By Det.1 /444th MPADOCS: Been there; done that
Recent grad touts program's 'other' benefits
Spc. James Vadakin
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| 2nd Lt. Heriberto Valle received his gold bars in July of this year. His wife assists OCS Instructor, Sgt. 1st Class Arnold O’Sullivan in the traditional pinning ceremony. |
The next classes of Officer Candidate School begin in January, and the train is about to leave the station for young soldiers desiring to go from green to gold.
The OCS training video, which all eligible Guard soldiers watched this November, makes clear that as an officer, one can expect more pay, more rank and more prestige. These are the obvious incentives that many bright soldiers entering the OCS program in the past have found attractive.
But how about the claims that OCS will make one a "better father, husband, wife, employee" etc.? Many soldiers may wonder how this 18-month course can help one achieve personal development, too, as he or she strives for the vaunted gold bars.
2nd Lt. Heriberto Valle, Class 44's "Most Improved Candidate," is an example of such an achievement.
A year and a half ago, Valle was a private first class radio antenna operator with the 280th Signal Battalion. After graduating in the most recent OCS class, Valle, now adjusting to his new role as an officer, commends OCS to his troops. Though, he’ll be the first to say it’s not easy.
"They put you in a situation you have never been in before—a stressful situation, and then they’ll ask you to accomplish a million things," said Valle. "But in the end you’ll look back and see that you can accomplish so much more than you ever thought you could."
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| 2nd Lt., Heriberto Valle (right) was named class 44's 'Most Improved Candidate.' He received the TAC Officer Award from Capt. Garland Pennington (left), |
Among a multitude of tasks, officer candidates are made to maintain high standards of physical fitness, complete infantry training in the field, and negotiate a difficult land navigation course.
Valle says the OCS program pushes candidates to reach deep down within themselves in order to overcome challenges they had never contemplated.
Not coming from combat arms or a related occupation, Valle often prayed during the long days of training in the field. In the end, he persevered. Valle claims the program helped him tap inner resources that left him a stronger and better man.
"There’s no way you can go through this program and not gain in the areas of discipline, self-control, and self confidence." These are important habits and attitudes that can help anyone succeed, regardless of their background and interests.
More than just a big "confidence course" such as the frightening obstacle courses at basic training, OCS pushed him to grow mentally and spiritually as well as physically, says Valle.These intangible benefits of the OCS program carry over to civilian life. When faced with a problem at home or work, Valle said he could now keep it in perspective knowing, after OCS, he has faced far more difficult situations ... and prevailed .