My son is a Navy reservist IT. He has two more years to complete college with plans to go active and become an officer. Who does he talk to about navigating what appears to be a mass of confusion about; earned Navy credits, financial, aid, ROTC, his Navy time obligations, etc. Additionally where can I go to help in his decision making.
He tells me his 'guidance counselor' is not very helpful or knowledgeable and most contacts are via email.
I understand that he may not be asking the correct questions, but I feel so helpless because I don't understand enough to help him make a good decision.
This post may seem vague and I apologize, but I need a starting point.
My son wants to finish college and become an officer. How does he do it?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I wish there was a book "Navy for Dummies".
Sincerely,
David Marse
Replies
Thanks Craig,
I'm now reading OPNAV 1420.1B and it is starting to answer many questions. Your advice is well appreciated.
Sincerely,
David Marse
If he was active duty, and he was pulled from school for any official reason (deployment, being in the hospital, etc), then the Navy would reimburse his for the loss.
Being reservist, there is another set of rules to play with. I'm not up on those. However, most colleges will allow a waiver if the military member gets deployed. You need to talk to the college about this.
Craig,
Your response is appreciated more than you can imagine and a copy of OPNAV 1420.1B is being printed today.
I agree with your statement that..."a BA with a technical major such as Computer Science....".
We are trying to break down this entire process into individual goals, and his first goal is finishing college with a BS in Computer Science. He is being told he doesn't qualify for tuition assistance because he is a reservist. We will pay the freight for him to finish and get his degree, however he's telling me that he could be pulled out of school at anytime for any length of time resulting in lost credits and funding's. I find that hard to believe, which only adds to my frustration level in trying to seek guidance.
I most humbly welcome your comments on this matter and also appeal to the Navy Dad community for any guidance or clarifications.
thank you so much,
David Marse
Proud Navy Dad
Since he's already an IT, he should try to get Information Warfare Officer (IWO).
However, the first thing, you don't need to be a IT to get commissioned as an Information Warfare Officer. I know of others not in the communication field that are now IWOs. There is also Enlisted Nuke that became a Supply Corps Officer. So your Rating means very little when it comes to a Commission. Time in rate is NOT a preventer for applying to OCS. So put it in. No one will tell him to wait.
The more important thing is what will his degree is in? The IW Community is very selective, and a BA with a technical major such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, etc. puts you head and shoulders above someone with a degree in say English Lit.
If you indeed want to apply to OCS you need to know 2 things. First, you need the Command Career Counsellor in your hip pocket. They will be your biggest help in getting your package squared away, with the i's dotted and the t's crossed. A CCC that doesn't care isn't your friend, since the package goes through them.
Second, you need to read, understand (I mean REALLY understand, not just the normal Sea-lawyer understanding the parts that help one without bothering to understand the parts that hinder), and live OPNAVINST 1420.1B - ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. It is THE bible when it comes to an enlisted Sailor applying for a commission. For OCS, the relevant sections are Chapters 1, 2, and 4, as well as Appendix C.
His statement on why he is seeking a Commission is incredibly important. Work on it... Craft it. It's where you get to sell yourself, and it's probably one of the items that makes or breaks an application.
The other is your CO's endorsement. You should be part of the process in drafting that as well, so that the right bits of data from your job performance (responsibilities and leadership impact) are what gets highlighted. Nothing kills a package faster than a plain vanilla "Petty Officer Roberts would make an outstanding Naval Officer. I would be proud to have him as a member of my wardroom.." endorsement without any notations of what you have done in terms of leadership or extra responsibilities above your paygrade.
Hope that gives you some help.
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/officer/
For the offical instruction for OPNAV 1420.1B (just in case you missed the hyperlink above).
http://www.usna.edu/admissions/1420%20%201B1.pdf