OFFICER SELECTION TEAM SAN JOSE

Captain Alejandro Rivas, Officer Selection Officer

Staff Sergeant Levis Maina, Officer Selection Assistant

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

Alejandro Rivas

• Born in Mexico, raised in WA
• Prior enlisted, USMC Sergeant
• University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts
• Majored in Psychology w/ a minor in Law, Societies & Justice
• Extensive experience in leadership, logistics, and operations
• Some experience in coaching/teaching, financial management advice, information systems management

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• Currently serving as the representative for officer programs for the SF south bay area (South SF and Hayward to Ragged Point), to include all universities, community colleges, and Marine reserve units.
• Primary functions: screen, interview, evaluate, select, train, and mentor qualified applicants to become Marine Corps Officers.
• Secondary functions: community engagements & volunteer events

Introductions!

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

The Marine Corps officer development journey is unique due to the extensive amounts of training received.

• No other branch invests as much time and effort into the development of its leaders.
• No other branch entrusts its junior officers with as much authority and responsibility.
• Regardless of program (aviation, law, active duty, reserve), ALL officers undergo the same evaluation and leadership development.

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The development of an applicant begins with the Officer Selection Team (OST), and continues at Officer Candidate School (OCS), The Basic School (TBS), and throughout their careers.

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**No college student going through the program is taken out of school. Our priority is their academic success!

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What does it take to become an Officer?

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

To educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a controlled and challenging environment in order to screen and evaluate individuals for the leadership, moral, mental, and physical qualities required for commissioning as a Marine Corps officer.

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MISSION OF OCS

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

IN-PROCESSING PHASE

TRANSITION

PHASE

ADAPTATION

PHASE

MENTORSHIP AND OUTPROCESSING

PHASE

Reception

Medical screening

Induct PFT

Induct Board

Progressive PT (green on green)

Instill basic knowledge/discipline

Exam 1

Safe Weapons Handling Exam

Academics

1. Exam 2

2. Exam 3

The Forge

Staff Breakfast

NMMC Tour

Motivational Run / Family Day

Graduation and Commissioning

DECISION MAKING

PHASE

Physical Fitness

1. Final PFT

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Leadership

1. LRC 1 4. Peer Eval 1

2. LRC 2 5. Cmd Eval 1

3. PS Inspection

Academics

1. Day Land Nav 4. Exam 5

2. Night Land Nav

3. Exam 4

Physical Fitness

1. 6.2-mile hike 4. CFT

2. Obstacle Course

3. Endurance Course

Leadership

1. Peer Eval 1 & 2 4. SULE 1

2. Unit Leader Eval 5. SULE 2

3. PC Inspection 6. Cmd Eval 2

FTA Board

Final PRB

OCS OVERVIEW

(5 DAYS)

(10 DAYS)

(20 DAYS)

(27 DAYS)

(8 DAYS)

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

To train and educate newly commissioned or appointed officers in the fundamental competencies, tactical skills, and professional knowledge of a rifle platoon commander while developing leadership and decision-making skills to fight and win as company-grade officers in the Fleet Marine Force.

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MISSION OF TBS

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

TBS OVERVIEW

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

Three evaluation categories

• Leadership
• Small Unit Leadership Evaluations
• Large Unit Leadership Evaluations
• Command, Staff, and Peer Evaluations
• Academics
• Classroom Instruction
• Written Exams and Practical Application
• Physical Fitness
• Endurance and Strength Training

PROGRAMS OF INSTRUCTION

50% LEADERSHIP

25% Academics

25% Fitness

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

First Tour: Roles & Responsibilities

Leader

• Direct responsibility over the wellbeing, development, and training of teams of up to 60 Marines.
• Coaching/Mentoring
• Public Speaking
• Decision Making

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Manager

• Planning, coordination, supervision of projects involving up to 1,600 Marines at time.
• Technical expertise

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• 26 jobs available across a variety of fields: manpower/administration, intelligence, combat arms, civil engineering, logistics, communications, cyber, public relations, air support, supply, finance, military police, aviation pilots, lawyers.

Marine

• Peak physical fitness
• Water survival
• Marksmanship training
• Martial arts training
• Camaraderie

Billets & Extra Opportunities

• Platoon Commander
• Company Operations Officer
• Company Executive Officer
• Battalion Assistant Specialty Officer
• Command Financial Specialist
• Martial Arts Instructor
• Instructor of Water Survival
• Force Fitness Instructor
• Professional Development Courses (Lean Six Sigma, RBLP-C, etc.)
• Military Development Courses (Cold Weather, Jump School, etc.)

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MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

MOTIVATIONS FOR JOINING

Everyone has unique motivators to pursue this path!

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

BENEFITS

Tangibles

• Financial Stability
• Competitive salary based on rank and time-in service
• Non-taxable housing allowance matching cost of living
• Retirement Planning
• Full military pension at 20 years of service
• 401k system, matched up to 5%
• Competitive loans: VA home loans & business loans
• Education benefits
• Tuition assistance while in service
• G.I. Bill for graduate school
• Public service loan forgiveness program
• Work-life balance
• Reasonable work hours, 30 days of vacation, extended holiday weekends
• Direct entry into specific careers
• Certificates and qualifications

Intangibles

• Unmatched leadership and management experience
• Equivalent to a decade worth of civilian workforce
• Skillset to thrive in any environment
• Sense of purpose and fulfillment
• Knowing your actions make a difference at the individual and organizational level
• Variety of experiences
• Continuous learning and improvement
• World-wide travel opportunities
• Either through military operations or travel opportunities based on duty station
• Work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

• Men and women of exemplary character
• Passionate to lead and mentor others
• Responsible self-starters
• Physically fit or willing to put in the effort to improve
• Able to think under pressure
• Able to pass medical evaluation
• Able to follow as well as take charge
• Receptive to feedback

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Who we look for

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

What Applicants Can Expect from the OST

Application Process

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Medical/Mental

• Must pass medical evaluation
• Must have one of the following: SAT 1000+, ACT 22+, ASVAB 74+

Admin

• Application, essay, security clearance, proof of citizenship, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.

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Fitness

• Must meet the minimum Physical Fitness Test Scores:
• Men: 12 pull-ups, 3:45min plank, 24min 3-mile run
• Women: 4 pull-ups, 3:45min plan, 27min 3-mile run

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Selection Boards

Selection to OCS is a competitive process in which applicants are chosen based on academics, physical fitness, and leadership experience. The leadership category is where the OSO has the most advocacy for candidates to attend OCS.

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Continuous Personal Growth/Development

• Group physical fitness opportunities twice per week
• Monthly group events for professional and leadership development
• Individualized training, nutrition, study plans
• Exposure to professional military leaders
• Career counseling

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

How We Can Assist

• Leadership Workshops
• Physical Fitness Challenges
• Class Talks/Presentations
• Guest Speakers
• Influential Leaders, Pilots, Lawyers
• Lunch & Learn Sessions
• Network of Volunteers
• Open to Suggestions!

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND

Questions?

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND