DCO Supply Chances and Selections

[ABMD]

As a 36 yr old (soon to be, Nov. 6th!) Ensign I'll second everything @Hair Warrior just said. Heck, I know guys that enlisted at the age of 39 (Army) after Sept. 11.

 

[DCOHOPEFUL46]

Hi everyone. What a fantastic forum! So glad I came across this as I begin my journey toward a direct commission. I've been lurking for awhile and finally decided to join the discussion. I realize I'm not the first to throw this kind of question out to the group, but hoping some of you can provide some guidance and maybe talk to my potential as a DCO. Here's my story:

I am a business executive with 20+ years experience in media and technology. I have worked for Fortune 500 companies and now own my own consulting company. The highest position I held in the corporate world was Senior Vice President and General Manager. I've managed large groups of up to 60 employees and have overseen operations, finance, Human Resources, sales and marketing. Additionally, early on in my career I headed a research department and I'm very adept at working with, and interpreting data. I hold an MBA (GPA 3.22) and a BS in business (GPA 3.96) from top schools.

Back "in the day" I was in NROTC as a Marine Option and I was selected for the PLC program. During my summer in Quantico I suffered a pretty serious injury and was disqualified for service. I rehabilitated my knee but never went back. Life happened. Family happenened. But I never lost the affinity for the military and never lost my desire to serve. I am not prior military per se, but after two years of NROTC at a very motivated unit I still remember how to salute (and who), how to wear a uniform, how to march etc.

Fast forward to now and I've become aware of the DCO program. I'm working with a recruiter and I'm looking into intel or Supply. Im 46 years old, but in peak physical condition and excellent health. My recruiter (an Ensign who handles Reserve Officer recruitment) has contacted the recruiting command to get me an age waiver. He was told I'm welcome to apply and that as long as I'm willing to sign papers where I acknowledge that I may not be eligible for retirement I should be fine. Ultimately, it's up to the community and the boards to decide.

So I am here to learn more, commiserate get a few tips and to better prepare myself for my journey toward becoming a Naval Officer. Here are some basic questions:

- My top choice is intel. I analyze a ton of data in my field, I've led analysts and research departments, I'm very quantitative and I'm definitely up on current events, world politics etc. And I am completely fluent in Spanish.

- My recruiter is really steering hard toward Supply. He said the board for Intel won't be held until next December whereas supply will be in June and he feels that based on my business experience that is where I have the best shot.

- Is it even possible to become an ensign at what will then be the age of 47?

- Am I even competitive?

 

[Hair Warrior]

- Am I even competitive?

First, congrats on your career.

My impression (which is just one man's who is not in the military) is that you're too old. That said, never say never: the Navy reserve has commissioned older non-priors as officers: http://articles.latimes.com/2007/dec/01/local/me-doctor1

But you really need to...
- Continue talking with and following the advice of your OR
- Talk to a Navy reserve intel officer, ideally O-4 or above, to learn what it takes to be an 1835
- Talk to a Navy reserve supply officer, ideally O-4 or above, to learn what it takes to be a 3105
- Search online for everything you can about Navy intel, supply, and I'd also look at HR officer (1205) if I were you

Supply and intel are both extremely competitive for DCO.

 

[Aaron Priest]

Is it too early to speculate what the FY18 Quotas may be that will be picked at the 24Jul17 board? This will be my first time applying. My package has been with the processor a few weeks now, and I believe he should be about ready to submit to NRC.
My stats:

35 years old

-MBA with honors GPA of 3.91 from Louisiana State University Shreveport
-Master Certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University
-Master Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Villanova University
-Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Notre Dame
-Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development from Notre Dame

Active Duty Navy 2000-2006:
-ET2(SW)
-Work Center Supervisor(USS CORONADO)
-Command Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator(USS CORONADO)
-Command Electromagnetic Interference Coordinator(SIMA San Diego)
-Repair Parts Petty Officer(SIMA San Diego)

Awards and Achievements:
-3 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals
-2 Navy Good Conduct Medals
-Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
-Expert Rifle Medal
-Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon
-Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
-Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
-National Defense Service Medal

Experience:
-15 years of Financial, Inventory, and Supply Chain Management
-10 years as a Technical Department Head for oilfield service companies
-6 years as an Electronic Technician in the U.S. Navy
-3 years as a Mechanical Design Engineer
-3 years as Digital and Internet Marketing Manager
-Naval Leadership School
-Senior Certified Electronic Technician (ETA)
-Previously held Secret Security Clearance
-Louisiana State Explosives User License

Interviews:
-RC 05
-AC 05
Both interviews were outstanding

Recommendations
-ex-electronic technician I worked with onboard the CORONADO who is an AC Supply LT
-USN LT helo pilot instructor I grew up with
-Army Maj. and executive officer of the Old Guard in Washington I grew up
-4 recommendations from civilian co-workers from every place I've worked, including one ex-NFL'er I had the pleasure of working with

WISH ME LUCK!! Something I've been working towards since getting out in 2006.

