Your chances are....(penalty box for those who can't help asking about their chances)

[acoustic2]

Transition to Pilot

Hi Guys,

I am a Naval Aircrewman flying in the back of 60s (SAR Swimmer). I have about 1,800 hrs in the back. I just found out that my OCS package was reviewed and not selected for the pilot option due to my age. That leaves NFO and Intel. I'll find out about that selection result following the next boards.

I am confident that I will get picked up. Honestly, Im quite sick of flying in the back. Want to log some time that will count toward an airline pilot job in the future. What are the chances of a pilot transition out of API?

 

[usnwarrior513]

IS's getting picked up for STA-21 Pilot?

What are the chances of an IS getting picked up for the STA-21 Pilot option. I know we are considered a hard rate to leave, just want to know what the trend is? Here is my package specs... Thanks.

2nd Class, 2.5 years of service, 21 y/o
24 ACT
5/6/6/46 ASTB
3.6 GPA @ American Military University, BS in Homeland Security =77/121 credits (50 from SMARTs)
Evals are all EPs or MPs
LOC's from 2 star Army general, 1 star Army general, and Navy Capatain (my CO)
LOR's from my CO, a Navy Captain (Intel), a Navy Commander (Pilot), and an Air Force Major (my current boss)
Letter of Conditional Acceptance to the University of Oklahoma, Aviation Department
Letter of Appreciation for Community Service (Homeless shelter)
Last 3 PFA's, Good Medium, Good Medium, Excellent Medium.
Numerous other certificates from Intel related schools.

 

[OC/EMC]

Your rate will have little or nothing to do with your acceptance. Officer ascension programs have higher priority than any CREO group. If they take nukes (which they often do), they will take anyone.

 

[usnwarrior513]

That being said...regardless of my rate, does my package look competitive?

 

[ac2NASTY]

I agree with OC/EMC about how your rate doesn't matter. I'm in BOOST now and there are probably more IS rates than any other. Apply for the option you want with core being a back-up.

Your stats look similar to mine except I didn't have any stars write LORs for me and I've been in a few years more. Same test scores, evals, and I did lots of volunteer work. It looks good that you have so much school too, if able try a calculus or physics class too (if you haven't already). My opinion, looks competitive. I suggest applying this year. What's the worst that can happen? You don't get picked up this year and apply again next year. No harm in trying. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help.

 

[usnwarrior513]

Yeah, my package is already done, I am just waiting for my officer/CO review boards later this month. I am definitley applying this year (for pilot, core as backup). The problem I come across is if I don't get accepted this time, is it worth applying again next year or should I just finish my degree online on my own and try for OCS? I don't know which would be the quickest, most guaranteed way to get a pilot slot. I just want to fly! Thanks.

 

[ac2NASTY]

I don't have any advice/knowledge concerning the OCS side of things but can tell you I see and hear them get beat everyday here in Rhode Island. Mon-Sun from 0430 up until lights out. Is that a reason not to try OCS, of course not. 12 weeks of hell and then you are commissioned.

I have an IS2 in my BOOST class now who has over 100 college credits. He could have easily finished a degree and tried for OCS. If you don't get picked up this time for STA-21 it's your call what you decide to do. I would try again for STA-21 because it's the easiest, most fun way to get a degree. Get paid to go to school and have the Navy pay for you degree. Wow! I feel guilty.

One thing you might want to do is complete your SNA physical. That way you will have it done if selected and have time to fix any problems that may come up. Also, you will find out if you medically qualify to become a pilot. You sound like you are pretty determined and squared away. Keep it up. Your stats sound good so make sure your personal statement and CO recommendation are on point.

 

[usnwarrior513]

Funny you say that. I have just recently finished my SNA physical and I am qaulified... 20/40 in each eye, but still good to go. The website says not to put that in the package though correct? Did you get picked up first time? Did you include your page 4 in the package? What kind of questions did the officer/CO review/nomination board members ask you (so I can start formulating answers)... You are right, I am extremely motivated. I feel I am probably more motivated than a lot of other people applying for the program, but they might have better scores and get in over me. I feel there is no way to really show the board how bad you want it since anyone can look good on paper. I guess that is just the Navy though... Thanks for the help, stuck at a Joint Command and no one really knows about this program.

 

[ac2NASTY]

I'm not sure about this so don't quote me but I thought SNA/SNFO applicants needed 20/20. Maybe somebody can clarify this.

