Junior Joester just finished up week 8 of 10 weeks of Marine OCS. But really, less than a week to go. Anything happening after about this time next week is cleaning the squad bay, out-processing, and packing for home and prepping for graduation. We were able to see him on liberty Sat/Sunday. Unfortunately, he's dealing with an injury. He was put on limited duty and sent up for some medical testing Saturday before being released. He and his buddies seem to think he's going to be fine, regardless. Apparently all of the graded assessments are complete, and he's "passing". He's graded at or above the standard throughout. They had 4 more guys in their platoon have to "go see the Colonel" Saturday...meaning they were going to be dismissed...and he wasn't one of them. Still, I have a ton of anxiety. He was supposed to go back to medical this morning to get the diagnosis and prognosis. They have their culminating event, "The Forge", starting Wednesday. He's committed to finishing this thing no matter how much he's hurting, and he's a tough dude. But in theory, I suppose the doctors could shut him down. And I have no idea what would happen if they shut him down. Earlier in the experience injured or sick candidates were disenrolled. His instructors have apparently taken the motto "the mission is attrition" to heart. His platoon started out numbering in the 60s and is down to 41 guys. But at 8+ weeks through what really is a 9 week deal? With all of the graded things completed and passed? Nothing is given and everything must be earned. Not sure if the body of work to date would be considered to have earned it or not. I would think not, actually... So that's the deal. Due to the nature of communication with candidates, we probably won't hear from him until Saturday. So til then, I'm just gonna have to wait for one of two phone calls: 1) Hey Dad. You're talking to a United States Marine. Or 2) hey Dad, this thing I've been chasing for two years and absolutely busted my ass for 20 hours a day for the last 8 weeks didn't work out. What's gonna happen is gonna happen...and that's life. But I can't get it out of my mind. Gonna be a long 5 days here. ** Edited by JoesterVT at 7/20/2026, 5:32:24 PM

physically finish it all out, and end the drama!

They aren’t going to throw away a career for a medical. My sons unit has a candidate who was medically removed (typhus, don’t ask) the previous evolution but given another shot at it with my son’s evolution. I believe most units don’t want to dismiss anyone but want to tip you enough over the edge for you to know it’s not for you or give you that motivation to scramble back up over the cliff and take it to the next level. Sometimes that tip is a more of a shove, but that’s where they want the leaders to come from. While I have faith my son will place well, they started with 18 and down to 9 for a 4 week program. And only 5 spots. I’m taking the position that the branch will put him where he’s most needed, whether he wants to be the or not. And that’s what’s best for the unit. Best of luck to your son, and lots of bourbon will help you between now and Saturday.