Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/17/2009

Question
I am currently a Ph.D. candidate that will be finishing graduate school in the next couple of years with my doctorate in Materials Engineering. I will be 26 when I finish my Ph.D. and I am strongly considering OCS or OTS; however, I have a blemish on my past.
I attended the Naval Academy right out of high school and I was separated due to failure to complete academic requirements. I was successful in the classroom, but I did not keep up with physical readiness requirements or weight standards.
Since leaving USNA, I have trained diligently for years now. And I am in the best shape of my life, easily able to complete a max. any PRT, PFT.
My grades have been good through my undergraduate, and now, graduate career.
How will past experience effect my OCS or OTS application?

Answer
Dear Michael --

If your failure at the Academy is inside the reporting window, you should be able to waive your prior difficulties.  That behavior may be outside of the reporting time period, so a waiver might not be necessary.

I recommend that you not only look at enlisting and going to OCS or OTS, but also talk to Navy Nuclear and see if they will give you a direct commission to teach materials at the Navy Nuke School.  Your Ph.D. may present you a few more opportunities than just OCS, but you will have to discuss your options with the various services.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.