Between OCS and TBS

[candidate2010]

Hey all, please point me in the right direction if this has been discussed recently but I was having no luck searching the topic.

My situation is that I will be commissioning after Seniors this summer (August) and probably won't go to TBS until March/April according to my OSO. I'm located at Pax River NAS and I'm curious if it is at all possible to TAD at TPS (or another squadron at PAX) like the Naval Academy guys do. My friend that works at TPS says there are usually Ensigns there that are lackys but that would be fine with me- I'm tired of being a contractor! I've been told that the only TAD you can do is at an OSO for 1-2 months before your TBS report date. Anyone have any gouge on this? I appreciate any help.

 

[dtxz]

You can do a PTAD assignment with anyone if your OSO permits. However, don't expect to be paid unless the unit has extra money in their budget for PTAD (haha..). It's an informal process from my experience: get the 'OK' from your OSO, talk to your buddies doing PTAD with a unit about open slots, try to get a point of contact (O-3 or less), and arrange to talk with the officer that can bring you on for a PTAD assignment.

If the unit is willing to take you, the officer with whom you spoke will most likely invite you to check out the base/hangar/etc in order to get eyes on your professionalism (like any other job interview). Show up in Charlies (unless otherwise specified) and, most importantly, don't act like a candidate.

Hope that helps.

 

[candidate2010]

...don't act like a candidate.

Hope that helps.

Haha! Your candidate comment made me laugh. Thanks for the advice and yes it definitely helped. I do have a few contacts on base so hopefully I can get something worked out. I would prefer paid since my job is my livelihood at the moment but I may be able to work something out. Thanks for the reply. Any other comments are appreciated.

 

[b0pric01]

I know a couple new Lieutenants that just got jobs until they leave for TBS. I have been trying to get a job for a while now but nobody will hire me based on my situation. My wife and the USAA career starter loan have been supporting me until commissioning and until I get a TBS date. Good luck, hope you get some PTAD.