OCS Pre-Reporting Guide
OCS Pre-Reporting Guide
OCS Pre-Reporting Guide
Pre-Reporting Guide
Table of Contents Welcome ......................................................................................... 3
Pre-Reporting ................................................................................ 4
Arrival .............................................................................................6
Transportation ............................................................................... 6
Campus Map .................................................................................. 7
Reporting to OCS ..........................................................................8
Required Records .......................................................................... 9
Computer Accounts ...................................................................... 9
Flight School .................................................................................. 10
Medical ........................................................................................... 11
Financial ......................................................................................... 11
Uniform Requirements .................................................................12
Items to Purchase .......................................................................... 13
Items to Bring .................................................................................13
Personnel Policies ..........................................................................14
Academics ...................................................................................... 15
Leadership and Management .......................................................16
Health and Physical Readiness .....................................................17
Swimming Requirements ............................................................. 18
Pre-Reporting Questionnaire .......................................................19
Personal Data Questionnaire ....................................................... 20
CG Academy Immunization Instructions .................................. 22
CG Academy Immunization Forms ............................................ 23
2
Mission
Welcome
The mission of Officer Candidate School is to prepare officer candidates to serve effectively as
officers of the United States Coast Guard.
Welcome
On behalf of the Director of the Leadership Development Center and the Chief of Officer Candi-
date School, we want to congratulate you on your selection to Officer Candidate School (OCS).
You have successfully undergone close scrutiny and the Coast Guard believes that you possess
the skills and exhibit the qualities that will make you an effective officer. It is up to you to prove
the selection process works. OCS represents a new way of life, which will require many adjust-
ments. This booklet will help you in arranging your personal affairs for OCS.
If you have any questions or encounter any emergent problems, you may contact Officer Candi-
date School through Ms. K.C. Moran at (860) 701-6887.
Contact Information
While you embark on this journey, you will have limited
contact with your family and friends. The approved method
of contact will be via mail at:
3
Pre-Reporting
Pre-Reporting Guidance
OCS is divided into two sections, which make up the academic and military aptitude portions
of the curriculum. The following assignments are expectations set forth in preparation for both
sections.
During your preparations for reporting to OCS, you are required to write a short paper outlin-
ing your personal leadership philosophy. This assignment should reflect your personal beliefs
and philosophies about leadership. Keeping within the spirit of this assignment and the stan-
dards of the program, it is important that all referenced information requires citation. Plagia-
rism is NOT acceptable. This assignment will be collected immediately upon arrival and should
not exceed two single-spaced pages.
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is100b.asp
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is200b.asp
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700a.asp
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is800b.asp
4
Pre-Arrival Weight Standards
Pre-Reporting
All Officer Candidates will undergo a height and weight screening upon arrival in accordance
with COMDTINST M1020.8 (series).
If you are an Active Duty Member: Your command SHALL verify your compliance with weight
standards within 30 days of the class convening date and UPDATE Direct Access
with your latest physical characteristics. As a future officer it is YOUR responsibility to ensure
that you are in compliance with these standards. It will be documented and resulting actions
will occur if you do not ensure that this process has been completed. Please note that this re-
quires having an ACCURATE height and weight measurement properly recorded in accordance
with the aforementioned manual.
Pre-Order Boots
If you are a new accession or active duty and will require boots, you will need to ensure that Ms.
K.C. Moran receives your size 30 days prior to your arrival. New accessions will receive these
boots free of charge in their initial uniform issue. If you are active duty you will be required to
pay for these boots on arrival.
5
Arrival & Transportation Arrival
Officer Candidate School is located at the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in
Chase Hall. All students will check in at the Chase Hall Archway located on Bear Drive adjacent
to the parade field that you will notice on your left upon arriving on campus. The Chase Hall
Archway will be recognizable by the word Chase located on an archway between two buildings
approximately 3/4 of the way down Bear Drive. The address for the USCGA is:
There are five commonly used methods of transportation for arrival: automobile, plane, train,
bus, and taxi.
Automobile
Only if you are specifically authorized to travel via privately owned vehicles (POV) will you be
reimbursed for your travel. Verify with your local command, Recruiting Office (RO) or Coast
Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC) that you are authorized this method of travel. The USCGA
is approximately one hour from Providence and two and a half hours from either Boston or New
York City. Directions can be found at the USCGA website (www.cga.edu) under the Campus tab
followed by the Directions link.