 

[Crew Chief Deluxe]

DCO hopeful keep at it! You are not too old. I just commissioned at 47! Started the process@ 42!

 

[ABMD]

and I'll add...if you don't get picked up at your first board apply again. It took me 2 tries before I was selected. I have no insight into selection #'s but I would venture to say the selection rate would be <10%. That's where it has been for the last 2 boards.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

and I'll add...if you don't get picked up at your first board apply again. It took me 2 tries before I was selected. I have no insight into selection #'s but I would venture to say the selection rate would be <10%. That's where it has been for the last 2 boards.

There were several boards where it was around 3%

 

[Aaron Priest]

Well, I'm predicting defense spending caps will be lifted soon, and there will be a need for more supply officers with the military build-up that is most likely coming soon. They have to be anticipating the need for more DCOs in the pipeline since it takes around 3 years to be fully qualified. Then again, they may wait until they are undermanned...all you Navy guys know how that goes. We went from extremely over manned to under manned. It was impossible for me to make E5 my first 3 tries. When I did finally make it, only 2.9% advanced out of around 3000 ET3s. Those guys that did stick it out and stayed in advanced quickly to E7-E8.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Well, I'm predicting defense spending caps will be lifted soon, and there will be a need for more supply officers with the military build-up that is most likely coming soon. They have to be anticipating the need for more DCOs in the pipeline since it takes around 3 years to be fully qualified.

That isn't how it works, it is much easier to cut enlisted positions and add enlisted positions than it is officer positions, so as numbers have been cut many officer positions haven't, so the officers are still there, even before the current administration the numbers were pretty consistent with what they are now, it is the number of people applying that has increased to create the low selection rates.

In addition they would need to add reserve units, which would mean adding a NOSC, which would mean buying land, a building, etc.....

 

[Aaron Priest]

That isn't how it works, it is much easier to cut enlisted positions and add enlisted positions than it is officer positions, so as numbers have been cut many officer positions haven't, so the officers are still there, even before the current administration the numbers were pretty consistent with what they are now, it is the number of people applying that has increased to create the low selection rates.

In addition they would need to add reserve units, which would mean adding a NOSC, which would mean buying land, a building, etc.....

Ahhh....makes sense. Well, here's hoping for the best! Seems to be a lot of really talented and experienced guys and gals here applying. Best wishes to you all!

 

[Hair Warrior]

Also, personnel cuts/additions are typically scheduled several out-years in advance as part of force sizing in the FYDP.

More info: http://www.prim.osd.mil/Documents/DoD_704507_future_years_defense.pdf

 

[LT Rich Santos]

I am a Reserve Officer Recruiter actively prospecting DCO Supply candidates for the next board. Contact me phone, text, or e-mail.

 

[Chop07]

Is it too early to speculate what the FY18 Quotas may be that will be picked at the 24Jul17 board? This will be my first time applying. My package has been with the processor a few weeks now, and I believe he should be about ready to submit to NRC.
My stats:

35 years old

-MBA with honors GPA of 3.91 from Louisiana State University Shreveport
-Master Certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University
-Master Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Villanova University
-Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Notre Dame
-Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development from Notre Dame

Active Duty Navy 2000-2006:
-ET2(SW)
-Work Center Supervisor(USS CORONADO)
-Command Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator(USS CORONADO)
-Command Electromagnetic Interference Coordinator(SIMA San Diego)
-Repair Parts Petty Officer(SIMA San Diego)

Awards and Achievements:
-3 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals
-2 Navy Good Conduct Medals
-Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
-Expert Rifle Medal
-Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon
-Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
-Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
-National Defense Service Medal

Experience:
-15 years of Financial, Inventory, and Supply Chain Management
-10 years as a Technical Department Head for oilfield service companies
-6 years as an Electronic Technician in the U.S. Navy
-3 years as a Mechanical Design Engineer
-3 years as Digital and Internet Marketing Manager
-Naval Leadership School
-Senior Certified Electronic Technician (ETA)
-Previously held Secret Security Clearance
-Louisiana State Explosives User License

Interviews:
-RC 05
-AC 05
Both interviews were outstanding

Recommendations
-ex-electronic technician I worked with onboard the CORONADO who is an AC Supply LT
-USN LT helo pilot instructor I grew up with
-Army Maj. and executive officer of the Old Guard in Washington I grew up
-4 recommendations from civilian co-workers from every place I've worked, including one ex-NFL'er I had the pleasure of working with

WISH ME LUCK!! Something I've been working towards since getting out in 2006.

