I'm at my wit's end concerning OCS and would appreciate insight.

[Ribwich]

TL;DR : Got accepted into OCS and the Naval Aviator Program. The class dates will make me miss my best friends wedding. What to do? What should I make sure is in my contract if everything works out well?

Okay, so this will be a long one. I started getting my packet together for OCS around January and recently got the all clear back from the medical exam to be an Aviator. I mentioned when I was starting this whole process that my best friend's wedding was December 21st and that I swore to him I would be in it. My recruiter said he understood and would work around that fact. After finally getting the all clear last week, the next available dates for OCS with open spots would be September 30th or some time in October. With a 12 week course, this would overshoot the wedding date. When I raised a concern about this, my recruiter said something along the lines of, "Well you said you wanted to go in September, if you delay it too much it will look bad." Now, I did request a date in September, but I requested the date of September 1st (the idea being it would give me enough time to enjoy holidays and the wedding before going down to Pensacola). I would rather deal with all the Hell and ice of a class in January if it would let me keep my oath, but I fear losing my slot. If it came down to it and I just went on the 30th, I do have some concerns regarding contracts. I want to know what some of you put in yours/what you wished you put in yours. I'm also curious if I have any bargaining rights at all in this process seeing as how I applied to the program and this isn't an enlistment thing. I read I won't be able to have my student loans paid for by the Navy through the LRP because I'm going through the officer program. I think they justify this by saying you get paid more, so you don't get repayment options. Is this something you could get put in a contract or do I just deal with it?

Thanks in advance for reading this wall-o-text. I'm looking forward to your replies.

 

[Renegade One]

TL;DR : Got accepted into OCS and the Naval Aviator Program. The class dates will make me miss my best friends wedding. What to do? What should I make sure is in my contract if everything works out well?

Just my two cents, but if your best friend doesn't understand the incredible life opportunity that may mean you missing his wedding...well, I'll leave it at that.

The current guys can better discuss "content of contracts", but I doubt there's as much negotiation as you may think. No stock options...no company car...bargaining rights may be limited to "yes" or "no thanks". Choose wisely.

 

[SynixMan]

I'll start with the easy one. No, you don't get the LRP. Officers aren't eligible. You do qualify for the Servicemembers Credit Relief Act of 2006 that can reduce interest on student loans, and you can defer federal loans at 0% while you're Active Duty. So that helps.

As for the wedding, you'll most likely get a Christmas Break at OCS. They probably haven't posted it, but I'd guess Friday the 21st to Jan 2nd off the cuff. So, you might be able to make it, depending on when the wedding is and flights, etc. Do you best, and I bet your friend is more understanding than you think.

Oh, and get used to missing important shit in other peoples lives (hell, even yours). Three of my best friends from college got married while I've been in flight school. None are military, but they understand and are actually pretty jealous of what I do. This is an amazing career, but there are prices you pay for it.

 

[BusyBee604]

I mentioned when I was starting this whole process that my best friend's wedding was December 21st and that I swore to him I would be in it.

If your priority is Friend's wedding ahead of a firm OCS slot and a chancc for flight school/wings, then go for the wedding. Be aware that slots for OCS & all other post commissioning specialties are shrinking due to >$$$, and a later slot may not be there... I believe your decision will indicate how truly motivated you are to serve as a Naval Officer.

Being your best friend, I'm sure he/they'll understand.
BzB

 

[MidWestEwo]

You seem to be asking quite a lot of the Navy. They are giving you the opportunity to be a Naval Aviator. One of the coolest jobs in the world next to being a Navy SEAL, astronaut, and porn star. It is not worth trying to change your class date to be there for a friend's wedding. It is one night of celebration. You will be able to celebrate with your friends any time. Do not delay going to OCS, because needs of the navy change monthly. Numbers could change, and they will cut those that do not seem 100% serious first. Invite your buddy down to Pensacola and spend a weekend in Destin to make up for not being at his wedding or something. Just make sure to have the opportunity to get down there and thank God that you were the lucky one that got to go to OCS with an aviation contract. About the student loan payments.. the Navy simply does not need to pay off loans to draw in applicants. It really is THAT awesome of a job.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I'll start with the easy one. No, you don't get the LRP. Officers aren't eligible. You do qualify for the Servicemembers Credit Relief Act of 2006 that can reduce interest on student loans, and you can defer federal loans at 0% while you're Active Duty. So that helps.

