Should my boyfriend be searching for a civilian job while applying to become a Navy officer? [RE-EXPLAINED]?

Question

My boyfriend passed the initial exam that lets him apply to different programs. He's looking into Surface Warfare, Intell, and Supply. He graduated as an Animal Vet major w/ a 3.35 GPA. HE IS NOT TRYING TO BECOME A VET IN THE NAVY. His degree is a cross between bio and chem, and it's a precurser for anything in health sciences or any other particular science. He is co-published in forensics medicine. He has lots of volunteer hours and extra curricular's...But not much leadership. He hasn't had a job in 3 years, so he cannot get a letter of recommendation from an employer. All together, he is afraid of being underqualified. Should he be searching for another job in the meantime?

Please don't answer unless you are in the Navy or your close to someone in the Navy.

He is speaking w/ a recruiter.

*He got a undergrad degree, he did not attend graduate school yet

Answer 1

There are Allied Science officers in the Navy Medical Service Corps who deal with both chemistry and biology. That Corps is one of several in the Navy Medical Department, along with the Medical, Dental and Nurse Corps. My advice is to have him make contact with the appropriate officer recruiter in the nearest Officer Selection Office. The Navy recruiter in your area should be able to provide that contact information. Although I'm a retired Medical Service Corps officer, my field was Health Care Administration.

Answer 2

It sounds like your boyfriend needs a course in self-confidence. Although a 3.35 isn't exactly the Dean's list, it isn't that bad either. As far as applying elsewhere while talking with the military, absolutely he should. You never know what is out there until you look and he may find his "dream job" with some research firm. As far as the Navy, Supply Officers take care of everything from repair parts, to barber shops and galleys. Mainly a bean counter, keeping track of budgets and OPTAR funding etc. Surface Warfare is a designation that is earned as a line officer on a surface ship and comes with detailed knowledge of the basic construction, operation and casualty responses for all shipboard systems. The intell community spends a lot of time analyzing satellite photos, going over communications intercept and estimating enemy strengths, weaknesses and predicting responses to certain actions. Tell him to be open to life and pursue all the paths that would make him happy and take the best offer. Navy or civilian, you need to enjoy what you do or it gets real old real quick.

Answer 3

His degree, and to a lesser extent, the GPA is not competitive for a slot at OCS. he MIGHT have a shot at SWO, but probably not Supply or Intel, based on his lack of credentials, leadership and job experience. He doesn't have the right background for either of them.

the Navy wants 3.5 and Higher GPAs in hard science and technology degrees. In order to even be considered for an AMEDD commission, he would need a graduate degree.

He'd do best to keep all options open, especially since it can take months or longer before being picked up.

has he thought of enlisting first, if he doesn't get a Commission? he would then be able to apply to OCS from within after a couple of years , which would give him the leadership and job experience.

Answer 4

Why the NAVY??
My brother was a Navy career man.
The Army, commissions men with degrees, and they need good vets to care for the dogs. Dogs are a vital resource for sniffing out explosives, etc.
The branch of service has nothing to do with it. The pay is the same, except in the army the promotions are quicker, because you don't compete with the fleet.
The Marines are a lot more difficult.
The Air Force also uses a lot of dogs.

I think he would be a lot better off in th Army.

Answer 5

I used to be in the navy. I say go for it at least for the four year contract. I think anybody and everybody should try the military just to see the life style it has. who knows- he might like it and stay in for the career. one thing is certain though whether for 4 or 20- he grows as a person. trust me- you won't regret it.