DCO Application Process Overview .doc

[dephyler]

I was looking back for some old forms and found this gem that I forgot I had. My recruiter gave it to me when I expressed initial interest in a direct commission.

There's a few things that are Boston specific, but it's still good gouge.

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

that was a great read - I wish I had read it before selection

 

[cookierinthia]

Waiting Like the Rest

Greetings All,

I am waiting on my final selection letter. I was picked up from the July 09 Supply Corps Board. I know of an Ensign who was picked up from the same board and he was commissioned in October. So I will say that although it's a lengthy process, I believe it defends on you and your recruiter on how quickly you get through the process for the most part.

I had to resolve some medical issues before I could get PQ'd. I am now PQ'd, billet information was submitted last week, so I'm in the waiting period right now. So we shall see.

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

Can someone link me to a good summary of the process/competition to becoming a reserve-O? I tried google and came up with jack shit. I am enrolled in OCS now but I am on my way to an NPQ and have been advised that I may want to pursue the Reserves if I want to continue trying to be an Officer - which I do! The NPQ wouldn't be permanent, but long enough to kick me out of OCS..if you were wondering.(According to the Flight Surgeon )

Are you talking through the DCO program?

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

Can someone link me to a good summary of the process/competition to becoming a reserve-O? I tried google and came up with jack shit. I am enrolled in OCS now but I am on my way to an NPQ and have been advised that I may want to pursue the Reserves if I want to continue trying to be an Officer - which I do! The NPQ wouldn't be permanent, but long enough to kick me out of OCS..if you were wondering.(According to the Flight Surgeon )

Ok, well I went through the DCO program (as did most on this thread since it's a DCO thread). All of this info is for Intel Community and if it differs with other communities, a bunch of people will call me out on it so no need to fret

DCO means Direct Commissioned Officer. Whether you are prior service or non-prior service, if selected for this program, you will be directly commissioned as an officer in the Navy. No boot camp, no OCS.

How to get there: I contacted a recruiter. Told him the program I'm interested in (already knew DCO was the way for me). Requirements: degree, age limit (age waivers can be applied), ability to demonstrate leadership through work experience (since you will be skipping OCS, you need to prove that you dont 'need' to take it persay), ASTB scores, 3 letters of recommendation (strong), interviews in the community you are applying for (one needs to be the RIPO and the interview reviews need to be strong), motivational statement (don't blow this off - it's an important piece), ability to get a clearance, no arrests, no debts, ability to get PQL - Physcially Qualified Letter, and a ton of patience...this is not the fast way in.

When it's said and done, your packet (which I can send you a copy of the list of actual docs that need to be included in your packet for submission or better yet, you should get one from your recruiter) will contain your application for commission (which includes your motivational statement), your references, your scores, your motivational statement, your interviewer sheets, your transcripts and resume, and normal things like copies of your birth certificates and whatnot. I'm traveling or I would just pull mine out and tell you exactly what is required but that sums it up for submission.

You get this all gathered in preparation of the next incoming board. This is a date you need to know from the start. If you miss this date, you could literally set yourself back a year.

I won't get into the process of the board since you are at the beginning stages and this gives you what information you asked for, but if selected at the board, the time from board meeting till commission is about 4 months (give or take). During that time, you will be heading to MEPS (if you haven't already) to get your PQL, making sure your clearance is good to go, and then you sit and wait (and pray if you are into that kind of thing and even if you aren't, it can't hurt to start).

Competition: Don't even think about the competition. You don't have time to worry about what the next person has/doesn't have. Make sure your packet is as strong as you can possibly make it. That is the thing you can control - you can't control what someone else has/doesn't have. So concentrate on the things you can control. I know that if I saw the resumes and bios of some of the people I beat out, I would have been highly discouraged (still would have gone for it though) (DAS, GOOD GRIEF! Whatever you do, don't look at his resume unless you just like to worry a lot). I believe they look for the 'whole person' concept. Well rounded and skilled in your own right. If you are an engineer, make sure you have a reference from someone that can speak of your strength as an engineer on the references. If you know a language, that is good too. That package you are putting together...it is the chance to sell yourself so make sure your product is top notch and you portray it as such.

Like I said, this is for Intel, and if it differs for other communities, there are great people with great information here that will help me fill in the blanks for those communities. I'm not sure what a NPQ is - Non-physically qualified? If so, there are waivers depending on the issue but the ability to be PQ is required for any military program including this one.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions, if I were at home, I would have access to the exact forms that spells this out much better in black and white.

And if you have a specific question that you don't want posted on the forum, you can PM me and I'll do what I can to get your answer.

-Charlie

 

[xxxCharliexxx]

It varies by community. Some meet only once a year, some a couple times a year or quarterly. Sometimes, they even schedule them, and then say 'well, no nevermind...we're going to just hold off a while" and you are stuck until the next board meets. (which some of us are all too well aware of). But it's better to be prepared for that date even it it is cancelled. If you know the communities you are looking to apply with, that will help people on the site help you find your board dates. Otherwise, that's something that either your recruiter or your processor would be happy to provide you for all communities.

Glad I could help and sorry I don't have a definitive answer for this one.

