good morning, my nephew is heading to Quantico, I have got to get him a few items for Christmas and thought I would get him things for OCS. Any suggestions, I bought him a small nice SOG folder knife and a box of nice cigars for his upcoming college graduation. he ships in Jan 202 I think

Get him a nice, compact flashlight. Surefire, streamlight, Fenix.

I.had not thought of that, maybe a headlamp also??

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
I.had not thought of that, maybe a headlamp also??

I find headlamps to be tremendously useful, so I'd say get both.

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
I.had not thought of that, maybe a headlamp also??

https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Tactical
Petzl Tactikka+ is the standard military headlamp used. It has a white and red light with more lumens over the standard Tactikka.

The newer version Tactikka + RGB has white and red lights, and either blue or, green.

Exec ideas, keep em coming lol

A good multi-tool.


Tell the young lad I said Congrats.
I'll say "Congrats... Sir" after he graduates

I good headlamp is a lifesaver and one of the most important tools you could ever have/use. Make sure it is multi color or have a red light. I wish I would have listened and got one earlier in my military career. It is a godsend and not just during night land nav.

If he has a preference and/or if it is permitted a good pair of sturdy boots where he will be able to walk long distances at a determined pace.

Another alternative is a pair(s) of good socks especially ones that breathe but also are cushioning. If he is not allowed to have any articles of clothing that is not issued then a good pair of insoles.

Another gift I got/acquired was a nice notebook cover, write in the rain notebooks and a nice set of pens (write in the rain).

I always forgot to mention this when people ask me about a gift, but I cannot strongly recommend a good set of ear plugs whether custom made or bought off the shelf ( for example: 3M Peltor TEP-100 Digital Tactical Earplugs Kit, Surefire, wax)

I have high level hearing loss, as many of us on this forum do, and I wished the technology was available back then to prevent some of it.

I know it is not tacti-cool but he will get so much use out of them and not just on the range.

Of course he will use them on the range, but he can use them (which I strongly advise) riding in MRAPs, Humvees, cattle trucks, 6x6's etc..

As said, multi-tool, good light with red select so it can be used tactically, ear plugs, good socks both for running and field use.

If he doesn't have a good, I mean a really good, pair of running shoes, take him to a high end runners store, have them observe him on a treadmill, and get what they recommend and feels good to him. This could be a OBC lifesaver, including possibly preventing injury that would put him out, or force him to re-take OBC.

The Marine Corps will give him everything he needs.

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Originally posted by houndawg:
The Marine Corps will give him everything he needs.

The Army sure as hell didn't.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

quote:

Originally posted by houndawg:
The Marine Corps will give him everything he needs.

The Army sure as hell didn't.

If OCS is anything like Boot Camp, and I'm sure it is, he will not be allowed any gear of his own except for his preferred runnng shoes. Everything he needs to complete the course will be issued. If they are given a packing list that says they are allowed to bring stuff then consult it before buying him anything. Gifts should be saved for until he graduates. What is allowed at TBS may be a different story, but that's not until after OCS.

For a Marine, a Ka-Bar seems fitting!

Thx fellas, exec advice

I didn't go to OCS, but as Hounddawg stated, the USMC will probably give him what he needs.

For Parris Island, we were allowed to bring $50 cash, the clothes we were wearing, one note card with addresses on it, and glasses if needed. Religious medallions and/or wedding rings were permitted, but I don't recall if they were allowed to be worn during training.

I'd save anything for graduation. An Officer's sword would be a great idea. They aren't cheap, but it would be a very sentimental gift from a family member, as well as eventually becoming an heirloom.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
I'd save anything for graduation. An Officer's sword would be a great idea. They aren't cheap, but it would be a very sentimental gift from a family member, as well as eventually becoming an heirloom.

I believe officers have to pay for their uniforms, somebody can correct me. Perhaps a cash card from the uniform shop.

I had to read each and every post in this thread -- guess I was confused -- Oklahoma Cook School???

Tinyman

Congratulations and best wishes .the best that I can offer is that after graduation is to listen to his NCO"s for they 'WILL SAVE HIS BACKSIDE'. I saw many new freshly minted "butterbar Lt's" who let their rank go to their heads and cloud their judgement....SEMPER FI.. wore a different uniform from a different service but when tHE SHIT HIT THE FAN WE JUMPED IN THE SAME FOXHOLE AND CHEWED THE SAME DIRT.....................drill sgt.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
For a Marine, a Ka-Bar seems fitting!

My cousin just went through and the only thing he said he needed was some Under Armour 4.0 for when out in the cold.

Got him a KA-Bar too.

During his time in Marine OCS, they open mail as a group. So I made sure to send him funny shit like crayons, penis coloring books, and pink bunny slippers every few weeks.

I always address him on the package as a high ranking officer from another branch.

Commodore
Admiral
Field Commander etc