Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/30/2008

Question
Hello,

I am currently serving as a Navy E-5 hospital corpsmen in the reserves. I am 29 years old and 5 months from finishing my bachelors in business and administration from a very good private school in South Florida. I am very interested in joining the Navy as a supply officer but worry that my age or prior enlisted experience might become a barrier. I was discharged under honorable conditions with an excellent separation code. Can you please provide some guidance as to what I should expect and questions I might ask my recruiter.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Rene --

Your prior service actually keeps alive your ability to become an officer as it advances the maximum age at which you can receive your commission.  

As long as you are graduating from an accredited university or college with at least a bachelors degree, you can request an officer training course (OTC) rider on your re-enlistment contract.

My question for you is did you receive an honorable discharge, or a general discharge under honorable conditions?  The general discharge under honorable conditions is not as good as an honorable discharge.  Your question is unclear on your discharge characterization.  If you received a general discharge, you will not be as high a quality candidate as someone who received an honorable discharge.  

I recommend you talk to a recruiter prior to graduation and have your contract finalized before you graduate, if you are serious about becoming a Navy Officer.  You have the highest likelihood of acceptance, if you can be commissioned before you turn 31 years of age.

Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.