sTUPID qUESTIONS aBOUT ocs

[weeabooskum]

Another stupid question about the COP form/background check. The more I read, the more I'm beginning to understand when people talk about being frustrated with Navy bureaucracy.

The way it was framed to me, you can be questioned / it is "bad" to answer yes to any of the questions on the COP form. One of these questions is "Have you given your current employer notice of your shipping date to enter the Navy?"

When should I tell my employer about my naval ship date to delay having to answer yes to this on the COP form while not letting them be surprised if/when someone calls for the background check.

I have accepted an offer for SWO with an August 2026 ship date, if that impacts the timeline.

 

[elariosa95]

Another stupid question about the COP form/background check. The more I read, the more I'm beginning to understand when people talk about being frustrated with Navy bureaucracy.

The way it was framed to me, you can be questioned / it is "bad" to answer yes to any of the questions on the COP form. One of these questions is "Have you given your current employer notice of your shipping date to enter the Navy?"

When should I tell my employer about my naval ship date to delay having to answer yes to this on the COP form while not letting them be surprised if/when someone calls for the background check.

I have accepted an offer for SWO with an August 2026 ship date, if that impacts the timeline.

Finally, something I can actually speak to lol

I would HIGHLY recommend reading up on your USERRA rights, particularly the section on “Right to be free from discrimination and retaliation” and “advanced notice”.

Know Your Rights

www.dol.gov

USERRA

www.dol.gov

Under the “advance notice” section, you’re technically required to let your employer know about your service with some exceptions.

That being said, as someone currently applying to be a member of the uniformed services, you’re protected under this law. They cannot discriminate or retaliate against you in your current position (to include hiring, promotion, termination, and benefits) based on the fact that you have accepted a SWO contract and will be leaving in the future.

I was a construction inspector in my previous position, and the USERRA rights poster was required on every bulletin board at every job site I was at. It just so happened that I was also covered by it since I was applying to be an SNA at the time.

Lmk if you have any questions about it!

 

[elariosa95]

When should I tell my employer about my naval ship date to delay having to answer yes to this on the COP form while not letting them be surprised if/when someone calls for the background check.

To answer your question, you should probably tell them whenever you have a chance per the USERRA “advance notice” section of the law. You don’t have to be the one to tell them, but you can also request something from your recruiter in case they want something official. My recruiter gave me an official letter from his office that was basically a get-out-of-jail-free card; I used the same letter to get out of my lease when I needed to leave home for Newport.

Again, I would recommend reading up on USERRA and the rights afforded to you as an applicant for the armed forces.

 

[weeabooskum]

To answer your question, you should probably tell them whenever you have a chance per the USERRA “advance notice” section of the law. You don’t have to be the one to tell them, but you can also request something from your recruiter in case they want something official. My recruiter gave me an official letter from his office that was basically a get-out-of-jail-free card; I used the same letter to get out of my lease when I needed to leave home for Newport.

Again, I would recommend reading up on USERRA and the rights afforded to you as an applicant for the armed forces.

I appreciate the detailed response! I'm not worried about my employer taking adverse action when I tell them. I'm actually worried about the Navy taking adverse action against me for telling them.

Specifically, the COP says/infers that I should not tell my employer about my ship date. However, I'd rather my employer hear from me than be surprised when someone calls for a security clearance.

I guess my specific question is when should I expect someone to call my employer to ask questions for my security clearance so I can tell them in advance while answering "yes" to the COP question as late as possible.

 

[elariosa95]

I appreciate the detailed response! I'm not worried about my employer taking adverse action when I tell them. I'm actually worried about the Navy taking adverse action against me for telling them.

Specifically, the COP says/infers that I should not tell my employer about my ship date. However, I'd rather my employer hear from me than be surprised when someone calls for a security clearance.

I guess my specific question is when should I expect someone to call my employer to ask questions for my security clearance so I can tell them in advance while answering "yes" to the COP question as late as possible.

I don’t see a reason why the Navy would retaliate against someone who’s already signed a SWO contract, especially since it’s in their best interest and you’re protected by law. That might be a question for your recruiter or even a JAG if you can find one.

What exactly does the COP form say about this? I don’t think the intent of that question is to get you to delay telling your employer, it may just be for their reference in case you haven’t told them. Also, per USERRA, you need to tell them anyway if you haven’t already.

Your employer can get a call at any time I think. My friends were contacted shortly after my interview so I’d say within a few days maybe.