Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/22/2009

Question
Hello,

Please bear with me as I explain my situation. I am in the process of applying to Navy O.C.S.(as Supply Corps or Surface Warfare), which is a life long dream. However, I do not know how competitive I am. I received a full sports scholarship to play quarterback in college and graduated with a B.A. in political science with a cumulative 2.7 G.P.A. (I know, not very competitive). Unfortunately, I have a few things on my record, all class A misdemeanors; under the influence of a controlled substance at 16, which is sealed. A d.u.i. at 18, which is in the process of being expunged, and resisting arrest at 23. I am currently 26. I know on paper these incidents make me look extremely bad, but they do not represent who I am. I have great letters of recommendations. One from a Two Star Intelligence Admiral, a LT. CDR, and a couple of football coaches.

Having said that, here are my questions:

1)I am exploring the option of enlisting and going in as an E-3, will that make me more competitive to apply for O.C.S. as an enlistee?

2)I have heard through research that it is not easy to go from enlisted to Officer in the Navy (especially if you already have a degree)is this true?

3)What do you think are my chances of getting into O.C.S.?

4)Every time I mention that I might enlist to someone, they look at me like I am crazy. Is life as an Enlisted person bad?

5) I know most people enlist right after high school, so is 26 a late age to enlist?

I know I have a lot of questions, but I sincerely appreciate any knowledge you may be able to provide. There is only so much the recruiters will tell you.
Thank you very much and I look forward to your response.

Answer
Mike,

Sorry you've had to wait a few days.  Nobody else could answer you correctly so they turned your question over to me and I've been gone for awhile.

Don't sell yourself short.  You're still competitive.  You GPA doesn't really matter unless you're going for something highly competitive like a pilot job.  The Navy basically only requires a college graduate, regardless of GPA or Major.

1., 2., %26 4.  If folks think you're crazy to enlist, they're correct.  You're too well educated to enter the military as an enlisted man.  It's not that life as an Enlisted person is bad, it's just that life as an officer is very, very good.  Would you rather be a ditch digger or the ditch digger's boss?  Also, a beginning officer (O-1) is paid a little more than $1,000 per month MORE than an (E-3).

Enlisting and then applying for OCS is extremely difficult, regardless if you're an E-1 or an   E-3.

3.  I'd say your chances of getting into OCS are very good right now.  The Navy's new fiscal year began on Oct 1st. so they're looking for people right now.  The later in the fiscal year (the longer you wait the poorer your chances) you apply your chances decrease sharply.  So now is a great time to join.  Your misdemeanors all are minor but still may require a waiver.  Your recruiter will process a waiver for you, if you need it.

5.  26 is not at all too old.  That's why the age limit for Navy OCS is 29.  I was 27 when I joined and being the "old guy" definitely had it's advantages.  I was given the good jobs, mostly because of my maturity.  Think about it...as an employer wouldn't you rather have a person experienced in life working for you for the same price as a rookie kid?  All you have to do is learn the job.  The younger guys have to learn the job AND do some growing up.

Don't be surprised if some recruiters don't help you much.  It's because you're worth $0 to them.  Officer candidates (you) have to be processed by a recruiter who is experienced with Officer candidates, so your local recruiter will have to hand you over to his boss, therefore he gets no recruitment fee for you.

Your letters of recommendation are good.  You need 3 to 5 letters anyway just as part of your OCS application package.  They look for the importance of the signer, so the football coaches won't do you any good.  You need somebody in a more important job like a politician (maybe a mayor, city councilman, etc.) a doctor, a lawyer, a clergyman, a policeman, even a teacher.  Your 2 military officers are great.

If you have any more questions, just ask.
Colonel Howell