Post OCS, Pre-API stash jobs

[JD81]

From what I can find it seems most folks go back to the NRD's in their home towns for a stash, is this the usual? I'm a SNFO select reporting on 23 sep and just trying to get an idea if I want to to drive to p'cola. I live in seattle and would hate to drive down there, then drive back for 3 or 4 or however many months and have to drive all the way back. Any input is appreciated.

R/
Josh

 

[TheBubba]

You'll need to check into API and complete all of the pre-API stuff before you can ask for TAD orders. Also, most TAD orders they give are for a moth at a time.

You'll be waiting for a long while to start API.

Cheers,
Bubba

 

[hourocket]

Yep, they pre-API stuff can take about 2 weeks min. Then you have to get your NRD to write a letter to API, then they have to write up orders, and then you get to go, and it is usually only for a month. But who knows by Sep, NFOs may not have a wait, things change here every week.

 

[VAmookie]

is the same true for PTAD orders on the green side? Only a month? Takes a couple weeks to get pre-API completed?

 

[TheBubba]

Sep, NFOs may not have a wait, things change here every week.

I doubt that. Its a 6-7 month wait right now, and all of the Academy and ROTC NFO selectees will start getting down here in about 8-10 weeks.

 

[JD81]

You'll need to check into API and complete all of the pre-API stuff before you can ask for TAD orders. Also, most TAD orders they give are for a moth at a time.

You'll be waiting for a long while to start API.

Cheers,
Bubba

Thanks Bubba. Is it best to bank on staying in p'cola for the wait between OCS and API? I won't have to do IFS, but what other items will I need to complete prior to API? Thanks again for the info...

r/
Josh

 

[TheBubba]

Since you're an OCS guy, you won't have to get your flight physical. You'll have to get your helmet fit, PRT, BOLTC and that's pretty much it. After you get that stuff done, you can request TAD orders. But yes, even with TAD orders, you'll be in P-cola for most of the wait.

My advice: get a part time job.

 

[Fezz CB]

Hey josh. I was in your exact situation last Sept (except I did NROTC). I would definitely inquiry about OHARP so you can go back to your hometown. Yes you'll work everyday but youll be closer to home w/o having to burn leave. Thats what I did and I spent 2 months away from P'cola. It sucks that they dont really advertise this great deal. Other wise I would have left right after IFS (i finished in Dec) but I ended but going TAD in Feb. Anyways, if you have any questions about going TAD, just holler at me. Ill give you details and the request form in MS Word.

Hint: TAD goes for 30 days. But I called at about 20 days to see if I was classing up. If not, they extended another 30 days. So you could pretty much stay in your hometown until you class up. Good deal. I left about a month b4 I classed up just for safety and take care of personal stuff.

 

[KimberlyD]

Something to think ab, the orders back to your hometown to do NRD are usually no-cost orders meaning you move on your own dime. Keep that in mind if this is something you're looking to do.

 

[JD81]

Something to think ab, the orders back to your hometown to do NRD are usually no-cost orders meaning you move on your own dime. Keep that in mind if this is something you're looking to do.

Well I was originally planning on packing my car full of what I needed for OCS and moving other stuff later on. But if I'm going to have that long of a wait I would much rather go down for OCS and spend a little while there after, then come back for OHARP and move everything down at once when I class up, which is what I'd really like to do. Is getting to do that program a pretty sure thing?

Thanks for everyone's help, I really appreciate it.

r/
Josh

 

[Fezz CB]

If the wait is anything like it was last year, then I'll bet my left nut that anyone who request OHARP will get it (especially the FOs). Yea, its no-cost TEMMAD meaning you pay for your own travel and lodge, etc. I would suggest asking about oharp to flight mgmt after youve completed all the pre-api junk. You should be good after that.

 

[JD81]

Excellent, thanks for the tips Fezz. I'm trying to stay as max-flex as possible but I'd like to get an idea of the whats and wheres after OCS.

Thanks Again everyone...

r/
Josh

 

[Mr Mojo Risin']

Fezz: Awesome info, just one question: What did you do about your living situation when you did OHARP? Were you in the Q or did you have a place in town?

 

[Fezz CB]

Hey Mojo,

Yea, finding lodging is your responsibility. I stayed with my gf. On top of that, I still have family in San Diego so this made the lodging issue not that big of a deal.

Hope this helps.

BTW, I was still paying rent & utils. for my P'cola place. You still get P'cola BAH. Bummer dude.

 

[RichardDelk]

BTW, I was still paying rent & utils. for my P'cola place. You still get P'cola BAH. Bummer dude.

Ok, old thread but I had a question about OHARP. I know you have to pay to move yourself back to your hometown, but do you still receieve BAH? It sounds like you receieve BAH for Pensacola and not your OHARP location. Correct? Thanks!