Update on my situation:
About 3 weeks after my recruiter submitted my full package, I received my reappointment letter from PERS-911 (last week). Good news! I quickly found an officer to perform my oath to get my clock started again. I'm sure it did not hurt that I reached out to former shipmates that stayed in the Navy, now active and reserve O-6 types, to write letters of recommendation for me which were included in my package. Bonus news: it appears I'm eligible for a $10K sign on bonus available for "critical skill" designators - we'll see.
While I'm waiting for official orders to check in, I'm using that network to get the gouge on open billets, find people at the commands where I want to work, and ask for help in navigating my way to that ideal billet.
Good luck to anyone thinking of doing the same! Like Flash said, chances of being accepted if you don't apply are 0%.
About 3 weeks after my recruiter submitted my full package, I received my reappointment letter from PERS-911 (last week). Good news! I quickly found an officer to perform my oath to get my clock started again. I'm sure it did not hurt that I reached out to former shipmates that stayed in the Navy, now active and reserve O-6 types, to write letters of recommendation for me which were included in my package. Bonus news: it appears I'm eligible for a $10K sign on bonus available for "critical skill" designators - we'll see.
While I'm waiting for official orders to check in, I'm using that network to get the gouge on open billets, find people at the commands where I want to work, and ask for help in navigating my way to that ideal billet.
Good luck to anyone thinking of doing the same! Like Flash said, chances of being accepted if you don't apply are 0%.