Question

[Tujin]

Greetings, all.
Just had a quick question, I'm looking at the list of those accepted from last year...and I only see one person E-3 or below who got accepted into STA-21... Is this typical? I am, unfortunately, currently an E-1 just finishing up "A" School in San Diego. Am I going to have to wait until I'm E-4 to even have any real chance at being accepted? I know its possible to get early advancement if you're an outstanding sailor once you get to your command, and I plan on busting my hump to do the best work I can, but it doesn't always work out that way. So will I need to wait 2 years (or so) to put on E-4, then apply?

Thanks. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Helo Guy]

I would apply now and if you don’t get accepted apply again every year until you do. It may be difficult to get a good endorsement from the command if you haven’t really done anything but again the more times you apply the better your chances. I was accepted on my third application

 

[Spot]

I would apply now and if you don’t get accepted apply again every year until you do. It may be difficult to get a good endorsement from the command if you haven’t really done anything but again the more times you apply the better your chances. I was accepted on my third application

I agree with Helo Guy on this one. If you don't apply, the question could (and may) be brought up "Why didn't you apply earlier?"
You can't get selected if you don't apply. Also, you can fine tune your application year after year, making it better and better.

 

[Bevo16]

Apply early and often. Don't let it get in the way of your quals though. Your number one job is to do the work that you signed up to do. If you prove yourself to be outstanding at that, the STA 21 thing will work itself out. We had 2 applications from my command last year and one guy get picked up. He is a really **** hot AW, who has 5 years in service several NAMs and an air medal. I am not saying that you have to be that good to be selected, but it does not hurt.

You want to advance quick, get warfare qualificaitons, and start working on college ASAP. Don't forget that there are new programs now that allow E-5 through E-7's to go directly to flight school if you have an associates degree.

I am a prior enlisted, and now a pilot so feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. I am also in San Diego. It is a long road, but if Wings are your goal, don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. Just make sure you don't blow off your rate because you are trying to get into STA 21.

 

[fc2spyguy]

Just make sure you don't blow off your rate because you are trying to get into STA 21.

This would be the fastest way to NOT get good recomendations. Like he said earlier. Do well on your job, work on getting your quals, and if you have the time taking some college courses would be a good idea as well, even if it's just one course at a time. I am currently an officer candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them. PM or here. Good luck, keep your head up and things will work out.

 

[Ex Rigger]

Agree with all that Bevo said.

Good on you for setting your sights early. It is possible to apply early but there will likely be others at your command applying and they will have had time to gain a reputation and will have received evals. If you don't get picked up apply again.

Another thought. When you get to the fleet, do not let the first thing your peers find out about you is that your gunning for a commission. The time will come for that. Do your job and do it well, get all your quals and when it comes time for evals let it be known what you want to do. Feel free to PM me for any specific questions.

 

[Tujin]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the advice. Bevo, are you on North Island? I should be getting my orders here in a week or so, most of us end up with orders to a Squadron here.

Anyway, thanks again guys.

 

[Bevo16]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the advice. Bevo, are you on North Island? I should be getting my orders here in a week or so, most of us end up with orders to a Squadron here.

Anyway, thanks again guys.

Check your Private Messages.

 

[LoneSailor]

Well most of the selects are usually hotsh!t sailors, and as it is sailors get advanced fairly quick up to E5. Chances are you are about to pick up SA or AA in a couple of months. PO3 shouldn't be too far off in the future. Besides, aren't most Navy schools offering PO3 out of A school given you are top performer in your class?

Also, I've found that it has been a long road to even turn in a STA-21 package. A lot of preparation is required to create a package. Start as early as you can, even if you don't get picked up at first you can carry your package over next cycle and it'll make it that much easier for you. Take your time and take it one thing at a time.:icon_wink

Good luck.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

I talked about this awhile back. Aside from your CO's endorsement letter and evals (which both stem from how well you do your job), one thing that gives you a leg up over a vast majority of applicants is having taken the full 2 semsters / three quarters of calculus. If you can do that, you will be showing the board a huge amount of potential to succeed academically. This comes straight from one of the O-5's here that has sat on the STA-21 board a couple years back.

Also, make sure your evals reflect a recommendation for STA-21.

 

[navymech]

Well most of the selects are usually hotsh!t sailors, and as it is sailors get advanced fairly quick up to E5. Chances are you are about to pick up SA or AA in a couple of months. PO3 shouldn't be too far off in the future. Besides, aren't most Navy schools offering PO3 out of A school given you are top performer in your class?

Also, I've found that it has been a long road to even turn in a STA-21 package. A lot of preparation is required to create a package. Start as early as you can, even if you don't get picked up at first you can carry your package over next cycle and it'll make it that much easier for you. Take your time and take it one thing at a time.:icon_wink

Good luck.

Say you don't get picked up on your first try, do you have to complete the entire process again, or can you use the previous package but with "updated" information?

 

[etnuclearsailor]

You'll need a new CO's recommendation, a new interview, a new cover sheet, more recent evals, etc...
The whole thing needs to be done over.

 

[Tujin]

Besides, aren't most Navy schools offering PO3 out of A school given you are top performer in your class?

Mine did, unfortunately I was #2, and there's no prize for second. Was about .2 behind the #1 spot.

I got my orders, I'll be out at Fallon performing maintenance on the aircraft there for Top Gun. Just gonna do my best. Thanks for all the advice guys

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Mine did, unfortunately I was #2, and there's no prize for second. Was about .2 behind the #1 spot.

That's because second place is just first in a long line of losers. No points for second place!

 

[Tujin]

Also, make sure your evals reflect a recommendation for STA-21.

Err...I'm a little confused about this.
I have yet to have an eval, so I'm not sure how they work, but aren't they written by someone else? How can you make sure they reccomend you for something?