Is there ANY possibility of getting into Navy OCS without a Bachelor's Degree?

Question

I'm 23, and I'm planning to go into the US Navy in the beginning of 2009 to serve in a legal-related rating after I finish an Associates Degree from the Community College when I'm 25. With this degree, plus credits I earned at a 4-year college between 2002 and 2004, I will have 114 credits in various but relevant fields (Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science). I also have 7 years of managerial work experience, internships as a paralegal, and a wealth of community service behind me.

Is there ANY possibility that I could get into Navy OCS? Or will my inability to afford a Bachelor's Degree be held against me?

Answer 1

you MUST have a 4 year degree to go OCS. HOWEVER, if you enlist, you MIGHT Have a shot at being picked up for STA-21, where you are paid to go to college year round and get that 4 year degree in no more than three years. since you already have a fair number of credits, that will work in your favor, as you will need less time to crank out the degree.

At 25, you will be pushing the envelope age wise for Unrestricted Line. Also, I notice that your choice of subject is mainly Legal.. If you want JAG, that's a whole different ball game altogether. they are Direct Commissions, they do NOT go through OCS, they go through 'Knife and Fork School" and you already have to have passed the Bar Exam.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, a Bachelor's degree is required.

Consider asking about other methods that might obigate you to additional service. For example, are you eligible for a signing bonus you can use now to obtain your degree but extend your service? Do you have an unique skill or have the capability of learning an unique skill in high demand in the Navy? Are you eligible for any other Officer programs that you might be unaware of? I recommend speaking further to your Officer Candidate Recruiter further - ask for options.

Another option - go in as enlisted, earn your degree then apply for OCS. Let them pay for it while you serve. You can do this via either active or reserve service.

Good luck.
Semper Fidelis.

Answer 3

To be accepted for OCS,

You must have atleast 90 semester hours of college, that apply to a specific degree program.

IE: If you have 90 semester hours or more that don't specificly apply to a specific degree program ( like accounting, business, etc ), then you cannot get into OCS.

While you are allowed to go thru OCS with only 90 credit hours, you still have a time limit after completing OCS to gain your degree.

You will be allowed to enter the DCP degree completion program prior to being promoted to 0-3. DCP is generally limited to one year.

Answer 4

The only way I can see you working this out is either the reserve officer recruiter making a conditional request of waiver into a critical NEC designator ex. Medical/Supply. Or enlisting in the active service and starting an officer commision package which will give you more options. I would go this route since you have some college and eligible for more programs ECP-Naval Academy-LDO.

Answer 5

I asked this question too you know, all responses say college degree don't mean anything when going in the army, navy, airforce. They say you got to start from the bottom. But you can do your schooling while serving the army.

Answer 6

I think you could get in the Army ocs........I don't know about the Navy..........BUT even if you get in, your lack of education will trail you during your career...........and hold you back.........get the bachelers

Answer 7

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