Thursday Night Update

Hello there. This post comes on the eve on my first meeting with a selection officer, in this case a Marine OSO (Officer Selection Officer). After class my two classes in the morning I'm heading down south to see some people in Miami for the weekend. It just so happens that my OSO for the Marine Corps is located in Miami, making this the perfect opportunity to start that dialogue and process for getting my package together for OCS after graduation.

Right now there's not a whole lot to say since I haven't met with the OSO yet, but I figured it'd be a good time to put down some thoughts going into the meeting. It seems elementary, but the first thing that comes to mind is dress. After six years of private school it's safe to say I know how to dress professionally and I plan on doing so tomorrow. First impressions are vital, regardless of who you're interviewing with. A friend of mine who's an Ensign in the Navy gave the sage wisdom: "Dress fratty. Trust me, they love that shit." While the tone was obviously humorous, the message was clear: don't walk in to meet a military officer looking like a total shitbird. It sends all the wrong messages to a group of people who tend to be meticulous and dress impeccably.

Too much?

It seems like a simple enough concept, but I guess the best way to put my approach is to say that I plan on acting professionally. Shower, shave, dress nicely and be prepared to talk about wanting to be a Marine officer. It's safe to say after the first post that I have a pretty clear idea of why I'm joining the military so it really shouldn't be a difficult thing to convey tomorrow. I'll be sure to update some time over the weekend. Take care.

Edit: In honor of the branch that I'll be speaking with tomorrow, here's a clip of some of the Marines portrayed in HBO's miniseries, "Generation Kill." Read the book too if you get a chance.