Advice on Strengthening OCS Package (resubmission)

[scott80109]

-26 year old male
-3.0 gpa, sociology degree from a top-20 private school. Graduated in 3.5 years.
-Applied spring 2014, for pilot/nfo/swo. Was not selected. Was told I didn't get SWO due to seat ability. Had 46 OAR, 5's and 4's on old version of ASTB.
-Retook last fall with 48 OAR. NRD hasn't released my aviation scores for whatever reason.
-Work experience: several sales jobs and a recent internship. Currently searching for a job to hold me over while I wait on boards.
-Re-applying for SWO-IW, SWO, Supply, SWO-IP, and NFO.
-Re-worked motivational statement to make it sound less generic and more genuine.
-Eagle Scout and Honor Medal for lifesaving
-TKD Black Belt
-Some volunteer work, like special olympics coach, etc
-LOR's: Former USMC Captain, Current USNA BGO and CAPT, Retired USN Commander. Military family. Brother is a USMC O-4, grandfather did 20 years and was a mustang.


CONS/Red Flags: Handwritten statements on each of these
-Wrongfully charged with DUI on a holiday weekend. BAC was low enough (about .03) for an immediate dismissal. Also petitioned the court to seal the records. However, I still had to list on SF-86 per processor. When I first applied the processor also erroneously listed that the charge was 'pending' which alarmed me, but I was told it was a non-issue by recruiter.
-Also received a ticket for 'creating a public disturbance' with a $100 fine. This is an infraction, and not even a misdemeanor. I didn't fight the ticket because I was told by the cop it was not a severe offense and I should just pay it. This was a huge mistake on my part.
-Also, was fired from a call center cubicle job. No idea why. They said they can fire you for any reason and left it at that.

I realize my ASTB score and GPA are mediocore. I'm not going to sit here and make up excuses. I've taken the ASTB three times. Despite studying my butt off, I only boosted up a measly 2 points. Cannot retake this test.

I have been working on Navy OCS for 1.5 years. My NRD only can resubmit a maximum of three times. Was told point blank by my district's master chief that I'm "not an ideal candidate." My record is not perfect, neither are my academics. I'm still going to reapply. He thinks I should enlist and is pushing me to become a NUC (95 on ASVAB). Not my first choice.

Question:I can't fix a lot of these things listed at the beginning of this post. How can I become stronger? Just more education/work/volunteering? I want OCS BADLY, and I've been working incredibly hard for a very, very, long time. How can I offset the less desirable assets of my upcoming application?

 

[exNavyOffRec]

you are not competitive for SWO-IP, SWO-IW, or Supply, your best shot is probably NFO when it opens back up again if you have good ASTB scores, in addition SWO-IP, SWO-IW, and Supply generally only pick people that put then #1 sometimes #2, SWO won't look at you if you don't put them #1 or #2.

except for the firing, the USN looks at the law violations as putting yourself in a situation that is not ideal, if you do the same thing in the USN lots of people get called, you are very lucky on the DUI since many states not only have DUI but DWI (driving while impaired) and that is something you just need to be above .00 to get hit with, I have seen civilians get convicted of that under a .08 and military get fined by the military for under .08

sealing the records doesn't matter for the US Gov't, sealed or not they see it.

I would tell you to put SWO then NFO and see what happens, you can put the others but you would pretty much just be board fodder.

when do you turn 27? that may affect your ability to apply for NFO

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

There's no max amount of submissions for officer kits, you might have that confused with the ASTB system.

Your preferences are all over the place: either you, your recruiter, or both didn't bother doing the homework to see what programs would be a good fit. Based off your GPA, Major, and OAR/ASTB score you don't fit the bill for SWO IP/IW, Supply, and NFO. If you can find out with your aviation scores are, perhaps you might have a shot for NFO, but of course being that you're 26 and possibly close to 27 you might risk aging out.

With that being said, SWO might be your best shot. Nowhere on AirWarriors do I mention that SWO is "closed", only that if you get selected for SWO you'll be shipping out around the late summer/fall time frame.

