Navy OCS
02-10-2009, 12:31 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: KCCO
Posts: 767
Navy OCS
Hi all,
I searched the forums and didn't find a complete answer on what I'm looking for so I figured I would start a new thread. I apologize like this if one has come up before and I just missed it.
At any rate, I am a recent college graduate and was hoping to move on to the regional airlines. However, given the state of things at the moment that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
I have been considering the military for some time now, and was in NROTC for 2yrs. however when the time came to get the scholarship, I was told that while I was qualified, the Navy was losing officers and I would not get it. I went on to get my CFI/CFII/MEI and have been instructing for some time but would still love to fly in the military, particularly the Navy. I was wondering if some of you who have been there would mind sharing your opinion with me and answering a few questions. My ultimate goal is to become a Captain at a major airline (as n00b-ish as it sounds to say...) and I have yet to give up on that part. I am trying to consider different routes to get there.
Did you guys find it worth it? I know there is far more to being an officer than just the aviating and I understand that there is no guarantee that I will be selected for aviation should I go through with it. Also, what are the selection criteria for OCS/SNA? I am not the best at book learning, and my GPA was not awful but it was nothing stellar (2.6 overall). Would past aviation experience help at all? I certainly wouldn't plan to brag about it, nor would I expect it to be easy, in fact I know there is a lot I have yet to learn. How did you guys get through the training? What can one do to maximize chances of getting fixed wing? I'm not hell bent on pointy nose or anything but if at all possible I would prefer maximize my chances to stay fixed wing. Again, I know there are to guarantees, and the needs of the service come first.
What was your QOL like in the Navy? I know there are long stretches away from home, and I understand that is not easy. Was it worth it in the end?
I appreciate any help, and advice you all have to pass along and thank you all for your service. Take care, and clear skies!
I searched the forums and didn't find a complete answer on what I'm looking for so I figured I would start a new thread. I apologize like this if one has come up before and I just missed it.
At any rate, I am a recent college graduate and was hoping to move on to the regional airlines. However, given the state of things at the moment that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
I have been considering the military for some time now, and was in NROTC for 2yrs. however when the time came to get the scholarship, I was told that while I was qualified, the Navy was losing officers and I would not get it. I went on to get my CFI/CFII/MEI and have been instructing for some time but would still love to fly in the military, particularly the Navy. I was wondering if some of you who have been there would mind sharing your opinion with me and answering a few questions. My ultimate goal is to become a Captain at a major airline (as n00b-ish as it sounds to say...) and I have yet to give up on that part. I am trying to consider different routes to get there.
Did you guys find it worth it? I know there is far more to being an officer than just the aviating and I understand that there is no guarantee that I will be selected for aviation should I go through with it. Also, what are the selection criteria for OCS/SNA? I am not the best at book learning, and my GPA was not awful but it was nothing stellar (2.6 overall). Would past aviation experience help at all? I certainly wouldn't plan to brag about it, nor would I expect it to be easy, in fact I know there is a lot I have yet to learn. How did you guys get through the training? What can one do to maximize chances of getting fixed wing? I'm not hell bent on pointy nose or anything but if at all possible I would prefer maximize my chances to stay fixed wing. Again, I know there are to guarantees, and the needs of the service come first.
What was your QOL like in the Navy? I know there are long stretches away from home, and I understand that is not easy. Was it worth it in the end?
I appreciate any help, and advice you all have to pass along and thank you all for your service. Take care, and clear skies!
02-10-2009, 12:58 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
A goal to be a CA at a major is not noobish...that is the only way to make all the entry-level garbage pay off in the long run. Actually your goal should probably be to get HIRED at a major. If you do that, and are young enough, you will be a captain eventually (it's all based on seniority).
Your GPA is marginal for a navy commission in any specialty. But they look at the whole person, so other things like athletics, leadership, initiative, and outside activities may weigh in your favor. If your degree was hard science or engineering that would help too. Your NROTC participation shows long-term interest...ie you didn't just wake up today and get a wild hair about the navy.
Since you are airline oriented, I would look for a flight school guarantee...that way you at least know that you will get a shot at flight school after OCS. If you just join the navy, you will probably end up on a ship...you will have 2-3 years of hard work before you can even apply for flight training, and then there are no guarantees.
Your aviation credentials should help you get a flight guaranteed slot. But you will want to forget your civilian experience once you get to flight school.
I think the number one graduate in flight school usually gets his choice of aircraft...but even then they might not be taking any fixed wing guys from that class, it might only mean your choice of helos. Basically its a crap shoot. I'm all about the navy, but an airline wannabee should probably look first at the air guard or the air force (active or reserve)....not very many helos in the USAF.
Your GPA is marginal for a navy commission in any specialty. But they look at the whole person, so other things like athletics, leadership, initiative, and outside activities may weigh in your favor. If your degree was hard science or engineering that would help too. Your NROTC participation shows long-term interest...ie you didn't just wake up today and get a wild hair about the navy.
Since you are airline oriented, I would look for a flight school guarantee...that way you at least know that you will get a shot at flight school after OCS. If you just join the navy, you will probably end up on a ship...you will have 2-3 years of hard work before you can even apply for flight training, and then there are no guarantees.
Your aviation credentials should help you get a flight guaranteed slot. But you will want to forget your civilian experience once you get to flight school.
I think the number one graduate in flight school usually gets his choice of aircraft...but even then they might not be taking any fixed wing guys from that class, it might only mean your choice of helos. Basically its a crap shoot. I'm all about the navy, but an airline wannabee should probably look first at the air guard or the air force (active or reserve)....not very many helos in the USAF.
02-10-2009, 05:35 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: FDX 767 FO
Posts: 817
Your questions have been asked many times. Search here Airwarriors - Powered by vBulletin.
I suggest you leave out the "My ultimate goal is to become a Captain at a major airline..." part. Please search for your answers first. If you take the lazy route and just post, expect a few shots across the bow.
I suggest you leave out the "My ultimate goal is to become a Captain at a major airline..." part. Please search for your answers first. If you take the lazy route and just post, expect a few shots across the bow.
02-11-2009, 05:05 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Leftof longitudinal
Posts: 1,899
etflies,
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge
Good luck! I was a 2.2 GPA engineering grad and ended up with 21 years in Navy jet cockpits. (USAF UPT slot but medically disqualed right before commissioning and lost my UPT Vance AFB class date orders) Spent 10 active and rest in Navy Reserve world. I loved/hated all of it <g> Now am airline Capt and would not trade any of it. See quote above to get your shot and keep motivated. I relied on that quote to get me through some challenges we all face. Good luck.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge
Good luck! I was a 2.2 GPA engineering grad and ended up with 21 years in Navy jet cockpits. (USAF UPT slot but medically disqualed right before commissioning and lost my UPT Vance AFB class date orders) Spent 10 active and rest in Navy Reserve world. I loved/hated all of it <g> Now am airline Capt and would not trade any of it. See quote above to get your shot and keep motivated. I relied on that quote to get me through some challenges we all face. Good luck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
