Quick Question

[twobecrazy]

Ladies and Gentleman,

I have a couple of quick questions. I have run into a slight problem. All my Letters of Recommendation and my motivational statement seem geared towards becoming a Pilot. Although they mention becoming an officer as the most important achievement they briefly state pilot in almost every one of them as the final goal. Because I am adding NFO to my application I feel this would make my chances of obtaining NFO rather slim. I also feel like I would be alienating the NFO board members. I can’t change or add anything to my package if I want to be seen at the boards this month except for my letter to add NFO to my application. My question to you is would you still apply for NFO even though items in your package mention pilot? Would you withdraw your package and correct these items so as not to alienate the board? Thanks for the help.

 

[Floppy_D]

My question to you is would you still apply for NFO even though items in your package mention pilot?

Yes.

Would you withdraw your package and correct these items so as not to alienate the board?

No.

... they mention becoming an officer as the most important achievement ...

Good.

If your recommendations and statement said something like "Mr. Twobecrazy would make a great Naval Aviator, but if the pipeline is full, nobody's getting selected and they're shitcanning SNA's left and right he'd also make a great SNFO" then it would sound insincere. Stick to your guns, include anything you're willing to do, and put a stamp on it. Your qualifications mean a whole shitload more than your statement and rec's.

You've heard of all sorts of waivers... but have you ever heard of one for "not having a motivated enough motivational statement?"

Good luck!

 

[SynixMan]

First, do you actually want to be an NFO? Don't put it down if you only thing it will make your package look like a "team player" or you're desperate to get picked up. That's setting yourself up for failure.

If it is actually something you want, I'd fix the package to say that. Use "part of Naval Aviation" instead of just "pilot" in the statement. Be sincere and give it your best effort.

 

[craftingraptor]

Are they still letting you apply for pilot? I read somewhere that you were not allowed to do that per your OR's higher ups. Also, I would try to get the pilot thing out of the statement and "part of naval aviation" in their instead (as has been said). Yours is a tough situation, man. I hope you get what you want.

 

[BusyBee604]

Stick to your guns, include anything you're willing to do, and put a stamp on it. Your qualifications mean a whole shitload more than your statement and rec's.

I agree with floppy. I think your overanalyzing what the NFO board members may be thinking re; SNA/SNFO. NAs and NFOs are by necessity, team players, not rivals! You have expressed a desire to serve in either capacity. That should be enough to satisfy members of either board. It is more than likely that some of the NFO board members may have had the same situation as you, and had to take SNFO due to quota or eyesight problems.

In addition, delaying package submission now, could result in neither slot being available for a future board. Just my honest opinion.
BzB

 

[twobecrazy]

First, do you actually want to be an NFO? Don't put it down if you only thing it will make your package look like a "team player" or you're desperate to get picked up. That's setting yourself up for failure.

If it is actually something you want, I'd fix the package to say that. Use "part of Naval Aviation" instead of just "pilot" in the statement. Be sincere and give it your best effort.

Actually I just want to fly. I have contemplated coming back to the Navy at least 10 times a year since I have been out because I missed the Navy and flying that much. The second year was the hardest as I thought about coming back almost every week. I love flying. I would love to be an aviator or a flight officer. I wanted a shot to be at the controls as that has and will always be my dream.

I'm not desperate to get picked up. I actually have a great job as I brew beer for AB. I have also had other job offers when networking at school with some very good companies. I have several options but flying in the military has always been at the top of my list (which is why I enlisted as an aircrewman 10 years ago).

 

[twobecrazy]

Are they still letting you apply for pilot?

I don't know for sure. I have contacted some people and they are looking into things for me.

Yours is a tough situation, man. I hope you get what you want.

Thanks... I appreciate it and I hope so too.

 

[twobecrazy]

I think your overanalyzing what the NFO board members may be thinking re; SNA/SNFO. NAs and NFOs are by necessity, team players, not rivals! You have expressed a desire to serve in either capacity. That should be enough to satisfy members of either board. It is more than likely that some of the NFO board members may have had the same situation as you, and had to take SNFO due to quota or eyesight problems.
BzB

Yea maybe I am... I agree 100%

In addition, delaying package submission now, could result in neither slot being available for a future board. Just my honest opinion.
BzB

I don't want to jeopardize any chance I have but this was my reasoning for posting although I didn't state it...

 

[ajalali]

When the time came to write about the designator of my choice in my motivational statement, I only said "Naval Aviator." I noticed this when it was too late, but I applied to both and got pro-rec'd for both. Just my experience. Good luck though, I hope you get good news!

 

[JMonte85]

Well from my understanding, you actually train to fly and get your wings as NFO just not as much as SNA.. so I would assume your love for aviation and pilot would coincide with NFO.. I wouldn't worry about it.. People put they wanna be a pilot this and that on their package all over the place.. and still put down swo and get accepted for that as well. So I'm sure you're fine.


Hey so you're going for the October board? I was supposed to go for the September board but due to a form I had to get signed at last minute for being IRR .. I missed the deadline by a day or two.

 

[twobecrazy]

Hey so you're going for the October board? I was supposed to go for the September board but due to a form I had to get signed at last minute for being IRR .. I missed the deadline by a day or two.

No I am actually in for the September boards. That is why they needed my decision so quickly. The boards were meeting soon and wanted to know if I was interested in NFO or SWO.

 

[JMonte85]

Oh that is interesting. That was nice of them haha.

 

[twobecrazy]

Oh that is interesting. That was nice of them haha.

Yea...

 

[JMonte85]

Well I say that because normally any minor errors.. they just send it back and give a reason why and you reapply for the next board.

 

[twobecrazy]

Well I say that because normally any minor errors.. they just send it back and give a reason why and you reapply for the next board.

My situation isn't an error technically because I am prior and have until 29 to complete OCS. I am currently 28 1/2. But I think you are right with sending it back.