Packet information prep for OCS

[SkidGear]

Just a question for everyone that has taken the ASTB and gotten their package ready. I have yet to take the test and have been told it takes around 2 weeks to set you up to take the test. As far as the packet goes, do you have to have it completed on the day of the test or after the test? I have tried to contact my recruiter but he is on leave and have not been able to get in touch with him. I will be applying for SNA, and do not really have the desire to go NFO or anyother. Is it wise to apply for just one type? I have a 2.88 BS in Admin.of Justice. I realize it is not the best but I am also a FAA Commercial/Instrument rated Helicopter Pilot. I have approx.800 hours PIC time in helicopters. I am hoping that this will help me out with the GPA. But I would appreciate any kind of information on when your packet is due. I will be turning 26 in Aug. I am also married and am expecting our first child in Oct. This is also part of the reason I am dragging my feet a little. Any information would be greatly appreciated. And your thoughts on my possiblilty of acceptance. And of course with good test scores hopefully. Thanks again

 

[Spekkio]

You don't need to have your application for commission and security docs done by the time you take the ASTB. However, the earlier you get that stuff in, the better. The Navy is sloooowwww with paperwork, so just expect that.

Has the ASTB changed where it takes 2 weeks to set up? When I took it, even though I ultimately didn't need it, it was "set up" in 3 days. I put "set up" in quotes because you just hop on a computer and take it. Make sure you study for it.

 

[skim]

Taking the test was one of the last things I did. When I took the test it wasn't very formal and he just asked when im available to take it. If you only want to be a pilot fine, just don't be the guy who puts down nfo, gets it, then complains about not getting pilot.

 

[srqwho]

I took the ASTB on the same day that I signed my completed application... just by coincidence. My recruiter is about an hour drive so my trips up there usually were such that I could get a few things done at a time. Get the SF86 and your application done ASAP. Also, give plenty of time for the people you asked for LORs from to get them finished. I also found it advantageous to "walk-away" from my motivational statement for a week or so and then come back to it... I noticed mistakes and things that I didn't notice earlier.

As far as ASTB set-up goes... I just called my recruiter and told him that the following Thurs worked for me and that was it. You get your scores right after if it's the computer based version.

I'm not sure if this is unique to my recruiting office, but they told me that for the following month's board they mail out the application packages by the end of the current month. Good Luck and congrats on being a father soon!

 

[jt71582]

When I found out I was a non-select in April, I hopped in the car and drove to my NRD. On the way, I talked to my OR and he told me to wait until the next day to re-take my ASTB. That was it, it shouldnt take any time at all to 'set up' the test.

If SNA is all you want, only list SNA.

 

[SkidGear]

Thanks for your cander guys, I dont know why they told me two weeks, but that is what the Master Chief that I talked to told me...I am still studying and going over the math section, it has been years since I used these formulas but hopefully I can get in on the test and do well. Thanks again for the congrats on the baby. We go in on the 4th to find out the gender. Hoping for a girl, not sure why haha... I just want to be here when the baby gets here, so again that is why I am kind of dragging my feet on getting this stuff filled out and sent in. If you do get accepted can you request a couple of months later for admission into OCS? Keep pluggin away guys and thanks again.

 

[srqwho]

I asked on my app to leave after Dec 08 b/c I finish my MA in December. My recruiter said that was no problem. After you get pro-rec'd, if you do, you will then go to MEPS for your physical (if you hadn't done it yet) and as long as that checks out and your background check is clean than you become a final select, which if I am understanding it correctly, is when you will be matched up with an OCS date. Anybody please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[jt71582]

Same gouge I got.

 

[jorgelito]

Can you submit a package to the board before MEPS (Physical, fitness test etc.)?

My recruiter and I have been waiting for almost a month now to get my MEPs (physical, fitness) scheduled and I'm worried that I won't make the June boards. Everything else is done and in hand.

 

[skim]

no, i believe you used to though.

 

[srqwho]

I submitted mine before MEPS, and my recruiter said that was no problem...

I had my package finished, but am waiting for the 6 month window to come to an end (I had PRK done in Jan)

 

[nugget81]

I would recommend that you not "drag your feet" and get it all done ASAP. The Navy is slow with these types of things, and at age 26 you have less time than most applicants. Only put SNA if that's what you want. Keep in mind that you can be final select and still decide not to accept the position, just so long as you have not signed on the dotted line yet (I'm not talking about the one on your application.) Give it your best shot and make sure your family is on board because you will need their support. Best of luck!

 

[jt71582]

To clarify, some NRDs are doing JPAS/MEPS before submitting applications, while others are still doing them afterward. I was one of the ones who completed them both before submitting. OR says if anything it will speed the process of final select. Let's hope he's right.

 

[Tyler]

Hey bud. Good to see you posting on here. I would say to go ahead and apply as soon as possible. That way, you would still have time to apply again in the unfortunate case you aren't selected and have to wait 6 months to reapply. Of course, if you aren't selected, but you are able to improve your application (retake the ASTB, get more letters of rec.) then you won't have to wait 6 months to reapply of course.

Go ahead and take the test and MEPS asap. In my case, I just called the recruiter and he asked when was a good time for me. Next week? Sure, come on in. I took the test in his office, and it wasn't a big formality. More of just scheduling it when you are both available.

Congrats again on the family! Good luck!

 

[LazersGoPEWPEW]

So if you can improve your application you don't have to wait 6 months to reapply?