Tips for ODS updated

[Navy2thdoctor]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

ODS run down:

This is based on my experience from my ODS May-June 2011. If it is underlined you need it for your uniform so be sure you have it. If you are traveling from the west coast to the east coast you may want to consider shipping most of this stuff if you have family or friends nearby. Keep in mind most of this stuff can be purchased when you arrive at the NEX prior to Sunday evening but it is not as cheap as Wal-Mart. You also get up to 70lbs of luggage for free on any airline as long as you show your Orders.

If you arrive on Saturday you don’t have to check-in until Sunday at noon so say somewhere else if you desire. Also, eating chow on Sunday evening is up to you. I would recommend going to the liberty center since you will be eating Navy chow for the next few weeks in the galley. Galley food gets old really fast. Make sure you utilize the peanut butter, even snag it from the OCS side if you need to.

Things to keep in mind are to work as a team. Everything is a team effort. Utilize your priors (previous enlisted members) for the knowledge they already have over you. Remember you are all in the same boat. Everyone is tired and sick of the BS by the end of each week. Just try to remain focused and positive. You will get more and more freedoms as the time progresses.

Random notes:
Divo’s never get any sleep. Don’t volunteer for this job unless you are ok with this but they do get cell phone privileges earlier.
If the Red Socks are in town during your overnight liberty, you can get into the game for $10 (summer whites not required) if you go to gate C.
Use Priceline to book your hotel in Boston via the name your own price for good deals.
There is a military discount when you check out the mansions in Newport
Expect to pay more than $15-20 at the banquet dinner on Thursday night if your ODS class is over 70 persons.
If you want a collateral duty at graduation volunteer to be a sideboy (only duty used in both indoor and outdoor ceremonies).
Get a copy of your immunization record if you are going back to school after ODS for your records.
Be prepared to spend a lot of $$$ at the uniform shop. I recommend you purchase collar and cap devices so you don’t have to keep taking them off your uniform.
Memorize the knowledge on the ODS prior to your arrival. You will be asked questions during your uniform inspections.
There is a supply closet where you can get a lot of stuff (irons, ironing boards, swiffer handles, brooms, etc…) that previous classes have donated across from the office. I would have your own iron so you can use it at your disposal. You will be ironing a lot. Utilize dry cleaning for your whites when you can.

Good luck. 🙂

Ball point pens
12” flat ruler (needed for your uniform and bed) and 6”x9” steno notebook (basic color)
Ball point pens
Scissors (need these to get rid of IPs on uniforms)
Paperwork:
Permanent change of station/reserve orders and any modifications
Copies of Rx from civilian physicians
Immunization records (might save you from getting vaccines you already had)
Cash (~$150.00 to cover meals first 2 weeks. Expect to spend more than this because you pay for your meals in the galley weekly)
T-Shirts (white, crew neck) – 8 each (females buy little boys white undershirts so there is not some much material to tuck-in to the uncomfortable pants)
Tide pens
NSAIDs (original container)
Toiletries (you know what you use)
Underwear, Briefs– 10 *basic underwear (no thongs ladies per uniform regs)
Athletic Socks (white) – 10 pair (any type and length)
Towel – 2 each (bring at least 2 one for the pool and one for showering)
Brassiere/Sports Bras (females only guys…hehe)
Swimsuit, one piece conservative (Black/Navy Blue) (females only, guys wear PT shorts)
Nail Clippers (needed for your uniform)
Iron
Hair ties (females)
Shower Shoes
White mesh laundry bag (buy one at Wal-Mart for $2 otherwise you have to buy it there for more)
Black dress socks – 5 pair
Civilian clothing (4-5 days)
Combination padlock (NO key locks)
Running shoes (winter ODS might want to bring 2 pairs)
Alarm Clock, Battery-Operated (No radio function)
Cell Phones (will be authorized after hours)
Wristwatch (will be authorized later in training)
Debit Card
Cleaning supplies (typically purchased on site at NEX, best to buy swiffers and Lysol disinfecting wipes).
Shoe Shine kit (black polish/brush/cloth, you will also need white edging which can be purchased at the uniform shop and is needed for your white shoes)
Laundry detergent (No powder)
Unscented baby wipes
Waterless facial cleansing cloths
Hair gel or hairspray (females)
Blanket
IPod, laptop, camera (you can us this stuff on liberty)
Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper)

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

One thing I would like to point out - like the OP stated, you will get tired of the BS. But no matter how annoying things get during your training, always look at the OCS guys/gals. They have it much worse than you for twice as long. Even though every dentist / physician / lawyer / etc. that goes through ODS is an officer first, they did not sign you up for your ability to be an officer. The Navy wants you for your skills. So, they really aren't trying to weed you out like it is their intention over on the OCS side. So, things can always be worse when going through ODS.

Also, ball point pens - make sure they are black, not blue, red or green. Those colors are used by department heads, the XO and the CO.

 

[CougarDental]

What was the PT like and what are the requirements like for the final assessment?

 

[tingting]

ODS is really not that big of a deal, and laughable compared to OCS. The PT is pretty lax-- you can look up military minimums online. Nobody cares as long as you do the minimum. Doing more than the minimum gets you nothing. In this regard, volunteering for anything gets you nothing-- leave the positions for the prior service folks. The only thing that goes in your "record" is that you passed ODS. The PRT scores are not official and only used to red flag you if you are failing.

The food is actually decent, although there is very little time to eat it. If your usual diet consists of fast food or you are a vegan or something than you may not like it. I was happy with the food.

Essentially they will make every effort to pass you. It's a little embarrasing and imo unfortunate how pampered we are compared to the folks on the OCS side. You will find that staff corps is not taken very seriously in the Navy and this is a big reason why. So make every effort to learn military bearing and not look like a fool in front of the OCS folks.

One last thing. A pet peeve of mine if you will. The black shoes you are issued are leather but they have a coating on them. You cannot polish shoes with this coating it doesn't work. 90% of people will think they are polishing these shoes and they are just wasting time, they can merely be cleaned. If you want to polish shoes to a high sheen, you have to take some rubbing alcohol and clean off this coating exposing the raw leather underneath. Then you can use your polishing kit and bring the raw leather to a very high mirror like sheen. If you are not willing to do this than simply wipe your shoes every morning because leather shine is useless on coated shoes.

 

[pmoney]

Side note that might be helpful. Most airlines will let you check FOUR bags at up to 70 lbs EACH if you are active duty military on orders (that means you). Of course, depending on how much you have to carry around it may or may not be a good idea.