fccpopeye
Registered User
This is for those interested in applying for a commission as a Naval Officer. Those already in the process may also get some good gouge here so please take a look.
Some background on myself: I am a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, with almost 23 years active, currently working as a Naval Officer Recruiter. I work with all persons applying for a commission with the exception of the medical/dental/nurse programs. I have also had a couple of tours recruiting on the enlisted side so I am also very familiar with the process there. My rate is Fire Control, Surface Warfare qualified, with various ship tours from destroyers to an oilier (I even spent time on a submarine). I also earned my Officer of the Deck Underway qualification on my last ship tour. I am very Pro-Navy and live by the core values, Honor, Courage and Commitment. I state this now so all who read this will know that I will state it like it is and I do not believe in “sugar coating” anything. So, that being said;
Applying for a commission is a long process. Anyone who has already been through the process can vouch for this. It is different for each person, so please do not expect the same process as the last person. It should be similar but most definitely will not be the same. Why is this? Everyone is different, different goals, backgrounds, desires, programs, etc.
First step in my mind is determining that you want to apply. Gather all the information you can about the Navy from every source possible. Use this forum as a great starting point. Explore the different programs/positions that may be available. Once you have done this you will probably have many questions about various areas that still need answering. Now it is time to contact a local Officer Recruiter. This will help accomplish two things, one, give you a chance to get those questions answered, two, find out if you are eligible for applying for a commission. Keep in mind that officer recruiters are not as spread out as the enlisted recruiters. You may be a good distance from the nearest one. Some people I have worked with were 3-4 hours away.
This is where I, the recruiter, come in to play. Now I will explain the process that you can expect. Please understand this is all from me, other recruiters may work differently.
During my first contact (which is typically via the phone or email) with some one interested in applying I ask many questions to determine their eligibility and also to try and gauge their competitiveness. I also ask numerous questions to help determine what the individual is looking for. The questions generally cover, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas:
Age, Citizenship, Marital Status, Educational Background (Colleges, Degrees, Majors, GPAs, etc), Any Military Background, Height/Weight, Medical History, Police/Legal History, Experience (particularly in the area of interest), Hobbies, Interests, etc.
Once this is done and the person is eligible, I let them know where they stand at this point. I will then let them know that they will need to take a test (ASTB) to further determine their eligibility/competitiveness. This test is not necessary for all programs but is for most. This forum has a lot of info regarding the ASTB so check it out. The one thing I need to impress on anyone planning on taking the test, STUDY! Remember, you can only take this test a total of three times in your lifetime (this is a fairly recent change). Don’t waste the first one. You must wait 30 days before taking the second test and an additional 90 days for the third and final test. I can’t stress how important this is. The scores you receive will be OAR, AQR, PFAR and FOFAR. OAR is vitally important to all programs. It is computed from the math, verbal and mechanical sections. The other three are from the aviation sections and are also extremely important for those applying for aviation positions. Some non aviation positions require a minimum AQR to apply so those not interested in becoming an aviator do not skip these sections in your studying. The test (in my office and I believe in most recruiters offices) will be given on a computer. This allows for an instant score following completion. Paper tests are also available and may be the only thing available in some locations (even where a computer is available and the system is down, which does happen). Scores from these will take some time as they must be sent to NOMI in Pensacola for scoring.
OK, you are eligible, competitive and eager to apply. The main application process is broken into two parts. (Please understand that some programs will differ within this process) The first part is where the ADDOCS are submitted. These basically consist of the actual application form itself, official transcripts from every college you have ever attended and, letters of reference/recommendation. Some programs may require a resume. Some may require an interview with a Naval Officer in the field you are applying for. Please keep in mind that most of this needs to follow certain guidelines so please let the recruiter and/or processor guide you here. Example, the form DD370, Request for Reference, must be utilized for letters of reference. Bottom line, find out from the recruiter/processor what is needed and take care of business.
