Question about applying for OCS

[ocshopefulgal]

Hi Navy moms!

First of all, I would like to thank your sailors/officers for their service, and your grand job of supporting them!

I am preparing to apply to OCS. A little bit about my background: I am 22 years old single female, with a college degree in political science (international relations concentration), minors in spanish and mandarin chinese, and am fluent in 4 languages. I do think I am qualified for OCS (even though i know there are many more well-qualified candidates out there and high competition for spots at OCS) academically and mentally (maybe not physically at least not yet)

So here I go with the questions part. I currently have a job which entails a lot of training and information, so I don't want to leave them short handed until the project I am working on is completed and they can find someone to replace me (by the end of the year). Since it is end of May right now and I cannot leave until December/January 2014, would it be advisable to start my application now? I have heard that application process for OCS does take long, so I wasn't sure if this would be just enough time or too much time. 

Also, regarding the designator I want to sign up for, if I speak to the recruiter about my interests and what I can bring to the table, would he truthfully tell me what would be the best fit for me, or sugartalk me into taking the designator that may be undesirable/less people signing up for? I know this is something I can find out by just speaking to the recruiter but I thought it would serve me better to be more aware of his intentions before speaking to him at all. Apparently there are only three officer recruiters in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, so it's been VERY hard to get ahold of someone to speak to over there.

Another question is, I heard that around graduation from OCS, there is something called Hi-Moms? Is that where families are invited? Is it okay if your parents do not attend the graduation and the hi-mom? My parents have made it very clear to me that I am not their favorite and told me they would not come to support me. (They never attended my high school and college graduation, I graduated alone and came home by myself). Is it frowned upon if your parents don't come, or is there any disadvantage to you if no one comes?

I understand that there are forums of navy officers/sailors that I can ask these questions to, but I thought, hey moms know best, right? and if there is a community full of MOMS, why go elsewhere?

I don't get much support from my parents, but reading some of these forums and discussions FILLED with mothers' love and support for their navy sons and daughters made me feel the love and support, so thank you all so much for being supportive. 

Thank you very much in advance for any comments you have, and thank you for taking your time to read this long post.

[M's mom]

ocshopefulgal:  My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012.  It IS a very long drawn-out process to apply to OCS, so I don't think starting now would be any too soon even if you can't leave until Jan 2014.  In fact, some people who are accepted to OCS get a report date of 6-8 months from then, because they only have so many spots available. My son was accepted in Feb 2012, and told his report date wouldn't be until Dec 2012, but they moved him up to June 2012.  I'm sure you could request an extension to report if it came to that.

 As far as your designator, the NEEDS OF THE NAVY always come first.  Gone are the days when you could pick any job you wanted.  Now, the Navy picks YOU, if they need what you have to offer.  Some of the designators are full, so the recruiters can only offer what they have spots for.  My son had to take a battery of tests to see what his skills were, before the recruiter would even discuss what was available to him with his skill set.   I think the recruiters truly try to match people with what their interests are and what they would be good at.  It would not be in the best interests of the Navy to just fill slots with people who have no desire to do that job.  Since the Navy is downsizing now, I don't think the recruiters have any quota, nor do they have to "sugartalk" recruits into taking anything.  YOU will have to convince the Navy that they need YOU.  

  You said you are not physically prepared "yet" for OCS.  Start getting in shape NOW.  OCS is physically brutal.  Don't report and think you will get in shape while there!  If you don't pass the first Physical Fitness Assessment, you will be "rolled" back for three weeks to see if you can get up to speed, and if not, you are OUT.  So find out what the minimum push-up, sit-up and run requirements are, and start working towards that now.

 "Hi Moms" is a cocktail reception or dinner for the Officer Candidates and their families during OCS graduation weekend.   Some of my son's classmates did not have any family there due to whatever reason, but there is no disadvantage or "frowning upon" if you have no guests.  In fact, many families who came "adopted" one or more of the Candidates for the weekend who didn't have family there, and treated them to restaurant meals, etc.  I'm sure some family would do the same for you.  My heart goes out to you about your family situation.  But, there are plenty of moms here on NavyforMoms who would be happy to give you motherly advice!

Best of luck to you on your application to OCS.  Start NOW, get in shape, and be persistent with the recruiter. 

Anchors Aweigh!   

