2010 DCO/DIRCOM boards: questions, answers, and discussion

[das]

Thanks guys. I am now waiting for my recruiter and the Intel Professionals in the area to schedule my Professional Appraisal interview. How long before the board does the appraisal usually take place?

It can be anywhere up to a year before (the interviews can't be more than a year old), but generally it's a few weeks to a few months before the deadline for package submissions to the board, which is usually about 3 weeks before the board. The bottom line is it varies depending on your recruiter, schedules, and other factors.

 

[claudemonet]

Hey everyone -- just wanted to see if this thread is still active and if anyone has any additional information on the upcoming Sep board. I applied to March board and was not selected, hoping for better luck this time around.

 

[das]

The FY11 IDC PR schedule is as follows:

20-23 SEP 2010 - All IDC communities (IP, IW, INTEL and OCEANO) - expect all IP, IW and OCEANO quotas to be selected at this PR
13-16 DEC 2010 - If required as an interim PR between SEP and MAR PRs - not planned
21-24 MAR 2011 - Anticipated as INTEL PR only to select remaining FY11 quotas

I see from your previous post that you applied for IW and IP.

The way applicants usually become more competitive is to have something positive change about their package. Examples of this might be additional strong interviews or letters of recommendation, completion of a graduate degree, professional certification, additional leadership experience, etc.

The board itself can also change; the candidate pool may be smaller or less competitive relative to your package, or there might be a different focus that aligns better with your talents. IW and IP typically have the fewest slots, whereas INTEL has by far the most of the IDC communities.

Many people have applied multiple times before being selected. Good luck!

 

[christie]

What is the deadline for submitting to the September board?

 

[das]

What is the deadline for submitting to the September board?

30 AUG, I believe, but double check that with your recruiter.

 

[claudemonet]

Das,

Thanks for the info. Since my previous application, I've finished my MS (graduated this past May) and have updated rec's from ret. RADM and CAPT. What age-group are they typically looking for? That is, is preference given to someone in their 30s with more experience (as opposed to a mid 20-something)? Also, if there's better chances with INTEL, should I go that route over IP? Thanks!

 

[PapaK]

So, the deadline for the application is the 30th and I've yet to receive any information or invitiation to attend a professional appraisal. My recruiter tells me it's up to the professional folks at the local Naval station to decide that. Is it time to panic yet?

 

[das]

So, the deadline for the application is the 30th and I've yet to receive any information or invitiation to attend a professional appraisal. My recruiter tells me it's up to the professional folks at the local Naval station to decide that. Is it time to panic yet?

If you don't yet have the OIC endorsement and panel interviews completed, yes, it's getting a little close to the wire. I'd contact your recruiter and press on this issue. It is up to the NIRR OIC (the officer in charge of your reserve intelligence region), but it's your recruiter's job to put you on the table and get these things set up. Most regions handle this with a "pre-interview" with the OIC, so they can get a feel for you as a candidate, and then decide to put you up for a panel format interview with senior INTEL officers. Typically these things happen on a drill weekend, but it could be at any time. But the deadline is approaching...

If you're in Illinois, HQ NIRR Midwest is at NS Great Lakes, IL in North Chicago. As far as I know, the interviews at NIRR Midwest are complete for the 20-23 SEP 10 board because there are no more drill weekends this month where the required HQ staff will be there...I am NOT authoritative on this, just passing along what I know. I would contact your recruiter to push on this. If you end up missing the SEP board for some reason, there is another INTEL board 21-24 MAR 11, with a deadline late FEB/early MAR. There may be an interim board before then, but that was only if needed, and that may only be decided after the SEP board.

Hope this information helps.

 

[das]

Das,

Thanks for the info. Since my previous application, I've finished my MS (graduated this past May) and have updated rec's from ret. RADM and CAPT. What age-group are they typically looking for? That is, is preference given to someone in their 30s with more experience (as opposed to a mid 20-something)? Also, if there's better chances with INTEL, should I go that route over IP? Thanks!

Having your graduate degree completed is a big plus. Additional strong LORs and/or interviews is also a positive.

Age group can vary widely. Anything from mid-20s to early-40s (depending on prior service, particular communities, and other factors) are considered. Most common is probably late-20s to mid-30s.

Formal, quantifiable leadership/management experience is weighed heavily. Since folks who are a little older usually have more such experience, that tends to tilt the scale in their favor. That said, what the board is looking for is the most qualified candidates, and those could be any age.

INTEL has far more slots than IP (and IW), sometimes by a ratio of 10:1. For example, in FY10, there were close to 100 INTEL selects compared with 13 IP and 11 IW. That said, you should go with the community that is most aligned with your interests and talents. There is also nothing to say you can't apply for multiple communities, as long as you meet the requirements for numbers of interviews, etc., for each community.

 

[PapaK]

Das, I may need your help. Scuttlebutt has it that someone at HQ screwed the pooch and failed to notify all the recruiters of the professional appraisal dates. As such, some of us fell through the cracks. Word has gone up the chain to host another. Could you find some gauge on that?

 

[das]

PapaK, I'll find out what I can...however, the onus is really on your recruiter (and your own persistence) to ensure all required interviews, etc., are arranged in time for your package to be completed and submitted by the deadline. That said, even if there were some crossed wires, there is an interim INTEL PR that could happen 13-16 DEC 10, but I don't have any information about whether that is happening. If I hear anything I'll post.

 

[tsnoah]

Hello:

I really want to make sure my package is complete for the SEP 2010 boards and I don't want to get held back because of a missing form. Therefore, if anyone is willing to let me know if I am missing a document, it would be much appreciated.

So far, I have completed:
(1) Application for commission (on the old form--is the new form required?)
(2) Four DD370s
(3) SF86 --the online security clearance form
(4) Interviews with Navy Officers
(5) Disclosure of SS Number Form
(6) Official copies of standardized test scores, transcripts, passport, birth certificate

To be completed this week: RIPO interview

Question: Do I need to complete a medical form? Is there ANY other document I need to complete to have a complete package?

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

 

[das]

Hello:

I really want to make sure my package is complete for the SEP 2010 boards and I don't want to get held back because of a missing form. Therefore, if anyone is willing to let me know if I am missing a document, it would be much appreciated.

The materials needed for a DCO package are listed on NC 1131/21 RESERVE DIRECT COMMISSION OFFICER (DCO) PRODOCS CHECKLIST. As for NC 1131/2 Application for Commission, all I have seen is revision 5-06. Medical forms are not completed until you go through your medical clearance process.

 

[das]

Update:

Here is the new application, NAVCRUIT 1131/238 (REV 7-2010(2)):

View attachment APPL-APSR NAVCRUIT1131-238 (REV7-2010(2)).pdf

The IDC DCO PR is 20-23SEP10. Completed application packages must be submitted by 01SEP10 for consideration at this PR.

 

[conn14]

Anyone know the final number of applicants or the quota for the September board now that the AUG 30 deadline has passed?
I heard that there were around 30-35 people applying from the DC area (normally the highest number of applicants by region).