Hello,

I wanted to start off by saying how much I admire you all, and appreciate what you do for our country.

I'm a total "n00b" so I thought I would introduce myself briefly. I am currently a Sophomore in college and I am exploring fulfilling my dream to become a Marine. I found this website a few days ago and have been trying to scan it for all the wonderful information here. I really appreciate having such a helpful resource as I try to make my decision.

I have not yet talked to an OSO, although I did get an email from one, which is what started me on this latest search for more information.

I have a long way to go, and I have reservations about my ability to become a Marine. I've always viewed you all as the elite, and I have a hard time seeing myself living up to that. I am trying to do as much research as possible to try to evaluate myself and weigh my ability as realistically as possible

I also only recently learned about the PLC program. Originally, I had planned to wait until I graduated from college and then go to OCS. However, the PLC program is very intriguing to me. What I am curious about is the advantage to PLC vs OCS, or visa versa, if there are any. I can see how it might be easier/make more sense to wait and do 10 weeks straight, rather than doing 6 weeks, coming out, and then doing another 6 weeks? I have done numerous searches on this forum and other places, and I have not found the answer to my question. If it has been answered, I apologize.

Thank you,
Megan

First, don't doubt yourself.

I'm not to familiar with PLC vs OCS, however, if you do PLC, you'll have to make sure you stay in shape during the break between the two sessions. I'm in college too, and I know how it can be easy to get distracted and not PT.

Try this website if you haven't found it yet
www.marineocs.com It is specifically for wannabe's trying to become officers and it has a forum section just like this one. In addition you will be talking to people who actually went through the officer process. Last note you need to go see an OSO as they would know all the info on becoming an officer and the best route for your situation. Best of luck to you!

quote:

Originally posted by WannabeChamploo:
What I am curious about is the advantage to PLC vs OCS, or visa versa, if there are any.

No such thing as PLC vs OCS... it's one of the same. Entrance to Officer Candidate School (OCS) is obtained through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and Officer Candidates Class (OCC) programs. Candidates who enter the PLC attend either two six-week sessions or one ten-week session during college. Those who enter the OCC attend one ten-week session after graduation from college.

Thank you all very much for your help.

Great advice, bohica_0351, thank you.

prayl1001, I had not found that website, thank you for sharing it.

HollywoodMarine, I think I might be confused. Would you mind clarifying for me, sir? When I looked up PLC it said, "The Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) is an alternative for NROTC or OCS for college students who wish to become commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps."

"Following commission, Marine Corps officers attend The Basic School, six months (also in Quantico) of training in leadership, land navigation, weapons, small-unit tactics, and communications."

From this, I was under the impression that PLC was an alternative to OCS, and one could choose between PLC or waiting to graduate and going to OCS following graduation. (Or doing 10 weeks as a junior.) Therefore, I was wondering if there was an advantage to waiting and doing the 10weeks all together, or breaking it up; 6 weeks and 6 weeks.

If PLC isn't an alternative to OCS, do you have to go to OCS as well? I'm sorry if I sound thick, I'm just a bit confused.

Thank you very much for your time.

OCS is officer candidate school. PLC and OCC are the avenues available for officer candidates to attend OCS.

Bottom line: Everyone goes through OCS. You either go the PLC route or the OCC route.

The Quigley is just as wet, the hills just as steep, and days just as long.

quote:

Originally posted by Napkin:
OCS is officer candidate school. PLC and OCC are the avenues available for officer candidates to attend OCS.

Bottom line: Everyone goes through OCS. You either go the PLC route or the OCC route.

The Quigley is just as wet, the hills just as steep, and days just as long.

Thank you, sir. That makes perfect sense now. I wasn't clear on the difference between OCC and OCS.

I suppose my question is, is there an advantage to two six week sessions of PLC over one 10 weeks session OCC? Or am I still getting it wrong?

Apologize for being a dunce.

quote:

Originally posted by WannabeChamploo:
I suppose my question is, is there an advantage to two six week sessions of PLC over one 10 weeks session OCC?

That depends on what is an "advantage" for you.

PLC is designed for the undergrad while OCC is for graduates or seniors about to graduate.

The difference between the two is in OCC you are immediately eligible for commissioning once you graduate from OCS. For PLC, you graduate from OCS and go back to your college and finish up your bachelor's though.

A note for PLC: you have such-and-such time to complete your bachelor's. If you miss that deadline, you forefeit your commission and have to attend OCS again if you still want to be commissioned! You go through OCC. I knew fellow officers who had to do that! (In effect they went to a 20 week OCS!)

PLC and OCC have similar requirements. Historically though, OCC's requirements have been little higher.

SgtLt is totally correct. You may also want to send an email to Oorah68 as he just went through all of this last year. Depends if he's back yet or not. Good luck.

If you do one 10 week PLC combined or OCC then you don't have to go back to that place again! I did the PLC-C and I'm glad I did. The PLC two 6 week summers is probably what an OSO will try to get you to go for since you're a sophomore. You have 2 years to finish college after you make it through OCS to get your commission. That's what the other Marines were talking about in your time line before you have to redo OCS.

Just to clarify, there are basically three ways you could earn your commission. PLC with the two 6 week summers, PLC combined with the one 10 week summer, or Officer Candidates Course(OCC) which is also 10 weeks and for people who already have their degree.

You should definitely talk with an OSO. They can answer all your questions.

Thank you all very much for the help.