Some Advice For Applying to OCS (Currently Enlisted)

[Robert Lodato]

Hello all,

I was hoping that I could have some of your opinions with me applying for SWO and attending OCS at some point. I wasn't really sure where else to ask for advice or suggestions, so here it is:

>I finished a B.S. Network Security from UMUC early this year GPA 3.68
>ASTB wasn't great at all 42 5/6/6 (retaking mid september)
>LOR's should be pretty solid. 2 O-6's (prior CO's, one is a DESRON captain), A CWO3, a LCDR that was my CHENG, and possibly a couple LT's that served with me and know me.
>I am trying to get an interview set up at our local NROTC with a couple of commanders and LT's.
>6 NAMS, some letter of commendations, typical Navy stuff acquired over time

Currently I am an active duty GSE1 (E-6), going on 9 years enlisted so far. I have various leadership roles such as being LPO ashore, and currently taking an LPO at sea billet. I am about as qualified as I can be when it comes to my rate, and I am starting to take classes that are geared towards leadership positions. Professionally I feel that I am doing fairly well compared to some of my 1st class counterparts. I am only 27, so I do have a couple of years before I need to look in to a waiver.

My problem lies with this, I am currently at the pre-com unit for DDG1000 (Zumwalt). I don't really have a chain of command, as most of us are attending schools and spread out all over the place. My CO is in Maine right now at the shipyard, so there isn't much I can do as I am in Norfolk. I will be up there in a couple of months and should hopefully be able to get the ball rolling a little faster than it already is. Having to essentially sit around and watch the time fly by is painful. I am trying to get what I can done now before I get up to Maine (physicals, interviews, etc) before it becomes too difficult. So what would you do in my situation? I know that I need to get on my interviews, physical, and LOR's...and get my 1420 form taken care of. Do you guys have any suggestions that could help me improve my prospective package?

Also, as far as my ASTB scores (OAR specifically). I sort of screwed up by not really taking it too seriously. I know that is a poor excuse, but I went in there not really that prepared. I have some material for studying now (a million or so gouges), so I feel that with a good month and a half of studying every night I should be able to improve my score considerably. As far as my college of choice, I know...not the most prestigious, but being in the military doesn't make it easy for me. I began my classes at so many different schools, but ultimately settled with the one that could work with me the most with my schedule.

Sorry for the long read, I wanted to make sure I covered everything. This forum (and a couple others) is my only real help right now, because as you now know, my command can't do much for me until we get the programs in place. I would go outside of my command to my old command, but with me leaving in a month and a half I would hate to get started on something that I can't finish. I can't just route up paperwork from my old command to my new CO...haha. As far as the community I am applying for, I really like the idea of SWO. I am honestly one of the few who don't really want to be a pilot or NFO. I wouldn't mind submitting for IDC, Intel, or SWO-IP, but I feel like I wouldn't have a good shot in getting in. Would you think they are viable options for me? I know a lot of people repeat this because they see it on the forums all day, but I just want to get in to the officer community. I don't care where it is or what I am doing. I like the SWO side, and doing 9 yearsin engineering can only help me better prepare for the hellacious life the SWO community brings. I don't want to apply LDO and be stuck as an MPA somewhere but, but I will do so just to get in to the community.

 

[Mike Edwards]

It sounds like you at least have the right idea of what needs to be done. It not unrealistic to put together a package in your situation. I too am am active duty and just recently submitted my package. I had to build my package in its entirety, here in San Diego, and send it off to my CO who lives and works in Virginia Beach. I think that if you do not have an active CoC that can surface your needs to the CO, you should "find" a way to speak to him. Build your package and give it to him for endorsement.

I am envious of you being at the Zumwalt pre-com unit. I actually go to church with Admiral Zumalt's cousin, who is a retired O6. This guy is 89 years old and is nothing less than fascinating to talk to!!! His stories from the war in the pacific are amazing.. anywho, I digress... Do you have the Fleet applicant checklist of everything that is required? The processors at NRD can email that to you and is a great help in ensuring you have everything because the 1420 is slightly outdated.

You need to continue networking to find those interviews; friends, family, friends of family, friends of friends.

I am by no means an expert, but I did do extensive research in building my package and making it as strong as possible, because I need the board to really see the "Whole Person" concept and not JUST my past transgressions!!!!

 

[Robert Lodato]

The distance is what is making it difficult. My admin department consists of a single YN1, and if you know anything about precoms, everyone is out at schools almost constantly. It's still pretty early, but they know I am working on this. I know they see me working on my package in between classes, and they know I am hungry for it. I will be heading up to Maine and will be in a close working environment with my CO/XO, and they will most certainly know of my intentions. I recently had all of the information emailed to me via the NRD hotline people, so I know exactly what needs to be done now. I am working on the LOR's now (already have confirmations that they will do them for me) and I am trying to schedule a precommissioning physical before I leave the area. I realized that there are two other ships being built in Bath right now, and their entire crew is there. I am going to get my interviews done there, and possibly a couple in Norfolk also.

 

[Robo-03]

Hello all,

I was hoping that I could have some of your opinions with me applying for SWO and attending OCS at some point. I wasn't really sure where else to ask for advice or suggestions, so here it is:

>I finished a B.S. Network Security from UMUC early this year GPA 3.68
>ASTB wasn't great at all 42 5/6/6 (retaking mid september)
>LOR's should be pretty solid. 2 O-6's (prior CO's, one is a DESRON captain), A CWO3, a LCDR that was my CHENG, and possibly a couple LT's that served with me and know me.
>I am trying to get an interview set up at our local NROTC with a couple of commanders and LT's.
>6 NAMS, some letter of commendations, typical Navy stuff acquired over time

Currently I am an active duty GSE1 (E-6), going on 9 years enlisted so far. I have various leadership roles such as being LPO ashore, and currently taking an LPO at sea billet. I am about as qualified as I can be when it comes to my rate, and I am starting to take classes that are geared towards leadership positions. Professionally I feel that I am doing fairly well compared to some of my 1st class counterparts. I am only 27, so I do have a couple of years before I need to look in to a waiver.