[ocshopefulgal]

Hello,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

From my research, I could tell it will be physically rigorous so I have started training. The thing is, I can meet the minimum requirements for the Physical Fitness Assessment(push ups, curl ups, 1.5 mile run), however I cannot run the three miles straight (which I hear is part of the training at OCS) yet and I am working up to that.

How did your son study for the battery test? I have bought bunch of books but I'm confused as all the books seem to be conflicted in what material they cover.

Thank you again for your response, 

OCShopefulgal

[M's mom]

RE: studying for the recruiting tests, I'll have to ask my son.  I think the recruiter gave him some material, and referred him to some on-line resources.   But I think the point is to see what knowledge you already have NOW, and not to study for it.  My son majored in mechanical engineering in college, and he was applying for pilot, so he had to take a math test, and a physics test, and he said he took a "flight aptitude test" which he apparently did very well on, which involved matching maps to aerial views, etc.  You probably wouldn't have to take the same tests, but the recruiter could advise you. 

Be persistent with getting them to talk to you, not just over the phone, but make an appointment to speak in person, (and dress professionally.)  Part of the deal is showing how badly you want this, and how persistently you pursue it.  Gone are the days, at least in the Navy, when recruiters would pursue YOU if they had a whiff of interest from you.

M's mom

[Anna]

ocshopefulgal,

WOW!!   I wish I could adopt you!!  I would definitely give you love and support for your decision.  I will try my best to answer some of your questions although I can't guarantee what works for one would work for all.  I can tell you that I don't believe the process of getting accepted to OCS will happen fast.  My daughter applied for a program that I understand is no longer available called the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP).  It took a year before she got word that she had been accepted and then several more months before she actually took the oath of office.  Her program gave her a paycheck and all benefits but her job for the next two years was to complete her degree, then she reported to OCS.  So I do think you'd be pretty safe to start now and still have time to finish out your project at work.  This would also give you some time to work on your physical fitness since you will certainly need that for OCS.

As far as recruiters go, my daughter had two really supportive, factual recruiters.  My other daughter went in enlisted right out of high school and she had a fantastic recruiter who we still keep in touch with.  I know there are some super good recruiters and some not so much.  All you can do is ask questions all along the way and don't let someone try to talk you into something you really don't want.  Do you have a good friend who can go with you just so you have another pair of ears hearing everything the recruiter is telling you?  That is one good way to not misunderstand something.  Don't be afraid to write down notes so you remember exactly what they tell you.

As for the HI Moms and Graduation, no one but you and those you share with will know you don't have family there.  You can invite very close friends if you want or just mingle with the crowds.  Maybe there are other classmates that don't have family there and you can hang with them.  I can ask my daughter if she is aware of any graduates that didn't have family and how it was dealt with.  She has friends in several different graduating classes so she may have some insight to this.  As far as a parent's viewpoint, there were so many people walking around and talking to everyone that I couldn't tell you who was with who!!!!!!

I hope this helps some.  If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  I'm sure there are other Moms who can give you more info and different perspectives. My girls are going to be 23 the end of this month.  I also have a son who enlisted back in 03!!  Good luck to you, I hope it all works out for you!!!  And thank you for your decision and desire to serve.

[ocshopefulgal]

Hi Anna,

Thank you for your answer.

Your son and daughters are truly blessed to have a mom like you who truly cares and loves them, and I hope they know& appreciate it! There were times in middle school and high school when I looked on with jealousy as my friends' parents and family members came to congratulate them on special days or celebrated birthdays with family, but I have come to accept it now. 

I will take your advice and take notes with the recruiter, and try to blend in with the other navy family crowd if i do continue on to OCS!

I also sent you a private message with my email address earlier today.

Thank you very much!

OCShopefulgal

[dmarie]

I will echo the advice already given, it is not too soon to apply now. In my daughter's case, she started the process in April and reported to OCS in late October. For her designator, her recruiter helped her prepare a packet that was presented to a selection board. The board then decided who would be accepted. The board only chose one out of every 9 that applied for her  job. The ASVAB test will also help decide what you should apply for. Be persistent in getting a recruiter to work with you. They may be trying to gauge your interest by how determined you are to speak with them. Get going on the physical fitness end as well. You want to be in great shape before arriving at OCS. You should be able to find some workouts online that will prepare you. As for Hi Moms and graduation, invite an aunt, uncle or anyone that you wish to share the days with. If no one is able to join you, there will surely be another family or group of friends that will include you, if you want to be, that is. Being female at OCS, you will form bonds with the other females in your class, as there aren't that many of you.

