Newbury's Gulla Completes OCS Marine Training

BROOKLINE, Mass.-Michael Gulla (Westbury, NY/Carle Place) returns to Newbury for his junior year after completing the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) over the past summer.  For the last two years, he has been a starter on the Newbury baseball team as well as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Since his youth, Gulla always had ambitions of becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He originally wanted to enlist in the Marine Corps upon graduating high school but chose to attend Newbury where he had the opportunity to play baseball as well.  So when he heard from a family member that he would be able to continue his education while doing the OCS training during the summer he jumped at the opportunity.

When asked to reflect on his summer experience Gulla stated “the best part of the summer program was learning a lot about myself.  You really have no idea what you can do when you are pushed to the limits.”     

Held at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, the OCS is the USMC’s entry level training for officers used to screen, mentor, motivate and evaluate potential marine officer candidates.  Officer Candidates participate in the difficult, physical training and evaluation in hopes of becoming a U.S. Marine Corps Officer. According to Gulla, OCS is considered one the best leadership trainings and he hopes to bring his new knowledge to the Newbury community.

 “I will take what I learned and apply it to the baseball program,” Gulla begins.  “As well as the rest of the athletic department through my involvement with SAAC.”

He will continue to pursue his Marine goals next summer when he plans to attend a six-week Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Seniors program before returning for his senior year.  Following graduation in 2012 Gulla hopes “to take commission and join the greatest fighting force in the world,” the USMC.    

Courtesy of Newbury Sports Information