I'm a bit confused right now with my processes, and would appreciate some insight on this dual processing matter.
I've been processing for both Army OCS and Navy OCS. I read from multiple sources online suggesting that it is definitely possible to process multiple branches at the same time. I did not mention this to either of my recruiters as I did not foresee any problems arising until I had to make a decision at the end of the process.
My packets are currently complete for both branches, and I have completed my local interview for the Army and received recommendation for commission. I am waiting to hear back from Army Recruiting HQ on Dec 20 for the final recommendation. As for Navy, I unfortunately missed the Dec 2019 board for my community and am waiting for the board to convene in March 2020.
I got a call from my Army recruiter out of the blue recently, asking if I had ever processed for the Navy. Without much detail, I said "yes." He continued to explain that someone from MEPS called him and said Navy "spiffed" my physical record recently and to check whether I am still processing for Army OCS. I told my Army recruiter that I am still willing to continue with my process.
He calls me back a few hours later and asked me if I had done fingerprinting at MEPS for the Navy on Nov XX (a few weeks ago). I was slightly taken aback, as it was clear he had done some investigating, but answered "yes." He immediately showed his displeasure and said he doesn't want to continue putting in time and effort if I'm not 100% committed. I asked him if it was not possible to process with multiple branches at the same time, and he said it is not possible because only the branch that begins your process and submits the packet has access to records at MEPS.
Based on the information that I've seen/heard (also from Air Warriors posts), it seemed like I wasn't the only person processing multiple branches. I told him that I was confused because I'm getting different information from different sources. He said that's the information he knows and it's always been so. My Army recruiter said he needs an answer from me in 2 days (whether I'm going to process with Army or not) so that he can push me through to the final board.
I spoke to my Navy recruiter and explained the situation, and she told me that she's had applicants in the past that process with her and a different branch without problems. She seemed confused by what my Army recruiter was claiming. As far as Navy is concerned, my packet has already been submitted early to the processing station and has been reviewed once without any negative comments/feedback. My Navy recruiter let me know that there aren't any obstacle/problems standing in my way for the March 2020 board.
I was hoping to continue processing for both without jeopardizing my chances in either, until I hear a final decision from one or both of the branches. But it seems like I'm going to have to make a decision sooner than originally anticipated. Any info or suggestions on this matter would be greatly appreciated!