidates will learn how to effectively navigate obstacles while maintaining combat effectiveness.

Cover and Movement
They’ll master techniques for utilizing cover and concealment to minimize exposure to enemy fire while advancing.

Fire and Movement
Integrating coordinated movement with accurate rifle fire is a core skill, and this course will provide a solid foundation.

This training ensures candidates acquire the essential technical and tactical skills needed to conquer the demanding Fire Team Assault Course later in training. The Fire and Movement Course is a stepping stone, preparing them for the complexities of battlefield maneuvers.

Conquering the Obstacle Course

This week throws another physical challenge at your candidate. They’ll tackle the demanding obstacle course against the clock, pushing themselves to their absolute limits.

This timed run is a true test of their:

Agility: Navigating obstacles requires quick reflexes and the ability to move efficiently.

Strength: Climbing walls, scaling obstacles, and traversing uneven terrain all test their physical fortitude.

Endurance: Maintaining a fast pace throughout the course demands exceptional stamina.

This grueling test prepares them for the physical demands of battlefield leadership.

Putting Tactics into Action with Field Exercise

Next, your candidate will take on one of the most demanding challenges yet: Field Exercise (FEX). At this stage of Officer Candidates School, the focus shifts to hands-on application, where leadership and tactical knowledge are put to the test in a dynamic training environment.

  • Sharpen Tactical Proficiency: Candidates will actively engage in realistic field scenarios, learning how to maneuver and lead a fire team in offensive operations.
  • Refine Decision-Making Under Pressure: FEX presents unpredictable situations that require fast, sound judgment, mirroring the pressures of real combat leadership.
  • Lead in Simulated Combat: Candidates will apply what they’ve learned by leading their peers through complex missions, showcasing their ability to inspire and direct a team under stress.

Your candidate will wrap up the week with two key milestones in their leadership development:

  • Terrain Association Practical Application: In preparation for upcoming land navigation challenges, candidates will put their classroom knowledge to the test. Using only a map, compass, and natural terrain features, they’ll navigate through unfamiliar areas—sharpening a vital skill every Marine officer must master.
  • SULE I – Small Unit Leadership Evaluation I: This is their first major field evaluation. Each candidate will take charge of a fire team, tasked with planning, briefing, and executing a simulated combat mission. SULE I is designed to assess their decision-making under stress, leadership presence, and ability to communicate and adapt in a dynamic environment.

These capstone events mark a significant step forward in your candidate’s transformation into a confident and capable Marine Corps officer.

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 Paul Davis