Upon arrival at the gate, you will need a current drivers license, military identification (if ap-
plicable), registration, and proof of insurance in order to obtain a temporary pass and driving
privileges on campus. You should request further direction from the front gate security guards
on where to park your vehicle.
Once parked, lock your vehicle and bring your baggage to the archway to begin the check in
process.
Airports
T.F. Green International Airport (Providence, RI) and Bradley International Airport (Windsor
Locks/Hartford, CT) are the two nearest and most commonly used airports. Providence is ap-
proximately 50 miles and Hartford is approximately 60 miles. Taxi service can run upwards of
$150 from either.
6
Train and Bus Stations
Taxi
If arriving by local taxi ensure that you have identification to enter the front gate and instruct the
driver to make their first left onto Bear Drive once through security and on campus. Most local
taxi drivers will understand the location if you mention the Chase Hall Archway or simply
the Arches.
7
Reporting to OCS Arrival Day
You will report to the Chase Hall Archway on your class convening date line up outside of
the archway and await further instructions. Processing begins sharply at 0730. Note that
orders may specify a different arrival time. It is recommended that you call or email Ms. K.C.
Moran if there is a discrepancy.
Military personnel will wear the appropriate dress uniform for the season.
Both civilian men and women shall wear appropriate business attire with a white v-neck t-shirt
under their clothing to facilitate the check in process at the uniform shop. Shoes with heels are
not recommended.
If you have not received a Pre-Reporting Memo 45 days prior to your class convening, call
Ms. K.C. Moran at (860) 701-6887. Additionally, if you foresee problems with any of these
instructions, call before you report.
Arriving Early
When arriving in New London the day before check-in, ensure that you check with your local
command, your recruiting office (RO), or Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC) to deter-
mine what reimbursements you are authorized.
If you have Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, you are authorized to contact the US-
CGA Munro Housing Office, (860) 444-8664, in order to reserve accommodations on base. Of-
ficer Candidates on PCS orders will not be reimbursed for lodging expenses, and therefore may
find that the Munro Housing rates on base are more affordable.
For Officer Candidates on Temporary Duty (TDY) orders, you will be reimbursed for lodging
expenses incurred as a result of arriving one day prior to OCS check-in. Therefore, due to lim-
ited availability of on-base accommodations, you will not be authorized to arrange for berthing
onboard the Academy.
8
Records
*You must have a valid tourist passport prior to reporting to OCS. In addition, you will need
two passport photos. These can be obtained at most local drugstores or Post Offices. These
photos will be used in the event that an Official Government Passport needs to be processed. If
you already have a valid Official Government Passport (red) the two additional photos are not
required. Passports are often required for OCS Long Cruise preparations.
Computer Accounts
If you are an Active Duty member with a Coast Guard Standard Workstation computer account
already established, you must submit a local remedy (help) ticket to your servicing IT shop re-
questing transfer of your Coast Guard computer account to the USCGA. This should be com-
pleted prior to departure from your current unit. These instructions cover members reporting
to OCS under both TDY or PCS orders.
9
Flight School Applicant
Note: OCS no longer administers the ASTB so it is imperative that you complete this process
before arrival if considering flight school.
10
Physical Examinations
Students who are unable to participate in all aspects of training may be DISENROLLED. An
early determination could allow an alternate to attend in your place. If you are currently taking
prescription medication of any kind for an already disclosed medical condition, every effort
should be made to arrive with a minimum of a three-week supply in hand. In the event you are
unable to obtain a three-week supply prior to your arrival, it is your responsibility to bring this
to the attention of the doctor during your physical examination so that an order can be placed
for the necessary refills. If you are a new accession, you will need to know your blood type for
the issue of your military identification card.
All Officer Candidates receive mandatory small pox vaccinations prior to commissioning. If
you have already received the small pox vaccination ensure it is documented in your medical
record.
Costs
You can expect to spend approximately $3,000 at OCS throughout the program. This estimate
depends on tailoring costs and what uniform items you will be required or choose to purchase
in addition to other various expenses. There is a required uniform issue approximately half way
through the program. This issue includes your Ensign kit, an Officers sword, your Service Dress
White uniform, a 2nd Service Dress Blue jacket with Ensign stripe, along with other required
items that all students (Active Duty or New Accession) will pay for.
There will be a cost of $300.00 for class dues upon arrival that you should have available in the
form of cash or check.
Available Finances
It can take several weeks to receive your first paycheck. You should have access to approximately
$2,000 upon arrival to cover your initial expenses for uniforms and required purchases. While
you may not spend this all, you should have it available.
