Looking into BDCP

[AT84]

Ill start out by saying hello to everyone, as I am new to the site. I am 23 years old, and recently separated after 4 years in the Navy as an AT. Since then I have been working on an engineering degree.
I stumbled across this site after talking to a friend about his wanting to enlist and I started looking into programs for him. This led to looking into programs for myself, and BDCP caught my attention. I have only been out for a bit over a year, but going back in on the officer side is definitely a goal worth going after. I think I would be most interested as going into aviation maintenance, being able to apply some of would i learned on the enlisted side.
However, I'm not completely sure that BDCP is the right path for me. It seems right, but would a different program be better for me? Also, how much does prior enlistment, VFW affiliation, and things like Aviation and Surface warfare qualifications help me out? One more thing, I did the 4 year years enlistment (exactly 4 years,) so the whole O1E is a bit foggy for me as commissioning goes. As I understand, BDCP is basically active duty status, so will this make my clock tick and help me get O1E, or does it not matter? Thanks for any and all responses!

 

[VetteMuscle427]

Ill start out by saying hello to everyone, as I am new to the site. I am 23 years old, and recently separated after 4 years in the Navy as an AT. Since then I have been working on an engineering degree.
I stumbled across this site after talking to a friend about his wanting to enlist and I started looking into programs for him. This led to looking into programs for myself, and BDCP caught my attention. I have only been out for a bit over a year, but going back in on the officer side is definitely a goal worth going after. I think I would be most interested as going into aviation maintenance, being able to apply some of would i learned on the enlisted side.
However, I'm not completely sure that BDCP is the right path for me. It seems right, but would a different program be better for me? Also, how much does prior enlistment, VFW affiliation, and things like Aviation and Surface warfare qualifications help me out? One more thing, I did the 4 year years enlistment (exactly 4 years,) so the whole O1E is a bit foggy for me as commissioning goes. As I understand, BDCP is basically active duty status, so will this make my clock tick and help me get O1E, or does it not matter? Thanks for any and all responses!

First off, Welcome to the site! I'll answer some of your questions... I spent about 2 years in BDCP.

If you'd like to go back in as AMDO, BDCP would be great for you. If you're working on an engineering degree, you are eligible for up to 3 years of BDCP... which means... you should be able to enter at the end of this summer. You would get paid at your last pay grade (assuming it is over E-3). Your time is counted as active duty, so after your first day in BDCP you will be guaranteed O-1E over 8ish as long as you earn a commission.

Items that are looked for with selection will be grades, prior evals of your performance, letters of recommendation and leadership positions in various extra-curricular activities. Lots of factors that go into the "complete person" so no single thing will make or break you. There are a good number of us on here that are more than willing to help you put the polish on your package, as we have seen what works.

Right now, the best thing you can do is go see an Officer Recruiter ASAP!

 

[AT84]

Thanks for the reply Vette. I was in the area, so I talked to the enlisted recruiter, who, while a very nice guy, didn't really have many answers for me. He did however try to get them. He called his Chief up, who at best, wasn't too interested in helping me. BU2 explained that his Chief wasn't always the most helpful guy. What i did get out of it was the contact info for the officer recruiter. BU2 faxed my SMART/214/transcripts for me, so at least it was a start.