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Explanation of "scroll" process and Timeline of events until receipt of COMDOCs

SavvyPR

LCDR, Navy Reserve PAO
I was wondering, for those of you who received a direct commission into the Navy Reserves, how long it took for you to receive your COMDOCs after you were told of the board's decision.

I've used the search button (and even went through every single Naval Reserves thread) and have only found one answer to my question and it looks like it took one person about 3 1/2 months. Is this average? A bit less? A bit more?
 

dephyler

Member
Contributor
I was selected mid-December '07. Commissioned April 8, 2008. I got my docs before my buddy that was also selected in my board. But, one guy that was notified of his selection on my commissioning date, had docs in hand in just over 2 months.

Your mileage will vary depending on a lot of factors. Medical history was my only hiccup, but that set me back only a week or two.
 

knobbzy

Member
Selected OCT 08 and still waiting COMDOCS along with the rest of the Intel Oct board.

Some of the supply folks who were selected in OCT 08 already signed up and drilling.

The short story is that each application is unique, and I wouldn't go by any rule of thumb here. Some people take longer, and other shorter.

Just like there is no sure-fire way to get in. Some selectees are NPS others are PS, some have MAs some don't.

-N
 

knobbzy

Member
Congrats!!

Thanks.

A few of us Intel selectees have an email list going and I know bucki4lyfe just joined. If anybody is on facebook, you can join the DCO group.

Right now, the luster is sort of waning as we are all waiting docs. I will say one thing: the work in this field is interesting, and many would be surprised to hear what people end up doing.
 

SavvyPR

LCDR, Navy Reserve PAO
Thanks.

A few of us Intel selectees have an email list going and I know bucki4lyfe just joined. If anybody is on facebook, you can join the DCO group.

Right now, the luster is sort of waning as we are all waiting docs. I will say one thing: the work in this field is interesting, and many would be surprised to hear what people end up doing.

Is the Facebook just for Intel DCO's or for any DCO's?
 

knobbzy

Member
Is the Facebook just for Intel DCO's or for any DCO's?

Any DCO, and even DCO wannabes.

I'm not a huge fan of discussing specifics about myself on a public forum, the FB group allows you to directly contact peeps in your field/region/etc.

One thing any DCO'er or DCO-wannabe will learn in short order is that recruiters are less then forthcoming with info (oh the stories I could tell!). It's nice to share info amongst people who are going through the same process.

Out of the 27 October Intel selectees (from ~300) we correspond with slightly less then 10 over email, keeping the group apprised of new info. This helps in understanding what to ask from your recruiter. Basically the mentality of recruiters and the Navy in regards to DCO'ers is throw 'em in a giant pool, and those who can learn to swim with no help get commissioned. Which is why it's nice to have a little bit of a support structure.

Comparing how individual recruiters have and continue to handle our apps, is pretty interesting. Some recruiters have selectees sign xfer forms, while others don't. Some go to MEPs, others don't. Each one has it's own way of doing stuff.

So in answer to you, anyone can join.
 

bubblehead

Registered Member
Contributor
I'm not a huge fan of discussing specifics about myself on a public forum, the FB group allows you to directly contact peeps in your field/region/etc.

Bummer.. I won't go anywhere near FB.

One thing any DCO'er or DCO-wannabe will learn in short order is that recruiters are less then forthcoming with info (oh the stories I could tell!). It's nice to share info amongst people who are going through the same process.

Recruiters vary. I've been fortunate in that mine in very helpful. With that said, I've done a ton of leg-work myself. Not because I did not have faith in the recruiter, but only because I do not like waiting on other people to take care of my crap.

Out of the 27 October Intel selectees (from ~300) we correspond with slightly less then 10 over email, keeping the group apprised of new info.

They only selected 27 / 300? Wow... Those are some slim odds, especially given that RIPO's do not endorse people who are not competitive.

Basically the mentality of recruiters and the Navy in regards to DCO'ers is throw 'em in a giant pool, and those who can learn to swim with no help get commissioned. Which is why it's nice to have a little bit of a support structure.