ATM's are available on base. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Exchange, Clothing
Locker, Bookstore and Tailor Shop.
11
Uniform Requirements Uniforms
The uniform is what identifies us as members of the Coast Guard. When we wear it, we are rep-
resenting our service. Accordingly, our appearance must be impeccable at all times. The stan-
dards set at OCS reflect this need. As explained before, a majority of the expenses you will pay
will be for uniform items.
The list for a complete seabag (required uniforms) can be found at:
http://www.uscg.mil/uniform/requireduniforms.asp
We do not encourage you to buy uniforms before coming to OCS. Uniforms may be purchased
at the USCGA Clothing Locker during the check-in process and are the same cost as the Uni-
form Distribution Center (UDC). Often Service Dress Blue (SDB) jackets and Operational
Dress Uniforms (ODU) will need to be replaced due to fading from the sewn on patches. All
boots or dress shoes should be in excellent condition and the heels should have little to no wear.
You will complete a survival swim while at OCS and this swim is administered in an ODU. You
can bring a clean unserviceable ODU without enlisted rank insignias for this purpose. The
chemicals from the pool often dye and fade this uniform to the point of unserviceability.
Uniform Requirements
Corframs are not authorized while attending
OCS. Do not apply leather luster or other instant
shine products to your boots or leather dress
shoes or you will be required to purchase a new
pair.
12
Bookstore Purchases
OCS Sweat Pants Brasso Cotton Balls Reflective Road Guard Vest
OCS Sweat Shirt Never Dull Black Shoe Polish 10 Pack Pens (1 blue/1 black)
2 OCS PT Shirts OCS Gym Bag Laundry Bag Canteen Belt & Canteen
Small Memo Pad Ruler Laundry Soap 5 Subject Notebooks
Blister Kit Masking Tape Spray Starch USCG Sewing Kit
There is a one-time laundry facility usage charge of $96.00. This charge covers the cost of the
laundry facilities and maintenance. This will be paid on the first day during check in. The ap-
proximate total at the Books Store will be $400 and can be paid with cash, Visa, or MasterCard.
*Civilian clothing will not be permitted during the junior phase of the program. Storage space is
limited, do not bring more than one small suit case of civilian clothing. Appearance counts; you
will not be allowed to depart if your attire does not meet the spirit of our professional standards.
13
Personnel Policies Dependents
OCS strongly discourages bringing your dependents to New London for many reasons to in-
clude the extremely limited liberty hours and reimbursement costs not being authorized.
Interpersonal Relationships
Coast Guard policy prohibits the following relationships or conduct, regardless of rank, grade,
or position of the persons involved:
Specifically, Officer Candidates may NOT date enlisted personnel of any service.
Prospective Officer Candidates who are involved in a romantic relationship with an enlisted
member shall read, understand, and adhere to Chapter 2.A of the Coast Guard Conduct and
Discipline Manual. A relationship with an enlisted member outside of marriage WILL NOT be
grandfathered nor overlooked even if the relationship was pre-existing.
Individuals who find themselves in this situation should seek appropriate counsel from their
command or servicing legal office for advice regarding this policy. Once you arrive at OCS, you
will be held to the standards of the Coast Guard Conduct and Discipline Manual.
Leave
Leave will only be granted for extreme emergencies. Generally, 10 days of leave may be granted
upon graduation before you report to your new duty station. This, of course, may be limited or
expanded by the needs of your new unit. Emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis
and pre-existing significant events that are known prior to arrival will not generally be consid-
ered an emergency. Ensure you plan accordingly.
Liberty
During the first several weeks, you are not permitted any visitors. Liberty is a privilege which
may be granted based on class performance. Only when you have earned liberty will you be
allowed to have visitors. These policies are outlined in the OCS Regulations Manual you will
receive upon arrival.
Disenrollment
Officer Candidates are not allowed to disenroll by their own request prior to completion of the
5th week or after the 13th week of the program. If you leave the program prior to the comple-
tion and you came as a civilian, you may either return to civilian status or transfer to enlisted
status for two years. If you entered from active duty status, you will be reassigned to general duty
and will continue serving under your enlistment contract. Officer Candidates may be disen-
rolled at anytime for non-compliance with weight standards, failing to meet physical fitness
requirements, low military aptitude, honor violations, or academic deficiencies.
