Starting a career in naval aviation. (Help)

[StephenTomassi]

Hello, I am a current prospective pilot who is hoping to fly for the Navy. I have been researching and I have found no clear answer between finishing college and obtaining a commission through OCS, or going into NROTC. I have finished my freshman year of college this past spring which makes me feel that I may be too late for NROTC. Any help is supremely appreciated. This is my first time posting, if I am in the wrong thread please redirect me, thank you.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

This is my first time posting, if I am in the wrong thread please redirect me, thank you.

Does your college have a NROTC program? If so, reach out to them about joining as a college programmer.

If not, only option would be via OCS. You can also apply via BDCP in which the Navy will pay you to finish college and then go to OCS.

Lots of information at your disposal. Search away.

 

[wink]

Yep, college program NROTC or sometimes 2 or 3 year NROTC scholarships come up. Otherwise it is OCS. Generally start to get serious about applying in your Jr year. BDCP you still go to OCS but you can apply earlier and get money. Highly competitive. Not always available. Surf around here about how to make yourself competitive.

 

[StephenTomassi]

My college does not have an NROTC program but recruiters are saying my chances of being selected will be better if I enlist now and go to boot vs becoming enlisted before OCS. Thoughts?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

My college does not have an NROTC program but recruiters are saying my chances of being selected will be better if I enlist now and go to boot vs becoming enlisted before OCS. Thoughts?

No. Talk to a local officer recruiter.

 

[RhodesReese]

My college does not have an NROTC program but recruiters are saying my chances of being selected will be better if I enlist now and go to boot vs becoming enlisted before OCS. Thoughts?

If you are dead set on becoming a pilot, do NOT enlist. From someone who enlisted first, it takes a while for you to complete your degree with operational requirements, qualifications, deployments, etc. And they have made it harder with the new Tuition Assistance requirements stating you have to wait until your second tour to utilize it. Meaning you'd have to dip into your GI Bill which I dont think is a good option.

With you just completing your freshman year, focus on completing your degree and making yourself competitive. Volunteering, Sports, leadership opportunities etc. You have the next three years to make a good package for OCS Pilot. Use that time and enjoy being a student/kid. Once youre in its game time.

 

[Renegade One]

My college does not have an NROTC program but recruiters are saying my chances of being selected will be better if I enlist now and go to boot vs becoming enlisted before OCS. Thoughts?

Your recruiters have as much interest in your Naval career as you have in theirs. DO NOT ENLIST.

If the area where your college is has no "ROTC Consortium" to which you could apply, then OCS is your way ahead. Work to qualify for that: good grades above all; physical preparation, and working the deal for the next couple of years.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

My college does not have an NROTC program but recruiters are saying my chances of being selected will be better if I enlist now and go to boot vs becoming enlisted before OCS. Thoughts?

Right now there is some guy on a deployed ship cleaning a head that has piss all over the toilet that was told the same thing you were, but instead of coming here for input that guy enlisted.

 

[carviator]

Right now there is some guy on a deployed ship cleaning a head that has piss all over the toilet that was told the same thing you were, but instead of coming here for input that guy enlisted.

Hey I know that guy! He's me.