-Angela

 

[Intel_warrior]

Charlie gave good gouge. There are so many different parts to the process. Many paper based. You have to have a few things in your mind while you are going through this process. First and foremost, it is you applying for this billet. The recruiter will not motivate you. You may/probably will be the one initiating contact with the recruiter throughout the process. If you want it bad enough, you will do whatever is needed and then some to make it happen. LT Kelly Beamsley website used to have a checklist for paperwork needed for the packet. May still have it. Make sure you have the most current forms, especially the SF-86. As far as time frames, I started the process in February 2009. I am now waiting on Comdocs. A few people took longer and few took less time. As Charlie said, alot depends on the board convening dates and if they actually meet on those dates. You are not guaranteed approval. DCO is very competitive and should not be taken lightly. If you want it bad enough and do not make it the first time around, submit again.

 

[suppo2010]

Charlie gave good gouge. There are so many different parts to the process. Many paper based. You have to have a few things in your mind while you are going through this process. First and foremost, it is you applying for this billet. The recruiter will not motivate you. You may/probably will be the one initiating contact with the recruiter throughout the process. If you want it bad enough, you will do whatever is needed and then some to make it happen. LT Kelly Beamsley website used to have a checklist for paperwork needed for the packet. May still have it. Make sure you have the most current forms, especially the SF-86. As far as time frames, I started the process in February 2009. I am now waiting on Comdocs. A few people took longer and few took less time. As Charlie said, alot depends on the board convening dates and if they actually meet on those dates. You are not guaranteed approval. DCO is very competitive and should not be taken lightly. If you want it bad enough and do not make it the first time around, submit again.

I agree, I am prior service, actually currently drilling as enlisted now, was active duty got out went to school, got a career going, then came back on my own terms for what I think are my right reasons, I gave it 3 years, when I came back I was in grad school, so I decided to wait until after I graduated, unfortunately for me my timing was off, I applied for a community that only took 6 of 150 board eligible people, but the time before took 65, very humbling, I questioned if I was better, then I realized its not who is better, its do you have what they (board) are looking for at that specific time, and no body knows that question, so you work hard, make sure youcan display these 6 things for a good package:

• Do you display the core values of Honor commitment and courage? How ?
• Active in your community/ i.e. church, volunteer, charity functions etc
• Education / College, Post college, professional certs etc
• Awards and recognition / how they relate to the Navy core values
• Team work / There is no 'I' in Navy/ do you play sports? are you on boards? Professional organizations, Chamber of commerce etc... can you show a history of team work....
• Last but not least interviews/ make sure you have well respected individuals in your community give you the interviews, rank doesnt matter as much as respect, there are plenty of 0-6's who have never sat on a board and who's opinions mean absolutely nothing, and board memeber know this, you want quality not quantity, keep that in mind.....

one thing I have learned is your not in competition with anyone else but yourself in the DCO game, if you can say that you have done everything with in your power to put together a nice package then thats all you can do you start worrying about how you stack up against the next person and your in trouble....

 

[Geopolitician]

Hello,

I found info in this threat quite informative. Many thanks to the contributors.

I am planning to apply for OCS/OTS route for Intel in the Reserves, and whit it I have questions about my qualifications if it looks ok.

As per requirements from NCS https://www.navycs.com/officer/intelligenceofficer.html

Age: 28 years old, married, father of one.
Security Clearance Eligibility: I am in credit card debt while building my business, around 25k. Applying for student loan of around 31k for my masters.
I have a crazy family history, with Polish officers being massacred by the Soviets in WW2, Nazi resistance fighters and grandfather which was political leader in polish government on exile in London, working on the occupied territories. After the war he was captured and tortured trying to break him to go to spy on the exiled government, sadly he died in jail. My deceased father was forced to join the communist party, as the whole family was prosecuted and couldn't achieve anything else if he would not do so. I also have long military history with generals, marshals and knights. Are those things important for background check for clearance?

My close family is tricky too, my spouses’ father is a retired colonel from Venezuela, from the good guard which fight off the Chavez coup d'etat in 92. He was rewarded with Inter American Defense program in Washington DC. The family is actively showing their anti-Maduro views, and the father had sign letter of support for interim president Guido with other retired military officers from Venezuela. Her stepbrother, which is not recognized and not in contact, is on Interpol list.

Also do I need to present people I know? For example, my mom sold house to retired Polish general, which established Polish special forces, years ago. I know Polish diplomats and politicians. I was also brought to Poland for leadership program for Polish Americans, organized by nonprofit called school of leaders, and co-sponsored by Polish government. This could be an asset and a liability depends from what perspective we look....
A person I know was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO Policy told me that those things are ok, but better run it by recruiters.

Citizenship: US born. I also have Polish citizenship, ready to resign if need it (although I saw that there are waivers)
Education: BA in International Economic Relations with specialization in International Business from Polish university, with exchange programs in Netherlands and South Korea (could this be an issue for the board as the university is accredited in Poland? it has agreements with US universities, which I think can qualify the degree in the end).