14
Academics
Academics
OCS offers a comprehensive academic curriculum with an emphasis on operational Coast Guard
missions, leadership, nautical science, and fundamental military training. Subjects offered are
related to the tasks expected of a junior officer and are in response to the needs of the service.
Classes
The following are a few topics included in the OCS Curriculum:
Long Cruise
Each Officer Candidate will be provided the opportunity to experience life underway on the US-
CGC Barque EAGLE (WIX-327), learning fundamental aspects of seamanship, engineering, and
leadership. In the event that the Barque EAGLE is unavailable, an alternate unit will be chosen.
Career Advice
To assist you with the assignment process, operational representatives from a diverse range of
occupational specialties provide a personalized and unique introduction to career opportuni-
ties in the Coast Guard. Additionally, officers from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
provide insight into the officer assignment process and career path assignments, guidance, and
development of realistic E-resumes.
Range Training
Everyone will be provided expo-
sure to small arms training, with
opportunities to achieve qualifica-
tion in basic marksmanship.
15
Leadership & Management Leadership and Management
Through the military aptitude program, Officer Candidates undergo an intensive screening and
socialization process to determine suitability. During the 17 weeks, strict standards of appear-
ance, barracks deportment, conduct, and obedience to orders must be conformed to. Time
management, adherence to the chain of command, and military bearing are also stressed and
measured.
The Leadership and Management Section (LAMS) is responsible for two functions:
Leadership
A series of leadership courses are offered with exposure to theoretical and philosophical aspects
of leadership, which focuses each Officer Candidate on developing their personalized model for
current and future leadership roles.
Military Indoctrination
The OCS program begins with an initial boot camp atmosphere. Physical activities shall be
assigned to correct training related deficiencies. Disciplinary actions will change as the course
and each Officer Candidate evolves. You will stand a variety of watches to gain experience and
hands-on training in directing subordinates, standing duty, and evaluating subordinates. After
each watch, you are evaluated by the Duty Officer or your peers and will
receive counseling on your performance. You may also be placed
in Company/Platoon leadership positions and will be assigned col-
lateral duties, which allow you to implement and practice leader-
ship techniques taught in the classroom.
Grooming Standards
All male Officer Candidates will receive a haircut when they arrive
on Thursday. The cost is $9.00 for a standard haircut. Haircuts are
mandatory for males unless you have a very short buzz cut; hair-
cuts are not mandatory for females unless your hair is outside of
the Coast Guards grooming standards.
Womens hair must meet the standards as set forth by the Uniform
Regulations in COMDTINST M1020.6 (series).
16
Health and Physical Readiness
Conditioning and Fitness - Enable you to improve overall health and physical readiness
through aerobic conditioning
Swimming and Water Safety - Enable you to improve your overall swimming abilities and in-
crease confidence during water survival situations
Recreation and Lifetime Sports - Enable you to actively participate individually or as a team
member in a variety of sports
Wellness - Enable you to live and promote a healthy lifestyle while achieving overall wellness of
body, mind and spirit
Tobacco Use - All tobacco products are prohibited at OCS
HPR Requirements
Physical training is a very important aspect of OCS. OCS is a physically and mentally demand-
ing program; candidates need to train months prior to arrival. Do not expect to have time to
get in shape at OCS you will not have time. Dont underestimate our demands or overestimate
your abilities, especially in aerobic fitness and upper body strength. You will be given a physi-
cal fitness test within the first 72 hours of reporting. This assessment will gauge your individual
physical fitness level and determine your eligibility to continue in the program.
We have included the minimum standards that all Officer Candidates must meet during the
physical fitness test.
* The push-ups are completed to an approved cadence that consists of pushing up for one second
and lowering down for one second without stopping. There is a maximum number of 60 push-
ups that can be completed in a 2 minute period.
17
HPR Standards & Swimming HPR Standards
The following are the MINIMUM standards for the Physical Fitness Test:
If you have been selected for Officer Candidate School and know you cannot meet the above
standards, contact the school immediately at (860) 701-6887.
If you are not a strong swimmer, now is the time to contact your local swimming facility or fit-
ness club to strengthen your abilities. The proficiency exam and fitness test culminates in an
arduous survival swim. Again, do not overestimate your abilities.
18
Pre-Assessment QuestionOaire
Date of Assessment
Birthdate/Age
Uniform Sizes
Shoe Size
T-Shirt Size
19
Personal Data Questionnaire Personal Data QuestionOaire
These two forms also need to be completed and submitted 30 days prior to your class convening
date.