My problem lies with this, I am currently at the pre-com unit for DDG1000 (Zumwalt). I don't really have a chain of command, as most of us are attending schools and spread out all over the place. My CO is in Maine right now at the shipyard, so there isn't much I can do as I am in Norfolk. I will be up there in a couple of months and should hopefully be able to get the ball rolling a little faster than it already is. Having to essentially sit around and watch the time fly by is painful. I am trying to get what I can done now before I get up to Maine (physicals, interviews, etc) before it becomes too difficult. So what would you do in my situation? I know that I need to get on my interviews, physical, and LOR's...and get my 1420 form taken care of. Do you guys have any suggestions that could help me improve my prospective package?

Also, as far as my ASTB scores (OAR specifically). I sort of screwed up by not really taking it too seriously. I know that is a poor excuse, but I went in there not really that prepared. I have some material for studying now (a million or so gouges), so I feel that with a good month and a half of studying every night I should be able to improve my score considerably. As far as my college of choice, I know...not the most prestigious, but being in the military doesn't make it easy for me. I began my classes at so many different schools, but ultimately settled with the one that could work with me the most with my schedule.

First off, I would like to say great job so far. 9 years and 6 NAMs thats pretty dern good. You didn't mention evals. The better those were the better your chances. Also, it would help if they mentioned in the write up about your desire for a commisioning.

I have a full chain of command and an Officer whos collateral duty was an officer program coordinator. With this being said, I still did 90% of my package myself. For starters, work on your CO endorsement and personal statement. These are the hardest aspects of the package. Know when the next SWO board date is and set deadlines for yourself. You seem pretty focused and motivated so stick to the plan. Schedule the interviews yourself. I did, and they can be individually rather than in a board like setting. If someone gave you less than all 10's throw it out and schedule another one. The higher ranking the better. All three of mine were O-6's and were CO's. Hell, one of them just got picked up for Rear Admiral. You do have a chance for IW, or IDC so make sure at least one of the officers has that designator. Before going to the interview try to let your CO know so that way they may be able to send an email to them and love on you a little. If you have no desire applying for SNA/SNFO save yourself the 45 extra minutes and just take the OAR. Make sure in your interviews you relay the part about you wanting to be an officer and a leader first and then what ever career field you chose is a bonus. One of the tricks of the trades is to use the LOR's to your advantage. Have them say other things about you and your character that you may not be able to fit into your personal statement. Once you find out the next board, get your CO's endorsement to them about two weeks prior so they can make their final chop. Then have your CCC send it off. It is completely doable by yourself. Just think, this is obstacle #1 in your path to becoming a NAVAL OFFICER!!! Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions or want me to email you a copy of stuff.

CTN1(IDW/SW/AW)
SNA Select

 

[jg54170]

First off, I would like to say great job so far. 9 years and 6 NAMs thats pretty dern good. You didn't mention evals. The better those were the better your chances. Also, it would help if they mentioned in the write up about your desire for a commisioning.

I have a full chain of command and an Officer whos collateral duty was an officer program coordinator. With this being said, I still did 90% of my package myself. For starters, work on your CO endorsement and personal statement. These are the hardest aspects of the package. Know when the next SWO board date is and set deadlines for yourself. You seem pretty focused and motivated so stick to the plan. Schedule the interviews yourself. I did, and they can be individually rather than in a board like setting. If someone gave you less than all 10's throw it out and schedule another one. The higher ranking the better. All three of mine were O-6's and were CO's. Hell, one of them just got picked up for Rear Admiral. You do have a chance for IW, or IDC so make sure at least one of the officers has that designator. Before going to the interview try to let your CO know so that way they may be able to send an email to them and love on you a little. If you have no desire applying for SNA/SNFO save yourself the 45 extra minutes and just take the OAR. Make sure in your interviews you relay the part about you wanting to be an officer and a leader first and then what ever career field you chose is a bonus. One of the tricks of the trades is to use the LOR's to your advantage. Have them say other things about you and your character that you may not be able to fit into your personal statement. Once you find out the next board, get your CO's endorsement to them about two weeks prior so they can make their final chop. Then have your CCC send it off. It is completely doable by yourself. Just think, this is obstacle #1 in your path to becoming a NAVAL OFFICER!!! Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions or want me to email you a copy of stuff.

CTN1(IDW/SW/AW)
SNA Select

I did not carry all 10's on my endorsements which is one thing my CO mentioned. He stated he had sat these boards before and also being an NRD CO he probably sees a lot(he is a Human Resource officer). CO..."This appraisal does not have all 10's, what does that mean to me?" ....Me..."something happened to influence the marks in that section sir"......CO... "maybe, but more importantly, he's telling the truth" "this appraisal holds more weight than the commander who gave you all 10's."

I do agree with pretty much everything he stated, juts don't pitch an appraisal cause it isn't all 10's. The write up is where your money is made.

DO pick and choose however. I was initially applying Supply as well but did not interview well with the 2 Suppo's. They did not like my lack of knowledge of the supply community being a prior. The write ups weren't great so I threw them out and tracked down my old LT's. The highest appraisal in my package was an O5.

For the interviews, remember etiquette/boardmanship, be able to articulate yourself, and be prepared for the hard questions such as scenarios. You may have to close the hatch in a Sailors face to save the ship and such ...I have had that one 2 times.