I'll operate under the assumption that you are interested in becoming a commissioned officer in the Navy Reserve, with the Intelligence designator, via the DCO/DIRCOM (Direct Commission Officer) program.
Below are some recommendations / opinions based on my experience with my recent Intel package. This is your ball and you are going to have to carry it down range because the DCO program is a highly competitive one, for all designators (Intel / Information Warfare / Information Professional / Public Affairs, etc.). That is, there are hundreds of applicants competing for a limited number of slots. Being extremely motivated and flexible, and ensuring your forms are perfect
before they are sent to the recruiter will go a long way.
1. Have a look at the Navy's Height and Weight Standards chart and ensure you are somewhat within the standards.
http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/0,13898,rec_step07_hw_navy,,00.html
If you are not somewhat within the standards or are obviously overweight, then have a plan ready to remedy the situation
before you call the recruiter. The recruiters will notice if you are overweight and being able to tell them that you know you are not within the standards and are doing XYZ to remedy the situation will go a long way.
2. Complete a simple document containing the following information:
- Full Name
- Address
- Home / Work / Cell Phone Numbers
- Email Address
- Birth date
- Age
- Marital Status
- Social Security Number
- Sex
- Race
- Prior Service Information (years, branch, designator, rate/rank, release from duty)
- College attended
- Graduation date
- Degree earned
- Final GPA
- Height / Weight
- Vision (corrected and uncorrected)
- Medical Conditions
- Police Record (including the number of traffic violations in the last 7 years)
- Tattoos
- Drug use (since you were 16 or within the last 7 years, whichever is shorter)
3. Update your resume.
4. Call the nearest recruiting station and ask for the Officer Recruiter. When you get in touch, inform the recruiter that you are interested in the DCO/DIRCOM program (specify Intelligence).
5. Inform the recruiter that you have a completed officer information sheet and updated resume, and that you would like to schedule a face-to-face interview to discuss the DCO program and your competitiveness, as well as talk about taking the ASTB test.
6. I cannot stress this enough: each and every time you meet with the recruiter or any other Naval representative, civilian or otherwise, show up in a suit (with tie) and make sure you look squared-away (i.e., haircut, polished shoes, etc.). It may be overkill, but you want to be an officer, act and look as squared away as possible at all times.
7. Start studying for the ASTB test.
8. Here are the two main forms you will more than likely have to complete. Have a look at them and ensure you can dedicate the necessary time, especially with regard to the EPSQ / SF-86. You may want to print them out and get a sense of the amount of time you will be spending on them.
SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions
- This form took me 2 full days to complete. That is, 12 - 14 hours per day.
- If/when you get rolling in the process, your recruiter will set you up with an online ID so that the information can be submitted online.
Application for Commission
- If something does not apply, enter, "N/A"
- Your motivational statement is extremely important. There is another thread on the board you can reference.
