Re: Navy Officer Indoctrination School tips
CONGRATS!! I'm applying for NCP as soon as I get an acceptance letter, so I hope to be in your shoes soon!
I can only offer advice that I learned during my stint as an enlisted member of the Air Force.
I don't know if the environment there will be as hardline as it was when I was enlisted (I mean, we used to iron our underwear for drawer inspections!) but here's what I remember:
-buy the toothpaste in the squeeze bottles; it's easier to keep the top clean
-invest in GOOD sports bras - about five should do the trick. You may go several days without being able to do laundry. It takes a little while to get organized in such a different environment. If you can afford it, take SIX for good measure. I know they're not cheap, but you'll be SO happy you did take them.
-Dr. Scholl's foot powder makes your feet feel REALLY good.
-Hanes Her Way underwear (yes, granny drawers) are very comfy. Technically anything other than briefs are "out of regulation" (yes, women's underwear IS mentioned in in the Air Force Instruction regarding dress and appearance, and I have no doubt it is in the Navy as well). Yes, it is annoying, but you’ll be glad you have it. It’s one of the few brands that stays put!
-Invest in VERY good running shoes. It’s my understanding that you can take your own to OIS; you only get one pair of feet. Wear them a couple of times before you go. The ones we were issued (couldn't take your own, how STUPID) - I blame them for my knee issues that I have now. They bit. If you know you move your foot a certain way (I pronate my feet outward and run in shoes to correct that), invest in shoes that will overcorrect for the problem. I really can't stress that enough.
-If you're issued combat boots - I got mine a HAIR too big and wore two pairs of socks with them - one pair of white sports socks and then the black socks over top of the white ones. My dad, a 30 year Navy combat veteran, recommended that to me (he flew Medevac in the Korean and Vietnam Wars; I figured he knew the deal!). I NEVER got blisters. I also invested in an expensive pair of gel insoles for them, which took up the slack for the rest of the "hair too big". I never had sore feet, and they really were as comfy as sneakers. Remember, you will be on your feet a LOT, and they ARE going to swell. I'm not saying get them HUGE, just a BIT too big. I really think that made the difference for me.
-Remember that the yelling and the discipline is a MIND GAME. Don’t take it personally, because it’s not. Again, I don’t know what the TI’s (of course, they’ll be Marines, and therefore DI’s – drill instructors) will be like, but if they ARE in your face, it’s got nothing to do with you (unless, of course, you blew it – and just answer “yes sir” or “yes ma’am” or whatever they want to know, and try to ignore it!).
-There will be a big difference in your squad at the end of the five weeks as opposed to when you start. I remember how disorganized we were (AF basic is only 6 weeks; even at 23 I thought we’d NEVER be able to work as a team) during week 1, and by week 6 we were a totally different flight. Don’t be discouraged; if all those other groups marching perfectly together and passing all their PT tests and keeping their dorms clean and organized can do it, so can you.
-It’s okay to fall into bed too tired to breathe, much less think. Crying at night is also acceptable. (Don't dare do it in front of your TI.) You might even find yourself wondering what in the h*ll you were thinking when you signed up for this gig. Everyone else is thinking the exact same thing, whether they admit it or not. Don't think you're alone.
-If they give you liberty, even if it’s just for a few hours to go to the Exchange, TAKE IT – unless you feel you need to study. Feeling NORMAL is SO important.
-Take a nice body lotion with you. I suspect perfume may not be allowed, but a nice tube of moisturizing body cream or a nice bottle of shower gel (that’s the other tip – shower gel, not bar soap, it’s too messy!) in a nice soft scent can make a huge difference after a long day. I discovered Shower to Shower body powder during basic (of course, I was in Texas, in the summer!). It smells nice, won’t stick out (you don't want to be the one your DI points out as a perfume factory), and makes you feel a bit tingly. I also remember we used a lot of body spray (it’s all you could buy at the exchange back then; they didn’t sell Bath and Body Works like they do now). I can’t smell that fake CK One without remembering Basic Training!!
-WRITE HOME WHEN YOU CAN; you’ll appreciate letters back! In fact, you'll find you live for them (there are times when the five weeks may seem like FIVE YEARS - when I look back on the six weeks of basic, even now, ten years later, it seems like it was a WHOLE lot longer than 6 weeks....).
-It’s only five weeks. I know you can do it!
-Expect to tear up as soon as they bring the flag out at graduation. All that patriotic stuff gets to me! The guys in my brother flight were crying too!
I know that compared to many aspects of Basic Training, OIS borders on posh (and you'll hear some of your prior service counterparts say that, I'm sure) - but if you have no military experience, it may be no less frightening. I mean, you'll be able to earn off-base liberty - a luxury those of us in Basic would have almost killed for! All of my family (my two brothers are both retired military) was enlisted, as was I, so I don't know too much about officer training. But I have a feeling Louis Gossett, Jr., was probably right on the money - even though that was OCS and not OIS!
GOOD LUCK! Post back here when you get out - PM me if you remember, because I'd love to have an inside scoop!
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