Hello Everyone!
First I'd like to introduce myself to the forum members. My Name is Hector Torres and I am 36 years old. I am originally from Puerto Rico but have lived in San Diego since 1989. I have worked in the IT industry since 2001 as a Computer Systems Analyst at the San Diego Convention Center. I graduated this past May2011 with a BS in Information Systems from National University (3.73 GPA). I come from a proud military family; my father served in Korea and was WIA in 1952. My brother is a retired Navy Chief and two of my cousins are currently serving in AD, one is an E-7 in the Marine Corps, and his brother is a CPT in the Army. That being said, I am so glad I found this site, in particular, this thread. I read every single post in order to educate myself as to the process and the experience of those pursuing the same dream of a commission. Thank you all very much for your contributions, I am a better person because of your shared knowledge. I look forward to contributing to this forum.
My packet for the IP Community is on its way for the MAR2012 Selection Board, this is my first time applying. I started this journey last year just before the AUG/SEP2011 board and was not able to submit a packet because I lacked some of the interviews. I immediately started working on my packet for MAR2012 and am glad to say that my recruiter said she was confident, although I have been made aware by both recruiters and other officers (and confirmed here) that selection may not happen until my 2-3 try. After reading posts from many well-qualified individuals that tried several times, I am encouraged to keep on trying if I am not selected. While no one wants to get the "non-select" letter/announcement, I do not plan to give up, this means too much for me. I simply cannot wait for the day that I can proudly wear the Navy uniform, and I am not just saying that for sympathy.
I would like to ask a question to those that have already applied before. Do applicants interview with the Selection Board? If so, at what point of the process? My recruiter has not told me that I need to prepare myself for a panel interview. Of course, I have completed the required interviews and thankfully, have received recommendations and high marks in them, including two Flag Officers and the CO of the Telecomm/Computers Division at NAS Coronado. Please understand that I am not bragging in any way, I know there are extremely qualified individuals in this forum that were not selected the first time around. I am looking at how I can prepare myself to achieve my dream, any advice is appreciated.
Thank you very much for reading my post, I look forward to your responses.
PS Does anyone know the number of available IP billets for the upcoming board? Thanks!