I will start masters in logistics and supply chain management from January and finish December 2020. (I know that at the Selection board it doesn't count but is it worth it to put the info in?) Certifications from FIU and Georgetown University on International Business and Public Policy
Foreign language skill: Fluent in Polish, beginner in Spanish, broken Korean. I have learned a bit of hiragana and katana (Japanese alphabet for foreigners) but I forgot it already.
Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR): my recruiter just told me that I don't need OAR for reserves. Can someone confirm?
Leadership and Work Experience
Self-employed running international business and public policy firm focusing on bridging Florida and LATAM with Central and Eastern Europe. I am specializing on market entry strategies, business and market analysis, geopolitics, marketing and sales. Also working on economic corridor concept between Poland and Florida to create new strategic flow between the two due to geopolitical developments like Mexico-Florida port cooperation, one of the Belt and Road Initiative entry points to Europe is through Poland etc.
Corporate experience as business development manager for North America, IT corporation.
Real Estate associate.

Active in Polish American community, recognized by many as a community leader, organizing trade missions between Poland and Florida, Polish heritage events, humanitarian aid projects like support for Haiti after hurricane Matthew where with Polish parishes we collected 60 boxes of food, medicine and baby staff. President of Polish American professional business organization in Florida. Currently I am in mids of organizing Polish Floridian Business group which will be like chamber of commerce. Also, I am very active with Florida, Miami and Broward county economic development teams, and recognize by Broward county as county liaison to Poland. Additionally, I have broad network in Polish American leadership, as well as diplomatic personnel from the Polish embassy (like the Ambassador) and in Polish government (like Speaker of the Polish Senate, current ruling party and opposition). I am also involved in Republican Party structures in Florida.

Lived in Poland, Netherlands, South Korea, one month in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo and obviously in the US. Overall traveled to 55 countries in 5 continents.

All of those experiences are relative to the Navy because:
1. Geopolitical expertise is something in need today, with the changing world order due to arising great power competition. Being self-educated in theoretical geopolitics like MacKinder, Mahan, Spykman, Brzezinski etc. as well as understanding the implications of geography, resources, economic structures, innovation, political systems, international relations etc. my knowledge can be applied into intel creation and analysis in Europe, more specifically into Central and Eastern Europe but also to Latin America - Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia etc. Africa, North, West, Central and Southern, East Asia, Middle East, South Eastern Asia.

Regional expertise:
2. US military is increasing its presence in Poland and Romania, as the CEE region is the choke point/entrance to the European Peninsula and the Eurasian landmasses. China and Russia are actively present in the region in the asymmetric warfare (cyber attracts and disinformation, green people in Crimea etc), and NATO alliance is analyzing how to defend the Baltic states with article 5. The increased presence requires more intel for the region and understanding of regional relations shaped by history and culture. In this picture Poland would be probably the main land army responsible on defending the Eastern flank of NATO, until the heavy cavalry will arrive, and it will require Intel personnel who can be useful in this scenario to communicate with Polish counterparts. The involvement in the Polish American community can proof an asset to the military.

3. Understanding economic capacity, innovation and trends will be new intel tool to describe the current affairs need it for congressional or military decisions.

4. Understanding South Korea and Japanese geopolitics, etc.

Additional things to consider:
Does the experience from regattas on tall ships counts toward my resume? I have sailed 3 times on 164 ft barquentine, where at the last two I was recognize as the right hand off the officer of the watch. Those were 3 weeks adventures after which I was organizing representative teams for port events like parades and competitions between other crews. I also worked for 2 years in luxury yacht industry, got my STCW 95 (which expired this year).
Chess player with Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE int't organization) ranking
UN yellow vaccination book
Hobbies: history, geography, philosophy, sailing skiing,

Thank you.

 

[devilbones]

Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR): my recruiter just told me that I don't need OAR for reserves. Can someone confirm?

You dont need this for reserves.

 

[HAL Pilot]

Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR): my recruiter just told me that I don't need OAR for reserves. Can someone confirm?

Because your recruiter is lying to you. He wants to do all the work in submitting your application only to have it returned for a missing test....

 

[bubblehead]

Reference or it did not happen. Ask your recruiter for the reference (title, page, section, etc.) that states you do not need an OAR for Reserve DCO. Could be from COMNAVCRUITCOMINST or similar. Always ask for a reference. If they are not willing to provide, escalate.

All updated Program Authorizations (PA) for 2019 have OAR requirements and do not have language precluding Reserve from the OAR.

That's why I recommend you getting a reference.

 

[TheClyde]

Reference or it did not happen. Ask your recruiter for the reference (title, page, section, etc.) that states you do not need an OAR for Reserve DCO. Could be from COMNAVCRUITCOMINST or similar. Always ask for a reference. If they are not willing to provide, escalate.

All updated Program Authorizations (PA) for 2019 have OAR requirements and do not have language precluding Reserve from the OAR.

That's why I recommend you getting a reference.

Good point on always looking for a reference. I took a quick look at Intel and Supply reserves...neither of those PAs mention anything about the OAR, whereas the active duty PAs do have reference.

 

[Trapt]

I can confirm on the Intel side. I was selected in October and never took the OAR.

 

[bubblehead]

Always, always, always, ask for a reference. Make people do their jobs in this regard