Marine Corps again lowers requirements for Infantry Officer Course

The Washington Times ^ | February 22, 2018 | Douglas Ernst

[jazusamo]

The Marine Corps is on the defensive for a second time this month over changes to its famous Infantry Officer Course (IOC).

Military communities were abuzz in early February when officials confirmed that successfully completing the Combat Endurance Test (CET) — the rigorous first stage of IOC — would no longer be a requirement for passing the 13-week course.

The Corps answered criticism on Feb. 7, but found itself in the same position this week as new standards for IOC’s training hikes were revealed.

The course previously required a Marine to complete nine hikes, of which six would be evaluated more carefully and passage required on five of the six. The new standard evaluates just three of the Marine’s hikes, though he must pass all three, Marine Corps Times reported Wednesday.

[Gay State Conservative]

Old army guy here, too. Did it occur to you that if they keep lowering standards, we might be eligible to reenlist?

Born during the Truman Presidency...two metal hips...heart attack...moderate hearing loss.My guess is that the Armed Forces might be less than enthusiastic about me today.

But in a life-and-death situation....something resembling WW2 or something major with China/North Korea/Iran...I'd certainly try to do my bit.

[laplata]

I hate to say it, but I agree.

[Viking2002]

You have a little more mileage on you then I do......born during the Kennedy Administration. Diabetes, hypertension, a couple organs aren't firing on all cylinders, bad lower leg circulation from bacterial infections.....but, as like you, if it came down to it, why not? The British had their Home Guard. I certainly rather do something - anything - to help secure home and hearth, than sit around with my thumb up my tuckus. Been everywhere from junior naval cadet reserve corps to an army grunt of no great accomplishment to carrying a gun for the DOJ to spending three years at the Pentagon as a civilian internal security supervisor. That ought to count for something. Heaven knows that Generation Pussy won't lift a finger. They'll want government-subsidized safe spaces and free puppies when the heavy lifting has to be done.

[5th MEB]

Glad I am OLD CORPS.
Didn’t have to put up with a bunch of PUSSIES WHO COULD NOT HAUL MY WOUNDED ASS BACK TO THE LZ.

[5th MEB]

Cunning, Deception, and Cheating, will always overcome youth and exuberance.

I am a 68 year old Marine now, so I don’t depend so much on strength and stamina any more.
BUT I STILL LIKE TO WIN.

[fortes fortuna juvat]

>>I remember when women first entered the Academies. The said “Nothing will change”. The standards dropped like flies and changes were everywhere. The phrase became a mocking mantra.<<

The frightful downgrading of the U.S. military caused by this PC nonsense is explained in the book by Brian Mitchell entitled Weak Link.

[Night Hides Not]

Yep. We lost our edge, we lost our youth, so we have to use what tools we got left. That’s what makes us old guys so dangerous. We fight dirty.

My last 18 months in Germany, I was Battalion S-4. Every field exercise, I'd locate a new private for a special "test", one that was known to most of the NCOs I worked with.

I'd tell that private to go see the motor sergeant and request a "bucket of steam", to steam clean the engine of my Jeep under field conditions. For about an hour, the private would be sent on a wild goose chase.

From the soldier's reaction at the end of the "test", one learned a lot about the soldier. If he took it in good cheer, he likely would be a good soldier. OTOH, a sullen/surly response sent up red flags.

In today's Army, I'd probably be hit with an IG complaint.

[Viking2002]

In our day, it was sending the recipient of that hazing to go fetch a bucket of 'prop wash' or a box of 'grid squares'. ROTFLMAO

"Well, son, you just got your left one tugged down to your knee."

[Viking2002]

Yessir. Just cut out all the parliamentary bullshit and render your opponent room temperature with the most expedient tool at your disposal. Pistol, crossbow, bottle of bleach and a funnel, whatever you happen to have lying around in your man cave. (My man cave, BTW, harbors critters in .22 long, .22 WMR, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .223/5.56 Wylde, 7.62x54R, and a really nasty-looking home defense 12 ga. that got fitted with a collapsible stock, vented barrel shroud, neon lo-light forward sights, and a Picatinny rail with a targeting laser. Overkill for a shotgun? Perhaps. But the mere sight of it makes the local wildlife screech and void their bowels in terror. And I’m investing in bolo shells for it.) OK, I admit it. I’m a nut. What do ya want from me?