OCS 11AUG25 IWC BOARD // Nerd Thunderdome 2025

[CoveMikohRemy]

Not sure how many folks were tracking the new Intel Program Authorization that was signed last Friday, but to my layman’s eyes it looks like there’s been quite a few changes. The most notable revisions I think I found (just from what I can remember of the last version) are an applicant age cap at 35 (at date of commissioning), (new?) I-SEL criteria, and a wholesale nuking of waivers (the section for which just reads “Not Applicable” now).

Don’t shoot the messenger (definitely a layman here when it comes to PA jargon, so there’s likely more to the revisions that I just don’t know). I’ve already reached out to my recruiter to see if he’s tracking more info – I just figured I’d give folks a heads up if they wanted to do the same.

So if I applied back in January with an OAR waiver ( that was approved back in January ) and I am now 36 years old am I ineligible for the August 11th board, since a new program authorization came out this last week after the packages were due stating you have to be 35 and no OAR waivers? I have not got any response or confirmation about this, and nothing in my BOL.

 

[WhiteShiningTin]

Not sure how many folks were tracking the new Intel Program Authorization that was signed last Friday, but to my layman’s eyes it looks like there’s been quite a few changes. The most notable revisions I think I found (just from what I can remember of the last version) are an applicant age cap at 35 (at date of commissioning), (new?) I-SEL criteria, and a wholesale nuking of waivers (the section for which just reads “Not Applicable” now).

Don’t shoot the messenger (definitely a layman here when it comes to PA jargon, so there’s likely more to the revisions that I just don’t know). I’ve already reached out to my recruiter to see if he’s tracking more info – I just figured I’d give folks a heads up if they wanted to do the same.

Wow I just hope this age cap stuff does not trickle down on other IWC designators as well.

 

[Gandalf_Actual]

...am I ineligible for the August 11th board, since a new program authorization came out this last week after the packages were due...

It sounds like the changes caught a lot of folks in the recruiting community by surprise (just my impression from conversing with my recruiter) – not least because the new PA dropped the day street applicant submissions were due for the 11 August board and flew under a lot of folks’ radars. I can only imagine it feels more jarring for fleet applicants who had to get their packets submitted two weeks before the new PA was even signed. Unfortunately, from what I’ve been able to gather, PAs are effective from the date they’re signed unless otherwise stipulated or superseded, and I wouldn't be surprised if the board convening in August has to follow the guidance of the PA "in effect" (again though, I stress I'm just a layman on the internet, so my "figuring" is about as informative as a fortune cookie). If other folks manage to get more clarification from their recruiters, feel free to (responsibly) drop the scuttlebutt in the thread!

For applicants out there with RE-Code waivers though (if you stumble across this), my recruiter did mention that those aren’t an issue under the new guidance, but likely take you out of the running for the new I-SEL criteria even if you’re otherwise eligible.

 

[CoveMikohRemy]

It sounds like the changes caught a lot of folks in the recruiting community by surprise (just my impression from conversing with my recruiter) – not least because the new PA dropped the day street applicant submissions were due for the 11 August board and flew under a lot of folks’ radars. I can only imagine it feels more jarring for fleet applicants who had to get their packets submitted two weeks before the new PA was even signed. Unfortunately, from what I’ve been able to gather, PAs are effective from the date they’re signed unless otherwise stipulated or superseded, and I wouldn't be surprised if the board convening in August has to follow the guidance of the PA "in effect" (again though, I stress I'm just a layman on the internet, so my "figuring" is about as informative as a fortune cookie). If other folks manage to get more clarification from their recruiters, feel free to (responsibly) drop the scuttlebutt in the thread!

For applicants out there with RE-Code waivers though (if you stumble across this), my recruiter did mention that those aren’t an issue under the new guidance, but likely take you out of the running for the new I-SEL criteria even if you’re otherwise eligible.

December board was canceled for active duty 1830 and then the May board was pushed to August, now this new Program authorization has made me ineligible even though our packages were due June 27th and the program authorization came out July 12th. Hopefully I get grandfathered in with the old program authorization so my last year of putting my package in was not just wasted time and effort due to them changing the rules right before the board convenes...

 

[exNavyOffRec]

So if I applied back in January with an OAR waiver ( that was approved back in January ) and I am now 36 years old am I ineligible for the August 11th board, since a new program authorization came out this last week after the packages were due stating you have to be 35 and no OAR waivers? I have not got any response or confirmation about this, and nothing in my BOL.

It sounds like the changes caught a lot of folks in the recruiting community by surprise (just my impression from conversing with my recruiter) – not least because the new PA dropped the day street applicant submissions were due for the 11 August board and flew under a lot of folks’ radars. I can only imagine it feels more jarring for fleet applicants who had to get their packets submitted two weeks before the new PA was even signed. Unfortunately, from what I’ve been able to gather, PAs are effective from the date they’re signed unless otherwise stipulated or superseded, and I wouldn't be surprised if the board convening in August has to follow the guidance of the PA "in effect" (again though, I stress I'm just a layman on the internet, so my "figuring" is about as informative as a fortune cookie). If other folks manage to get more clarification from their recruiters, feel free to (responsibly) drop the scuttlebutt in the thread!

For applicants out there with RE-Code waivers though (if you stumble across this), my recruiter did mention that those aren’t an issue under the new guidance, but likely take you out of the running for the new I-SEL criteria even if you’re otherwise eligible.

Yes the PA is effective the day it is signed.

In the past anyone that submitted under the old PA would still go to board as once submitted it is out of your hands. I never say them remove people from a board based on a new PA.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Wow I just hope this age cap stuff does not trickle down on other IWC designators as well.

You never know, several years ago many designators had lower age limits and waivers were essentially a purple unicorn, you could try but you probably weren't getting one.

 

[WhiteShiningTin]

You never know, several years ago many designators had lower age limits and waivers were essentially a purple unicorn, you could try but you probably weren't getting one.

Yeah, as you said above - “it’s out of your hands.”

I am aware my stats aren’t the most ideal for OCS but the best I can do is to finish the paperwork my OR asks me to submit and improve my package to my best ability.

 

[Gandalf_Actual]

In the past anyone that submitted under the old PA would still go to board as once submitted it is out of your hands…

That’s a major relief - fingers crossed this board keeps running things that way! Had a feeling you or FormerRecruitingGuru would know the deep PA lore. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[CoveMikohRemy]

Yes the PA is effective the day it is signed.

In the past anyone that submitted under the old PA would still go to board as once submitted it is out of your hands. I never say them remove people from a board based on a new PA.

I am confused, so its effective for this August 11th board, but you also said that they don't remove people from this upcoming board. So essentially I am in it this board but this will be my last try

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I am confused, so its effective for this August 11th board, but you also said that they don't remove people from this upcoming board. So essentially I am in it this board but this will be my last try

What they have done in the past is if you submitted prior to the new PA being released you would go to board under the old PA but yes this would be your last try.