How to take OSO's advice...

[EA-6B1]

The OSO is a recruiter for Officers, so they will tell you what they want you to hear. In otherwords, they lie just like an Enlisted recruiter.

AARider posted this, and I started wondering how true things are that I'm being told. I've been told by my OSO to delay my graduation date (I'm a Junior) so I can go to PLC Jrs & Srs because it's easier to get in that way. All the air slots are taken for PLC jrs this summer, so my OSO said that I'd be able to apply as ground and then after I get back from my first six week stint (jrs) get PRK if I wanted, wait out the waiver time, and do a component change over to Air (SNA or SNFO). I'm not questioning the authority of the OSO at all, but I would like to hear from you guys that have gone through the application stage. I want to know if OSO's shoot you straight on most stuff? I want to make sure that my plans work out the way I intend. Thanks to anyone who replies.

 

[Jagraboz]

If my OSO was just telling me what I want to hear, then I would still be pursuing a contract and a slot. But as it stands, without laser surgery, I am not qualified according to USN regulations, for any slot, Ground or Air. My OSO has told me this, and basically its, "Thanks, but no thanks," for the time being, at least until I can afford some PRK. If my OSO were just looking to fill quotas, perhaps he would be trying to push waivers in with my package, I don't know. In the beginning, it wasn't "Sign on the line" but "We'll see if you're good enough to be one of us." The point is that I know how recruiters (enlisted especially) can be, and I don't think OSOs have (or need to have) that same mentality.

EA, the one concern I see in what you said is about the component change. There's been a lot of debate on here about how easy or hard it is to get. Just make sure you're happy with the possibility of being a Ground officer. Other than that, your plan sounds solid, as long as you don't mind delaying graduation. PLC is supposedly less competitive than OCC, due to its creating officers in future fiscal years when who knows how competitive the program will be, versus OCC creating officers now. We all know how competitive it is now. Ask your OSO if he or she knows of any other candidate who's done what you are contemplating (delay graduation, etc) and how successful they were.

I can only speak from my experience in dealing with my OSO, and I trusted what he said. Ask yourself if you can do the same.

 

[EA-6B1]

Thanks for your input, Jagraboz. I have asked my OSO about the component change, and he said that he has done quite a few this semester.I know E5B, member on here, changed from ground - air. He's been a great help since I started asking all the questions. I just need to have a good ASTB score when it's my turn around for the component change. I ultimately want to be an officer of Marines, but I'm not going to spit it and say I don't want to fly either. I know what my options are, and I know how I can attain my goal. But yea, I would be happy with a slot as a ground officer. The experience would be undescribable no matter which route I would go. Best of luck to all. God Bless.

 

[Jagraboz]

Originally posted by EA-6B1
I ultimately want to be an officer of Marines, but I'm not going to spit it and say I don't want to fly either. I know what my options are, and I know how I can attain my goal. But yea, I would be happy with a slot as a ground officer. The experience would be undescribable no matter which route I would go.

That's the right attitude, in my opinion. Good luck to you.

 

[riley]

My OSO has been really helpful - he even took the time to talk with my wife when I contracted - told her the straight stuff - no blowing sunshine...

As far as I can tell, he's been completely honest and open the entire time.

 

[wildflyin69]

Yeah, I've had nothing but good things to say about the guys in my recruiter office. Those guys seem to have been nothing but up front with me.

 

[slasher]

Ditto to what everyone else here has said. Everyone in my Office has been fantastic. I have no reason to doubt that your OSO would be anything other than honest with you. Some recruiters may take "liberties" with the truth (prior Navy here, so I've seen some of it), but Marines don't bull**** a whole lot-particularly OSO's. Look how competitive it is to get in, they have no problem filling quotas and don't need to lie to you to fill a slot.

It apparently is much easier to get in the PLC route, so I'd say that's a better idea than applying for OCC. And btw, one's life never works out how one envisions so keep that in mind, it'll save you a lot of grief! Not being negative here, just pragmatic.

 

[Sins]

Originally posted by wildflyin69
Yeah, I've had nothing but good things to say about the guys in my recruiter office. Those guys seem to have been nothing but up front with me.

Couldn't of said it better myself.

 

[DBLang]

My OSO and his staff have all been great and nothing but helpful.

 

[jfk]

always listen and consider to what your oso has to say.
however, as with anything else, its always good to get a second opinion...

 

[reapergm]

I am not going to put down my OSO or assistant. But I have often heard conflicting statements from various OSOs regarding slots, availability and the way things are. I dont believe that OSOs are a sneaky as recruiters, I dont think they are trying to b.s. you to try and fill a slot, because there is just way to much competition. I would think that if they are trying to tell you something, it might just be an opinion. If that is what you think is the case, do some research. I did when it came to PRK and aviation slots. I kept hearing one thing after the other! I can say this... listen to your OSO, let him work for you, but also do your part and find out as much as you can as well. Talk to other OSOs, talk to Marine Officers, and talk to Naval command. They will all inform you. Then you will just have to make the best decision in your mind! Good luck!