Week Two of Navy Officer Candidate School

The Second Week of Navy OCS

Week Two:

Having survived the first week you will have the perseverance to continue on. If you are lucky, a new class will come in this week, taking some of the attention off of you. However, new classes typically come in every two to three weeks so don’t count on them just yet.

The second week begins to show signs of the routine nature of OCS. A typical day will be as follows (again keep in mind due to the constant changing of OCS this is also subject to change):

OCS Daily Routine

Saturday & Sunday Routine:

Saturdays, after PT, will be spent drilling, doing sweepers (cleaning the Regiment) and studying. During study times you can begin preparing for RLP as well as studying your required knowledge for the RLP. Sundays, reveille goes off at 0630 and there are Protestant, Catholic, and other services available on base, the rest of the day is spent studying, going on a POV run with the rest of your class, doing sweepers in the evening, and going to chow.

3rd Class Swim Test:

Also, this is the week you will take the 3rd class swim test if it didn’t happen during the first week already. If you cannot tread water, stay afloat using the dead-man’s float, and swim across the pool using any stroke, you will take the test again during your final weeks at OCS during which time you can work with the swim instructors. Learn to swim before you arrive. If you are not comfortable in the water, spend as much time as you can in a pool before you arrive. I cannot emphasize this enough. Unlike rolling for academics, which will put you on hold for 2 weeks, rolling for swim can be indefinite, dependent on when you learn to swim.

"RLP" Room, Locker, & Personnel Inspection:

You need to begin preparing for the 4th week RLP; otherwise you will find yourself in an unfortunate predicament. You will here this inspection referred to as RLP by the Drill Instructors. RLP stands for Room, Locker, and Personnel inspection although some Drill Instructors argue it stands for Re-Location Program (that is, relocate to H-Class). By Friday evening of this week, all of your pressing and stamping/stenciling should be done. If so, your life will be easier. If not, the results will be less than desirable. Your preparation should have begun Saturday afternoon immediately after the brief your Drill Instructor gave. From that point forward, every free moment should be spent preparing for RLP. You cannot over prepare for this inspection.

Navy Exchange:

You may have an opportunity to go to the Exchange this weekend. Contrary to popular opinion, you need not buy all new gear to pass RLP. Drill Instructors know and understand that your money is limited and prefer that you don’t spend a lot of money. Spend your money wisely. The following is a list of things you may want to consider buying at the exchange.

One package of small white crewneck t-shirts

One package of briefs (males only)

One package of handkerchiefs

2 pairs of athletic socks

2 pairs of black socks

1 pair of white socks

1 khaki belt

Several anodized belt tips

Several anodized belt buckles

Starch

Pledge

New Go-Slowers

A lint roller

Clear nail polish

A disposable lighter

Aqua-Net hairspray

Black Sharpie Pen

1" 3M Blue painters tape

Black and white edge dressing

Although these items are available at the exchange, a trip to the exchange is not a guarantee. It is highly advised to have many of these items (non-uniform items) stashed in your POV as you will probably get an opportunity to go to your POV on Sunday afternoon.

You will also begin to interact with all of the other class at OCS. These classes are Officer Candidates, just like your class is now. They have just gone through everything that you are about to go through, so talk to them and listen to their advice. They will be very helpful with questions you may have on how to do certain things for RLP.