 

[scott80109]

Thanks for the replies! While it still looks bad, I was lucky that the DUI was dismissed. I also live in a state where you can get a DWAI at .05 BAC. I was told by my recruiter that I can only apply through my district a maximum of three times. I have taken the ASTB the maximum of three times. I was also told that supply corp needs to be in the top 3 preferences. They told me that SWO-IW and SWO don't matter in terms of preference, but based on this, I think I should put SWO as #1. I turn 27 in October, so cutting it close there. To resubmit, they told me I need additional work experience and/or a significant ASTB boost.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

There's no max amount of submissions for officer kits, you might have that confused with the ASTB system.

Your preferences are all over the place: either you, your recruiter, or both didn't bother doing the homework to see what programs would be a good fit. Based off your GPA, Major, and OAR/ASTB score you don't fit the bill for SWO IP/IW, Supply, and NFO. If you can find out with your aviation scores are, perhaps you might have a shot for NFO, but of course being that you're 26 and possibly close to 27 you might risk aging out.

With that being said, SWO might be your best shot. Nowhere on AirWarriors do I mention that SWO is "closed", only that if you get selected for SWO you'll be shipping out around the late summer/fall time frame.

I wonder if that NRD's policy is 3 and done, maybe after they they do a field reject board?

 

[scott80109]

I wonder if that NRD's policy is 3 and done, maybe after they they do a field reject board?

Yeah, for the past 6 months it has been a huge ordeal resubmitting through them. I had to go back and get new LOR's, and I have to follow up with the NRD frequently. I also used the wrong hue of blue ink on my paperwork, so I'll be sure to remember that for this board

 

[scott80109]

you are not competitive for SWO-IP, SWO-IW, or Supply, your best shot is probably NFO when it opens back up again if you have good ASTB scores, in addition SWO-IP, SWO-IW, and Supply generally only pick people that put then #1 sometimes #2, SWO won't look at you if you don't put them #1 or #2.

Wanted to give an update.

I was rejected for both SWO and NFO. My recruiter advised me to still put in for SWO-IP, SWO-IW, and Supply. Those are still pending.

This was my second time applying, and I'm not going to give up. How can I strengthen my package and reapply? My recruiter advised me to obtain a letter of recommendation from a SWO Admiral. I do not know any, but I'm trying to join the SWO equivalent of AW and network there. I just got a new job, so I will be working full time if I'm able to reapply. Will also seek out community service opportunities. Are there other designators I should consider?

I've taken the ASTB 3x. I'm stuck with the 48. I did score a 95 on the ASVAB and qualified for NUC, but I would prefer to be an officer. What are your thoughts on enlisting at 26 with a degree?

I really appreciate your help. This site has been incredibly useful.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Wanted to give an update.

I was rejected for both SWO and NFO. My recruiter advised me to still put in for SWO-IP, SWO-IW, and Supply. Those are still pending.

This was my second time applying, and I'm not going to give up. How can I strengthen my package and reapply? My recruiter advised me to obtain a letter of recommendation from a SWO Admiral. I do not know any, but I'm trying to join the SWO equivalent of AW and network there. I just got a new job, so I will be working full time if I'm able to reapply. Will also seek out community service opportunities. Are there other designators I should consider?

I've taken the ASTB 3x. I'm stuck with the 48. I did score a 95 on the ASVAB and qualified for NUC, but I would prefer to be an officer. What are your thoughts on enlisting at 26 with a degree?

I really appreciate your help. This site has been incredibly useful.

If you were turned down for SWO and NFO you realistically have no chance at SWO-IP, SWO-IW or Supply, those have much lower selection rates

 

[scott80109]

If you were turned down for SWO and NFO you realistically have no chance at SWO-IP, SWO-IW or Supply, those have much lower selection rates

Are there other positions I should apply for? What do you recommend I do?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Besides SWO there isn't really anything else that fits. If your overall goal is to be a part of the Navy, then yes I would encourage the enlisted route.

The DUI and average GPA and OAR score are what dragging your chances of selection for SWO.

 

[scott80109]

I don't see their logic in penalizing me for a DUI when I was innocent. I was pulled over on a holiday weekend during police saturation for a defective tail-light and accused of something I didn't do. The case was dismissed without any lawyers, pre-trial intervention, etc. People can infer what they want, but the bottom line is I was under the influence of nothing.

What else should I do to bolster my chances? The OAR and GPA are done. Outside of taking community college courses, there is nothing else I can do about my prior academic performances. I was advised to seek out community service, which I will also do.