<p>As far as OCS vs. the academy TBS pretty much equals everything out. Based on my observation OCS grads and academy grads are pretty eqaul when it comes to tactical situations such as giving orders, leading the platoon in attacks and defense and other tactical exercises conducted. In garrison there is not a huge difference. Academy grads are for the most part more comfortable interacting with high ranking officers for the simple fact we spent 4 years interacting with 0-5s and 0-6s. Academy guys are also generally more relaxed. Physically it is pretty even too. In our company we have a great mix. I would not say there is any advantage, OCS or USNA.</p>
<p>Thank you navy07 and danbrenn, your insights help tremendously.</p>
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[quote]
Going to OCS is a big deal in the Marine Corps, and I would consider myself at a disadvantage if I did not go.
[/quote]
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<p>I could be wrong, but I think four years at the Academy could possibly qualify as a substitute... For some reason it seems that many OCS guys look down on Academy Mids at Leatherneck because they're not going to OCS. However, ask any of them if their Academy counterparts didn't atleast keep up with them at TBS, and I doubt you'll find one that will try and tell you that they couldnt hack it.</p>
<p>From a Mom's perspective - What I'm hearing from all of you generous enough to weigh in is that there isn't a 'wrong' way for Son to go on this one. He will likely be as passionate as each of you are for his 'path' a few years from now. But there doesn't seem to be a 'bad' option here!!</p>
<p>Again, thank you for sharing your experiences, it does help those of us who have not traveled this road yet.</p>
<p>Itlstallion, I know a few guys who think ya'll get off easy, but for the most part everyone just respects and almost feels bad for you Naval Academy guys for putting up with all that BS for four years. It just seems to me that OCS is like a right of passage that I wouldn't want to miss out on, but ya'll have your own rights of passage in the form of plebe summer and everything else you do. A good officer is a good officer no matter how they got commissioned anyways.</p>
<p>In the end both the academy and OCS are nothing more than a chance for the Marine Corps to evaluate you to see if they want you as an officer of Marines. Both places uphold a standard. Just be careful when you get to TBS. Some of academy grads are cocky as are some OCS grads. These are the ones that do not become part of the team and fail at TBS. TBS will prepare everybody. It is awsome training. Just know enlisted Marines dont care where you came from, they care that you can lead them and take care of them.</p>
<p>This article in the November shipmate may help
<a href="http://www.usna.com/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=581%5B/url%5D">http://www.usna.com/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=581</a></p>
<p>You're awesome Mike! Thanks for posting this</p>
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A good officer is a good officer no matter how they got commissioned anyways.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Truer words were never spoken.</p>
<p>I am curious about the comment above in regards to failing TBS. What happens to those guys who DO fail TBS, and what could be some things that would contribute to such a failure?</p>
<p>I regret that when it comes to becoming a Marine Officer post-USNA, I am completely without a clue. Since I could swim and add, they sent me to SWOS. ;)</p>
<p>Sorry I never responded to that question. Gets kind of crazy around here as a plebe so I forget to come on here. From what I've gathered is that people who put Subs anywhere on there top 6 and did the interview have a much higher chance of getting it than in years past. No one is going to force someone from going MC but they'll give them the interview and people here seem to take the interview for everything and it's a possibility that they'll end up with Subs on service selection night even though it was say their 4th choice. I guess we'll find out how many people this affected for sure come Thursday!</p>
<p>^^^^^
This Thursday evening should be interesting -- Service selection and Candidate Visitation Weekend. All of the Captains and Colonels at the academy have been invited to King Hall at 1830 to attend evening meal with the Brigade for the big event.</p>
<p>
[quote]
No one is going to force someone from going MC but they'll give them the interview and people here seem to take the interview for everything and it's a possibility that they'll end up with Subs on service selection night even though it was say their 4th choice.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Has something changed? In years past sub guys found out at their interview that they were getting it. For them service selection day was a formality. I know that was happening as recent as last spring for the class of '08 guys</p>
<p>My squad leader already knows and he's going subs. But I believe there will be some surprises tomorrow. Who knows. USNA works in mysterious ways.</p>
<p>For all of those that are wondering about service selection: 78% got their top choice. Out of 37 we had 2 Marine Air, 5 Marine ground, 1 Medcorps, 1 SWO Nuke, 7 Navy Pilots, 5 NFOs, 5 Subs, 8 SWOs, 1 going back to his home country. 2 people who wanted marine got SWO and NFO, one who wanted Navy Air got NFO, and 1 didn't really want subs got coerced into it. Only one female Marine and that was ground.</p>
<p>When a Firstie does not get his/her top choice, is there a way to appeal and ultimately change the service selection? I'm sure that it's rare but it certainly must have happened more than once.</p>
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When a Firstie does not get his/her top choice, is there a way to appeal and ultimately change the service selection? I'm sure that it's rare but it certainly must have happened more than once.
[/QUOTE]
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<p>I would say that Service Assignment "appeals" are extremely rare. I have never heard of such of a thing. Other than a few exceptions, such as, other 1/C being re-assigned to other communities (for some particular reason), I'd say the chances are 0. </p>
<p>Service Assignment is based on the <strong><em>NEEDS OF THE NAVY</em></strong> with 1/C input. The NEEDS OF THE NAVY trumps 1/C input. Thus, as mentioned, a lot of 1/C have been forced to the NFO/Sub communities, even though that might have been their 3rd+ choice.</p>
<p>I hope that every MIDN realizes that their #1 priority is SELFLESS SERVICE (Service before Self)! Everyone here is usually too worried about which community they want (and thus if they don't get it, the world is over). I understand 1/C being upset for a day or two because they might not have got what they wanted, but after that they should embrace their community....they still get to lead fine young men and women, who volunteered to serve!</p>
<p>And yes, I'm back....finally calmed down on here.</p>
<p>Jadler,
Does the Navy have a program whereby a firstie can get their fiirst choice in exchange for extending their length of active duty obligation?</p>
<p>^^^^^
Unlike West Point, the Naval Academy doesn't let midshipmen barter for service selections. The needs of the Navy takes precedence over personal preferences.</p>
<p>Aw come on GA - I wouldn't call it bartering.....</p>
<p>In any case West Point doesn't allow "bartering" the Army does. Those options are open to ROTC commissions as well. </p>
<p>The needs of the Army takes precendence as well. Right now the biggest need of the Army is to stop the hemmorage of junior officers. Seems to be working. A happy soldier is more likely to be a career soldier.</p>
<p>About 86% of West Point grads get their first choice and something like 92% get their first or second choice. They are not bartering to get finance either - Infantry, Armor and Aviation are the most popular branch choices right now- in that order.
80% of males and 20% of females graduating from West Point are still required to branch Combat Arms.</p>
<p>
<p>In any case West Point doesn't allow "bartering" the Army does. Those options are open to ROTC commissions as well.
</p>
<p>West Point vs. Army = same thing.</p>
<p>Naval Academy vs. Bureau of Naval Personnel = same thing.</p>