If a person has earned their bachelor's degree and puts in a request to become an officer from being enlisted, how long would the process take and is it difficult going from enlisted to officer?
2007-09-05 05:24:32 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous is my name...lol! 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
First, you need to understand that the process is not automatic. Lots of enlisted folks have Bachelors degrees and are not selected for commissioning.
Having said that, your first step is to make an appointment with your Division Officer and talk with him/her about your goal. Go through the chain, as hell hath no fury like a scorned LPO or Chief. You want these folks on your side, and they will have considerable influence over the final decision. (Bottom line - they can make you or break you.)
Your Division Officer will help you get the interviews you'll need with Department Heads, the XO and CO. Having an enlisted person get a commission is something of a feather in all of their caps, so unless you've done something to annoy them, they'll be on your side.
The formal process starts with your Command Career Counselor, and ask him/her to screen your records and help you put your request together. Remember that you will be judged on that package, so do not allow it to look sloppy or poorly prepared.
Read the instructions and check it over yourself. You want to be a Naval Officer, after all. If you can't manage to put together a decent officer package, then it's time to go back to chipping paint, regardless of your degree.
Ask your Division Officer to read over endorsements and the like, and don't be afraid to ask him/her to take something back up the chain if it's too weak. Oh, and if there are typos in the endorsement, get the Yeoman to re-type it. We've got word processors today with spell check, so there's no excuse for sloppy work, and it will reflect on you.
You will do most of the legwork (hey, it is your package, after all) and the time required will vary based on a number of things outside your control. (Example - availability of the required photos.) If you just let the CCC run with it, then expect to get a really nice letter turning you down, and thanking you for your interest.
Do it right, don't let your performance slip at all, and be a model Sailor while you're going through the process. Keep good, clear copies of everything.
As for the time, I've seen packages go through in as little as three months, and I've seen packages that never get approved.
Good luck, Shipmate!
2007-09-05 07:27:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The process could take up to 4 months from time of request to start of OCS. There are a number of steps for the paperwork to go through. There is also a background check that may take a while with Homeland Security so backed up. OCS is a lot like basic except they teach the enlisted not to pee in the potted palms. and other social skills.
2007-09-05 12:32:35 · answer #2 · answered by Coasty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is an application process. It takes anywhere from 2 months to 3 years. Minimum you need to be an E-5 or above, have an outstanding service record, have multiple recommendations, and the CO better like you. The CO would be the person who is going to give you a commision and perform the ceremony. So all in all if you start as an E-1 you are looking at 6-10 years.
2007-09-05 12:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by Rek T 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
too many factors. What is the degree in? what is the GPA? how old is the applicant? How long have they been enlisted? what else is in their Packet?
Took my husband 4 years to the day from shipping to Great Lakes before he reported to Pensacola for OCS.. and he went in with a 4 year degree. he was also denied his first time applying.
2007-09-05 14:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why should they want to make you an officer when they have already invested a large amount to make you an enlisted,and besides they already have you as an enlisted so you are the least of their concerns!
2007-09-05 13:57:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Dont listen to Rek T, everything that he/she said is not correct. screamingradical pretty much has it right on the nose. If you really want to know check this out OPNAV 1420.1A
2007-09-05 12:45:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mad Town Ghost 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