ADDOCS will be sent to CNRC in Millington TN. They are typically imaged and sent via the internet. The package will be scrutinized for correctness before being sent to the community managers of the areas that you are applying for (Yes you can apply for up to three areas on one application). Each area does things differently. Basically you will need to wait until they look at your package and decide if you are what they are looking for. This could take from days to weeks (and possibly longer). Patience. If they like what they see they will let the recruiter/processor know with a PROREC yes (a PROREC no ends the process, talk to your recruiter if you want to keep trying).
Now it is time for the second part, the FINDOCS. These basically consist of a medical physical (normally done at MEPS), Physical Fitness Assessment (running, sit-ups, push-ups), Background Investigation Security Questionnaire, fingerprinting, and various other papers primarily statements of understanding. The big hold up here from my experience is getting through MEPS. It just takes time. Once all of this is together it will be sent to CNRC and be scrutinized, then sent to the community managers. Now it will wait until the next selection board. Every area is different, some hold boards every month others are as long as once a year. Check with the recruiter. Some wait until they have a sufficient number of packages until they hold a board. Again be patient.
Finally, after possibly many months, you receive the word. Provided you are selected you will have more paperwork, a commissioning or enlistment ceremony (counting on the program), and of course congratulations on your selection to the Navy. You will also have a report date to OCS/OIS.
Now the disclaimers. Every program is different and they may have additional steps/requirements that may need to be accomplished (Ex. JAG applicants need to provide a full length picture as part of their ADDOCS). Some programs may not require a certain step or item (Ex. Nuclear Propulsion Candidates are not required to take the ASTB). Ask your recruiter. Some programs may not be open. Some programs may need a preponderance of experience while others won’t. Ask your recruiter.
To keep this somewhat brief,
I have not gone into detail for each program. This will certainly raise questions. I am also sure that some have had experiences that could help others. Use this thread to ask the questions, tell the experiences, so all can gain the knowledge necessary to understand the process.
Good luck to all and hope to see you in the fleet.
FCCPopeye
Some background on myself: I am a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, with almost 23 years active, currently working as a Naval Officer Recruiter. I work with all persons applying for a commission with the exception of the medical/dental/nurse programs. I have also had a couple of tours recruiting on the enlisted side so I am also very familiar with the process there. My rate is Fire Control, Surface Warfare qualified, with various ship tours from destroyers to an oilier (I even spent time on a submarine). I also earned my Officer of the Deck Underway qualification on my last ship tour. I am very Pro-Navy and live by the core values, Honor, Courage and Commitment. I state this now so all who read this will know that I will state it like it is and I do not believe in “sugar coating” anything. So, that being said;
Applying for a commission is a long process. Anyone who has already been through the process can vouch for this. It is different for each person, so please do not expect the same process as the last person. It should be similar but most definitely will not be the same. Why is this? Everyone is different, different goals, backgrounds, desires, programs, etc.
First step in my mind is determining that you want to apply. Gather all the information you can about the Navy from every source possible. Use this forum as a great starting point. Explore the different programs/positions that may be available. Once you have done this you will probably have many questions about various areas that still need answering. Now it is time to contact a local Officer Recruiter. This will help accomplish two things, one, give you a chance to get those questions answered, two, find out if you are eligible for applying for a commission. Keep in mind that officer recruiters are not as spread out as the enlisted recruiters. You may be a good distance from the nearest one. Some people I have worked with were 3-4 hours away.
This is where I, the recruiter, come in to play. Now I will explain the process that you can expect. Please understand this is all from me, other recruiters may work differently.
During my first contact (which is typically via the phone or email) with some one interested in applying I ask many questions to determine their eligibility and also to try and gauge their competitiveness. I also ask numerous questions to help determine what the individual is looking for. The questions generally cover, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas:
Age, Citizenship, Marital Status, Educational Background (Colleges, Degrees, Majors, GPAs, etc), Any Military Background, Height/Weight, Medical History, Police/Legal History, Experience (particularly in the area of interest), Hobbies, Interests, etc.
