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Bachelor's degree, Government/Political Science, GPA 3.3-3.4 (this is combining community college and university GPAs)
Received Bachelor's on full-tuition academic scholarship
Master's degree, Urban Planning/Community Development from top 40 national university (which is top 10 public university), GPA: 3.8-3.9
Thesis: Park-and-Ride lots within context of regional transportation management
Received numerous very small fellowships during Master's program
Work experience primarily in state and municipal governments in two different states
Project management experience in public sector, responsible as such for downtown redevelopment project and a City-managed commercial center
Well-traveled internationally, even having lived in Australia, New Zealand, and Netherlands by my own choice for brief stints (working holiday visas or education visa)
Age: Very early 30s
No prior military service
I did have job for 2.5 months that allowed me to have access to some Navy and Marine bases, as I worked for military contractor (but I left job because work environment was extremely toxic and high-turnover).
Obviously, I would still need to take the ASVAB and any OAR, OQT, or any other officer-qualifying exam I'd need to take, respective of branch.
The branches I'm most interested in are Air Force and Navy; particularly, AF Reserve or Navy Reserve. However, I understand these branches have the most competitive application processes for OCS.
I welcome any advice and honest thoughts you can send my way. If I choose to enlist, as well as apply for OCS, I'd be doing this within the next 12-18 months. Thank you.
Last edited by EclecticEars; 06-25-2017 at 09:33 AM..
I welcome any advice and honest thoughts you can send my way. If I choose to enlist, as well as apply for OCS, I'd be doing this within the next 12-18 months. Thank you.
Poncho, I was curious so I clicked on the U.S. Air Force - Officer link -- it says there are 4 ways to enter, but for the first (which seems most applicable to the OP), "Attend Officer Training School after earning college or postgraduate degree," there is no "Find Out More" link; the other 3 paths DO have a "Find Out More" link. (I tried it in different browsers with the same results.)
If OCS is really calling you, as in calling you, then find out the requirements to apply. Do not put too much worry as to how competitive you might be at this time.
If you meet the requirements, then submit what is needed and let them decide if you are competitive. Then go from there.
Needs of the service change and what may be competitive changes. So if that is what you feel compelled to do, then put your best foot forward. But be aware a military officer career can be about as toxic and high turnover as it gets
Poncho, I was curious so I clicked on the U.S. Air Force - Officer link -- it says there are 4 ways to enter, but for the first (which seems most applicable to the OP), "Attend Officer Training School after earning college or postgraduate degree," there is no "Find Out More" link; the other 3 paths DO have a "Find Out More" link. (I tried it in different browsers with the same results.)
It does not have the "Find Out More" but it does say "See Steps below for more information." and goes through the some steps:
Quote:
When you join the Air Force with a college degree, you can enter as an officer and a leader. We’ll provide you with training to develop the skills and character you need to become a world-class officer prepared to lead your fellow Airmen.
It does not have the "Find Out More" but it does say "See Steps below for more information." and goes through the some steps:
Then some steps...
D'oh! I was expecting a link like all the other "ways to join" -- but all I had to do was SCROLL DOWN past the table.
To the OP: not sure if you're aware that the age limit is 34 (unless you are a doctor, lawyer, or minister), so if you are now in your early 30s, you are running out of time.
The branches I'm most interested in are Air Force and Navy; particularly, AF Reserve or Navy Reserve. However, I understand these branches have the most competitive application processes for OCS.
You mention the Navy Reserve....do you want to be a traditional Reservist (one weekend a month, two weeks in the summer) or do you want to be on active duty? People who go to Naval OCS typically are active duty afterward. The Navy Reserve has direct commissioning programs (I believe only for Supply Officers and Public Affairs Officers) but you wouldn't go to OCS. And you wouldn't be AD, you'd be a drilling Reservist.
With your background, it sounds like the Navy Civil Engineering Corps might be the best fit. But I don't think they have a DCO program....you'd have to go active duty (affetr going to OCS). You can find out more about the Navy CEC accession program here:
The Air Force and the Navy are most likely going to require a STEM degree.
That's not true for the Navy, depending on what program you're going for. For Supply Officers, they want people with business degrees and business background.
Navy - Probably competitive for active duty slots at OCS. Problem is your age. 35 is the cutoff for SWO/Supply/Intel. You're past the age for NFO and Pilot.
Your first step is contacting a Navy Officer Recruiter. Keyword: Officer. Do not, under any circumstance, talk to a enlisted recruiter. At your first meeting ask for a business card. If it doesn't say Officer Recruiter on it, then walk away. Do not take the ASVAB or fall for any games enlisted recruiters try to play. Talk to an Officer Recruiter. You need to take the OAR/ASTB depending on the designators that you're interested in. After you take the test, you'll need to do some interviews and put together a package to apply. Start now. The process can take over a year and you're pressed for time.
Do not under any circumstances enlist. You will regret it with your age and educational background. Trust me when I say you won't like being treated like a kid and having 18 year old peers.
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I was expecting a link like all the other "ways to join" -- but all I had to do was SCROLL DOWN past the table. 
