Pro-rec Y
6 year CTM1, top qualified in my rate with some out of rate SIGINT themed qualifications.
3.5 undergrad GPA in Psychology
3.9 Masters GPA in strategic intelligence at the National Intelligence University (which many of my peers are discouraged from attending)
56 OAR
Operational challenges prevented my packages making board for three years. This was my first look.
My LORs were two 1830 O6s and an Army O4 classmate while at NIU.
Appraisals two LCDR and one LT. All three of my appraisals were from prior enlisted who could write to that fact, and my appraisals were hours long interviews with detailed questions about current events, the structure of the community, and Sailorization.
I advanced through the enlisted ranks quickly in my career, and have the corresponding P and MP evals. However, I top qualified, achieved every warfare device available, and am a stakeholder in PQS reviews for my community.
While I was fortuitous to pick up on my first look, that is atypical. If you're frustrated, find a way to bolster your resume in terms of leadership. If you're passionate about intelligence, pursue commissions in other branches. My fellow enlisted, Direct Commission Intelligence Officer and Cyber Officer are excellent programs in the Coast guard.
Don't be discouraged, keep pushing, keep setting the tone for your Sailors. Hooyah.
Edit: One thing I ran into frequently was the idea that we have time. As of now every IW designator besides 1830 has a 4 year time in service requirement waiverable to 6 years. I had a SEL more or less hold my package hostage mistakenly believing I had time. I aged out of 1810 the cycle that happened. Read the community information and route it with your packages. Don't let someone's misinformed idea prevent you from attaining your dream.