I am a US citizen with an MS Degree (4.0 cumulative GPA) with research. I want to apply for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) in the Navy?

Sv Raghavan — Sun, 31 May 2020 15:57:19 -0400

I tried to get hold of recruiters but in vain. Will I get selected if I apply? What are the requirements? When do the classes start?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2020 4:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2020 16:02:13 -0400

With boards no one can ever tell you if you will get selected. There’s a limited number of slots to fill and they rank all the competitors in an order of merit list. If there are 200 competitors and 10 slots, the ten highest scores will be selected.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 31 at 2020 7:40 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Sun, 31 May 2020 19:40:08 -0400

The only ones that can tell you the current requirements are recruiters. Since you aren't having luck, try to get ahold of the OIC at the MEPS station near you (just google MEPS near me) and tell them you aren't having any luck getting officer recruiters to call you back or get in touch with you. That should get the ball rolling, but with the virus who knows what their duty hours are anymore. Sv Raghavan

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 31 at 2020 8:36 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 31 May 2020 20:36:34 -0400

In general, a BS/BA for a start. Your MS won't add anything unless it's in a discipline that translates to a specific designator (type of officer). Those include doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, etc. General recruiters do not handle officers. You'll need to talk to an Officer Accessions type who is usually an O-3 or 4. Most of what you're looking for now can be Googled. Physical fitness requirements. Medical/physical disqualifying factors. You also must be eligible for a security clearance. There are forms you'll have to fill out for that too. The competition for entry means if there are not many slots to fill, the entry bar is raised. I used to be a "Reviewing Officer". The Accessions Officer would screen applicants, and forward promising candidates for me to interview. We always interview in person. Different senior officers interview in their own style, but one thing is consistent. He/she is making a determination if you're worth the time and money investment. Depending on your goals, you can either pursue an a active duty or reserve career. The Accessons Officers are different for both. OCS is currently a 13 week course. Frequency of offerings vary depending on the numbers needed each year. If you haven't taken a look yet, this site answers many of your questions.

https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/nstc/otcn/index.aspx

index.aspx

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 11:04 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:04:38 -0400

the key is scoring high on the officer qualification test for the service in which you are interested. I was a rather lackluster college student (3.25 GPA in chemical engineering) but I blew the OQT out of the water and got selected.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 1 at 2020 1:03 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:03:56 -0400

Start at Navy.com. Research opportunities for officers. Fill in the interest form. A Navy recruiter should contact you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 2:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:32:32 -0400

The selection aspect of it can be daunting..if I had my ducks in a row as you have...(i.e. good GPA and schooling) I would have been an officer no worries. To whom have you talked to? Have you tried your senator? Sometimes they may have some pointers or even an "in"

Response by CDR John Tucker made Jun 18 at 2020 10:15 AM

CDR John Tucker — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:15:22 -0400

For officer accessions you have to be very proactive. Many people assigned to officer recruitment are on the way out. It isn’t a career enhancing job. Check in regularly (weekly) to check status and completeness of your application. Needs of the service and funding can swing wildly. Don’t get discouraged. If you keep knocking the door will open.