OCS integration

[tanyamaryann]

I wasn't sure how to post a new reply on the site but I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who posts here. I was just notified that I am Pro rec'd for Supply corp. I am excited. I have noticed there are not many females on this site and wonder how OCS is separated based on Gender. I am prior Navy, 6 years as an ET and got out to finish college. Now on to findocs, and final selection. Thanks again to everyone for their posts and helpful hints.

 

[Tom]

From graduation photos of OCS classes, men and women are together. I believe women do not sleep in the same room as the men. Come on, haven't you seen an Officer and a Gentleman? Ha...

 

[pdx]

OCS is pretty much integrated. Females bunk with females and males bunk with males, but other than that, there is little difference.

 

[tanyamaryann]

Thanks, I figured we wouldn't be sleeping in the same beds, lol. I was just trying to compare to Enlisted boot camp where we were almost completely separated for the first few weeks then integrated later. And my recruiter stated there is a chance I could be the only female or one of a very few and I was wondering if that would cause me or us to be singled out, you know a "can you hang with the guys" mentality or is he just trying to prepare me for the worst? I am excited, nervous and proud that I got Pro Rec'd. And happy I found this site as it had many helpful hints.

 

[hasmith]

Good Parts

Unless it has changed, when you move into the Battalion the females will have one head and the males another. The heads are the same size, and having 6 women or so in that head is a hell of a lot more comfortable and efficient than having 55 guys. That is one thing that our class always noticed.

 

[pdx]

Thanks, I figured we wouldn't be sleeping in the same beds, lol. I was just trying to compare to Enlisted boot camp where we were almost completely separated for the first few weeks then integrated later. And my recruiter stated there is a chance I could be the only female or one of a very few and I was wondering if that would cause me or us to be singled out, you know a "can you hang with the guys" mentality or is he just trying to prepare me for the worst? I am excited, nervous and proud that I got Pro Rec'd. And happy I found this site as it had many helpful hints.

Some women have commented that the DIs treat them differently or that OCS is harder for them. I personally never saw this. If you are a very thin-skinned woman, you will probably be offended at some point, but the same goes for thin-skinned dudes. To me it seemed like the DIs were a little shy of the beast that is sexual harassment. OCS is not for people who can't take "constructive" criticism. Some of the women seemed particularly offended by the short haircuts and lack of time for taking showers, etc. Since you went through boot camp, you have already seen some of this, and I wouldn't predict major problems. Still, OCS is a little bit different.

I would say that the DIs are just trying to "prepare you for the worst," as you put it. The reality is that you will have to lead a division of enlisted sailors about 6 months after you commission. Some of them will be 18 year-old kids who got stuck with being Food Service Attendants, and one of them might even be a crusty chief. They may or may not have issues about taking orders from a woman. Your DI will try to show you how to command some respect.

As far as numbers, there were only two women in my class, but some of the other classes had nearly 1/3 of the class. It really depends on what designators make up your class. My class had mostly SNAs, SNFOs, Intel, and sub-nukes. All of the classes that followed were 95% supply with a few SEALs and EODs thrown in for good measure.

 

[Birdman]

The reality is that you will have to lead a division of enlisted sailors about 6 months after you commission.

Division - 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. Usually consisting of three brigade-sized elements and commanded by a major general, divisions are numbered and assigned missions based on their structures. The division performs major tactical operations for the corps and can conduct sustained battles and engagements.
I think you mean platoon?

 

[Brett327]

Division - 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. Usually consisting of three brigade-sized elements and commanded by a major general, divisions are numbered and assigned missions based on their structures. The division performs major tactical operations for the corps and can conduct sustained battles and engagements.
I think you mean platoon?

Army division ≠ Navy division.

Brett

 

[pdx]

Division - 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. Usually consisting of three brigade-sized elements and commanded by a major general, divisions are numbered and assigned missions based on their structures. The division performs major tactical operations for the corps and can conduct sustained battles and engagements.
I think you mean platoon?

Dude, if this is the way you react when you think you know something, I'm sure you will have an illustrious career. I may be a lowly ensign with no wings, but I try to pick up a few Navy terms here and there.

I'll pass your advice to my supply officer friends so they'll know what to do with their "platoons" of sailors.

 

[HAL Pilot]

I think you mean platoon?

I think you're a f'ing idiot.

 

[Birdman]

I think you guys need to settle down. I didn't know, now I do, and I look like a flaming @ss. Ta da!

 

[shannon]

Well to get back to the point of this thread.... I am also a female accepted into Supply. You don't have to worry about being the only female in the class. There will be at least 2 in each class and we get separate bathrooms and sleeping area- I believe its by wing. I've also heard that if you work hard and don't take everything personal, you'll get the respect you deserve. I'm assuming/hoping this is true. I haven't gone through yet because my class is in August. Maybe I'll see you there. Take care!

 

[ChunksJR]

"Leaders win through logistics. Vision, sure. Strategy, yes. But when you go to war, you need to have both toilet paper and bullets at the right place at the right time. In other words, you must win through superior logistics."

--Tom Peters-Rule #3: Leadership Is Confusing As Hell, Fast Company, March 2001

Trust me, you'll both get your respect in different ways than the "typical" Navy. Congrats, charge hard, keep your eye on the prize...and remember that EVERYONE loves a good surf and turf.

Good luck,
Dan

 

[tanyamaryann]

Thank you for the info. I am pretty tough skinned in regards to taking "constructive" criticism after 6 years in a primarily male division (not platoon), I learned to hold my own. Just wanted insight to differences between the enlisted bootcamp and OCS. I am sure it will be harder and I certainly appreciate that as it should be harder for an Officer than the mess cranker. Sorry for the gents and the 55 person bathroom it will be nice not to share a room with 180 females like on the ship. I am excited about everything. I still have findocs to do and graduate in March of 07, so I figure early summer next year for OCS. Recruiter said it would be 30 to 45 days after grad. Once again thank you for the positive words and advice.

 

[Thisguy]

Sorry for the gents and the 55 person bathroom it will be nice not to share a room with 180 females like on the ship.

Sounds like a pillow fight waiting to happen. Just kidding, but yeah, the whole bathroom situation for the females is way better than the guys. It got to the point where I didn't bother showering after morning PT because I knew we were just going to get killed a couple of hours later.

Oh yeah, body wash is key, because if you drop the soap...just let it go man, it's gone.