Prior Service Record

[Cleve]

I am currently in the process of applying for pilot training. I've turned in everything for the initial application for the Pro-Rec board. Since I'm prior service, they apparently need parts of my old service record for the package. I signed a release form a month ago so that they could get my record from BUPERS. It has now been a month, and the recruiter's office has still not received what they need from my record. In the most respectful way, I try to call fairly regularly to check on the situation. The fellow processing my paperwork is very resistant to answering questions. I understand that he has many important things to do, and so I'm trying not to be bothersome. But I know from my enlisted experience that sometimes being the "squeeky wheel" is necessary to get things done. Could anyone advise me on how to proceed? Should I attempt to get my record myself? Is this type of delay normal? Thanks.

 

[Cleve]

Can anyone tell me if this is normal, and that I should just suck it up? Or should I do something about it? I've already missed a couple boards just because of this hangup.

 

[pdx]

The application process can be painfully slow even when it is going well. I would suggest keeping close contact with the LT that will actually be assembling the paperwork and writing your summary (or whatever they call it). Sometimes the admin guys can be frustrating. If it a problem with BUPERS rather than the recruiting office, I wouldn't see anything wrong with contacting BUPERS yourself. After all, it is YOUR service record, and there are a variety of reason why you might need it. In my experience, it pays to be very proactive with getting your package assembled. Once your fin-docs are sent off, however, it is time to let the waiting begin. At that point, the recruiter no longer has any control over what happens.

Personally, I think it is dangerous to assume that your recruiter knows what he/she is doinging. My recruiter certainly didn't.