All About OCS

I'm not sure how many of you have had to experience going through OCS as the spouse, but like anything else that has to do with the military it can be exciting and stressful all at the same time. Any failure on a test can get you sent back to the beginning.

The best part is that I can talk with John on the phone, Skype with him on the computer, and because he gets weekend passes I can go and visit. Although, I have only gone down for the big events such as graduation and branching.

Officer Candidate School is a 12 week course for Army soldiers to teach them what it takes to be a leader in the Army. These are not just candidates from basic, but also prior service, reserve and guard as well. Each week they sit in a class room for lecture and go over things such as land navigation, history of the Army and various other topics. Tests, PT tests and Land Navigation are all part of their testing. With the tests they are given two tries to pass. It is best to pass on the first try because if you have to retake it the highest you can score is a 70%.

Depending on how well they perform on these various topics depends on how high they are ranked out of the class. Ranking is very important (although it matters more to some than others). The higher a candidate is ranked, they have a better chance of getting the job they want.

Week 6 is when they Branch. This means they pick what job they want for the next three years of their military career. Again, it is important to do your best because the person ranked the highest gets to choose their branch first and so on. The good news is that reserve, guard and prior service already have their branch before starting OCS so those are less people competing for a branch.

Each class is given a allotment list that shows the class how many slots are open in fields such as Infantry, Fiance, Transportation and others, along with details if any. A detail is when they choose one field to do for the next two years, but then they will switch to another field after that. John branched Military Intelligence with a Field Artillery detail. Should he not get Medical Services his job for the next two years will be FA and then he will go into MI. When the slots are gone, they are gone.

In week 7-9, which John is currently in, they are in the field doing Land Navigation and other activities. You will not talk to your solider while they are in the field, so it is like being in basic all over again. However, land nav is rough from what I hear. Out of John's class 60% failed the first day, 20 people failed the second day, and I hope everyone passed today. If they don't pass on the third try they are then recycled.

John passed the first day. I was really worried, but thankfully he was able to sneak a text to me letting me know he passed. So far he hasn't had to retake a test or anything, but no matter what I am proud of him.

At the end of all this is a social, formal and finally commissioning. I am excited commissioning because I can finally be back with my husband and all we have to worry about is getting through training.

Good luck to anyone is going through OCS or about to go through OCS!

A Little Bit of This & That...

So sorry! I got home last Monday from GA and left this past Friday for Charlotte. I am finally home and not going anywhere until August when I am headed back to GA.

First piece of good news....I AM MOVING AFTER OCS! We finally decided that I am moving once OCS if complete. We don't care if we have to pay for the move we just want to be together. I put in my notice at work so things are coming together.

Ft. Benning is really nice. The area around it is ok and most places to eat are at least 15 minutes away, but not too bad. The Infantry Museum is a must see for anyone who goes down that way. Sadly I know my way around post better than John.

There were two bad parts to my week: 1) it took 8 hours to process all the OCS people Thursday; 2) John had duty from 4-8 am Saturday morning.

We are in week two of OCS. So far, so good for us, but John said they have already lost about 15 people just in the first week. I am still nervous that something will happen and he will have to be recycled, but everything happens for a reason. I can't stress about it.

Branch day is in a month. This is the day we will find out what job John will have with the Army and where we will go for training. I've heard it is boring, but I want as much time with him as possible. This is going to be a big day for him and if he wants me there I want to be there.

John's Top Three Job Choices:
1) Medical Services - Ft. Sam Huston, TX
2) Chemical - Ft. Leonardwood, MI
3) Air Defense - Ft. Seal, OK

Medical Services opens a slot for you if they feel you are qualified so we basically have to plan as if he will get his number two choice. There are a few prior service people that have joined his company at OCS that want Medical Service and It doesn't really matter to me what he gets as long as he is happy with what he is given. I know that the job he is given, he will be given for a reason.

He made me really happy the other night. While texting he told me joining the Army was the second best thing he has every done. That made me feel really good. His happiness is all that matters to me.

PS if anyone wants my e-mail pennington9608@gmail.com or find me on Facebook

I promise pics to come soon!

Perfect Weekend!

I had the perfect weekend with John. Even though his Basic Graduation wasn't a big deal to him, I am still proud of him. He was so handsome in his Class B and ACUs.

We did get Thursday night through yesterday morning together. The OCS guys were processed in Thursday, which took FOREVER! It took about seven hours to process everyone through, so we lost pretty much the whole day. I can't wait to go back down. Only about another month to go.

He had his first PT test this morning and I am hoping it went well. It determines everything for OCS. I am sure he did well, but I am still so nervous. Several guys didn't get to class up yesterday and thankfully John did. I don't know what I would do if any of this got postponed. my guess it that my bags would be packed and I would be living in GA for a bit.

Saying goodbye this time wasn't as hard as when he left for Basic. I guess because I know we will be able to talk and I will be down there in just a few (I hope short) weeks. It still feels lonely without him though. Being in his arms was the best feeling.

Anyway, more to come along with pics!