FY14 STA-21 Applicants

[JayJackJr87]

I have looked up and down the STA-21 website, but nowhere does it say the CO's endorsement is only one page. I wrote a preliminary one for my CO to review prior to my interview. In the end, the CO is going to rewrite/reword it in his style. My CO's endorsement is a tad over 1 page and it is basically the same statement, just rewrote to fit his style.

Thanks Doc, I found it under OPNAVIN 1420.1B.

 

[Popo Jijo]

I have looked up and down the STA-21 website, but nowhere does it say the CO's endorsement is only one page. I wrote a preliminary one for my CO to review prior to my interview. In the end, the CO is going to rewrite/reword it in his style. My CO's endorsement is a tad over 1 page and it is basically the same statement, just rewrote to fit his style.

I have seen CO's endorsements over one page. I am pretty sure that part is fine.

 

[Popo Jijo]

I am doing my last board today. Hopefully it goes well. Hopefully everybody else is almsot done with their package. Don't wait until the last minute. If you haven't done boards yet, you are behind. Good luck to everybody else!

 

[A_Longo88]

I am doing my last board today. Hopefully it goes well. Hopefully everybody else is almsot done with their package. Don't wait until the last minute. If you haven't done boards yet, you are behind. Good luck to everybody else!

Good luck Popo! Let us know how you feel it went.

 

[Doc B-dorf]

I am doing my last board today. Hopefully it goes well. Hopefully everybody else is almsot done with their package. Don't wait until the last minute. If you haven't done boards yet, you are behind. Good luck to everybody else!

Well, my last board was cancelled after the zero select opportunity for MC came out. Not to mention I contacted Mr. Paros and he said NOT to send a package in unless I was applying for another program, which I'm not.

 

[JayJackJr87]

unfortunately I am behind. Had to wait until i got my citizenship 18MAY before i could do anything so my package will be postmarked 1 july most likely.

i hope you guys don't mind if I ask a lot of questions. starting with the ones below

JST/SMART website only sends official transcripts to colleges. is there anyway to get Official transcript online? as you all know i don't have the time to wait for it to come in mail. Or can we send unofficial transcript as long its certified true copy? Also my CCC told me the board only cares for the summary report of your JST and not the Combo, is this true?

thank you

 

[Popo Jijo]

unfortunately I am behind. Had to wait until i got my citizenship 18MAY before i could do anything so my package will be postmarked 1 july most likely.

i hope you guys don't mind if I ask a lot of questions. starting with the ones below

JST/SMART website only sends official transcripts to colleges. is there anyway to get Official transcript online? as you all know i don't have the time to wait for it to come in mail. Or can we send unofficial transcript as long its certified true copy? Also my CCC told me the board only cares for the summary report of your JST and not the Combo, is this true?

thank you

Every year I print out my "unofficial" transcripts and get my admin officer to certify them to be a true copy. And just send the whole thing unless the website/instruction says otherwise (it doesn't).

 

[Popo Jijo]

And done... I hope. I completed my external board today. There is still one or two things that have to be done, but for the most part my package is complete. All that I can really do is wait.

 

[JoeNAVY]

And done... I hope. I completed my external board today. There is still one or two things that have to be done, but for the most part my package is complete. All that I can really do is wait.

What questions did you get asked?

 

[A_Longo88]

All that I can really do is wait.

OH GOD. The DREADED WAIT !!! lol

I have my external board in two weeks. My package is currently in the Skipper's hands. I hope the next 4 months fly by as quick as the beginning of the year has. We shall wait and see ..... Everyone ready for some funny E-cards and motivational posters to pas the time?? I know I sure am ... lol .. who is on message traffic watch?? lol

 

[A_Longo88]

Hopefully Santa will come early this year ..... around the October time frame

 

[JoeNAVY]

Had my first board this week. Didn't really ask me anything that hasn't already been posted on this forum but here you go:

Why do you want to be an officer?
What makes a good officer a good officer?
What is leadership to you?
Explain the Navy's core values.
When have you done something courageous?
What are your stregnths?
What are your weaknesses?
Give examples of good and bad leadership which you have experienced in the Navy.
Why are you applying for the SWO/ED option?
STA-21 is a very competitive program and I have seen a lot of "slam dunk" applicants not get picked up. What is going to make you stand out against the rest?
You're a brand new ensign standing watch and you see a seasoned 2nd class "all-star" break a safety violation. When you confront him he tells you, "sir, I understand what the MRC says, but we've been doing it this way for over 18 months". You insist your point and the LCPO backs the 2nd class. What do you do?

All I can recall at the moment. Good luck to everyone!

 

[weq820]

Had my board on Friday. It was with six officers since my command isn't near any other command. We were waived from the external board. I don't know how that will affect selection But here are some questions I was asked. I think I did pretty well, but we will see.

Why do you want to be an Officer/pilot?
Give examples of good and bad leadership you've seen in the Navy.
What is your greatest success in your lifetime? Greatest failure?
Why should you be chosen over everyone else for this program?
Walk me through the pilot pipeline.
Let's say you stay in the Navy and make Master Chief instead of going Officer. Would you be satisfied?
What are 3 characteristics you think I'm going to write on your interview sheet?
What is the relationship between a DIVO and an LCPO? How will you use that relationship? What if you have a shitty chief?
Why didn't you finish your degree before enlisting? (I enlisted with my associate's degree)
Do you think you are a leader now? Why?
What steps will you take in the very near future (in the next few months) to take on even more leadership?
Has there ever been a time where you didn't give 110%? Will you always give 110% as an Officer?

 

[A_Longo88]

Thanks for posting your questions guys! This will really help other applicants prepare for their upcoming interviews. I have my final board in another week. I'm looking forward to getting this thing in the mail ASAP.

 

[Doc B-dorf]

I would have to say this, for those of you doing your boards, review these questions is always helpful; BUT one thing nobody ever seems to say is be relaxed (well as much as you can be, any sensible Officer should know you're nervous) and do not beat around the bush. Be honest, such as for me, I was asked last year AND this year; "Why not stay enlisted and become a Chief?" my answer was this "Sir, if I choose to stay enlisted and be a Chief I will no longer be able to do surgery and care for our wounded service members."

Now you all might be thinking, but where does the leadership role of an Officer come into play with that answer? Well, here it is. I also explained that I realize that my duty as an Officer comes FIRST and that my Medical Corps position is secondary and that I will embrace being a leader and continue to develop both Junior Sailors and Junior Officers to the fullest extent.

Also, they asked what my weaknesses were, and besides math, I explained that probably my weakest area is conflict management. They then asked examples, such as me versus Gunny or versus the platoon commander or company XO (Fleet Marine Force btw), or heck even my Chief or Juniors now. They also asked how I would approach those situations now, and I responded with far more tact and analytical thinking (or something along those lines).