Please take the time to fill out this form completely and accurately.
Personal Information
Name (Last, First, Middle) Rate (If Applicable) Employee ID (If applicable) Last 4 SSN
Spouse (Last, First, Middle) Occupation Children(s) (First, Gender, Age) Phone Number
Education Information
High School Dates
Military Background
Current Duty Station Position Dates
Civilian/Personal Background
Significant Civilian Employment (Employer, City, State) Position(s) Dates
Additional Items of Interest (Special skills/talents, foreign language proficiency, professional qualifications, hobbies, etc.)
20
Personal Data QuestioOnaire
Biographical Sketch
Name (Last, First, Middle)
Background: Elaborate on educational experiences, jobs held, childhood, places lived, additional information or clarification on PDQ, dietary concerns, etc.
Military Experience: Expand upon your duty stations, ROTC, positions held, etc.
Career Aspirations
21
United States Coast Guard Academy
Immunization Record Form for Direct Commission Officer,
Officer Candidate or Selected Reserve Direct Commission
The Notice of Privacy Practices, Military Health System effective April 14, 2003 as required by the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies and can be viewed electronically at http://www.tricare.mil/tma/privacy/default.aspx
Completion of this form is required to ensure the health and wellness of all DCO, OCS and SRDC Officers
at The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). All specified immunizations listed are required for
full medical qualification.
Any vaccinations or laboratory studies not completed prior to reporting, will be done at
the Academy.
Address questions regarding this form to an Academy Outpatient Clinic Registered Nurse at 860-
701-6155 or by calling Medical Administration at 860-444-8430.
I have read and understand the above directions. I understand that all immunizations specified in Part II are
required on entrance. Signature: ________________________________
Last
Name
First
Name
Date of Birth
Email
(mm-dd-yy)
Home
Phone
Cell
Phone
All immunizations should be given at least 4 weeks prior to DCO, OCS, or ROCI entrance
Fax and mail form ASAP
USCGA Immunization Record Form Page 2 of 3
Name____________________________________SSN__________________
Part II To be completed by a physician or other health care provider
Tuberculosis Skin Test Information: All DCO, OCS and SRDC Officers new to the Coast Guard will be
given a PPD at the Academy unless not indicated. No PPD is necessary prior to arrival.
If appointee has received BCG, please record date given: ___________
If appointee has had a positive PPD test, document here: Date __________ Induration __________mm
If positive, was chest X-RAY obtained? YES NO (circle one) If yes, Date of X-RAY __________
Please attach X-Ray report.
Date, type and duration of prophylactic therapy, if applicable: ___________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Positive Hepatitis A antibody serology test date: _____________ Please attach lab report.
Hepatitis B Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine or Twinrix series; at least the first dose of the series is
required on entrance (Enter administration of Twinrix in spaces provided lower on this page)
OR lab report proving immunity
#1 - - #2 - - #3 - -
Positive Hepatitis B antibody serology test date: _____________ Please attach lab report.
Twinrix (Hepatitis A/B combination) Three doses; at least the first dose of the series is required on
entrance (Twinrix is not required if the independent Hepatitis A series and Hepatitis B series have been given.)
#1 - - #2 - - #3 - -
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Required: two doses (review childhood records - contact school/college)
OR lab reports proving immunity
#1 - - #2 - -
(After one year of age) (at least 1 month after first dose)
Date of MMR serology: _____________ Please attach lab report. Circle immunity status below
Measles titer: immune / not immune Mumps titer: immune / not immune Rubella titer: immune / not immune
Meningococcal Required: one dose MCV4 (Menactra or Menveo); must be within 5 years of reporting
unless meningococcal vaccination previously obtained on accession to the Coast Guard
Menactra - - OR Menveo - -
#1 - - #2 - - #3 - -
#4 - - #5 - - #6 - -
Tdap - - Td - -
Please document childhood Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP or DTP) series & Td vaccinations:
#1 - - #2 - - #3 - -
#4 - - #5 - - #6 - -
#1 - - #2 - -
(After one year of age) (at least 1 month after first dose)
History of Chickenpox? YES / NO Date of Varicella serology: _____________ Please attach lab report.
Circle immunity status for Varicella titer: Immune / not immune
Optional: Yellow Fever If vaccine has been received in past 10 years, please record here:
- -
Optional: Human Papillomavirus Circle vaccine type: HPV4 (Gardasil) or HPV2 (Cervarix)
#1 - - #2 - - #3 - -