Aaron, I haven't been on here for awhile but I thought I'd jump in and give you some feedback and also some realistic expectations:

- You're a good age and years of service for the Supply Corps, if in fact that is what you are applying to. I would also encourage you to apply for HR DCO.
- Your AC interview really doesn't mean much. All CDRs and CAPTs and one admiral will sit the board...all reserve...and they know each other well. An active interview holds very little weight, no matter the rank. I highly recommend you find a reserve CAPT for an in-person interview.
- Leadership: ensure your resume shows it in quantifiable numbers. It's one of the things the board looks for. No generic terms...actual numbers and for how long.
- all of your ribbons and ESWS won't be seen at the board. At most, your NAMs will be seen but only if they scour your DD-214.

In my opinion, an ideal candidate has proven leadership experience, a related graduate degree with strong GPA, they are working in the field that relates to the community to which they are applying to, and they have at least 2 strong in-person interviews with a Reserve CDR/CAPT.

As for the beefing up of the community, a previous response was dead on. We beefed up in the Supply Corps for Iraq and Afghanistan and then that demand signal dropped off while at the same time the Navy decommissioned Seabee units, cargo units and closed NOSCs. We are FAT right now but we continue to select a small number each year to keep a trickle in-flow. I expect approximately the same selection numbers in 2017. We had 15 selected in 2016 for an 8.72% selection rate. I can't speak to HR.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Aaron Priest]

Aaron, I haven't been on here for awhile but I thought I'd jump in and give you some feedback and also some realistic expectations:

- You're a good age and years of service for the Supply Corps, if in fact that is what you are applying to. I would also encourage you to apply for HR DCO.
- Your AC interview really doesn't mean much. All CDRs and CAPTs and one admiral will sit the board...all reserve...and they know each other well. An active interview holds very little weight, no matter the rank. I highly recommend you find a reserve CAPT for an in-person interview.
- Leadership: ensure your resume shows it in quantifiable numbers. It's one of the things the board looks for. No generic terms...actual numbers and for how long.
- all of your ribbons and ESWS won't be seen at the board. At most, your NAMs will be seen but only if they scour your DD-214.

In my opinion, an ideal candidate has proven leadership experience, a related graduate degree with strong GPA, they are working in the field that relates to the community to which they are applying to, and they have at least 2 strong in-person interviews with a Reserve CDR/CAPT.

As for the beefing up of the community, a previous response was dead on. We beefed up in the Supply Corps for Iraq and Afghanistan and then that demand signal dropped off while at the same time the Navy decommissioned Seabee units, cargo units and closed NOSCs. We are FAT right now but we continue to select a small number each year to keep a trickle in-flow. I expect approximately the same selection numbers in 2017. We had 15 selected in 2016 for an 8.72% selection rate. I can't speak to HR.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the feedback. My recruiter had a hard time finding interviewers. He sent out a lot of requests, but most either didn't answer back or replied they didn't have time. The only two he said were willing to interview lived at least 6 hours away so in person was out of the question.

Do they look over the APSR at the board? All of my awards/ribbons and warfare pin are on the APSR along with all of my volunteer activities.

What is the first thing the board looks at for a candidate? Do you they look into active evals? My evals are a good source of quantifiable numbers in terms of leadership.

I'm applying for Supply, but my recruiter put HR as a second choice. I don't know what good that will do since it won't be going to the HR board...I'm assuming that at least.

Thanks again for the feedback! Means a lot.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Aaron, I haven't been on here for awhile but I thought I'd jump in and give you some feedback and also some realistic expectations:

- You're a good age and years of service for the Supply Corps, if in fact that is what you are applying to. I would also encourage you to apply for HR DCO.
- Your AC interview really doesn't mean much. All CDRs and CAPTs and one admiral will sit the board...all reserve...and they know each other well. An active interview holds very little weight, no matter the rank. I highly recommend you find a reserve CAPT for an in-person interview.
- Leadership: ensure your resume shows it in quantifiable numbers. It's one of the things the board looks for. No generic terms...actual numbers and for how long.
- all of your ribbons and ESWS won't be seen at the board. At most, your NAMs will be seen but only if they scour your DD-214.

In my opinion, an ideal candidate has proven leadership experience, a related graduate degree with strong GPA, they are working in the field that relates to the community to which they are applying to, and they have at least 2 strong in-person interviews with a Reserve CDR/CAPT.

As for the beefing up of the community, a previous response was dead on. We beefed up in the Supply Corps for Iraq and Afghanistan and then that demand signal dropped off while at the same time the Navy decommissioned Seabee units, cargo units and closed NOSCs. We are FAT right now but we continue to select a small number each year to keep a trickle in-flow. I expect approximately the same selection numbers in 2017. We had 15 selected in 2016 for an 8.72% selection rate. I can't speak to HR.

Best of luck to you.

HR is give or take 5 a year (along with one/two alternates).