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OCS Process - Package to OCS

S

spolasek

Member
Hello everyone! I thought I'd start a thread on the process of putting together a package all the way through OCS, for those of us that are at the beginning of the process. Any information/ tips that are provided are GREATLY appreciated!

I am very early on in putting together my officer package. I don't graduate until March but I'm trying to get a head start on it. I've taken some practice OAR tests already. I feel pretty confident about the math and reading portions- the mechanical- not so much lol! Other than those three sections what should I expect out of the actual OAR exam? What should I expect out of the process? Did you guys get to chose if you did Surface, Intel, Air, etc... Or did they just tell you what you qualified for (I know GPA also plays a factor in this)? After submitting your packages how long was it until you guys received a response? How long after you received a response did you go to OCS? What should I expect of OCS? Do you pay for your uniforms out of the (E-5?) pay you receive (while attending) similarly to boot camp, or do you have to pay out of pocket? Is OCS more like boot camp where you all sleep in a room together or A- School where you go back to a barrack in the evening? Are you allowed to leave at any time? Off on weekends? Allowed to have your phone? I'll be talking to my recruiter about these things. Just thought I'd get some info from you all as well.

I'm prior service with 4 years. I've been out for four years - pursuing my bachelor's. I'm excited to graduate and see what happens! Also, what percentage of prior service/ civilians get picked up? I appreciate and look forward to any answers, info, and insight that you all might provide!
 
HeartofTexas

HeartofTexas

Well-Known Member
Contributor
Wow...that is a lot of questions strung together ? I'm currently AD enlisted submitting my package in for the 25JAN21 Board but I can offer a few tidbits on some of the things you asked.

@NobleJ put together this document of recent stats for prior SNA/NFO boards.
docs.google.com

PS SNA/SNFO Board Data Results

Sheet1 02NOV20 Board # Applied,# Prorec Y, GPA Min, GPA Average, OAR Min, Oar Average, ASTB Min, ASTB Average 16,2.74,3.48,45,54.4,5//6//5,6.4//7.1//6.7 03AUG20 Board Results Data # Applied,# Prorec Y,Y GPA Min,Y GPA Average,Y OAR Min,Y Oar Average,Y ASTB Min,Y ASTB Average 17,15 // 88%,2.7,3.5,44
docs.google.com docs.google.com

As far as the OAR, it's been a few years since I took it, but I do remember the math section asked a lot of P=IR type questions and basic algebra and the reading section was mostly best summary of paragraphs questions. I struggled on the mechanical section so I'd definitely recommend practicing those questions the most (YouTube is also a great resource to look up animated clips for some of them).

Link to the OPNAVISNT 1420.1B, Navy's Commissioning Program Manual:

According to pg 4-8. "Application processing and review will normally take 8 to 10 weeks". How long it takes from submission to going to OCS varies but I'd check out some older Board threads and you can probably get a good estimate.

Link to FY20 Board Schedule (they haven't released FY21 yet though this form goes into the first part of 2021):

Ultimately you'll select what designators you want to go for (Intel, SWO, Air...) and based on your OAR/ASTB-E scores will determine which ones you qualify/are competitive for. The 1420.1B also goes over some of the minimum requirements for certain designators.

Annnnnnnnnnd long story short (too late), that's all I can help you with. The rest I'll be learning with you.
 
S

spolasek

Member
HeartofTexas said:
Wow...that is a lot of questions strung together ? I'm currently AD enlisted submitting my package in for the 25JAN21 Board but I can offer a few tidbits on some of the things you asked.

@NobleJ put together this document of recent stats for prior SNA/NFO boards.
docs.google.com

PS SNA/SNFO Board Data Results

Sheet1 02NOV20 Board # Applied,# Prorec Y, GPA Min, GPA Average, OAR Min, Oar Average, ASTB Min, ASTB Average 16,2.74,3.48,45,54.4,5//6//5,6.4//7.1//6.7 03AUG20 Board Results Data # Applied,# Prorec Y,Y GPA Min,Y GPA Average,Y OAR Min,Y Oar Average,Y ASTB Min,Y ASTB Average 17,15 // 88%,2.7,3.5,44
docs.google.com docs.google.com

As far as the OAR, it's been a few years since I took it, but I do remember the math section asked a lot of P=IR type questions and basic algebra and the reading section was mostly best summary of paragraphs questions. I struggled on the mechanical section so I'd definitely recommend practicing those questions the most (YouTube is also a great resource to look up animated clips for some of them).

Link to the OPNAVISNT 1420.1B, Navy's Commissioning Program Manual:

According to pg 4-8. "Application processing and review will normally take 8 to 10 weeks". How long it takes from submission to going to OCS varies but I'd check out some older Board threads and you can probably get a good estimate.

Link to FY20 Board Schedule (they haven't released FY21 yet though this form goes into the first part of 2021):

Ultimately you'll select what designators you want to go for (Intel, SWO, Air...) and based on your OAR/ASTB-E scores will determine which ones you qualify/are competitive for. The 1420.1B also goes over some of the minimum requirements for certain designators.

Annnnnnnnnnd long story short (too late), that's all I can help you with. The rest I'll be learning with you.
Click to expand...


