2ndLt Allen, USMC

This update is one I started writing in early May 2012 while on PTAD in Indianapolis. I had no time to ever finish it, but it's not in terrible state. I have no idea what else I was going to write before publishing it, so I'm just going to publish it as-is for you. -Posted 09 June 2012, while in Zero Week at TBS.

Here's an update on what life has been like over the last two weeks since I graduated Officer Candidate School and became a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. (Hint: Still busy!)

Code of Conduct

This Weeks Realization

Caleb has recently come to understand some things. Just before he left for OCS in January he expressed that he had, for many years, longed to be a Marine Officer. At Wayne's birthday dinner, which was also Caleb's farewell dinner, Caleb expressed to us that he not only wanted to be a Marine Officer but he wanted to be a Christian Marine Officer, a spiritual military leader. He wanted it to begin at OCS. He didn't know how it would happen, but he asked us to pray specifically for that.

Last evening as I talked to Caleb, he shared another new realization. Pilots are often captured and tortured after being shot down over enemy territory. It is part of the life of a pilot or flight officer. Marine Officers must always conform Marine Code of Conduct, though, so he wanted me to share the Code with you.


Article I.
I am an American fighting in the forces which guard my country and our
way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will
never surrender the members of my command while they still have the
means to resist.

Article III.
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I
will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will
accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV.
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow
prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action
which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take
command. If not I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over
me and will back them up in every way.

Article V.
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to
give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade
answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make
no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or
harmful to their cause.

Article VI.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom,
responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made
my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of
America.


May we all be loyal Americans! Never forget 9/11/2001. 12/7/1941 and 7/4/1776! God Bless the U. S. A                     

In-processing Complete!

What is next?

Training has begun!

The Training Cycle!

The Calm before the Storm (and Caleb's Mailing Address)

It's starting

So you're sitting around talking with the other candidates, been here about four hours already, and suddenly, finally, the Marines supposed to pick us up are here.

It's amazing how quickly the calm with which you've been waiting vanishes. Your heart rate rises, your face feels hot, and you're rushing to find your go-fasters as they instructed.

Still lots of waiting to do, but we lose our phones soon.

This is it.

Caleb's Preparations

Caleb spent the day taking care of business after he met up with a friend in Warsaw for lunch. Now, at 22:06, he is reviewing all the documents presenting things he must master in order to be an officer in the USMC. He has reviewed the General Orders, which he had already mastered. He has been working on OSMEAC, an acronym outlining the basic "five paragraph order." This is the standard form that must be used when a Marine officer writes up orders for his subordinates. The USMC has developed the process into an exact science. Everyone know exactly what is required in the orders and everyone follows the format exactly. Caleb has now mastered the form and the process. He should be in good shape when the subject is covered at OCS.

We have finalized plans for storing his car and our schedule in Indy on Saturday as he prepares to ship out to Quantico on Sunday. Everything seems to be under control. He has one more night at home.

Carolyn and I have taken note that after he leaves we will truly have an empty nest. Previously, when he left we knew he would return. Off to camp, off to college, off to work in Warsaw. He will not be coming back in the same way as in the past. This is not going off to college. This is going out into the world. Now, he is launching his career.

Packing for OCS

Here is a look at what I've packed for OCS, including required gear and other optional—but recommended—gear. This will apply specifically to male OCC candidates attending a winter course, but other candidates should find it helpful, too.

Communicating With Me at OCS

Here is some information about how to communicate with me while I'm at OCS.

Selected!

I have been selected to attend OCC 209!

Waiting for Selection Results of OCC 209

This post provides a status update regarding my application to OCS for OCC 209, including the results of my final PFT for the application.

Final PFT for OCC 209 Scheduled

I will be running my final PFT for my OCC 209 application on Friday, 4 November 2011.

Contracted as NFO for OCC 209

I am now under contract for the January 2012 officer candidate course (OCC) in the Naval Flight Officer program. This post explains what that means and provides an update on my physical fitness goals.