Navy OCS

[LordRayner82]

Hello all, since this is a location for those motivated with their education, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience dealing with Navy OCS. If so, any advice for the package? I am looking to be a grad from Saint Leo this summer and want to pursue this venue badly. If anyone has any experience with it to share, it would be greatly appreciated!

[Old Rusty Pipe]

First question, are you already in the military? Second question, if so then how long?

[LordRayner82]

Yes I am already in. I will have been in seven years on Valentine's Day. Currently an E-5 (AO2 specifically)

[HawkGuy]

If you haven't already, take a look at USNavyOCS.com. I'm on the Army OCS site and it's full of good info. The Navy one might be of help to you.

[Old Rusty Pipe]

Just wanted to make sure you were over the 4 years and 1 day time frame. So you're eligible for O-1E pay. Big difference there. Good luck.

[originalbigjim]

I began my degree journey with the intention of going to OCS, in fact that was my only reason for going to school while I was in. I did the clep and dantes things and got my degree from excelsior quickly. I was so motivated that I moved on to my master's and I am now nearing completion. After starting my OCS package, I was told time and time again that I have to make sure that this is something that I really want to do, and it is not for the money because you will make much more in a lifetime as a civilian. I did three interviews and they all couldn't have been better and then I spoke with a Jr. O and he said officers are just as miserable as everyone else in the Navy. That kind of changed the way I looked at things and brought it up with in my next interview and when I casualty spoke with officers with similar responses. They said being an officer is all about sacrifice and dedication to duty. most of the 04s and above I spoke with are on their 2nd or 3rd wife and their kids hate them. This when I stopped working on my package. I am a father of three who loves his wife and I can't see myself putting the navy over my kids for the rest of my life. You only get your kids for so long and if I mess up my kids I want to do it not because i wasnt there for their entire lives.
I wanted to be an officer for the pay raise, for the prestige and out of spite.
I never had any desire to actually be an officer. If being an officer is something you want to do, do it for the right reasons. Remember there is life outside the navy (even for AOs) being a veteran with a degree you are very desirable as a potential employee. Going to OCS is not the only option, you no longer need the navy.
IYAOYAS!

[LordRayner82]

You are right absolutely right BigJim, this has to be for the right reasons! Thanks for your info, it is trulyappreciated. I can't lie, initially my motivation was for the pay and retirement, but it has moved far beyond that now. I love being a BB stacker, but I would much rather enjoy flying (not NFO). I couldn't agree more in regards to making more money on the outside and I am exploring that option before my EAOS, but I consider myself one of a few (from whom I've met) that can honestly say I love the Navy. I'll just have to see how it goes this year as I prep my LoR's, ASTB and all the other good stuff. I'll keep the thread posted if I get picked up in case there are others who are in my current shoes.

[LordRayner82]

btw, a little late, but thanks HawkGuy for the OCS website. It truly does have a lot of gouge and has proven very useful.

[craftkc10]

Chris, I would suggest talking to the other Services and getting their pitch. I started as Aviation Officer Candidate (when there was such a thing) in Pensacola in '89. I spent 9 years in the Navy before transferring to the AF. Quality of life is much better, especially from a family perspective. I think the Coast Guard would offer a similar, if not better, quality of life. As you research, make sure to let the officer recruiters know you're only interested in pilot slots. Bottom line: if you love the Navy (and I did), it's probably the best path for you, but I'd at least check out what everyone else is offering. Best of luck to you!

[marshall]

GENTS/Ladies, all great info. I am currently a ND2. I was prior aircrew, and i can honestly say the difference between "fleet" navy and "fly" navy is pretty distinct; however, the "Spec Ops" side of the navy is totally better than the both combined. Im sure we can all share stories about the idiots we work with, and how it seems that if you open the door of "career-negativity" you seem to gather a crowd around your desk (if you have one). Every community has it's own, there are just a few less on my side. I think a lot has to do with job description. Im sure everyone, especially in the navy can argue "without my rate the mission would fail." I said this as an "AD" and still say it more as a Navy Diver. I am currently 4 classes away from my BS through Southern Illinois University, Pensacola. I AM going to OCS for Spec Ops (EOD Officer). Im not doing it for the pay, or to even get above the chief's, or even get away from the idiots that still somehow filter through my pipeline. I just stood my CDB for my OCS package and it seemed like every kaki from CMC down wanted a valid answer for my transition. I was told i'm a great sailor (JSOQ,JSOY), and would make an awesome chief ........ONE DAY........thats the problem. If i stood still as of now, it would take me nearly 3 more years to put on kakis, that's with EP's. So my valid answer to the question they posed was this: Master Chief I can be an O-1E in September or a E-7 in close to four years.............. Further more, where else can you find a job that PAYS you to jump out of planes at 30,000 ft, dive mixed gas re-breathers, provide secret service support to the President, and lead men and some hooyah women into combat that are on the same playing field in regards to high speed operations that you are; and be responsible for it all!!!!!!!!!!! Until i can find a civi. job that can compensate all this, i'm in. As for the family, I think and preach that all starts at home. Just as you build a house, your family too must be build on a strong foundation. The Non-military spouse is the hardest job in the military. Finding the perfect woman (in my case) was easy, she supports me and shuts up ! I have seen many careers and families ruined because of stupid choices, and non of the ones i have encountered is because "dad was gone fighting the war!!!" They've been because of dad being in the Philippines or Thailand being stupid, or mommy getting a baby sitter when dad's on deployment. I cannot recall any situation where work itself was an issues, and i have extremely close ties with the Seal teams.

--For those with an accredited associates degree, check out southern illinois univeristy. Its a quick BS in Instruction Systems Design, super easy if you already have your MTS (master training specialist), especially if your in the Pensacola Area. I currently work at the HELO DUNKER on NAS Pensacola if anyone needs info on the OCS package, or is interested in going SEAL/EOD/DIVER. Hit me up

Hooyah