Yes! SO many questions lol I have ALL the questions lol

So many links! I love it! Thank you so much! I've seen most of them. I've also talked to my recruiter since I posted this. It took him a week and a second text to get back to me lol but he finally did! I sooooo appreciate all of your insight and info! It really is helpful! I hadn't seen the spreadsheet... I like those odds! My recruiter told me that I can also apply for the Feb SWO board and that I may get granted a "probationary acceptance"... I didn't know that was an option considering I would still have a month left (to the date) to graduate after the board convenes. I was pretty excited about that! So, you're applying for pilot/ NFO? Over SWO, I'd rather aviation as well, but given that I'm 34 (will turn 35 right before I graduate), he said that age waivers are difficult for Aviation... and that an age waiver isn't really an issue for SWO. So, now I'm torn. I don't really want SWO. My GPA doesn't qualify for Intel and I'm not sure it would for Supply either. I think I'm gonna shoot for Aviation (in which case, we'd be on the same board!). Have you taken the ASTB? Or just the OAR? I know for aviation you have to take them both. Do you know if I'd just be able to take the ASTB (since a portion of that IS the OAR)? Or do I HAVE to take and pass the OAR and then take the rest (or full) of the ASTB? See.... all the questions lol I'm just really excited and wanting to get this season started already. Also, do you know anything about age waivers for aviation? Is it really THAT difficult to get an age waiver?

Also, for what it's worth and maybe for anyone else reading this... My recruiter did also mention that you could apply for more than one (SWO, Intel, Supply, Aviation....) at a time.

I think that is all for now lol

I appreciate and look forward to our future chats and to see the evolution of our processes!
 
HeartofTexas

HeartofTexas

Well-Known Member
Contributor
When you take the ASTBE, it's all in one, you'll take the OAR portion followed by the rest of the sections specific for aviation. I know they've increased the age limits but I'm not sure to what. I know active duty (for aviation, at least) can get one year waived capping out at 4. Honestly, never hurts to ask and try.

From what I've read (with the exception of Nukes), GPA is important but there's not an official minimum. If you score great on the OAR, have some solid recommendations, etc... It could compensate for any areas that are slacking. Again, I haven't gone through a board yet so take that with a grain of salt.

If you're not feeling SWO, try to go for the others. The worst they can say is no and the worst to happen to you is to not try and always wonder "what if" ??‍♀️
 
S

spolasek

Member
HeartofTexas said:
When you take the ASTBE, it's all in one, you'll take the OAR portion followed by the rest of the sections specific for aviation. I know they've increased the age limits but I'm not sure to what. I know active duty (for aviation, at least) can get one year waived capping out at 4. Honestly, never hurts to ask and try.

From what I've read (with the exception of Nukes), GPA is important but there's not an official minimum. If you score great on the OAR, have some solid recommendations, etc... It could compensate for any areas that are slacking. Again, I haven't gone through a board yet so take that with a grain of salt.

If you're not feeling SWO, try to go for the others. The worst they can say is no and the worst to happen to you is to not try and always wonder "what if" ??‍♀️
Click to expand...

Just talked to my recruiter. I am going to try Air! We'll be on the same board! So I now have the deadline of Dec 11th as well :/ I'm applying for SWO, as well. I better get to studying the rest of the ASTB, as I've only been studying the OAR portion. He told me the minimum grade is 40, 5, 6, 6. Do you know how they actually calculate the scores? Like for the OAR portions- is it just an average of the three sections? How is the rest calculated? I have no idea. But, either way, looks like I'll be taking it in about two weeks! :/ Do you know (other than googling it lol) where I can get some decent ASTB study material?
 
zarevich

zarevich

Well-Known Member
spolasek said:
Just talked to my recruiter. I am going to try Air! We'll be on the same board! So I now have the deadline of Dec 11th as well :/ I'm applying for SWO, as well. I better get to studying the rest of the ASTB, as I've only been studying the OAR portion. He told me the minimum grade is 40, 5, 6, 6. Do you know how they actually calculate the scores? Like for the OAR portions- is it just an average of the three sections? How is the rest calculated? I have no idea. But, either way, looks like I'll be taking it in about two weeks! :/ Do you know (other than googling it lol) where I can get some decent ASTB study material?
Click to expand...
When I took ASTB test 6years ago, I ordered some study books from Amazon which some have study guides for both OAR and ASTB (just search ASTB in amazon). From what I remember the hardest part of ASTB, for me at least, was the reverse joystick movements and the compass which you have to be quick with an answer. The other thing that I learned from this forum is that if you are applying before your graduation and your GPA is low, they might not accept or even look at your package (correct me if I am wrong). Same for waiver, it says age limit is 32, but waivers will be considered with exceptional record or special skill that you may have such as Private pilot license, a STEM degree, volunteering or a job around aviation. Obviously still apply, but do not get discouraged if not selected and keep re-applying. Your goal for OAR/ASTB score should be 55+ and all 6 and above.
 
bigbird

bigbird

Biggest Bird
spolasek said:
Just talked to my recruiter. I am going to try Air! We'll be on the same board! So I now have the deadline of Dec 11th as well :/ I'm applying for SWO, as well. I better get to studying the rest of the ASTB, as I've only been studying the OAR portion. He told me the minimum grade is 40, 5, 6, 6. Do you know how they actually calculate the scores? Like for the OAR portions- is it just an average of the three sections? How is the rest calculated? I have no idea. But, either way, looks like I'll be taking it in about two weeks! :/ Do you know (other than googling it lol) where I can get some decent ASTB study material?
Click to expand...

