Paying it forward, ask a question wrt STA-21

[fc2spyguy]

BLUF If you have been accepted into the STA-21 program and would like to help, post here. If you have a question wrt STA-21 process pm those that have posted here.

Okay, just came up with an idea. I'm posting this so that anyone who is interested in the STA-21 program can ask advice from people who have been accepted, or have already completed it. This is not for comparing stats, or simply posting to say you're applying. This has to do with specific questions with regards to the process, and selection, or advice on strengthening a package (I hear viagra works well for that too).

I ask that anyone who has been accepted to STA-21, and is interested in helping others, post in here. I would prefer that questions be done via PM and not in a mega thread. In the past years STA-21 threads have turned into a social gathering of tweets more than informative threads that are actually helping pretty much anyone.

 

[xtreme_rob]

I'm game for giving any gouge, pm me if you have any specific questions.. BTW I'm in NSI right now, so I have some first hand gouge on that as well. As do many others here on AW that are in my NSI class... I'm sure they wouldn't mind you asking some questions.. Just make sure to be specific about what you're asking about, for general info it's much easier to just browse past threads. Best advice: Make it your own; never rely on anyone but yourself to create and run your package... In the long run it is you that will make or break it. Good luck!

 

[Steve Wilkins]

I'm game for giving any gouge, pm me if you have any specific questions.. BTW I'm in NSI right now, so I have some first hand gouge on that as well. As do many others here on AW that are in my NSI class... I'm sure they wouldn't mind you asking some questions.. Just make sure to be specific about what you're asking about, for general info it's much easier to just browse past threads. Best advice: Make it your own; never rely on anyone but yourself to create and run your package... In the long run it is you that will make or break it. Good luck!

You lost me. So you want people not to ask their questions here, but instead PM those who have been accepted or already gone through it? Sounds like all that needs to happen is anyone who is game to help to just post here that they're game.

 

[Floppy_D]

I'm game. FY06 SNFO pickup, currently finishing up API. If I can provide anything useful, I will. Batteries release.

 

[Van]

Good idea on the thread. I will offer my input to anyone interested. FY08 SNA Select and in Primary right now.

 

[rlgoldiinger]

Navy Reserve to STA-21

I have a two fold question. I'll give a little backround and see if anyone can help me out.

I'm Navy Reserve. I've been in for 3 1/2 years. I'm an MA3 (prob gonna make MA2 next cycle). I've done an IA Deployment (don't think that matters much). I have over 70 credits and my A.A in Business (I switched majors). I don't really have any dings that can prevent me from getting selected, that I know of, besides an early college GPA of 2.5. I have had nothing but A's since the military.

Ok, so I want to know if Navy Reservist even get selected for STA-21. Second, if I were to be selected, would it be possible to go Marine Officer? I'm assuming that answer is, "no."

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

W/R,
Gding

 

[PerDiem]

Ok, so I want to know if Navy Reservist even get selected for STA-21. Second, if I were to be selected, would it be possible to go Marine Officer? I'm assuming that answer is, "no."

From 1420.B: STA-21 is a commissioning program that provides an excellent opportunity for highly motivated active duty enlisted personnel in the Navy or Navy Reserve, including FTS, SELRES, and Navy Reservists on active duty.

As far as going Marine, you can put in an interservice transfer package once you get to your ROTC unit. Chances of the Navy approving to let you go after paying for your education are slim, but not impossible. I know a guy who got approved but didn't make it through Marine OCS. I put in a package myself and it never made it past NSTC.

FY-07 select. Commissioned April 2010. PM me with questions.

 

[wrecklessfool]

FY-08 selected SNA here. PM me with questions, and I'll help out as best I can.

 

[wlawr005]

FY08 SNA...starting last year at ODU, will commission May 2011. PM for advice.

^^For the guy who didn't get the point of this thread, no and no.

Thanks fc2, those previous threads were a headache.

 

[haubby]

FY08 CORE Select guy here. Went thru BOOST/NSI with wlawr005. Any questions send em my way.

 

[kupao1502]

Anyone care to shed light on the type of Officer who should be interviewing the applicant?

OPNAV states URL, 03 and above. Sta21 website, said 03 and above.

Is my command nuking this requirement? We only have staff officers (AMDO, SUPPO), OIC serving as the CO, and LDO for an AOIC. Can any one these guys be the interviewing officer? If it's just 03 and above, I will be moving forward with that plan in mind.

Please advise.

 

[ac2NASTY]

Anyone care to shed light on the type of Officer who should be interviewing the applicant?

OPNAV states URL, 03 and above. Sta21 website, said 03 and above.

Is my command nuking this requirement? We only have staff officers (AMDO, SUPPO), OIC serving as the CO, and LDO for an AOIC. Can any one these guys be the interviewing officer? If it's just 03 and above, I will be moving forward with that plan in mind.

Please advise.

I had an O-3 LDO (Weapons Officer) on my Internal Board. To ensure it didn't hurt my chances I added an explanation in my CO's endorsement explaining that my command had a very limited amount of officers and that an LDO was included on the board. As long as you give a logical reason why (which it sounds like you have) then you will be fine.

EDIT: This is the exact wording from my actual package, hope it helps.

"Due to the limited number of Officers assigned to my Command, an LDO not within the applicant's target group option community was chosen to sit the in-command interview board."

 

[usnwarrior513]

Ranking Boards

My question is: how much do the command ranking boards really matter?

My situation is: I was selected as an alternate last year, but since PCS'ed to a new command. I have a 28/24 ACT, Associate's Degree, LOR's from 0-6's and an Admiral, SW/AW qualed, LOAs from 2 generals, 3 EP evals and 1 MP, I am an E-6 under 4 years of service, numerous schools/certs, and so on. Basically, I feel like I am a really strong candidate (not to toot my own horn). Everyone else thinks so, including all of my interview boards in which I got almost all 10's and really strong comments. However, my command had the chiefs rank the candidates and they ranked me 3 of 6. That may not be too bad, and I might be making a mountain out of a mole hill. However, I feel that a three is terrible when I compare my package with the other candidates and am very upset with that number. Therefore, how much does that "3 of 6" on your CO Recommendation really matter? Thanks for the help.

 

[Van]

What??? Why are Chiefs ranking you on the CO's recommendation? Is that normal?

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You seem like a strong candidate and the board will look at your entire package. I don't think the CO ranking will be a deal breaker for you.

 

[usnwarrior513]

This is the first time I ever heard about Chiefs ranking as well. I don't agree with it at all. The attributes that make a chief can vary greatly from that of a great officer. Plus I think there is a lot of bias in it.