As for the wedding, you'll most likely get a Christmas Break at OCS. They probably haven't posted it, but I'd guess Friday the 21st to Jan 2nd off the cuff. So, you might be able to make it, depending on when the wedding is and flights, etc. Do you best, and I bet your friend is more understanding than you think.

Oh, and get used to missing important shit in other peoples lives (hell, even yours). Three of my best friends from college got married while I've been in flight school. None are military, but they understand and are actually pretty jealous of what I do. This is an amazing career, but there are prices you pay for it.

This is exactly what I was thinking.

Who gets married on a Friday? I thought that stuff happened on Saturday's, just like funerals.

here is a joke I heard a bit cleaned up dealing with marriage. Why did the husband die before his wife? because he wanted to!

 

[BusyBee604]

here is a joke I heard a bit cleaned up dealing with marriage. Why did the husband die before his wife? because he wanted to!

NOR, don't quit your day recruiting gig, 'stand up comic' boards & slots are closed 'til the end of FY-13!
BzB

 

[exNavyOffRec]

NOR, don't quit your day recruiting gig, 'stand up comic' boards & slots are closed 'til the end of FY-13!
BzB

Why do you think I joined the USN, at least when you are in charge of people they laugh at your jokes, of course you never know if they are really funny or not, that is until you tell one here.

 

[robav8r]

One of the coolest jobs in the world next to being a Navy SEAL, astronaut, and porn star.

You need to ponder the sentiment above . . . . . for awhile. Good friends will always understand that "Life is what happens to you while planning better/other things." If he is truly your friend, he will understand. But only you can decide how much passion you have towards being a Naval Aviator. Good luck

 

[jtmedli]

I'll summarize the above: Screw the wedding. Quit being F-ing stupid. And go to OCS and be glad that you got accepted and are getting paid to fly.

If your 'friend' doesn't 'get it' and is all dick-bent about you not being at his wedding, then he's not your friend. He's a self-concerned prick.

 

[BusyBee604]

If your 'friend' doesn't 'get it' and is all dick-bent about you not being at his wedding, then he's not your friend. He's a self-concerned prick.

jt, you have that rarest of writing skills, a subtle, positively poetical way with words!
BzB

 

[sodajones]

I don't think I am capable of articulating the amount of contempt I have for this thread. Give your slot up to someone who really wants it and go to your friend's wedding since that's obviously your priority here.

 

[Renegade One]

I don't think I am capable of articulating the amount of contempt I have for this thread. Give your slot up to someone who really wants it and go to your friend's wedding since that's obviously your priority here.

Apropos of nothing whatsoever, I just want to post the "rejoinder" I got from one of the Moderators last time I responded in a similar fashion:
"Not really what we're going for here, boss. Recommend you edit your last post and not tell the newbies to go fuck themselves - even if they appear to deserve it."

 

[sodajones]

Apropos of nothing whatsoever, I just want to post the "rejoinder" I got from one of the Moderators last time I responded in a similar fashion:
"Not really what we're going for here, boss. Recommend you edit your last post and not tell the newbies to go fuck themselves - even if they appear to deserve it."

Received, Sir. I'm OK with taking a time-out if need be.

I had to google "apropos" cause I'm not dumb but I am stupid.

 

[jtmedli]

jt, you have that rarest of writing skills, a subtle, positively poetical way with words!
BzB

Why thank you, Sir.