Expert: John L - 9/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm a non-prior 31 year old and have a Navy Officer package up for review for PAO on October 1st. If I am turned down I will look at enlisting as a Mass Communications specialist. If I do this I will want to reapply in a few years for PAO.

What I'm confused about is the age requirement. You can't be older than 35 for PAO.  If I serve 5 years as enlisted then reapply, I'll be 36. Will this prevent me from having any chance? Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Not 100% sure of Navy Requirements, however, usually you can submit an OCS packet at anytime during your enlistment. You may not get PAO, but they may consider for other line officer duties.  I almost did that while I was in the Navy, but that was several years ago.

if you have your Degree, I recommend OCS to start with.  I don't know their needs now, but the worse they can do is say no thanks.

Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hmmm...so can I assume the age limit doesn't apply once I'm in? You said I can submit a packet at any time but that doesn't address the 35 problem. Can you point me in the direction of someone that may be more familiar with this rule?

I need accurate information and thus am hesitant to speak to an enlisted or officer recruiter about this. They both obviously want me to go in their direction. Thank you.

Answer
Age limit still applies, but waivers can be granted.  If you are still talking to an officer recruiter, stick with him.  If you are stuck on PAO, you may not get what you want.  Mass Comm specialist is ok, but Officer ranks are the way to go if you go military.  

If you pass on Officer now,  you may not get it later.  I really don't have any other advice for you other than continue to follow what you want to do.  

Officer recruiters are more up front and honest about their prospects.