ocs: day 3

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that today goes well! Based on the condition he was in before he left, I'm not super worried. Besides, he's the most determined person I know so even if it doesn't come easy, he'll finish. That's my husband.

The most important evaluation today is your PRT. Other than physical problems
discovered at the Newport Naval Hospital, this is the first evaluation that can
cause you to roll. The PRT consists of three parts: push-ups, sit-ups and the
1.5 mile run. The standards are low, however, you want to do as well as
possible, so put forth as much effort as you can into it. Males should be able
to do at least 50 push-ups and 60 sit-ups in the two minutes allowed, as well as
complete the run in less than 12 minutes. Keep in mind that push-ups and sit-ups
must be done properly or they will not be counted.

The CandiOs will be administering the PRT. Your Class DI and other DIs will be there watching. They will correct you if you are doing the push-ups or sit-ups incorrectly. If you fail to correct your form, they will deduct push ups or sit ups from your count. The DIs may also yell at you or run alongside you during the run to encourage you to run a faster time. This will especially happen if you are one of the slower candidates in your class. It is highly advisable to be ready to perform in the upper portion of your class from day one. That way, the DI will develop a more positive impression of you right of the bat. This may also allow you the
opportunity to gain a leadership position early on.

The rest of the day is spent completing physical evaluations at the hospital for those who didn't complete on day two. The rest of the class will study. Make sure you get plenty of sleep tonight and hydrate. Tomorrow morning will be very intense and you want to make sure you are well rested and hydrated.

By this point in the program, you will have noticed the number of people in your class decreasing. Your entire time at OCS, people will be joining and leaving your class. People will "roll out" of your class for physical problems, academimc and military deficiencies. A standard "roll" is two weeks, into the next class that enters the program. Candidates who have rolled will be kept in what is called H-Class (holding) until they are ready to class up. You are there to complete the program in 12 weeks and not one day longer. It should be your goal not to roll. Keep your
priorities straight and this will not happen.

One of the girls posted on navy4moms.com that her uncle lives in RI and saw the new recruits running around base at 6:15 this morning with freshly shaven heads. When I read that, I couldn't decide if I wanted burst with pride or burst into tears! Either way, I'm glad I haven't heard from him because I think that means all is well...

Tomorrow is Wake Up Wednesday, when they meet their drill instructors for the first time (at 4:30am). Pray pray pray, ya'll.

ocs: day 2

Not so bad! Today is supposed to be pretty laid back. Hopefully, Andrew will be able to use the time to study and prepare for the rest of the week, which is supposed to get pretty intense.

You will spend the majority of today at hospital for a physical evaluation. Take advantage of the time to study gouge, more importantly, however, take the time to relax. The day is relatively easy if you keep your head in the game and recognize what is going on around you. Until you complete your physical evaluation and PRT (physical readiness test), no one can make you do any physical activity. However, make sure you regain your military bearing and be locked on when you leave the clinic because it is likely that your Class DI will be watching.

Today is also the day to begin paying close attention to the procedures at chow hall. Once you have met your DI, one of his primary concerns will be your adherence to chow hall procedures. If your class knows these well, you will be more likely to escape very difficult RPT (remedial physical training) sessions right before you eat. The class cannot do RPT within 30 minutes of eating.

At around 1700 (5pm), your class will receive haircuts. No matter how short your hair is when you arrive, you will still receive a haircut today.

Before hitting your rack tonight, it may be advisable to do a short set of pushups and curlups to remind yourself of proper form and to briefly loosen up the muscles. Do not try to max out tonight, just make sure your form is good and that you are good and loose before bed.

He has to pass the PRT tomorrow, so pray that this goes well. Apparently, failing this test is one of the easiest ways to get rolled back so let's hope we don't hear from him tomorrow. No news is good news!

Also, today is our 2nd anniversary. Andrew left me a note that I wasn't to open until today. It was so sweet and encouraging. He's a good fellow!

......................................................

Happy Anniversary, love. I'm so happy to have found you.

_______________________

ocs: day 1

I talked to Andrew this morning before he checked in and he sounded a lot better than he did last night. A lot less apprehensive, believe it or not. I, on the other hand, spent the morning crying between shows on the Food Network. Not my proudest moment, but I'm getting better. I just keep telling myself that this is good and it will all be okay. I'll start believing it sooner or later.

So here's what Andrew had waiting for him today (all of this is from the OCS Survival Guide):

On the day you are to check in, it is highly advisable to get enough sleep the night before and get a good breakfast, brunch or any other meal before checking in. Your first encounter will be with the Candidate Officers (CandiOs). These are candidates in their last two or three weeks of training so realize that they have been in your position as well. You will refer to yourself as Indoctrination Candidate for the first week. Emphasis will be placed on military bearing, ballistics (being as loud as possible and teaching you information crucial to your survival. You will check in at the seawall and move all your belongings to a clear trash bag. From there, they will shuttle you and some of your other classmates that have arrived to the Regimental Building, where you will get your poopy suits, war belts, canteens and chrome domes (helmets).

The majority of the first day is spent receiving your first issue (poopy greens, gouge book, locks, etc), unpacking and learning the basics of OCS. You will meet your Class Officer and possibly your Class Chief Petty Officer. Beware, your class Drill Instructor (DI) will be watching, though you will not see him.

By the end of the day, you will feel belittled, filled with doubt and ready to sleep when the time comes. Take advantage of your sleep. You need not fear people entering your space in the middle of the night - sleep is required and you cannot be disturbed between 2200 and 0500 (10pm to 5am).

Not super encouraging is it? I also found this video series from a local Providence, RI newspaper that did a documentary on OCS. Here's their profile of Day 1. Can you imagine? I've been reading navyformoms.com a lot lately as a way to get more information and connect with moms and wives who are in the same situation as me (it's been my lifeline this weekend, by the way). Someone posted today that they had talked to their boyfriend earlier this evening who is a CandiO for Andrew's class. She said that she could hear drums and yelling in the background. It made me ache for Andrew, so say a prayer for him if you feel so inclined. I know he's going to need it.