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Intelligence Officer Program--And some random OCS questions

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
So I don't know if anyone out there is an intel officer or intel officer candidate. But I have a few questions about your background, because I"m just trying to get the gist of who they take. I had my interview with the commanding officer of intelligence programs up at Great Lakes yesterday and he said I was a good candidate, so it's all in the hands of the review board now.

I got a 99 on my ASVAB, and 45 on my ASTB without studying (taking it again in a few weeks . . . actually studying this time). I'm a senior at the University of Chicago, which is pretty elite, and have a 3.15 overall and a 3.5 in my major, which qualifies me for honors (3.25 is deans list around here, if you get my gist on how challenging it is!). I've had a security clearance before (though it's a pretty low level and means nothing in relation to a TS-SCI), have good recs from the Department of State, State of NY, my profs. I'm president of my fraternity (coed service frat, Alpha Phi Omega), and captain on the ice hockey team, and was an Academic All-American swimmer in high school, so I'm in pretty good shape. I'm also female--I don't know if that changes anything. But yeah. I think that's it.

Umm also, I'm pretty clear on the OCS background. I'm not so keen about the haircut. I have curly hair, so it looks more unruly when short, but I guess we all have to make sacrifices. It'll grow back. From what I understand, after OCS, you can grow your hair out as long as you keep it neatly tied (in a bun, etc) and not interfering with your headgear. Is this correct?

Two questions: I don't know if there are any other Jews out here on the board. I totally forgot to ask the C.O. about this (he's Jewish too). Anyway, my OCS class, which would start end of September, will be active during Yom Kippur. This is kind of the only holiday I take absolutely seriously. I don't know if there's a way I can get liberty to attend services? I understand that I probably won't be able to fast, or even get out of the days activities, but I want to at least make it to Kol Nidre. Does anyone know anything about this?

Second question: for the ladies out there--if you were in good shape, was it difficult to keep up with the guys? I grew up playing on a men's hockey team, and still play. I'm actually on a men's intramural team here at school. I'm not one to wimp out, but I've never exactly been in the military before either.
 

torpedo0126

Member
you'll be fine if you can play on men's hockey team. There are certainly things you won't be able to keep up with the guys with, but you won't be the only one. I didn't go to OCS and I am a male, but having been around similar stuff for 5 years you will be just fine.

Go Hawks.
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
It's a 3.15 overall at the University of Chicago, which has a common core with physical science, bio, math, etc. My 3.5 is History. UChicago is pretty intense--it's basically easier to get into but harder to graduate from than an Ivy. There are no 4.0s. The Rhodes scholars from here have 3.8s, and I was nominated to be one with my measly grades so I guess that says something? I've also worked in the IC before so that might help. Keeping my fingers crossed.
 

jorgelito

PRO-REC INTEL
Hi, I was INTEL Select for the Jan-Feb board. My stats:

OAR 54, 5/5/5
BA: UCLA, Magna Cum Laude, Honors College
Double Major: Poli-Sci (Intl. Relations) and History
GPA: 3.78 overall, 3.9 for the majors (one art class killed me)

Whole person concept is key. My stats are not that competitive. I wrote a pretty good essay, had good extra-curriculars, interviews, rec letters etc. PlusI have extensive travel experience as well.

Good luck!
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
That's good to know. I've lived in France and India and speak fluent French and decent Hindi-Urdu and some Hebrew. . . I've also traveled around Europe and Israel. Hopefully that will work to my favor. Now I'm just hoping that my recs get sent in time for the April review board.
 

Shpion1

Member
Contributor
Hi

sounds like a pretty good overall package. GPA goes matter, but as stated before they look at the overall package. I spend most of my time in the Navy as an Intel Officer and I've worked with others with extremely varied background, from Music Majors to PhDs.

Make sure you mention in your statement your overseas experiences, language ability and anything that may set you aside from others.

As far as PT, I didn't go through OCS but as you can see here, it is very challenging if you're not in top shape. Hate to say it but use the search function, there were several other ladies with questions re PT, what to bring, and even some concern from others of the Jewish Faith.

I'd also recommend finding a reserve Intel unit close to you and talk with some of the guys/gals there and maybe get some interviews done by someone in the community. They do help a lot. I know that when I've done similar interviews, and had really outstanding candidates, a phonecall can be made to bring attention to the person. Nothing guaranteed by having an Intel O do that, but it certainly doesn't hurt. We're a pretty small community, and pretty soon, you know most.

PM me if you have any questions.
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
Extremely helpful. Thanks everyone! Assuming my recs get in on time, I'm going to be part of the April 09 Boards. Wish me luck!
 

Stayafloat

Professional API Student
Hey all,

Getting my packet together now for Intel side of things. How often does the intel board convene? Do they look at packets monthly?
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
My recruiter and the C.O of intel at Great Lakes said that April is the last time they meet for 09 . . . no joke. While I can't vouch for that, I know it meets incredibly infrequently, and selects less than 10% of applicants.
 

Stayafloat

Professional API Student
Well that's a bummer. I've got everything else in order but need more training to pass the PRT. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

If the boards end in April, then what? Jan '10 starts the next round?
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
I don't know. I really hope there's another one later in the year, especially since I'm nervous about my references taking their sweet old time sending in my LORs!
 

jorgelito

PRO-REC INTEL
Hey all,

Getting my packet together now for Intel side of things. How often does the intel board convene? Do they look at packets monthly?
Usually the 15th of the month but they actually combined the January and February boards.

Ask your officer recruiter, he should have a schedule of all the boards.
 

jorgelito

PRO-REC INTEL
I don't know. I really hope there's another one later in the year, especially since I'm nervous about my references taking their sweet old time sending in my LORs!
Preparation can help you here. I got my rec letters very fast because I provided printed copies of the forms and detailed description of what was required, copies of my resume and reminders pf my achievements and sample of my work where relevant. I also provided prepaid Overnight Express Envelopes with tracking to each person. They really appreciated that. I got most of my letters inside a week with one straggler because he went overboard and typed out 4 pages! I topped it all off with thank you cards immediately.

Good luck!
 

anghockey

Fleens? You're not Fleens!
Officer Programs at Great Lakes sent out all of my reference requests, so besides a little prodding, it's out of my hands! I did send them an email asking about some specifics of the form, though. What does it look like? What do they ask for? There's this issue that two of my bosses from my old jobs have left, so there's nobody there to send a form to . . . .
 

phrogdriver

More humble than you would understand
pilot
Super Moderator
Two questions: I don't know if there are any other Jews out here on the board. I totally forgot to ask the C.O. about this (he's Jewish too). Anyway, my OCS class, which would start end of September, will be active during Yom Kippur. This is kind of the only holiday I take absolutely seriously. I don't know if there's a way I can get liberty to attend services? I understand that I probably won't be able to fast, or even get out of the days activities, but I want to at least make it to Kol Nidre. Does anyone know anything about this?

PM OttoWrote8. He's our resident Talmudic scholar. :icon_wink

I think there was actually a thread on this specific topic awhile back--try a search.
 
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