Preparation for Officer Candidates School begins the moment you decide to apply for Marine
Officer Candidate programs. To be ready for the rigors and challenges of OCS you need to
be physically and mentally prepared. This training will be unlike anything you have
experienced in your life. Here is some general guidance to help you prepare for OCS. Refer
to the OCS Web Site and your Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for more guidance.

MENTAL PREPARATION

In order to prepare to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), the Officer Candidate much
use two methods in order to appropriately prepare for the rigors of OCS. First, the Officer
Candidate must prepare through mental preparation. Mental preparation is done through a
comprehensive studying and reading that will prepare the Officer Candidate for the mental
and leadership demands of OCS.  The following books are recommended reading in order to
prepare for the rigors of OCS.

-ONE BULLET AWAY- NATHANIEL FICK-
Nathaniel Fick wrote this book about his experiences through Officer Candidate School, The
Basic School and as a Platoon Commander in the Fleet. He gives  a peak behind the curtain
for all those who want to become Marine Corps Officers.

-THE GIFT OF VALOR- MICHAEL PHILIPS-
This is the story of Cpl Jason Dunham and about the man who won the Medal of Valor by
giving his life for his fellow Marines. A must read to understand the sacrifices that are
demanded of the nation’s premier fighting force on a daily basis.

-THE PASSION OF COMMAND- COLONEL B.P. MCCOY-
This is a must read for those attempting to become Marine Corps Officers. Colonel McCoy
talks about the responsibility of leadership and making decisions and how that affected him
during his time as a Battalion Commander.

-JOKER ONE- DONOVAN CAMPBELL-
Donovan Campbell was a Platoon Commander in Ramadi Iraq during its most violent period
in 2004. He talks about he prepared himself and his Marines to go to war and about his
experiences as a combat leader. He accurately talks about the brotherhood that took place
between himself and his Marines during their time in combat. He also talks about his own
successes and failures as a leader. An excellent read before going to Officer Candidate
School most importantly because it gives some perspective of what being a Marine Corps
Officer is all about.

-NO TRUE GLORY- BING WEST-
Being a Marine Corps Officer is most often represented by the Marine infantryman. This
book brings you to the front lines with Marines during the Battle for Fallujah during 2003-
2004. Excellent read for those preparing for OCS as well as afterwards because it  portrays
that fighting that Marines have become accustomed to over nine years of war.

-LONE SURVIVOR- MARCUS LUTTRELL-
This is the story of Marcus Luttrell and his seal team during Operation Redwing in
Afghanistan in 2005. This book is a must read because at the critical moment in the story
when a decision had to be made, the team put it to a vote. As a leader it is not acceptable for
you to delegate the responsibilities of the effects of critical decisions that affect the entire
team. As a leader, you must bare responsibility for those decisions at those critical moments.
Read the book and find out what I’m talking about.

-TRIED BY WAR- JAMES MCPHERSON-
This is the story of Abraham Lincoln during his trying years as President. During his time as
President, he tried to find a General who wanted to fight, he sought to free the slaves as a
way of attacking the southern system and through all this he needed to keep the country
behind the war effort while trying to keep the Union together. A great book on leadership and
the pressure the decision maker feels and the responsibility the leader has when making
complicated decisions.

-THE MARCH UP- BING WEST-
Great story about the 1st Marine Division on the March up to Baghdad in 2003.

-DECISION POINTS- GEORGE W. BUSH-
This book is excellent. President Bush served as President during a challenging time in our
country’s history and he accurately expresses the demands placed upon a leader when
making decisions. A must read because he talks about making decisions, how he didn’t
always have all the information, how looking back on what he knows now he would have
decided differently. He walks through many of his important decisions as President. A must
for everyone in a position of leadership and a absolute must read before OCS. Read it and
we will discuss.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Disclaimer:  It is very important to note that none of these physical training programs should
be started by anyone until you have consulted a licensed physician and you are told you are
medically qualified to begin this specific type of physical training.

Along with mental preparation, you need to prepare physically for OCS and being a Marine
Officer. The attitude that you need is that you are not simply getting in shape for a one time
event so that you can pass it and move on, but, that being a leader of Marines demands that
you always be prepared. And being prepared starts with being physically fit so that you can
accomplish the things that are required of a Marine Corps Officer. Also, that you never ask
your Marines to do something that you cannot do yourself.

We recommend that you train for running moderate distances at varying paces. It is
essential that you use a good pair of running shoes, not the ones that the guy at the Foot
Locker said were cool, but the kind you get at a professional running store after the trained
sales rep has watched you run and walk. Running injuries are common at OCS so you must
do everything you can to prevent running injuries. If your shoes are more than a year old it's
time to start looking for a new pair.

Also, you will need to have a sufficient amount of upperbody strength to pull yourself and
your fire team up the many obstacles you will negotiate while in training. A weight training
routine combined with circuit training is recommended. Abdominal exercises will also be very
important to round out your workout.

The Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
The PFT is the standard test that all Marines run twice a year to assess their physical
condition. The test consists of a three-mile run, pull-ups (no time limit) or flexed arm hang
and  crunches (two minute time limit). For males to get a maximum score they need to run
three miles in  18:00, do 20 pull-ups and 100 crunches.  For females to get a maximum
score they need to run three miles in 21:00, do the flexed arm hang for 70 second and do
100 crunches.

More Resources for Physical Preparation
If you are looking for workout routines we have posted some links to downloads below.
Check the OCS web site for more custom tailored workout plans.
   

We encourage all applicants and candidates to train with the Officer Selection Officer at your
campus or at the Raleigh office any time.

If you have any questions about getting prepared for OCS call your OSO and he will be
happy to help you.