OCS now or later?

[annie8080]

Hi, I am a junior in college and hoping to go into the Navy. I have 3.8 GPA with about 70 credits completed. This leaves a good year and half left of school. I would like to go to OCS and become an officer. I am not from a military background at all, and feel like I should probably do enlisted first, finish my degree and get a feel for the navy before diving headlong into OCS. Also, wouldn't I then be an officer over prior deployed personel? I would have a hard time with that, not being prior deployed myself.

Would anyone recommend going straight to OCS for a novice?
How soon should I hear back from an officer, because I contacted him almost a month ago?

Thanks!

 

[HH-60H]

Most officers were not prior enlisted. Most of us showed up to our first unit having never been deployed, but were responsible for many Sailors who had been deployed.

Do not enlist just to get a "feel" for the Navy.

 

[nugget81]

Talk to your local Officer recruiter (I emphasize the word "Officer", not enlisted.) If he didn't call you back, go visit him in person. You may want to look into BDCP. Search the BDCP area and see if that is a program that suits you.

Also, the majority of OCS attendees are not prior enlisted, thereby making them "novices". I'm pretty sure that they would all recommend it.

Finally, are you really in Holland?

 

[phrogpilot73]

Most officers were not prior enlisted. Most of us showed up the our first unit having never been deployed, but were responsible for many Sailors who had been deployed.

Do not enlist just to get a "feel" for the Navy.

What he said. I was prior enlisted, HH-60H was not. We both got commissioned in '98, and were viewed as "boots" by the men and women we led.

 

[loadtoad]

No need to enlist first... If it worked out that way to where you were enlisted first, went to college and then went through OCS thats great. If not, don't seek that out.

In my OCS class about 1/4 or less of us were prior enlisted. The rest were "off the street" guys/gals.

Just like it was said above. Contact an OFFICER recruiter.

 

[Praying4OCS]

Do not enlist just to get a "feel" for the Navy.

HH makes a great point. There are pros and cons from both perspectives. I have been enlisted for eight years now and I have been selected OCS/SNA. I think the enlisted service will help me to relate and understand certain situations but I believe in no way will it make me better than an officer who is not prior. I believe there are things that each side can learn from one another.

As far as military experience and expectation, I think I will be more in tune than someone fresh from college. I do not regret my enlisted service by no means. But, if I had the maturity I had now (hence, gained maturity being enlisted) eight years ago, I would have surely went officer from the beginning. Hope this helps.

 

[sickboy]

I'm a prior enlisted MIDN right now, and as far as I can tell it really only is an advantage if you stay in your specialty. i.e. I know OC Nukes that went back to subs and are currently very knowlagable officers. I was an HM, and I'm not going into the Marines, therefore the experience that I had as an enlisted man probably won't help me too much as an officer.

The only overall advantage that I see is that you know what it's like to be the guys you will be leading. It helps you understand the issues that your junior sailors (or Marines) are dealing with.

My advice, if you want to be an officer, don't enlist. But if you want to be a sailor and maybe an officer, go for it.

 

[red_ryder]

Like they said, a lot of officers were not priors. By the time you get there, they'll get you ready. If you wanted to enlist only to get acclimated...you won't need to. Just enjoy the rest of college, OCS will be waiting when you graduate. I think you'll be fine.

 

[skim]

FWIW, im a novice and I am going in January. Also, you need to sometimes be persistent with Officer Recruiters. They are pretty busy. Just keep calling during business hours. S/he will ask you some questions to see if you qualify (that you raise no red flags) and should get you started. Good Luck!

 

[WIDGET]

Same as the rest of these guys are saying...
I'm currently in OCS... getting ready to graduate December 21! Thank goodness.
As far as OCS goes, there is a difference between the "priors" and "non-priors". And there are pro's and con's to both. The priors definitely have the advantage for things such as memorizing the Sailor's Creed, knowing who/when to salute, and possessing military bearing. They also have much prettier ribbons than the one, though mighty, I have across my chest.
However, I've been told non-priors have it easier because OCS has some different ways of doing things than the fleet. We call chiefs Sir and Ma'am. We salute officers even if they're in civilian clothing. The priors have said it's easier because we're starting fresh.
I think, as someone else pointed out, it also depends on your designator. I'm NFO... it doesn't make a bit of difference in flight school how many ribbons I have on my chest. However, if I were going to drive ships, I can definitely see the advantages of having been on one for two years.
My advice - go straight in to OCS. You're not going to be the only non-prior ... infact, you'll probably be the majority as that's been the case with every class here (seven classes of about 20-50 candidates). If you have a degree - go Officer.

 

[annie8080]

thanks a lot... that really helps. I am an international relations major and poli sci minor. What position might be suitable for me as an officer? Perhaps intel?

 

[FLYTPAY]

What position might be suitable for me as an officer? Perhaps intel?

Biting my tongue......you...can...do...anything you set your mind to.....smirk...With an accredited Bachelor's degree you are pretty open as to what you can do. Most officer's do not use their major in their line of work.

 

[annie8080]

haha... thanks =D

 

[BACONATOR]

thanks a lot... that really helps. I am an international relations major and poli sci minor. What position might be suitable for me as an officer? Perhaps intel?

Apparently you aren't familiar with Naval Aviation and the folks within it. They definitely gave you a free pass on this one.:icon_tong In all seriousness, you could do IW, NFO, Pilot, Intel, SWO and pretty much whatever else you wanted outside of NUKE. Good luck. I think talking to that Officer recruiter will help clarify the situation and your goals. I was one of many non-priors at OCS and for my community (aviation) it really doesn't matter for a couple reasons:

1: you spend most of your time in a working uniform so you forget who is a prior and who isn't (no ribbons in working uniforms), and

2: By the time I get to an operational fleet squadron I will be close to a LT, with a couple years of service under my belt anyway.

It varies in different communities but should certainly not be a deciding factor for seeking a commission.

 

[HH-60H]

In all seriousness, you could do IW, NFO, Pilot, Intel, SWO and pretty much whatever else you wanted outside of NUKE.

Why can't she be a Nuke?