Looking for advice

[CTFly1]

Hey everybody,

I have a little bit of a problem with how to go about applying for OCS. I will have my degree on 25 August and my package is close to being finished right now. I will be able to submit almost immediately after my graduation date. Now... here's my problem. If I were to list the designators that I'm really interested in, it would be (in order): SNA, SNFO, IW, INTEL. My problem is this, the only board that is left this fiscal year for any of those is the IDC board in October, but that board may be pushed forward and I may miss the application deadline. So what I'm trying to decide is if the schedule change takes place and I can't make SNA or IDC boards this year, should I include SWO on my designator list? Or should I wait for next FY and hope that there are boards going on? I feel like I have a strong package for any of the programs I'm applying for. I would like to wait for an SNA/IDC board, but my number one priority is being a Naval Officer. I'm worried that if I wait, there may not be boards next year etc. etc. Any thoughts and/or opinions on the situation? I appreciate it.

 

[Tiffany Murphy]

I graduate on August 25th as well and I submitted my packet for the July board. I would try to get your packet moving now and submit and you won't miss the deadline if it is moved up or you can wait until you find out when the boards convene for the designators you really want. However, it looks like some of your designated choices will have a board in September with an August 23rd Application Due Date.
Here is the schedule of the boards
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/publications/NOTICES/FY13 BOARDSKED By Community - Encl 4 - 17Oct13 Rev.pdf

 

[CTFly1]

Thanks Tiffany. You were able to submit your application prior to officially completing your degree?

 

[NavySquid26]

Hey there CTI1....prior AT2 here...always nice to see other AD and priors applying my advice would be this...as far as I know you can apply up to a year before graduation (perhaps this is different for AD?), either way I would suggest getting your package in asap. List the programs you want, in your personal order of preference, and send it up. NRC will send your package to the first available board, regardless of the order that you listed them in. So if the IDC board is first, your package will head that way and so on. You won't be automatically stuck with that if you are selected for it, they will send your package to the next board, so actually, if NFA is your first choice that's a good thing because your package will be seen at multiple boards and you will potentially get to choose. Also, unless you really want SWO or think that it would be a program that you have a good chance of being selected for, there really is no reason to list it because the SNA/SNFO/SWO boards are held at the same time. Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[Tiffany Murphy]

Yes, I believe the rule is you need to be within 6 months of completing your degree. If you contact your local OR he will be able to direct you in the right direction so you can get started on your packet.

 

[CTFly1]

Hey there CTI1....prior AT2 here...always nice to see other AD and priors applying my advice would be this...as far as I know you can apply up to a year before graduation (perhaps this is different for AD?), either way I would suggest getting your package in asap. List the programs you want, in your personal order of preference, and send it up. NRC will send your package to the first available board, regardless of the order that you listed them in. So if the IDC board is first, your package will head that way and so on. You won't be automatically stuck with that if you are selected for it, they will send your package to the next board, so actually, if NFA is your first choice that's a good thing because your package will be seen at multiple boards and you will potentially get to choose. Also, unless you really want SWO or think that it would be a program that you have a good chance of being selected for, there really is no reason to list it because the SNA/SNFO/SWO boards are held at the same time. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Thanks for the welcome! I always appreciate working for prior enlisted, the common sense thing comes in handy, haha. Congratulations on your selection. Thank you for providing a bunch of good answers to my questions. I should be able to get my package in fairly quickly, I have a lot of it put together already. My only obstacle is that I'm back in training status so getting excused from training for med appointments and such might be less than fun. I also informed some of my LOR writers that I wouldn't need them until August, so I will have to contact them about the schedule change. Time to get on my horse.

 

[NavySquid26]

Not quite selected yet I'm patiently waiting for the July 15th SNFO and SWO boards like Tiffany! The supply board was last monday but I havent heard of any results being released as of yet. If only MEPS had taken less than two weeks to determine I didnt need a new physical than I would have made the last rolling board...the one where as far as we know EVERYONE was selected lol....but I'm staying positive and can't wait to get some results! Grind through it though, being enlisted you understand the red tape and paperwork process...get that kit in and start waiting! Good luck to you and hope to see you in the fleet!

 

[BusyBee604]

CTI1, the advice above is solid. If you are passionate about becoming a Naval Aviator, I would caution you about accepting a SWO slot prior to being looked at least once for SNA/SNFO. You wouldn't want to endure the years of SWO obligation wishing you had waited for the next aviation board.

Saw your application particulars on another thread. Great package, fine GPA & excellent LORs from Seniors who are familiar with you, your character, work ethic, and leadership qualities/potential. Another thing that stands out in your favor, is E-1 to E-6 in ~5 years, quite rare in my experience... an 'eye catching' accomplishment for board consideration.

Personally, I am a big fan of priors who take advantage of advancement opportunities, and I wish you good luck & smooth sailing with your, and the other's applications and acceptance into the commissioned ranks!
BzB, prior ET-2 (SS)

 

[CTFly1]

You guys/gal have provided information that I didn't get from my CCC or Officer Accession Manager. Thanks for the wisdom/encouragement. What boat(s) were you on bzb?

Follow on question... I have a draft motivational statement that I'm having people review/edit with me. Based on your experience, is there a target length/word count that is considered ideal? If any of you wouldn't mind reading it for me as well... shoot me a message and I will send you a copy. You're awesome, people. Take it easy.

- the CTI formerly known as 2

 

[TA910]

Like what has been mentioned in earlier statements. Strong advice. Go for what really makes you happy. From what we have been told, there will be times where you may question why. If you know the answer you will make it through. If you just close your eyes and pick, you may not endure. Shoot me a copy of your motivational statement. Would love to help out anyway I can.

 

[BusyBee604]

What boat(s) were you on bzb?

I qualified on the USS CAVALLA {SSK-244), home-ported out of NSB New London (Groton), CT. A 'Guppy Snorkel conversion of a WWII fleet type diesel boat, Second boat was USS BARRACUDA (SSK-1), where I was stashed awaiting orders to Flight Training, when CAVALLA deployed to the Med.

BzB

 

[CTFly1]

I qualified on the USS CAVALLA {SSK-244), home-ported out of NSB New London (Groton), CT. A 'Guppy Snorkel conversion of a WWII fleet type diesel boat, Second boat was USS BARRACUDA (SSK-1), where I was stashed awaiting orders to Flight Training, when CAVALLA deployed to the Med.
View attachment 12547View attachment 12548
BzB

I went out on the Annapolis and the Pittsburgh. Good times.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Yes, I believe the rule is you need to be within 6 months of completing your degree. If you contact your local OR he will be able to direct you in the right direction so you can get started on your packet.

AD has to have degree in hand prior to submission.

 

[CTFly1]

AD has to have degree in hand prior to submission.

I'm a firm believer in the "there's a waiver for everything" concept... except when it doesn't work. I don't suppose there's any wiggle room in the policy there? I have 4 credits remaining and am enrolled/registered to begin classes on 12 days. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I'm a firm believer in the "there's a waiver for everything" concept... except when it doesn't work. I don't suppose there's any wiggle room in the policy there? I have 4 credits remaining and am enrolled/registered to begin classes on 12 days. Thanks for the heads up.

They shot down AD applications left and right for not having proof of conferred degree just a little while ago, and if you submit and have it rejected for not having the proper documentation you technically have to resubmit the entire thing. The other thing that could and has happened many times with AD is it gets submitted, and issue is found so it doesn't go to board, but the AD member doesn't find out until quite a while later the application never went to board.