Once this is done and the person is eligible, I let them know where they stand at this point. I will then let them know that they will need to take a test (ASTB) to further determine their eligibility/competitiveness. This test is not necessary for all programs but is for most. This forum has a lot of info regarding the ASTB so check it out. The one thing I need to impress on anyone planning on taking the test, STUDY! Remember, you can only take this test a total of three times in your lifetime (this is a fairly recent change). Don’t waste the first one. You must wait 30 days before taking the second test and an additional 90 days for the third and final test. I can’t stress how important this is. The scores you receive will be OAR, AQR, PFAR and FOFAR. OAR is vitally important to all programs. It is computed from the math, verbal and mechanical sections. The other three are from the aviation sections and are also extremely important for those applying for aviation positions. Some non aviation positions require a minimum AQR to apply so those not interested in becoming an aviator do not skip these sections in your studying. The test (in my office and I believe in most recruiters offices) will be given on a computer. This allows for an instant score following completion. Paper tests are also available and may be the only thing available in some locations (even where a computer is available and the system is down, which does happen). Scores from these will take some time as they must be sent to NOMI in Pensacola for scoring.
OK, you are eligible, competitive and eager to apply. The main application process is broken into two parts. (Please understand that some programs will differ within this process) The first part is where the ADDOCS are submitted. These basically consist of the actual application form itself, official transcripts from every college you have ever attended and, letters of reference/recommendation. Some programs may require a resume. Some may require an interview with a Naval Officer in the field you are applying for. Please keep in mind that most of this needs to follow certain guidelines so please let the recruiter and/or processor guide you here. Example, the form DD370, Request for Reference, must be utilized for letters of reference. Bottom line, find out from the recruiter/processor what is needed and take care of business.
ADDOCS will be sent to CNRC in Millington TN. They are typically imaged and sent via the internet. The package will be scrutinized for correctness before being sent to the community managers of the areas that you are applying for (Yes you can apply for up to three areas on one application). Each area does things differently. Basically you will need to wait until they look at your package and decide if you are what they are looking for. This could take from days to weeks (and possibly longer). Patience. If they like what they see they will let the recruiter/processor know with a PROREC yes (a PROREC no ends the process, talk to your recruiter if you want to keep trying).
Now it is time for the second part, the FINDOCS. These basically consist of a medical physical (normally done at MEPS), Physical Fitness Assessment (running, sit-ups, push-ups), Background Investigation Security Questionnaire, fingerprinting, and various other papers primarily statements of understanding. The big hold up here from my experience is getting through MEPS. It just takes time. Once all of this is together it will be sent to CNRC and be scrutinized, then sent to the community managers. Now it will wait until the next selection board. Every area is different, some hold boards every month others are as long as once a year. Check with the recruiter. Some wait until they have a sufficient number of packages until they hold a board. Again be patient.
Finally, after possibly many months, you receive the word. Provided you are selected you will have more paperwork, a commissioning or enlistment ceremony (counting on the program), and of course congratulations on your selection to the Navy. You will also have a report date to OCS/OIS.
Now the disclaimers. Every program is different and they may have additional steps/requirements that may need to be accomplished (Ex. JAG applicants need to provide a full length picture as part of their ADDOCS). Some programs may not require a certain step or item (Ex. Nuclear Propulsion Candidates are not required to take the ASTB). Ask your recruiter. Some programs may not be open. Some programs may need a preponderance of experience while others won’t. Ask your recruiter.
To keep this somewhat brief,
I have not gone into detail for each program. This will certainly raise questions. I am also sure that some have had experiences that could help others. Use this thread to ask the questions, tell the experiences, so all can gain the knowledge necessary to understand the process.Good luck to all and hope to see you in the fleet.
FCCPopeye
