Our son Alex, will be arriving at OCS on June 8. Both my wife and I have read everything there is to read to try and understand what Alex should expect at OCS. Can anyone share their experience from a parent's perpesctive of having their daughters/son go through OCS
Any advise or insight would be greatly appreciated.
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My son Louis is also in class 16-14B. The Facebook page for the class has been wonderful and there are photos posted on the Officer Training Command Newport's Facebook page. The disconnect from him is a hard thing to deal with, especially not knowing if he has passed the RLP. If he did not on Thursday, he will get re-tested tomorrow (Saturday). I hope that the lack of a phone call means he passed.
Facebook has been a valuable tool while our daughter is at OCS. There was a FB page created for her class. It looks like Alex will be in class 16-14. There should already be a FB page for his class. Soon, there will a page created for friends and family. Keep on the look out for "US Navy OCS class 16-14 Family and Friends". The admin of that (Joanna C) does a very good job of posting information. Another person, (Jessica K) will also likely post and offer to answer questions. My husband, Scott (AOCS Pensacola class 26-81) found the Air Warriors page helpful. www.airwarriors.com. Our daughter is currently in OCS in H class. She will join up with class 15-14 soon. It's not uncommon for OC's to "roll back". She is appreciative of the additional time to prepare and train and will be a leader in this next class to start soon. So, don't make any non-refundable travel plans right away for that commissioning ceremony. The date can change depending on Alex's progression thru OCS. Good luck to Alex. I'm sure you're very proud!
Thank you so much for all the great insight. I will definitely go on FB and look around. Can you tell me how you know his class is 16-14?
A new class starts every 3 weeks. Class 14-14 started on April 27, Class 15-14 reports this Sunday, May 18, the next class (Alex's) will report on June 8 and be designated Class 16-14.
Ok, got it. Thanks again
you are more than welcome to post that info here as well as there are folks that do not use FB.....
Hugo,
My son went through OCS July-Oct. 2012. From your son's perspective, the toughest parts are: PT (up at 4:30AM and training by 5, before breakfast; the early phase of OCS - indoctrination, which means the breaking down of individualism and beginning to instill the military doctrine of team and of obeying orders without question; finally, the building of the concepts of decision making and leadership. My advice to your son is to be in the best possible shape (lots of running and calisthenics!), and DON't take anything personally. The hardest part for the parents is the initial 'blackout' period of roughly 4-5 weeks where no phone calls or visits are allowed. Letters from him and your letters to him will be cherished! Watching his progress and then attending graduation will be some of the proudest moments of your life. Make sure to get a prime viewing spot for First Salute after graduation. A moment none of you will ever forget. Best of luck to Alex and to you all!
Ralph,
Thank you for the words of encouragement. This is going to be a very loooong summer for us.