1,001 questions about the ASTB (post your scores & ask your questions here!)

Hello all, I just found this great site, I wish I had known about it earlier. Here's my situation, I'm a fifth year senior majoring in electrical engineering (graduating in Dec.) I do pretty well in school, and I've been thinking a lot about my future lately and I guess I don't want to sit in...
www.airwarriors.com

Start around page 250 and work your way to the end. Lots of amazing information and practice/ study guides and material.
 
E

exNavyOffRec

Well-Known Member
spolasek said:
Just talked to my recruiter. I am going to try Air! We'll be on the same board! So I now have the deadline of Dec 11th as well :/ I'm applying for SWO, as well. I better get to studying the rest of the ASTB, as I've only been studying the OAR portion. He told me the minimum grade is 40, 5, 6, 6. Do you know how they actually calculate the scores? Like for the OAR portions- is it just an average of the three sections? How is the rest calculated? I have no idea. But, either way, looks like I'll be taking it in about two weeks! :/ Do you know (other than googling it lol) where I can get some decent ASTB study material?
Click to expand...

Getting a waiver and getting that waiver accepted at the board will be difficult, they put that waivers will be considered for "exceptional candidates" which means high GPA and ASTB, at least with aviation if you get a high ASTB that could really help, it will really depend how low your GPA is, it is uncommon for aviation to go below 2.5
 
S

spolasek

Member
exNavyOffRec said:
Getting a waiver and getting that waiver accepted at the board will be difficult, they put that waivers will be considered for "exceptional candidates" which means high GPA and ASTB, at least with aviation if you get a high ASTB that could really help, it will really depend how low your GPA is, it is uncommon for aviation to go below 2.5
Click to expand...

Thank you! My GPA is pretty low but uncommon below 2.5.... I should be ok! I’d MUCH rather go for air than SWO. So, I figured it’s worth a shot. Given than I’ll be 35 before I technically even graduate, I’ll need an age waiver anyway. I figured if I’m going to put one in, I may as well try for air.
 
S

spolasek

Member
bigbird said:

1,001 questions about the ASTB (post your scores & ask your questions here!)

Hello all, I just found this great site, I wish I had known about it earlier. Here's my situation, I'm a fifth year senior majoring in electrical engineering (graduating in Dec.) I do pretty well in school, and I've been thinking a lot about my future lately and I guess I don't want to sit in...
www.airwarriors.com

Start around page 250 and work your way to the end. Lots of amazing information and practice/ study guides and material.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I have DEFINITELY been doing some hunting in here lol I’ve found a lot of good/ helpful/ useful info.
 
S

spolasek

Member
zarevich said:
When I took ASTB test 6years ago, I ordered some study books from Amazon which some have study guides for both OAR and ASTB (just search ASTB in amazon). From what I remember the hardest part of ASTB, for me at least, was the reverse joystick movements and the compass which you have to be quick with an answer. The other thing that I learned from this forum is that if you are applying before your graduation and your GPA is low, they might not accept or even look at your package (correct me if I am wrong). Same for waiver, it says age limit is 32, but waivers will be considered with exceptional record or special skill that you may have such as Private pilot license, a STEM degree, volunteering or a job around aviation. Obviously still apply, but do not get discouraged if not selected and keep re-applying. Your goal for OAR/ASTB score should be 55+ and all 6 and above.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! So, if they wouldn’t look at (prior to graduating), do you think I’d be able to submit my package again or would I have to wait the 6 months to reapply OR would me actually graduating be big enough for me to apply upon graduation?
 
BDavis11

BDavis11

Well-Known Member
Contributor
HeartofTexas said:
When you take the ASTBE, it's all in one, you'll take the OAR portion followed by the rest of the sections specific for aviation. I know they've increased the age limits but I'm not sure to what. I know active duty (for aviation, at least) can get one year waived capping out at 4.
Click to expand...
The age has been raise from 29 to 32.
 
zarevich

zarevich

Well-Known Member
spolasek said:
Thank you so much! So, if they wouldn’t look at (prior to graduating), do you think I’d be able to submit my package again or would I have to wait the 6 months to reapply OR would me actually graduating be big enough for me to apply upon graduation?
Click to expand...
I believe graduating and obtaining your undergraduate degree is a good enough reason to reapply, especially if you end up raising your GPA. Plus by that time you will have enough time to study and retake your OAR as well
 
S

spolasek

Member
BDavis11 said:
The age has been raise from 29 to 32.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I know it’s 32- but I’ll be 35 right before I graduate. Therefore 35- when I commission, should I get picked up. I’m going to try anyway. The answer is always no if you don’t ask/ try. I’ll be applying for SWO simultaneous, so I feel good about it.
 
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