Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/6/2008

Question
Cynthia,
I have begun the process to join the Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs officer or an Intel officer. I'm 35, with a good 11-year track record as a journalist and public relations practioner. I have a BA in History and am currently working on my MA in public relations. I am also in good health and shape.

I have been told that non-prior military commissions into the Reserves are not uncommon. However, I haven't spoken with anyone who has ever been commissioned as a non-prior or has any direct contact with anyone who has. I know it's more common for lawyers and doctors.

I realize you are an Army officer and I’m gearing up for the Navy, but in your career have you worked with many non-prior’s? If so, have you had positive experiences with non-prior officers? Do they have substantially difficult learning curve, compared to those with prior military experience?

I don't fear the difficulty, but I would like to be prepared.

My application is in and I passed the ASTB exam. At this point I'm waiting for my physical, an interview with a Navy Intel or Public Affairs officer, and then finally for my packet to go before the boards for review.  

Thank you,
Mike

Answer
Dear Mike --

The fact that you are asking this question indicates to me that you will do fine.  If you enter as an ensign, you will have plenty of classes to teach you military tradition and courtesy.  If you are fit and professional, you will actually do better than the young officers in their mid-twenties for whom this is their first job.

If you enter at an accelerated rank, you will have to learn more of the military courtesy and tradition on your own.  You should get a mentor, even if that mentor is a peer, who did not get a direct commission with accelerated promotions.  You should pick a mentor with whom you feel comfortable asking almost any question, and who in return feels comfortable offering constructive criticism.  

Your learning curve will be steeper for military skills, but much flatter for the professional skills you have.  I think this will balance out in your initial training, and you will do fine.  The more willing you are to learn from everyone who has more experience than you, the better you will do.  

Please write back if you have additional, or more specific questions.  Best of luck to you as you pursue your direct commission.  Thank you for being willing to serve.