OCS Application Questions

[j2009]

I have a question about the letters of recommendation. There's no reference to it in OPNAVINST 4120.1A, except for CO endorsement. What gives? Are LOR no longer required? Who should those who write my recommendations address the letter to? (i.e. To Whom It May Concern; OCS Application Board).

For pilot applicants: The application requires that I select 3 warfare communities. Would it be bad to select Aviation in all 3 blocks? I've heard yes (to show determination) and no (lack of versatility).
One last question. The application states to list any FAA pilot certification. Would having a FAA license be helpful? It seems that it would, though I've been specifically told not to get a FAA license, because the navy does not want to deal with breaking bad habits and retraining basic skills.

 

[Kickflip89]

For pilot applicants: The application requires that I select 3 warfare communities. Would it be bad to select Aviation in all 3 blocks? I've heard yes (to show determination) and no (lack of versatility).
One last question.

This is an important question, and it gets asked a lot. First of all, you are NOT required to fill in three warfare communities. You can put only one choice, or as many as three.

The absolute best thing you can do is this: Do not put down a warfare community unless you are prepared to accept a slot in it. Will putting down only pilot hurt your application? Maybe a litte, but I guarantee you putting some other stuff down and then not accepting a slot because you want to re-apply will hurt it more...you've effectively wasted the board's time, AND kept someone else from getting a slot they wanted.

As far as FAA stuff is concerned, a recent poll showed about half of the SNA final selects have absolutely no flight time. Obviously, any experience in the field you are applying for is a plus, but a lot of people get picked up without any licenses or even prior flight time (me included).

 

[Tom]

I have a question about the letters of recommendation. There's no reference to it in OPNAVINST 4120.1A, except for CO endorsement. What gives? Are LOR no longer required? Who should those who write my recommendations address the letter to? (i.e. To Whom It May Concern; OCS Application Board).

For pilot applicants: The application requires that I select 3 warfare communities. Would it be bad to select Aviation in all 3 blocks? I've heard yes (to show determination) and no (lack of versatility).
One last question. The application states to list any FAA pilot certification. Would having a FAA license be helpful? It seems that it would, though I've been specifically told not to get a FAA license, because the navy does not want to deal with breaking bad habits and retraining basic skills.

My LOR's were addressed to The Board or Whom It May Concern. I think LOR's are stilled required, but make sure to ask your recruiter.

 

[WishICouldFly]

You need a total of three references. This can be a combination of both Work References, which your NRD will take care of by sending notices directly to the current and former employers you list on your application, and LORs that you request personally.
My recruiter suggested that I secure at least two LORs, because employers sometimes do not or cannot complete the references, or they aren't as desirable as you'd like them to be.

 

[kevoGTO]

LOR's are a big deal, regardless of what anyone tells you. Think of it like this - although every should (presumably) have glowing things written about them in their LOR's, it is the only real concrete piece of evidence about you and your character that isn't provided by you or your recruiter.

ALWAYS exceed the requirements. I sent 5 LOR's in, only because the 6th didnt make it in time for the boards. Also, seeking more than neccesary insures that you will meet the minimums, even if 1-2 of the LORs are late or get lost, etc. These things really can help you, especially if it's former military personnel or politicians. Send a handful.

Lastly, about flight time...it's definitely not neccesary. I got picked up with 21 hours, no license or ratings. Worry about the things you can change in the short term (ASTB, LOR's, Personal Statement), and try not to sweat the things that can't be fixed overnight (GPA, flight time, experience).

Best of luck.

 

[FelixTheGreat]

My recuriter told me to address my LOR's to him since he was the one handling my package. I was told to get different references that attest to different ablities(academic, employment, etc.)

 

[cdrsniper]

jmeehan,

LOR's are a huge deal to the board. the trick is, if you are military, get 05 and above rec's if possible. There is no format that needs to be followed, but I used the same format as the CO's rec letter. Of course, common courtesy is write it yourself and submit it to the person you want to have recommend you, and they will be more inclined to pro rec you. Also, if you are getting out in town ltr's make sure it is on ltr head paper.

 

[Brett327]

Since he's already active duty, I doubt if he's dealing with a recruiter.

Brett