Goes back to my point of doing your own leg work.
 

knobbzy

Member
They only selected 27 / 300? Wow... Those are some slim odds, especially given that RIPO's do not endorse people who are not competitive.

There is no denying that it is an extremely competitive program (perhaps the most competitive of the DCO program). That is not to discourage anyone from applying, rather, to congratulate those who do get in -- it really is quite an honor.

I think the actual number submitted was 230 something; but we estimated that there were a few who actually never were put in front of the board and dq'ed before that. My guesstimation is that each RIA takes 2-3 new applicants per cycle (or they did for us). That should give you an idea of how competitive it is.

The best I can figure out here is that the board compares candidates amongst the selection pool. Which means that you are competing against the people who are applying with you. Some of us did well on tests, others didn't. One has a PhD, I just have a BA. It really depends on the total picture of your application.

I guess military references are important, but I wouldn't say they are a requirement by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I was just interviewed by 3 officers within my RIA (all set up by my recruiter) and had no other military references (or any references really of note for that matter).

The board is pretty good at seeing who has relevant and useful experience, and is pretty good at seeing through filler. So you could have references from 2 O6s and still not get in, meanwhile a guy like me who has relevant experience is in. That's the point, can't fake experience.

Anyway that's my completely biased opinion.

-N
 

bucki4lyfe

Michigan Sucks
There is no denying that it is an extremely competitive program (perhaps the most competitive of the DCO program). That is not to discourage anyone from applying, rather, to congratulate those who do get in -- it really is quite an honor.

I think the actual number submitted was 230 something; but we estimated that there were a few who actually never were put in front of the board and dq'ed before that. My guesstimation is that each RIA takes 2-3 new applicants per cycle (or they did for us). That should give you an idea of how competitive it is.

The best I can figure out here is that the board compares candidates amongst the selection pool. Which means that you are competing against the people who are applying with you. Some of us did well on tests, others didn't. One has a PhD, I just have a BA. It really depends on the total picture of your application.

I guess military references are important, but I wouldn't say they are a requirement by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I was just interviewed by 3 officers within my RIA (all set up by my recruiter) and had no other military references (or any references really of note for that matter).

The board is pretty good at seeing who has relevant and useful experience, and is pretty good at seeing through filler. So you could have references from 2 O6s and still not get in, meanwhile a guy like me who has relevant experience is in. That's the point, can't fake experience.

Anyway that's my completely biased opinion.

-N

Just to back that up. I'm a young guy (very young comparatively to most DCOs) with only a BA and a few years of relevant work experience. I had 4 years of prior ROTC service in college until I was medically discharged a few months before commission. I think the best thing you can do is make sure your grades are good, have a good ASTB score, and impress your interviewers. Best of luck to everyone.
 

SavvyPR

LCDR, Navy Reserve PAO
Waiting for Scroll to get COMDOCs

Still waiting on COMDOCs... my recruiter said the scrolls are later than usual so it's still the big wait. She did tell me that I'm going to get a NOSC Kitsap billet, so at least I know where I'll eventually be drilling!
 

knobbzy

Member
Still waiting on COMDOCs... my recruiter said the scrolls are later than usual so it's still the big wait. She did tell me that I'm going to get a NOSC Kitsap billet, so at least I know where I'll eventually be drilling!

It took me close to 5 months to make scroll, and then its a few weeks more to get COMDOCS ymmv tho. It is "the long blue wait." I am going to hazard a guess that at least a 3 month wait for scroll.

Congrats!
 

SavvyPR

LCDR, Navy Reserve PAO
It took me close to 5 months to make scroll, and then its a few weeks more to get COMDOCS ymmv tho. It is "the long blue wait." I am going to hazard a guess that at least a 3 month wait for scroll.

Congrats!

My recruiter said something about seeing me on the scroll in Mid-February. It just hasn't come back yet or something.
 
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