FY 20 IWC DCO Board

[AimHigh1947]

First timer here. Just submitted my package for intel. Curious, how did everyone feel about their panel interviews?

 

[RedGriffin]

I thought my interviews went terribly. It felt like they had a "good cop/bad cop" dynamic going on, with the bad cop repeatedly telling me that I lacked the relevant qualifications and should consider enlisting/active duty as the only real way to improve my chances. But then it turned out bad cop gave me the best scores of all three, and I was selected after all (last September). Not sure what the lesson is there.

 

[AimHigh1947]

Oh wow. I had the same expereice. One member really made me sweat. What were your scores? I got 10/10/8/10 from the four I was interviewed by. I’m curious how much weight is given to these scores.

 

[Reservist]

I couldn't comment on exactly how important the scores are - but I know they matter a lot. Your scores are fine. If you weren't selected for some reason, you could interview again, but I suspect your recruiter would say there isn't much to improve upon on those scores. It has been the experience of many, that if the interview feels hostile, more like an interrogation - it'g going good. I know one recruiter that I've worked with in the past that says that if it went really smooth they board didn't take the candidate that seriously and saw no reason to make them sweat. They obviously found you competitive. Good luck!

 

[AimHigh1947]

How did you feel about your package? Did you get selected on your first time around? Was it for the 1835 designator?

 

[AimHigh1947]

I thought my interviews went terribly. It felt like they had a "good cop/bad cop" dynamic going on, with the bad cop repeatedly telling me that I lacked the relevant qualifications and should consider enlisting/active duty as the only real way to improve my chances. But then it turned out bad cop gave me the best scores of all three, and I was selected after all (last September). Not sure what the lesson is there.

Did you get selected first time around? How did you feel about your package?

 

[RedGriffin]

Did you get selected first time around? How did you feel about your package?

I was selected on my second try -- submitted an updated motivational statement that had some new stuff I'd done in my same job over the intervening ~10 months, but no other changes to my package for the second round. There was also significantly less competition that round though, so timing definitely played a role.

 

[AimHigh1947]

I was selected on my second try -- submitted an updated motivational statement that had some new stuff I'd done in my same job over the intervening ~10 months, but no other changes to my package for the second round. There was also significantly less competition that round though, so timing definitely played a role.

Thanks for the feedback. I wonder what the stats are for this March board. I’d hate to have to try again.

 

[Reservist]

Thanks for the feedback. I wonder what the stats are for this March board. I’d hate to have to try again.

Try your best but don't beat yourself up if you aren't selected first try. It's a very competitive process. Many, many, officers apply multiple times before being selected. Took two ties for 1835 for me. I tried JAG several times too before being selected. My current CO and a former CO both had to scratch and claw for selection. One had 6 tries and the other several as well. More than two. You can get it, but might have to work harder than you expected to in order to get it. You could get lucky and get snapped up first round too! Good luck! The boards say they look at the whole person and they do. But let's face it, writing 1 of 200 from Yale looks really good. There are many other things boards look at. I will say this, the ones that make it that do not have Harvard, Yale, or whatever behind their names - legit really earn it. They are highly qualified in other ways and eventually they find a way to make that shine.

 

[AimHigh1947]

Try your best but don't beat yourself up if you aren't selected first try. It's a very competitive process. Many, many, officers apply multiple times before being selected. Took two ties for 1835 for me. I tried JAG several times too before being selected. My current CO and a former CO both had to scratch and claw for selection. One had 6 tries and the other several as well. More than two. You can get it, but might have to work harder than you expected to in order to get it. You could get lucky and get snapped up first round too! Good luck! The boards say they look at the whole person and they do. But let's face it, writing 1 of 200 from Yale looks really good. There are many other things boards look at. I will say this, the ones that make it that do not have Harvard, Yale, or whatever behind their names - legit really earn it. They are highly qualified in other ways and eventually they find a way to make that shine.

That’s frustrating. I’m coming off active duty with the Air Force and looking to dive in to reserve status. I’m currently a cleared intel analyst.

 

[Reservist]

That’s frustrating. I’m coming off active duty with the Air Force and looking to dive in to reserve status. I’m currently a cleared intel analyst.

You've got a better shot than many then - Enlisted or Officer Intel with a current clearance have a higher selection rate than most. I don't have any numbers on that, but it basically universally agreed to be the case. Good luck!

 

[AimHigh1947]

Anyone else going up for this board?

 

[Deleted member 67144 scul]

That’s frustrating.

Wait until you get selected and have to deal with all kinds of Navy Reserve administrative dysfunctionality. Applying is the easy part, frankly.

 

[AimHigh1947]

Wait until you get selected and have to deal with all kinds of Navy Reserve administrative dysfunctionality. Applying is the easy part, frankly.

If I get the privilege of selection, I hope I can start my training soon before I start my new job. I’d rather just take it back to back. Also, how is drill? Easy? Flexible? Can you double up in a month to skip the following month?

 

[bubblehead]

That’s frustrating. I’m coming off active duty with the Air Force and looking to dive in to reserve status. I’m currently a cleared intel analyst.

Your best best is to affiliate with AF Reserve and continue applying for commission both in the AF and Navy.