What's my best approach with becoming an officer in the Navy, Currently on Sea duty with another Sea duty lined up, what's my best option?

2017-06-14T15:55:47-04:00

Response by LT Carl Martin made Jun 14 at 2017 6:00 PM

2017-06-14T18:00:18-04:00

Do the best job possible. Earn your Warfare Pin. Take on the hard jobs. When you become a First Class PO or Chief apply for LDO. As a Chief you can also apply for Warrant Officer. When opportunity allows, take college courses and earn your college degree. Depending on age time in service you may be able to apply to a direct commissioning program.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 14 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-06-14T18:19:25-04:00

PO3 Jacob Matheny
I agree with LT Carl Martin, all great suggestions.

Should you be in a hurry and time is of an essence with regards to age, separate from AD and join the reserves while you go to college to complete a 4-year degree that will qualify for a commission. This is the route I and many of my mustang friends chose.

Whatever route you take, keep focused on your goals and you will join the officer ranks.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 14 at 2017 6:30 PM

2017-06-14T18:30:24-04:00

Your academics in school point to your potential to earn a degree and do so in an exemplary manner. In your Navy schools, how did you measure up against your peers? Have you pursued off duty education and if so, what is your GPA? Are you involved in the community? What kind of Evals do you get at work? Are you physically fit? Do your peers and subordinates see you as a leader? Can you convince your superiors to give you a glowing endorsement? These are some of the things you may wish to consider.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 7:02 PM

2017-06-14T19:02:41-04:00

Thank you all for the great advice. I have my warfare pin and currently working towards my second. No that I don't try but I have never been the brightest at the academics but I have always given it my all. I Have thought about separating from AD but when me and the wife sat down and done the financing we wouldn't be able to support our child that way. Currently I am doing online college working towards my Bachelors degree.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 9:35 AM

2017-07-25T09:35:45-04:00

I pushed the bounds when it came to age for my commission. The right question isn't being asked by OP. The right question needs a little more information. Reword along these lines and you'll know the "best option".

1. What is your desired career path? Are there specific designators you're interested in? Don't go SWO if you don't want SWO. Don't go Pilot if you don't want Pilot. Etc....
2. Out of said career paths that are desirable to you, are there any that have requirements that you don't meet? Medical could be an issue if you have problems there (please don't share this info, HIPAA and all). ASVAB and OAR scores can ALWAYS be improved if you need to. Etc...
3. Once you determine what designator you want AND which you can qualify for, THEN look into the path to get a commission.
4. DO THIS YESTERDAY! Do not wait until "the right time to apply". I waited until almost 6 1/2 years in because it was easier to wait until shore duty than while on a ship. I commissioned 2 months shy of my 10 year mark. I pushed the age limits for some of the programs I applied to. Don't be me in that regard.
5. Find an officer who is willing to help/mentor you in the process. Ideally, (s)he should be from your command so you have easy access AND command support on this. Also, if you have the option, find someone in that designator who went through the same commissioning pipeline you're going to go through. I didn't have that but found it would have been many times easier if I had an experienced mentor to help. Not that you won't have to learn the process or do the leg work, but it would have made a massive difference.

Once you have these steps done, you should be in a good position. Until then, do exactly what you're doing now and ask those who've been there for guidance. Good luck shipmate!