My Story: Desperately want to fly Navy, but have issues? Need advice.

[arianjalali]

Hello everyone,

First of all.. I just wanna say that the regulars/moderators on this site are a godsend. I have been reading the multitude of pages here at airwarriors and all of your feedback/input has been very helpful in my search for answers. I can honestly say it's the best source of information concerning Naval Officer opportunies on the internet. I also hope that I'm posting this in the right place.. If I'm not, then please re-direct me to the appropriate forum and I will gladly post it there instead. The main question(s) I have is concerning an issue of eligibility. I will try to condense my story the best that I can.

I received an enlisted contract at the beginning of this month with a ship date of 2010.05.26 - four years in length. Now, if I'm not mistaken, I have the ability to apply for a commission throughout my enlisted career (it seems that three attempts at six months separation between each application [unless drastically improved] seems to be the general consensus). I want more than anything to land an SNA slot. My burden lies in the fact that I am not able to apply directly for a commission while being a civilian. My recruiters/MEPS processor told me that OCS was not interested in picking me up and left it at that. Now I'm starting to see that of course they wouldn't have been interested without several things needed to complete my packet (ASTB scores, LORs, and motivational statement). My issue is not with recruiters though. I have no problem starting out as enlisted. While I realize that no one can give me a clear-cut answer on whether I will get picked up or not, I am looking for your feedback. Like the majority of you post throughout these forums.. "Ultimately, it comes down to the boards".. So I will take any educated guesses that you experts have to offer and leave it at that. Here it goes:

I am a 22 year old male living in Charleston, West Virginia. I recently graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Marshall University (2.8gpa). If recommended for a competitive edge, I will obtain either a B.S. or a masters from ERAU in aeronautical science throughout the next two to three years. I scored a 92 out of 99 on the ASVAB (I know the ASTB is a completely different beast altogether), so I think I can qualify fairly well on the ASTB. I am planning to achieve at least an 7/8/7 60. I've already ordered ARCO's "Military Flight Aptitude Tests", Barron's "Officer Candidate Tests", and a copy of the FAA handbook to begin immersing myself into the five categories. Also, I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot license and will have it completed by the time I ship out for recruit training. This will all be reinforced by a strong motivational statement I am prepared to write for my packet.

I received two waivers to get into enlisted (one for tattoos; one for moral misconduct). First of all.. Are my tattoos disqualifying? I have nothing racial, obscene, or gang-related. I just have a bunch of them (none on my neck, face, or any other part seen in uniform) including a big koi fish on my lower left leg. Seeing the official "officer tattoo screening form" floating around the internet comforted me due to the fact that (a.) I appear to meet the criteria for a possible waiver approval and (b.) it was the same form as the one I filled out for enlisted that got approved. The moral misconduct issue is as follows: "underage consumption" and "contributing to a minor" (both alcohol-related) when I was 18. I threw a party and needless to say it got busted by state troopers lol. I also have a "shoplifting" charge I got when I was 21 because.. well, I was being a complete idiot. I have seen a list of disqualifying offenses in Barron's book (primarily felonies) and none of my charges are included on that list. Regardless I know these are not things that an officer of the United States Navy would do, therefore I am not sure what to think.

Lastly.. I have 20/400 vision (-4.75/-5.00), which means I need PRK. I have no problem paying for it if I have to. I just want to make sure that the entire spectrum from start to finish will be properly documented and submitted to NAMI so I can get approval for a waiver.

So it looks like I have a total of three waiver issues. Please be direct and honest with me.. This is my dream, after all, and I need to know if you think the door is open or closed for me at this point. Regardless, I am going to apply within the next few years and take my chances. I will do whatever is required of me to make it happen if I still have a shot. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this

 

[Afterburner209]

Hello everyone,

First of all.. I just wanna say that the regulars/moderators on this site are a godsend. I have been reading the multitude of pages here at airwarriors and all of your feedback/input has been very helpful in my search for answers. I can honestly say it's the best source of information concerning Naval Officer opportunies on the internet. I also hope that I'm posting this in the right place.. If I'm not, then please re-direct me to the appropriate forum and I will gladly post it there instead. The main question(s) I have is concerning an issue of eligibility. I will try to condense my story the best that I can.