I had my physical done before sending my application off but did not include it. Once selected you will have to get a copy to Pensacola so they can review it. I was selected my first time as well as many other people in my class. We got to talk to some of the NSI guys before they checked in and many of them were also first time applicants. I did not include my page 4. My command didn't know anything about the program either. It was me who researched and found out what needed to be done and how to do it (mostly through this website). They were helpful once I told them what I was doing and how I wanted it done. haha!

 

[fc2spyguy]

Just need to be correctable to 20/20, as an NFO you can pretty much be blind w/o glasses, but SNA I think 20/40 is the max w/o glasses. Again, must be correctable to 20/20.

 

[ac2NASTY]

Thanks for the info on eyesight requirements. I'd call ya fc2 but I think thats a little outdated isn't it. By the time I get to Pensacola for my NAMI physical I will probably need that buffer out to 20/40.

 

[torpedo0126]

Just need to be correctable to 20/20, as an NFO you can pretty much be blind w/o glasses, but SNA I think 20/40 is the max w/o glasses. Again, must be correctable to 20/20.

and the key thing a lot of people forget is that you need to be correctable to 20/20. Its easy to think, oh I just need glasses because I am 20/40. Not everyone corrects to 20/20 though...witnessed a girl crying in NAMI about that.

I'm sure you'll be fine though if you passed the first physicals. NAMI isn't too bad.

 

[BrickNole]

I feel I am probably more motivated than a lot of other people applying for the program, but they might have better scores and get in over me. I feel there is no way to really show the board how bad you want it since anyone can look good on paper. I guess that is just the Navy though...

Dont worry about people having higher scores than you with the ACT or SAT as well as the ASTB. Meeting the minimum is your only concern. Of course, study and get the best score you can, but the scores are just a way to weed out people.

Write your personal statement so that they will not just shove your package aside because it sounds like everybody else's generic statement. You don't want them to put it down halfway through reading it. Make them say, "wow", this guy's packeage deserves a closer look.

There's no way to know exactly what the boards will ask you, just have an opinion and think abuot what your gonna say before you say it. There are other forums that tell you what is usually asked(current events/weak elements in your package/opinionated stuff).

LOR's from admirals who don't know you will not mean as much as an LOR from a LT or chief who knows you personally and can attest for your leadership and potential. One person who got a LOR from the CNO last year didn't even get selected. And 3-4 LOR's will be enough, it's not about having 10, it's better to have 3 that really kick ass from people who can attest to your character.

Do not procrastinate, Get to it!

 

[mjv305]

What do YOU think about this? Please share opinions!

well.. here we go - i am applying for OCS - Pilot then /NFO/SWO
25 years old
2.79 Economics from University of Florida - go gators
currently enrolled in Masters of Aeronautical Science - EmbryRiddle

5/5/5/52 test (1st time) - would do better now that i have some knowledge but just my luck no testing facility in Sicily (where im stationed)

a plethora of extracurricular activities, sports & random community service
Employed by AT&T for 1 yr. - #8 in Sales for region
Enlisted as Air traffic Controller - 9 months in
Honor Grad of AC "A" school with a 101.29%/100%
96% Airmans Written Test - FAA test for Air Traffic Controllers
Meritoriously promoted to E-4
Outstanding Low PRT
speak hebrew

3 excellent LORS - previous employer, Detective for MiamiPD, family friend(retired LT) and hopefully on the way 1 from sentaor of Florida.. Also maybe CO of Air Traffic control "A" school and CO of present base

No problems with Medical
meet all quals for pilot (eyes) - yes, i want to be a pilot

Dont know what else.. A long story of how i ended up being enlisted without having a prior application turned in. Had it all done, measurements and all, gave it to officer recruiter, left for bootcamp hoping to be pulled out anyday for OCS and came to find out Officer recruiter never turned it in. He was friends with my enlisted recruiter. THey pulled a fast one on me

Any feedback would be great. I hear different things from everybody and after reading all the posts from this site, would trust what the people say here over most other places.

Thanks

 

[Leviticus]

That sucks. Do you personally know the Florida Senator? If no, I wouldn't use it. Get good letters from those you are personally affiliated with. Though, it may be different since you're applying as enlisted personel. Is there any way you can re-test? I wonder if there is a way your CO can request the ASTB, so that he can administer it to you while you're in Sicily and then send it for processing.

I dunno. Good luck!