Here we go...

[annie8080]

Hi everyone =D

O.K... so I began my application process for OCS this week, and I met with my recruiter today. I am trying to keep my head out of the sand and focus on the goal of becoming a Naval Officer, instead of worrying excessively about OCS. However, I have zippo military background. What are some things I can start learning/memorizing now [e.g. Navy and Marine rank order] for when I go to OCS. What are some good resources?

And does anyone have any tips on converting me from a distant runner to a speed runner? I can go forever at a 10 minute pace [I know, who cant'? Its practically a walk]. My 1 mile is 8 minutes. Ideally, I would like to run upwards of 5 consecutive miles at an 8 minute pace...

 

[skim]

This site is a good resource, as well as the search button. As far as running goes, go hit the pavement. I never practiced my sprints, I just threw on my shoes and went. Sounds like you are into running already, so unlike me, you don't have much work to do. My pre ship test I ran just over 10 minutes. Also, do lots of cardio as well. Good Luck!

 

[red_ryder]

For things to memorize, it would be extremely helpful if you had the "Big 4" down before you went to OCS. The Big 4 being, General Orders of a Sentry, Articles of the Code of Conduct, Chain of Command and the Rank Structure of the Navy and Marine Corps.

They are supposed to be recited verbatim, so it would be nice to get a head start on those. Chain of command will be harder to nail down exactly, so I'm just going to wait on the specifics of that one til I get there.

2. Key to improving speed is running sprints and intervals, plus it will help a lot if you start running hills too, to power up your legs.

 

[annie8080]

hey skim, thanks. just a quick question completely unrelated. Is the sand pit full of fire ants? Did you go through in FL or in Rhode Island? How long are exercises in the sand pit with fire ants??

 

[schwarti]

No fire ants in RI, as far as I know. Fret not.

 

[Tom]

There aren't any sand pits with fire ants anymore. You'll spend a good amount of time in sand.

 

[red_ryder]

Only fire pits with sand ants, now

 

[badger16]

To increase speed also look at using a weight vest if you have some time. Which I would think you do. It's like using a dough nut in baseball. I am one for intervals though. It doesn't cost any extra money and it does pay off. Good luck to you.

 

[annie8080]

thanks everyone... i would have chuck norrised those ants anyways...haha i thought they were put there intentionally to stress out the situation

 

[skim]

I will let you know in 3 months if the situation changed

 

[red_ryder]

You got your new OCS date then skim? considering the timing, we might be in ocs at the same time...hopefully see you there!

 

[skim]

I am leaving this saturday.

 

[red_ryder]

Oops, I misread, guess you'll be imprisoned in the mean time. Good luck in any case.

 

[Spekkio]

And does anyone have any tips on converting me from a distant runner to a speed runner? I can go forever at a 10 minute pace [I know, who cant'? Its practically a walk]. My 1 mile is 8 minutes. Ideally, I would like to run upwards of 5 consecutive miles at an 8 minute pace...

Run shorter, run faster. Only way to do it is to push yourself to beat the clock.

You can already handle long periods of running, which is a great start (lord knows I can't, unless someone's giving me some incentive...). You already have the stamina, so focus on doing 1-2 mile runs and getting the time down to 7 minutes.

According to what other people have posted here, you won't be running longer than 3 miles at OCS anyway.

 

[utak]

Try running in combat boots and a duty belt with two canteens in it. Run the same pace if you were in tennis shoes. You (and your abs, thighs, lungs, and core) will feel it the next day.

Running in soft sand works too, but the technique of using flat feet to hit the sand (so you won't sink into it) might not translate well when you are back on the hard top.