I had originally been told way back when I initially started the application process I'd be going to OCS (bad gouge abounds!), so personally I'm pleased DCOIC is getting merged with ODS which is a good step forward and seems like a happy medium. I've repeatedly been told DCOIC is a lot tougher these days than it used to be, and I know people who were worried. But really there's nothing to worry about. It was still very easy, and I was sick for most of it to boot. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the course, but I was a bit disappointed.
When I can find my journal, I'll make a comment to walk through what the day-to-day at DCOIC was like. Sure there's only 2 classes left, but maybe it'll be useful for someone.
Big Navy is hurting for reserve doctors,
Nothing to do with special accommodations for training, but as a reserve officer looking to do something related to the field he works in, is Big Navy hurting for software people? I've noticed and have been told time and time again by various folks within the Navy and from DISA that the Navy and the DoD at large need lots of "unicorn" software devs within the armed forces. The issue at hand is there doesn't exactly appear to be a place for such people within the Navy Reserve (the tiny CWE community is only active component if I'm not mistaken).
While the Navy says it needs such people, the only options I've been offered over the long term are doing some work supporting particular CONUS commands administratively, maybe but doubtfully chasing after jihadis (long story but wouldn't exactly be a first rodeo), or watching cement dry in Africa (essentially what it boils down to) after finishing qualifications. All good stuff, but would anyone know where experienced software folks in the reserve can use their skills for the Navy?