Why do OCS-to-BUD/S guys DOR at OCS?

I can't make a qualified statement that statistics show that there is a majority there. Certainly, plenty of OCS guys don't even DOR at BUD/S and make great SEALs. I just thought it strange that several had quit just before I got to OCS.

A big concern for me was that at OCS specwar candios don't get close to the level of physical training that they put themselves through to get the billet in the first place. For me, and others I talked to, it was an issue of literally getting seriously out of shape for an O headed into BUD/S. Also, not all, but some guys I talked to said there was a weight loss issue. Because of chow hall procedures, most OCS people lose weight (which is good for most everyone except specwar guys like me who struggle to keep on weight to hedge against cold water). Also, I think a lot of guys get romanced during the OCS specwar billet process and lose sight of the "military" aspect of it all. Certainly, all three of these things were factors in my weak decision to DOR.

However, I know better now. Keep in mind, these are just my opinions based off a few cases I observed at OCS.

Hey Guys,

Feeling like I should chime in on this one. As an OCS, BUD/S, and SQT grad, I will say that it is historically VERY unusual for candidates to DOR at OCS. After all, you're selected to make it through BUD/S - OCS should be a walk in the park.

That said, in 2008 there was quite an anomaly, with 3 candidates DOR'ing at OCS. And in 2006, the year I went through OCS, no one quit at OCS but about half of the candidates didn't make it through BUD/S (typical success rate for OCS guys is about 75%). As a result, there seem to be even fewer billets for OCS-BUD/S guys...last I heard, only 3 guys got picked up in the January 2009 board (they used to take 6-7 per board).

For those wanting to go the officer route, the lessons learned are as follows:
- OCS sucks but is a necessary check in the box to become a SEAL officer. It sucks because of the intense focus on military discipline. That said, never lose sight that you're joining THE MILITARY. The Teams are different from the rest of the military, but you haven't made it to the Teams until you've made it through BUD/S! Until that point, you have to suck it up and play the game. You will have to shave your head, march in formation, get yelled at and told you're a terrible leader, remember and recite Navy things verbatim, do chow-hall procedures, etc. It's easy enough, but it's PART OF THE GAME.

- If you aren't prepared to lead at OCS, then you're not ready to lead at BUD/S. You should be trying to smoke everyone at OCS in everything that is physically-, socially- and classroom-related. Guys who get OCS billets are typically some of the smartest, most athletic, and best leaders out there. Dominate OCS - win every single race at PT, beat everyone on every test at OCS, and take on as many leadership roles (i.e. class president) as possible. Your Drill Instructor at OCS knows what you're about to go through at BUD/S, and if you don't shine at OCS you are gonna get some serious attention and pressure to quit.

- Guys do lose weight at OCS. I lost over 25 lbs, but I gained it back in about 2 weeks. Don't ever let that get in the way of your focus. Not an issue.

- The fitness program at OCS is terrible. I told the CO that when I graduated and his response was that "this isn't a program just for SEALs - it's for all naval officers." BS. As a result, you have to use your brain a bit to try to stay in shape. In addition to the OCS PT in the mornings, I did at least 1 other CrossFit-style workout in my room or behind the barracks every day and snuck out to go running about 3 times a week. That seemed to work fine. Just make sure you KNOW THAT YOUR FITNESS IS UP TO YOU.

- Square yourself away at home before you go. When you join OCS, you will be on lock-down for about 5-6 weeks. You won't get liberty, you'll get about 15 minutes a week to talk to family, no cell phones, no computers, and you'll be getting about 4-6 hours of sleep a night. Don't let there be distractions from far off back home while you're going through this. One of the 2008 DORs had just got married and his wife wasn't supportive of his new career path. He quit in the first week.

I hope that S.D. has got it straight in his head why he won't quit this time through, when he has to go to boot camp and then on to a much tougher challenge than OCS. It is critical to have yourself set mentally first, and part of doing that is understanding as many of the facets involved BEFORE you do it.

Hope you guys are doing well, and best of luck to S.D.

NGF

from what was said i think that you could be eligible for an enlisted contract, you would need to get w/ a recruiter and they could do it up. probably a waiver though.

Thanks for the great insight, NGF. Everything you said is right on point... a post I wish I had read about two years ago. I'm sure it would have helped me to prepare better mentally for some of the unexpected new realizations that took place for me at OCS (that I should have known before).

That said, I'm a bit of a optimist in the sense that I feel like if I get the chance to do this again as an enlisted candidate, it may be the way it was supposed to work for me in the first place... I have several friends that had degrees that chose to go the enlisted route the first time round instead of applying to OCS. Most of them are in BUD/S past Hell Week or FNGs at Teams right now. I think most of them are glad they went that way first. It will be interesting to see if that road always leads back to OCS. But first things first...

Mario, thanks for your advice as well. I made touch with a new NSW Mentor in my area who seems to agree with you. I'll give updates as they happen...