I received an enlisted contract at the beginning of this month with a ship date of 2010.05.26 - four years in length. Now, if I'm not mistaken, I have the ability to apply for a commission throughout my enlisted career (it seems that three attempts at six months separation between each application [unless drastically improved] seems to be the general consensus). I want more than anything to land an SNA slot. My burden lies in the fact that I am not able to apply directly for a commission while being a civilian. My recruiters/MEPS processor told me that OCS was not interested in picking me up and left it at that. Now I'm starting to see that of course they wouldn't have been interested without several things needed to complete my packet (ASTB scores, LORs, and motivational statement). My issue is not with recruiters though. I have no problem starting out as enlisted. While I realize that no one can give me a clear-cut answer on whether I will get picked up or not, I am looking for your feedback. Like the majority of you post throughout these forums.. "Ultimately, it comes down to the boards".. So I will take any educated guesses that you experts have to offer and leave it at that. Here it goes:

I am a 22 year old male living in Charleston, West Virginia. I recently graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Marshall University (2.8gpa). If recommended for a competitive edge, I will obtain either a B.S. or a masters from ERAU in aeronautical science throughout the next two to three years. I scored a 92 out of 99 on the ASVAB (I know the ASTB is a completely different beast altogether), so I think I can qualify fairly well on the ASTB. I am planning to achieve at least an 7/8/7 60. I've already ordered ARCO's "Military Flight Aptitude Tests", Barron's "Officer Candidate Tests", and a copy of the FAA handbook to begin immersing myself into the five categories. Also, I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot license and will have it completed by the time I ship out for recruit training. This will all be reinforced by a strong motivational statement I am prepared to write for my packet.

I received two waivers to get into enlisted (one for tattoos; one for moral misconduct). First of all.. Are my tattoos disqualifying? I have nothing racial, obscene, or gang-related. I just have a bunch of them (none on my neck, face, or any other part seen in uniform) including a big koi fish on my lower left leg. Seeing the official "officer tattoo screening form" floating around the internet comforted me due to the fact that (a.) I appear to meet the criteria for a possible waiver approval and (b.) it was the same form as the one I filled out for enlisted that got approved. The moral misconduct issue is as follows: "underage consumption" and "contributing to a minor" (both alcohol-related) when I was 18. I threw a party and needless to say it got busted by state troopers lol. I also have a "shoplifting" charge I got when I was 21 because.. well, I was being a complete idiot. I have seen a list of disqualifying offenses in Barron's book (primarily felonies) and none of my charges are included on that list. Regardless I know these are not things that an officer of the United States Navy would do, therefore I am not sure what to think.

Lastly.. I have 20/400 vision (-4.75/-5.00), which means I need PRK. I have no problem paying for it if I have to. I just want to make sure that the entire spectrum from start to finish will be properly documented and submitted to NAMI so I can get approval for a waiver.

So it looks like I have a total of three waiver issues. Please be direct and honest with me.. This is my dream, after all, and I need to know if you think the door is open or closed for me at this point. Regardless, I am going to apply within the next few years and take my chances. I will do whatever is required of me to make it happen if I still have a shot. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this

Well im no expert and I'm only in BDCP but I can give you my take.

First as far as the tattoos, I dont think it should be a problem. I've seen guys covered in them and I know an officer who has one on a very visible part of her body. So there should be no problem, you just need the waivers.

Second, the criminal history. This will be a negative but I don't think any of them will bar you. The one that looks the worst is the shoplifting because it was only a year ago. They may not think one year is enough time to learn better. But as I said, it is a negative, not a DQ. I had my share of tickets although they were all traffic related and it went by no problem.

Lastly as far as the waiver for vision I know that you have to be within certain ranges originally, and after the procedure you have to be within certain ranges. This technical information I cannot give you but I do know that many people with poor vision have gotten the PRK and made it through. This is something you would work with a recruiter and make sure you do everything by their standards and requirements.

