Hey everyone. No, I'm not back yet. It just so happened that I was finally able to connect to the forum. Anyway, I've been reading some to these posts and I'm kind of curious. Actually, I'm confused on this whole issue of the SWO community being closed due in part to too much interest and too many applicants. Just a couple years ago, the SWO community was wide open and they were taking anyone. Now they are being selective. Having seen the in flux of new Ensigns into the community, I can see why they are starting to cut their numbers. However, we are starting to see more and more posts from people who are actually trying to get into the SWO program. Personally, I think that's great as the community can become more and more selective in who it brings in. The community can now concentrate on those who desire to be there, and disregard those who don't. Those who are interested in becoming a SWO have many opportunities afforded them once they are in. If you happen to get lucky and find your niche within the community, it can be great. But if you don't, your life can be absolutely miserable. It either goes one of two ways -- either profoundly rewarding, or insanely miserable. A whole host of variables are in play which help to determine your experiences. And they are always, always, always different for each person.
As for me personally, my lateral transfer application is in for transfer to the Intel community. That should probably give you a general idea of where my experiences fell. It seems like such a long time ago that I was in flight school. And now I'm on my second division officer tour. Coincidentally, the lateral transfer/redesignation board commences today and adjourns next Friday. Hopefully, I will know that evening...that's if the results are posted on the BUPERS' website...or shortly after that.
I can say I'm undecided at this point as to what I will do if I should not get selected this time around. I am at that point where I will be able to put in my resignation papers if I desire and be out of the Navy in approximately 10-12 months. That is one option. There are a number of other options that I have been thinking about for some time as well, but I will spend time concentrating on those only in the event I do not get selected. One day at a time. In any event, I still have a job to do here and will continue to do just that.
For those putting in packages and keep coming up against a brick wall for what you want, keep up the full court press. Your time will come.
--Steve Wilkins
p.s. Be sure to get that psycological screening done. This way, when you put SWO down as your first choice, no one can question your mental stability!
As for me personally, my lateral transfer application is in for transfer to the Intel community. That should probably give you a general idea of where my experiences fell. It seems like such a long time ago that I was in flight school. And now I'm on my second division officer tour. Coincidentally, the lateral transfer/redesignation board commences today and adjourns next Friday. Hopefully, I will know that evening...that's if the results are posted on the BUPERS' website...or shortly after that.
I can say I'm undecided at this point as to what I will do if I should not get selected this time around. I am at that point where I will be able to put in my resignation papers if I desire and be out of the Navy in approximately 10-12 months. That is one option. There are a number of other options that I have been thinking about for some time as well, but I will spend time concentrating on those only in the event I do not get selected. One day at a time. In any event, I still have a job to do here and will continue to do just that.
For those putting in packages and keep coming up against a brick wall for what you want, keep up the full court press. Your time will come.
--Steve Wilkins
p.s. Be sure to get that psycological screening done. This way, when you put SWO down as your first choice, no one can question your mental stability!
