On November 30, 2007, I completed OCS and was commissioned as a United States Marine Corps Officer. The training was intense and challenging, as evidenced by our diminished numbers. Our Battalion started with 456 candidates, but only 295 graduated. Of the 46 females in my platoon who started, only 17 graduated. I feel privileged to be among those who graduated and were commissioned a few hours later at the Marine Corps Museum located in Quantico, Virginia.

The responsibility of being an officer of Marines was not lost on us amid the celebration and congratulations by our instructors. We have been entrusted with the lives of others. Our decisions will have significant consequences, both good and bad. Our priority and continual mission from now on is taking care of Marines under our command.

For the first time our title “candidate” was exchanged for “2nd Lieutenant”. For the first time we were called United States Marines. For the first time, we were saluted by enlisted Marines. It seemed strange that our instructors, enlisted Marines with 10-20 years experience in the Marine Corps, were saluting freshly commissioned Lieutenants with 10 weeks experience. What all of us are blatantly aware of is the fact that although we are shown the respect due to officers, we are not yet qualified to lead Marines or expect them to follow. What have I achieved during these last 10 weeks? I have earned the right to be trained.

My next adventure from here is 6 months at The Basic School (TBS). This is where all Marine 2nd Lieutenants are taught how to be leaders of Marines (Platoon Commanders). Thank you for all of you who read this blog and even sent me letters during OCS. It is a privilege and an honor to live in a country where we can have this kind of discussion and exchange of ideas.

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” (Thomas Paine)

If you would like more information on OCS or becoming a Marine Officer, visit www.Marines.com and click on the “Request More Information” link.

On November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the United States Marine Corps began. Even though we are in training at OCS, Marines hold this special day so reverently that they allow candidates to experience it as well.

We read General Lejeune’s Birthday address and the birthday address of the current Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Conway. The most radical difference of the day is that officers gave us an HOUR to eat lunch. Our “chow hall” was transformed with red and gold decorations, pictures and brochures celebrating the 232 years of worldwide service by Marines. Everyone ate together, from candidates all the way up to the commanding officer of OCS. We ate steak, lobster, shrimp, cheesecake and a host of other food that we certainly do not see at any other time during training.

We also participated in the tradition of the cake cutting ceremony. We cut two pieces of the birthday cake and give the first to the oldest Marine present, honoring the dedicated service of that Marine. We give the second to the youngest Marine present, signifying the wisdom, knowledge and experience being passed from one generation to the next. The Marine Corps places a huge emphasis on learning from the past and honoring the dedication of individual Marines. We learn to appreciate Marines like “Chesty” Puller, who commanded Marines at the freezing cold Chosin Reservoir. Officers encourage us to possess the tenacity and intensity of the Marines from Belleau Wood who were named “Devil Dogs” by the Germans. We respect and honor the memory of two best Marines in history, Dan Daly and Smedley Butler, who each won two Medals of Honor for their bravery in combat. At every Marine Corps ball across the world on November 10th, the cake cutting ceremony memorializes these Marines.

It was motivating to think that in 19 days, I will be in the company of these great men and women who have given their lives to serve their country over the last 232 yeas. United States Marine Corps Officer is a title that brings with it great honor, but greater responsibility. I pray that I am prepared for the challenge.