Weellll... Had my topic locked and was told to refer here
soooo....
Entering army this year, thinking of aiming for OCS. However,
I've got a question.. What's the mental training like? What sort of
thing do they do to mentally condition you? I'm quite ready for the
physical training, but am quite unclear and unsure about the mental
one.
Further clarification: I've asked someone about OCS and he said
that it was the best time of his life; he didn't need to think at
all, just needed to follow orders. That's not the sort of thing I
want to get myself into. I know the importance of following orders
in the army, but I'm a thinker and I don't want to get that
creative analytical part of my mind suppressed.
Tell me, am I being paranoid?
Ok, I've been out of OCS for like slightly over 2 years now.
The Mental Training, there isn't really a mental training 101 in
OCS. Basically what happens is that they put you in stressful
situations and give you decisions to make and they will assess you
on how you respond. Once you're done, you should be a good cadet
and take the initiative and get feedback from the instructors on
how you fared. Some of them won't volunteer this information
outright, you should take the initiative for self development.
The physical training is very much a part of the mental
training. As you probably know, as fatigue kicks in, some people's
ability to make sound decisions really plummets. Some people just
cannot function under stress.
But some feedback, self reflection, i find really helps you to
improve yourself.
AS for that person who you met who probably coasted through OCS
and thus didnt find it stressful, then thats his
perogative.
OCS is not the end all and be all of leadership development.
Some people who have made it into OCS feel that, that is it. They
have arrived. And it is possible to keep your head low dodge
appointments and responsibilities and still commision to be an
officer. I found many of my platoon mates and section mates who did
just that. I had received 3 field major appointments, some minor
ones and the highest administrative appointment, some of my platoon
mates escaped with none!!! Maybe some minor admin appointment like
armskote IC or toilet IC or maybe SectCom (if you find that being a
Section Commander is enough for your development then i pray for
the men under you in future).
So it is possible to coast through OCS. But for every coin,
there are two sides. You will notice that there are some who step
up to the challenge, these people will ofcourse shine, especially
in comparison to the other shit that is around. Generally, they
will be noticed more and be given more important appointments. If
you find yourself overlooked, dont be shy, ask your platoon
instructors for bigger more demanding appointments (this almost
never happens, most are happy to get away with as little as
possible) and maybe you are one of those that shine
when burdened with bigger responsibilities.
You'll meet many types in OCS, some you'll be ashamed to be
associated with, some you will be proud to call comrades and even
some in between.
If you are the type to actively use your brain and if you enjoy
a challenge then i wish you the best in OCS.