My heart goes out to you and your situation. You are obviously a bright, strong young woman, one any parent would be proud to claim. You have indeed found friends here that will encourage and support you. Please keep in touch and let us know how your application is progressing.

[ocshopefulgal]

Hello dmarie,

Thank you for your answer. 

May I ask what designator she chose, and how she scored on the test? Also, I had thought the ASVAB test was only for enlisted, and the ASTB is for OCS candidates. Is this wrong?

Thank you for your kind words, I only wish you knew how appreciative I am of your warmth and help. 

OCShopefulgal

[dmarie]

She chose Intel, and I could be wrong as to the name of the test. Another person with a background similar to yours also chose Intel. I can't remember the exact score (this was four years ago), but it was in the higher bracket.

You are very welcome. Here is another site that should have info that you can use:

http://www.usnavyocs.com/portal/index.php

There are sections on recruiting, preparing for OCS, and OCS classes.

Good Luck!

[brentes93]

As a Navy mom and retired Navy Sailor, I will do my best to answer some of your question.  I've also asked some of the Officer recruiters currently on active duty as well for their expert opinion.

1.  The Navy OCS is full--meaning apply now and hopefully you should hear something within a year unless you're in a "specialized" billet requirement, which at this time is just a handful.  OCS program is running about an average of 20 months fill--so from start of application to the time when you actually hear you've matched a slot, it takes about 20 months.  So go ahead and process your application.  However, if you happen to match a critical slot and you get picked up right away, it isn't a matter of requesting a delayed waiver. If you do, your application gets put on hold and you may or may not get in at the next cycle or worse, you would have to reapply.  That is a gamble you will have to take.

2.  The recruiter has "quotas" to fill, but one cannot be put in that billet if the candidate does not match the minimum required skill-set.  You have "control" of what you want to do.  It will be up to you what it is you're interested in, do some research on what the job entails, and talk to those who are currently serving and doing the job.  The recruiter can network you with other people.  If at any time you don't feel the recruiter is being helpful, you can always speak to someone else.  If you tell me where you're at, I can get some someone from the recruiting district office that can most help you.  Also you will have take a test that will gauge where your talents would best fit the "needs of the Navy."  Someone in this trend said that.  Take heed of that statement.  It is what is in the Navy's best interest especially with today's Navy.  The Navy is downsizing, so they are choosing only best qualified match for their limited billets.

3.  Your language skills will do you well, but you will still need to take the Defense Language Institute proficiency test.  Some language skills may mean extra money in your pay.  But this will not come about until after you are fully immersed as a Naval Officer.

4.  I'll mirror everyone's sentiment here about the family functions.  By the time you are done with OCS, you will have a Navy family.  And family doesn't mean blood ties.  The family functions are not mandatory but is a means for military to bridge the gap.  If you're not comfortable having your own family attend, then don't worry about it.  Just so you know, when my son commissioned, some folks had no families with them, but they were not left behind in the celebration.  We adopted some of the single guys and we had a blast.  So don't be surprised if you find yourself adopted into someone's family.

[ocshopefulgal]

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

I will take everyone's advice and will start the application process ASAP. 

Also, I am at Northern Virginia, and it would be great if you know someone who would be able to help me!

I am so grateful to everyone who are going out of their way to help a stranger out, it really warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes for your warm words and advice.

Thank you again.

OCShopefulgal 

[HokieMamma]

Hi, ocshopefulgal - I would agree that the application process is very long.  My son is currently at OCS but it has been years in the making. So I would start the process as soon as you can.  I would also start physically training as soon as possible.  My son has been training for eight months and still didn't pass the initial physcial assessment, so has rolled into H-class and will try again when the next class come on board.

I can't answer anything about the recruiters.  We live in southern MD and my son's recruiter was an hour and a half away, in College Park, so just trying to find the recruiter, at first, was an exercise in determination.

I would echo the sentiments of the others - by the time you get to graduation, you will have plenty of fellow sailors who would be happy to include you in their celebrations!

My son was told he was selected as an alternate for this year, meaning another year's wait. Then suddenly he was bumped up to "selected." So you never know what might happen.

Good luck and persevere!