I need some guidance on OCS

[alex5clay]

I am a 22 year old college graduate that has recently made the decision to serve in the armed forces. I have spent the last year in what I thought would be my career as a banker. I love my job, but I feel that it's time to serve.

My questions / concerns are that I really have no guidance in my life in terms of people to answer my questions about the military. From my internet research, the Navy OCS has sparked a LOT of interest in me.

- Where do I start?
- I assume I would be required to serve a 4 year term. I don't want to sound like a slapdick here, but at this time, I feel that this is all I will serve. Is this frowned upon?
- I see that after OCS, you are installed into a greater role. Where do I learn more about each of those roles? Any suggestions?
- Is there a certain recruiter I need to speak to or can I just visit the enlistment office.

Guys this is all new to me and my interest level is very high at this time.

Your responses will be greatly appreciated and please feel free to add ALL advice!

 

[Thisguy]

- Where do I start?
- I assume I would be required to serve a 4 year term. I don't want to sound like a slapdick here, but at this time, I feel that this is all I will serve. Is this frowned upon?
- I see that after OCS, you are installed into a greater role. Where do I learn more about each of those roles? Any suggestions?
- Is there a certain recruiter I need to speak to or can I just visit the enlistment office.

First thing, find an OFFICER recruiter that can inform you of the different officer programs. If the term "ASVAB" comes up, run like hell.

It is not frowned upon to only serve 4-years and then move on, as long as you serve with honor and give everything you have while you're in the service. Don't be the guy that develops the "I don't give a shit" attitude because he's getting out. It's not fair to your subordinates or your fellow JOs.

Hope this helps.

 

[tomcatfan]

First thing, find an OFFICER recruiter that can inform you of the different officer programs. If the term "ASVAB" comes up, run like hell.

.

agreed. do a search, there is lots of information on here that can help, this is mainly an aviation forum but there is information for other designators. glad you decided that you want to serve, I myself am waiting for this months boards. just know, from what i experienced and what my recruiter told me, the process from start to boards is roughly 2 months, and most of it is up to you. good luck to you

 

[mtsupilot09]

Agree with the two responses. Go see an officer recruiter. There may be one in Lubbock, where you are, or possibly in a larger city somewhere nearby. Like they said, "ASVAB" = run man. Unless you want to enlist, which maybe you do. But being 25 and with great work experience, go officer. You never know until you apply. You will find TONS of great info on AW. Look around, read up on previous posts and find out where your closest officer recruiter is. Best of luck to you my friend, you will find this site very useful in finding out more about being a Navy/Marine Officer.

 

[srqwho]

OCS, and the process of applying can be a long and arduous. Like everybody else said, see an OFFICER recruiter, not an enlisted recruiter. They can answer all you questions about the types of "jobs" you can apply for. OCS is just the starting point... and everybody after OCS goes to a "school" where they learn the job they were selected (and signed) for. Normally, Officer jobs have a longer commitment than enlisted jobs. For example, pilots have an 8 year commitment AFTER getting winged, which takes around 2 years. NFOs I believe serve 6 years after wings. This site has been the single biggest help getting my questions answered. So cruise around and search for topics you have questions about, and I can almost guarantee you that most the questions you have already have been answered here. Also, I would assume that you are most interested in being a Navy Officer... and this is why you asked these questions in a Naval aviation forum. We don't talk much about the other branches here so best to keep whatever questions you have relevant to Navy officer jobs.

 

[TurnandBurn55]

There's nothing wrong with only wanting to serve 4 years, but I wouldn't advertise that fact to anyone from the get-go. If you don't know what an IA is, you'll learn in a hurry.

 

[skim]

and everybody after OCS goes to a "school" where they learn the job they were selected (and signed) for.

Unless you want to be a SWO. For the most part, we learn on the job. We do get a 3 week SWOS (surface warfare officer school) Intro course. It is pretty much a review of all the classes we took at OCS but we are awake. I do hear they are bringing SWOS back for all new Ensigns.

 

[jorgelito]

Unless you want to be a SWO. For the most part, we learn on the job. We do get a 3 week SWOS (surface warfare officer school) Intro course. It is pretty much a review of all the classes we took at OCS but we are awake. I do hear they are bringing SWOS back for all new Ensigns.

Would this be for all designators or just SWO? If so, would this be in addition to your designator's follow on school?

 

[Thisguy]

Would this be for all designators or just SWO? If so, would this be in addition to your designator's follow on school?

Just for SWOs. No need to send a non-SWO to SWOS.

 

[Tom]

Surface Warfare Officer School. If there is any confusion reread the first sentence.

 

[irontri]

We do get a 3 week SWOS (surface warfare officer school) Intro course.

I do hear they are bringing SWOS back for all new Ensigns.

That was what was confusing to me too. I had the same question. No worries either way.

 

[jt71582]

Just for the record, I vote for ;

 

[skim]

For now, only a SWO who graduated from OCS goes to the 3 week intro course in Newport since it is across the street from OCS. ROTC and Academy grads don't go. From what I heard through the grapevine is that in august, ALL new SWO Ensigns regardless of their commissioning source will go to a SWOS program in either San Diego or Norfolk. If you want to be in Intel, Supply, Civil Engineer, SNA, NFO etc. you go to a school after graduation. Hope that clears up what I meant.

 

[ACowboyinTexas]

God bless your decision to serve. 4 years or 40, service to your country and countrymen is laudable.
I concur that you need to find an officer recruiter. Don't let a local enlisted recruiter tell you he can handle your package - unless as mentioned, you don't mind enlisting or possibly missing your opportunity to enter as an Officer. Not sure about Lubbock, but 20 years ago Wichita Falls didn't have an officer recruiter and I had to go to Dallas to talk with one. That was the most rewarding two-hour drive I ever made. Good luck.

 

[Oh-58Ddriver]

I concur with Cowboy, your decision to serve is admirable, even if you choose to stay in for 4 years. It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I would recommend not making the decision on how long you will stay in until you get in and see what its all about. Lots of lifers came in to serve just one tour. I came in to do the 5 and dive - 11 years later I'm still here.

Do think about what you want to do once you are in. From the civilian side, its easy to just think about being in the service or not being in the service, but there are so many different job and training opportunities, you really want to try to set yourself up for success. Especially if you are looking at getting out, think about what you want to do on the other side, and what training you can get in the military to assist you in that. Do you want to stay with banking? Think about finance (Army has that, not sure if the Navy does). Want to do logistics? Think about supply. The day to day life of officers varies greatly, make sure you talk to enough people to know which route you want to go.

If you have any questions about the Army, feel free to PM me. I'll defer to the experts here for your Navy questions.