Is it possible to get promoted from enlisted to officer in the navy?

Question

I have joined the U.S. Navy and due to my current college credits, I am coming in as an EO3, and by april 2008 I will have my bachelor's degree in accounting and financing. Is it possible for me than to apply for OCS?
If not, am I in any kind of advantage promotion wise as an enlisted officer,because of my education now and the bachelor's degree I will have in 7 months, and my age ( I am now 26)?
I was also told the only way to be a "mustang" is to go to war, is that true?

Can I go to OCS after enlisted?

Answer 1

Lymanspond is partly correct. You can only make CWO from a Chief Petty Officer. You apply either for LDO (Limited Duty Officer) or Chief Warrant Officer. You undergo a series of interviews by Officers and must have a recommendation from your Commanding Officer.
Buffalo is right. The officer was Admiral Mike(Mikey) Boorda. He committed suicide after someone wrote about a Navy Achievement or Navy Commendation Medal with gold cluster for bravery. He went from an enlisted man to officer. The process is hard but you are on the right track. Continue with your Bachelors degree and apply for OCS. Ensure you have a CLEAN record and a High Recommendation from your Commanding Officer. Keep yourself in ship shape both physically and mentally at all times. You will be watched everyday in your work and off duty times, so make the best of both. Another key would be to work in a volunteer area, such as helping youth or other areas. This could look good for your recommendation particularly if you can get a supervisor position in a volunteer area. This can be used to show you have the leadership qualities that an officer needs.
Keep up the great work and I wish you the Very Best in your Career.

Answer 2

GBS,
You were given the extra paygrade when you joined but that is where advantage ends. You will be promoted based on your test score and performance average making up the majority of you total score. Then based on where you fall among you rating you will be selected or not. Having a degree doesn't make you an officer. There is no term "enlisted officer" in the navy. You may apply for the many different commissioning programs as you advance depending on your competitiveness.
To be called a Mustang you must have at least 4 years of enlisted service. It has nothing to do with going to war. The majority of Mustangs in the Navy are LDO's or CWO's.
You can apply for OCS at the end of your enlistment. That is the first time for OCS...
Question for you, Why didn't you Finnish your degree then join as an officer. You are taking the long way, being only 7 months away from your degree...

Answer 3

yes, it is possible to be picked up for OCS after being enlisted. At 26, however, you are too old for Unrestricted Line(ISWO, Aviation, SPEC Ops) and will be limited to Restricted Line and Staff( Intel, IWO, Supply, PAO)

there is no such thing as an enlisted officer, you are either enlisted, or you have a Commission(or Warrant). Once you are in, the degree will have no bearing on your promotability until you are up for Chief(E7)

However, your degree will NOT be competitive for a Slot at OCS. The Navy wants High Tech and Engineering Degrees. Other Paths to Commissioning include LDO( must be an E6 who is eligible to take the Chief's exam, you would stay in your current Field and would not be eligible for command) and Warrant( must be an E7)

Answer 4

I did it. Went from Hospital Corpsman First Class to Ensign in the Medical Service Corps. The best example was Admiral Mike Borda who went from Seaman Recruit to become Chief of Naval Operations. He's the one who committed suicide after he was found to be wearing a combat ribbon he didn't rate.
There are a lot of "mustangs" in the Navy. In fact, my commanding officer when I applied for my commission, my commanding officer when I went through the exams and interview to compete for the commission, and the commanding officer who swore me in when I gained the commission were all "mustangs".

Answer 5

There was an Admiral(Fleet Admiral I think)who worked his way up from Seaman Recruit.He was on the news not too long ago.There were some discrepancies in his records.Unfortunately he committed suicide.But the answer to your question would be yes you can work your way up and a college degree helps.

Answer 6

Yes, you can go to OCS after you have a degree.

Answer 7

OCS is your way to go......
next way.....put in some effort and time in and maybe you can get commissioned as a CWO chief warrant officer

Answer 8

Ask your career counsleor about the seaman to admiral program, or BOOST...