OAR Mechanical Study Resources: Where to Start
OAR mechanical study resources are exactly what you need to tackle the mechanical comprehension section of the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test. When I was preparing for Navy OCS, I remember scrounging for any decent study material I could find, and the mechanical section was the trickiest to prep for because it wasn’t like the math or reading parts. Let me share what I know and what fellow candidates have found useful.
The OAR is a computer-based test that’s part of the Navy officer application process. It measures your aptitude in math, reading, and mechanical comprehension. The mechanical section tests your understanding of basic physics principles like levers, pulleys, gears, and simple machines. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a certain way of thinking that you might not use every day.
One of the best places to start is the Airwarriors forum, a well-known community for Navy and Marine Corps aviation applicants. They have a ton of gouge (insider tips and study notes) on the OAR and ASTB (Aviation Selection Test Battery). However, as one candidate recently found out, some of the links there can be outdated or require access permissions that aren’t always granted immediately. That’s where alternative resources come in handy.
Free Google Drive Links from Fellow Candidates
A fellow candidate on the forums shared three Google Drive links that contain study materials specifically for the mechanical portion of the OAR. These are free to access and have been a lifesaver for many. The folders include PDFs of study guides, practice questions, and even some video explanations. While I can’t link directly here, you can find these links by searching for “OAR mechanical study resources” on Airwarriors or other Navy forums. Just be sure to check the dates and comments to ensure they’re still active.
When you get access to these folders, you’ll likely see a mix of documents. Some might be from ASTB prep, which overlaps with the OAR, so don’t ignore those. The mechanical comprehension questions are similar, and practicing with ASTB materials can only help.
Other Study Aids and Tips
Beyond those Google Drive links, there are other ways to build your mechanical comprehension skills. Here are a few things that worked for me and others I know:
- Practice with online quizzes: Websites like TestPrep-Online and Peterson’s offer free or low-cost practice tests that mimic the OAR’s mechanical section.
- Review basic physics: Don’t overthink it. Focus on simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears), force, and motion. A high school physics textbook or even Khan Academy videos can be a great refresher.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards for formulas and concepts like mechanical advantage, work, and power. Repetition helps.
- Time yourself: The OAR is timed, so get comfortable with answering quickly. Practice under test-like conditions.
Another tip: don’t neglect the other sections. The OAR score is a composite, so you need to do well on all parts. But if mechanical is your weak spot, give it extra attention.
Final Thoughts on Preparing for the OAR
Preparing for the OAR is a crucial step on your Navy OCS journey. The mechanical comprehension section can be intimidating, but with the right Navy OCS Journey resources, you can walk in confident. Remember, the OAR is just one part of the application, but a good score can open doors. Use every tool you can find, from those Google Drive links to online practice tests, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the community for help. We’ve all been there, and most of us are happy to share what we’ve learned.
You’ve got this. Take the time to study, stay disciplined, and you’ll be one step closer to earning that commission. Fair winds and following seas.