My assessment is that you have a chance. I dont see anything stopping you except the competition. Good Luck.

 

[Brunes]

Seems like you have a boat load of "little things" that can stack up to make you a questionable candidate imho...but asking us here is only going to get you speculation.

Talk to an officer recruiter and get the real answers. And remember that if it's what you want don't accept "No" for an answer- Keep working on it as long as you have options.

Good luck!!

 

[HeyJoe]

Did a recruiter or OSO tell you OCS was a nonstarter?

 

[RedFive]

I was told by a member of this board in person (who was working with my NRD) that I might look into the Marines instead of the Navy because of my GPA. I think that gentleman is an outstanding individual and I like him very much -- he has been very generous to me in the past -- but there's no getting around the fact that you really don't know if you'll be accepted until you apply. As touchy feely as it may sound, they look at the "whole person." My GPA was slightly low, but I aced the ASTB. How can you plan on 7/8/7? That seems like setting your sights low.

If it's something you really want that badly, the best thing you can do is not listen to the naysayers. Just apply for it and see what happens. And if that doesn't work, apply again.

You can't let one guy from an NRD or a handful of people on the internet discourage you.

 

[arianjalali]

So I'm not sure how I post an appropriate reply on this site to get the attention of others, but hopefully this will do the trick..

Afterburner, thank you so much for giving me hope. I am smiling like crazy right now knowing that more than likely I am not disqualified. Now that I am property of the government, I'm not going to be doing anything to further jeopardize my situation. Luckily, I fall within the minimum range of the eye surgery regulations. I just don't know how to initiate the process. I will post on the eye surgery threads later, though.. Again thanks!

Heyjoe, this was just your standard enlisted recruiter. I never had the opporrtunity to speak with an officer recruiter. Do you know how I'd be able to locate one? I can't find a locator online.. Do I have to wait until I'm in the actual Navy before I can? Keep in mind I live in WV.. So my guess is that the closest one would be in Columbus, Ohio.

Redfive, I've got my sights set on the Navy so that is the dream I really want to pursue. If for some reason I'm absolutely not able to follow through with that, then maybe I will check out the marines. Regardless.. thank you for the advice

 

[blarged]

Do you know how I'd be able to locate one? I can't find a locator online..

http://www.navy.com/findarecruiter/

Enter your zip. It will list an enlisted recruiter phone and address, as well as an officer recruiter 800 number. At least that is what happened for my zip. I'm not sure where this 800 number takes you, I was lucky enough to find my OR at a career fair.

 

[arianjalali]

Yep, that's what happened for me. That number just rang and rang until i got a voice mailbox. I put my information in, though, and hopefully someone will give me a call tomorrow. I'm just not banking on my degree type/GPA, along with the fairly recent criminal misconduct, qualifying me for a trip to OCS right off the bat..

 

[RedFive]

Don't wait for them to call you back, call again tomorrow. They're very busy and you've got to be pro-active with them. It's completely the opposite of enlisted recruiters, they may forget about you if you let them (at least with my old NRD).

 

[Afterburner209]

So I'm not sure how I post an appropriate reply on this site to get the attention of others, but hopefully this will do the trick..

Afterburner, thank you so much for giving me hope. I am smiling like crazy right now knowing that more than likely I am not disqualified. Now that I am property of the government, I'm not going to be doing anything to further jeopardize my situation. Luckily, I fall within the minimum range of the eye surgery regulations. I just don't know how to initiate the process. I will post on the eye surgery threads later, though.. Again thanks!

Heyjoe, this was just your standard enlisted recruiter. I never had the opporrtunity to speak with an officer recruiter. Do you know how I'd be able to locate one? I can't find a locator online.. Do I have to wait until I'm in the actual Navy before I can? Keep in mind I live in WV.. So my guess is that the closest one would be in Columbus, Ohio.

