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Post-OCS PCS Orders

Jacob G.

Member
Hey Guys,
I was just picked up in the 29OCT SNA board, and am curious about how PCS Orders work after OCS.

PLEASE, if this is a redundant question, point me in the right direction and I will gladly jump ship on this thread (searched a few times and came up somewhat clueless).

So, My girlfriend and I, (plan on marrying shortly after OCS) are wondering:
After OCS, what happens?
Especially in our situation (not married, but co-habitant, not technically "dependent")

Do you IMMEDIATELY move to Pcola after OCS? Do you head back to your hometown until they send you to wait in A-Pool? Any chance that you get stuck in Newport for duty for a little bit?

I'm sure I'll learn much more about this at OCS, just want to map out a rough plan between us.

Again, don't let this be a repeat post, just a little lost here.

Thanks for the help!
 

Whitefoot

Well-Known Member
None
One thing I have learned through my time is that your girlfriend is transparent to the military until she is your wife. I am sure there are many more knowledgeable folks on here to comment on the thing called OHARP (something about going home for a stint before PCOLA). I know sometimes it is an unpopular idea but if you are planning on getting married after OCS, I would get a legal marriage before you go to OCS. Being married before OCS will entitle you to BAH and possibly FSA pay while you are in OCS. Not to mention it will be easier when it comes to moving the two of you to PCOLA.

Hope this helped a little bit.
 

Meesh

Dirty prior
Jacob,
What advice I can give you is that the best information will be provided through out the OCS experience. The OHARP for SNA's is still happening for recent grads as far back as 14-14 to the present. I was in a subsequent class and received 8 weeks of OHARP, but this is not a guarantee.
What Whitefoot advised on getting married prior to OCS is not unfounded, but I do caution Sailors on rushing phases of the relationship using money as a driving force. In my Candio Phase one of my responsibilities was to walk around DOR candidates so that they could start the process, and all to often the DOR was based on the lifestyle not meshing with the significant others. It is already a stressful environment, but add in unstable home life and it can be unbearable.
With all of that said, if everything goes according to plan, you may have to report no later than (NLT) the prescribed travel time to PCOLA, for which you will check into A Pool and start the greatest adventure... EVER! You may have amended orders where you will have OHARP for an authorized time, There is a lot of information out there about OHARP that can be good or bad. PM me if you have any more questions as I am going through the Pipeline for SNA right now.
Over all best of luck and please, do not forget to SCREAM FOR YOUR LIFE!
 

Jacob G.

Member
Thanks for the valuable info guys. Definitely did not know of OHARP before now. It seems like it is all very dependent on many factors. As for the Pre-OCS marriage... that's a big decision we'll have to take some time to hash out. We've been together for 5 years and have a future planned, just waiting to see how the whole "long distance" thing works out. I guess the best thing to do regarding the post-OCS plan is just wing it...(pun intended).

Hooyah.
 

Uncle Fester

Robot Pimp
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Echoing the earlier comment about girl/boyfriends being transparent to the Navy. Unless you marry her, she's not "technically a dependant," she's just another civvie as far as the navy's concerned. Whether you want to get married is of course up to you, but you should be aware that she'll have no status with the military. So no ID card, base access will be a hassle, no medical coverage, no exchange/commissary, etc etc etc. You can make her your SGLI beneficiary, that's about it.

The way I usually put it to flight students was, if you're deciding whether or not to get married, don't use spousal status as the deciding factor. If you're just deciding whether to get married now or later, go ahead and put a ring on it.

Of course, the flip side of that is making sure she knows what she's signing up for.
 

Whitefoot

Well-Known Member
None
I second Uncle Fester. Don't do it only for the benefits, it could turn to bite you. However, in your situation it sounds like it could work out. It is not something to take lightly and she should definitely be prepared for what's next. I have had more changes in career paths in 6 years than changes of underwear. She has taken it in stride and knows that the end is absolutely worth it. Big picture always up front! Good luck to you sir!
 

Dangy

Pew pew pew
pilot
You'll be stuck in Newport only if haven't received your orders/haven't been cleared medically/awaiting a new designator.

You can report to Pensacola any time during OHARP as long as you let your NRDknow ahead of time. You won't receive BAH during OHARPing, and your OHARP location will depend on the availability of your area as determined by your NRD.
 
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Jacob G.

Member
Haha, I'm loving some of this feedback (especially RUFiO).

We've talked about it; it's not a matter of "if", rather than "when". We were planning on doing it right after OCS anyway, might as well roll the ball now and make life, and the transition, easier. We are a stable couple of 5 years, both have goals and life, but most importantly, she is willing to put hers aside momentarily while I focus on mine. She seems aware of the can of worms she'll be opening with me, and I think everything will work out well.

So, if I'm reading correctly, I'll most likely be OHARP'd.
1. How is your OHARP location determined? Right now I'm residing in Tampa, but my "permanent" address is over on the East coast of FL.
2. You can leave OHARP at any time and report to Pcola for A-pool?
 
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