Redfive, I've got my sights set on the Navy so that is the dream I really want to pursue. If for some reason I'm absolutely not able to follow through with that, then maybe I will check out the marines. Regardless.. thank you for the advice

No problem, if you need anything else you can PM me or just post.

Keep calling the OR.

 

[arianjalali]

I'm reluctant to ask if I actually have a shot with getting in as an officer without going the enlisted path?! The thought of it excites me beyond belief. My PPL should be completed by March. Who would be able to give me advice (or a general direction to follow) of how to go about getting my PRK taken care of prior to the boards? I still don't know if I should do it before or after I enlist (assuming I am enlisting at all haha).

Also, how would I be able to take my ASTB? I really wanna bring my scores to the table in order to help give me more of a competitive edge.

Thanks again, everyone! I cannot emphasize enough how much of a resource this site is.

 

[Afterburner209]

You have a degree.

Going enlisted first is not going to help you at all (to the best of my knowledge). PPL is nice but far from required. As for advise, take head of what many of the members here are saying, talk your your OR.

For the ASTB you....talk to your OR (Officer recruiter). He will set it up for you, he will guide you, he will be your liason for all the military requirements. He will help you decide what is important and what isnt.

You will have to take care of PRK prior to the boards whether you like it or not (for pilot at least). They will not even look at your package until you are qualified. Your OR on the other hand will work with you until you make it to the boards and beyond.

Talk to a OR ASAP.
(800) 282-1384 - This is your number to call, call it until you talk to someone.

 

[BrandonJ1780]

AB209,
Can you put up a ref. for the 6-month post PRK waiting period you mentioned above? Here's what I'm seeing, and it says 3 months....

http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil/PRK/corneal_refractive_surgery_physi.htm

Corneal Refractive Surgery Physical Standards and Waiver Policy in the Navy and Marine Corps (Revised April 10, 2000).

(4) Aviation Warfare. All forms of corneal surgery are disqualifying. PRK is the only procedure that will be considered for waiver. (A) air warfare new accession applicants having had PRK (civilians, NROTC, Naval Academy and enlisted accessions) may be waivered for aviation duty if they meet all the following criteria:

d. At least three months have elapsed since surgery or re-treatment and evidence of stable refractive error is demonstrated by two separate examinations performed at least one month apart.

--I had PRK back in September, and, Lord willing everything checks out, I'll be submitting my OCS packet well within the 6-mo post-op timeframe...Let us know if you have any updated info specifying 6 months vice 3.

 

[Scruff]

(800) 282-1384 - This is your number to call, call it until you talk to someone.

I say stop trying to call after day 2. Then you have to stop wasting time and walk on in. You have to show you care, and showing up in person works.

When I first started I didn't even bother trying to call the recruiting office. They ARE that busy.

If you really want to show that you are serious, just show up until you get your recruiter's cell phone. Then life is easy. Just don't wear it out.

 

[BrandonJ1780]

Arianjalali,
Regarding enlisting w/ a degree--plenty of people have done it before you, plenty will do it after you. It can make your path to USN officer more convoluted--it might feel like you're stuck forever at the rest stop of irrelevancy while your peers speed on past to "O" status--but sometimes that pause is the thing you need.
You say you had a shoplifting charge when you were 21; I read in the same post that you're now 22. Shoplifting is what it is, and if you've some mitigating circumstances that somehow cast it in a better light (?), we're unaware of them, obviously. A board will--justifiably--have some character questions for you, and your answers may/may not dissuade them. If they don't, then what? If you have this goal of becoming a USN officer, are you going to give it up?
My .02: run your OCS dream into the ground from the civvy side. Explore all your options, get your PPL, ace the ASTB, do all you can to stand out and separate yourself from a brief lapse in judgment last year. If you get picked up, great--your journey begins. If not, consider enlisting. With the right rate, the right work ethic, the right people in your path and some faith, I've no doubt you can get to where you want to be. If you come to the point of signing that enlisted contract and want any add'l advice, PM me--I'd be glad to shoot some info over to you that I've gained from taking this route. It's not for everyone, but there are pros that aren't as obvious from the outside looking in.