I'm meeting with my commander next week to ask for a recommendation to OTS. Any advice?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:14:08 -0500

Hello. It's been a long journey but I'm finally eligible to apply to OTS. The next step in my process will be meeting my commander.

I'm preparing the best I can with help from my supervisor, but he's a brand new Staff and is still learning, so any advice would be appreciated.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2021 8:57 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:57:28 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member, I am 78 years old and have been in senior management a very large segment of my adult career... In my view, without knowing much of your background), you need to treat this as the Job interview of your life! Why? Because if you do well and you get your Commander's recommendation, you will be on to OTS...
Here are my recommendations:
1) Prepare as best you can in the time available.
-Make a bulletized short summary (one liners) of your qualifications and what motivates you to make the request for a recommendation to OTS, which you can submit if asked.
-Read them after and ask yourself if they make sense... Scrub any that do not!

2) Make sure you and your uniform are in tip top shape for a white glove inspection. If not, scrub the meeting.

3) As you enter Your Commander's office or the conference room you will be interviewed in, use impeccable military presence and protocol. Salute if appropriate. When asked to sit, sit upright and do not slouch. both feet on the floor...Observe high level military presence at all times unless asked to relax... follow your Commander's lead.

3) If asked a question, make sure you answer with Sir or Ma'am, in answer to your question.. Then state it brief and to the point... Don't embellish your answer unless you are asked to do so.

4) Do not, I repeat, do not stutter by saying ah, or babble, If you can't think of what to say pause... 5 seconds will seem like an eternity, but hang in and pause... If asked why you are pausing, tell your commander that you pause to make sure you respond having thought of the question and the answer you wish to give and don't back down from it. (Remember what your goal is!)

5) Some questions may be harder than others, but don't worry about that... Just think before babbling...

I have interviewed many many people from all walks of life, all levels of education, and I have led high level discussions, managed a large staff, run company trade shows, presented before senior staff at company sales and service meetings, both government and civilian, owned two businesses, and much much more...

In Summary:
- Prepare as time permits,
- High level Military presence/bearing
- Confidence in yourself
- Don't stutter, pause if need be
- Answer questions appropriately
- Follow sound military protocol
- Follow up with a thank you letter to your Commander

Good luck,
Kerry F. Harkins,
Commander,
DAV Chapter 90
Norwood, Massachusetts

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2021 9:15 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:15:39 -0500

Be honest, and be yourself. Be prepared to tell him why you deserve his recommendation

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 20 at 2021 11:48 PM

Col Tri Trinh — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:48:14 -0500

Tell your story of how you got to where you are and where you want to go. You know it best but your commander does not.
All Commanders were young officers once. One of their job is to facilitate growth and accession of deserving officers. I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring several NCOs towards commissioning.
Demonstrate you have a good head on your shoulder, highlight some notable accomplishments and illustrate your fitness to serve as an officer.
All the best with your endeavor.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 21 at 2021 6:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:39:17 -0500

Why do you want to become an officer and what do you bring to the table?

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 21 at 2021 8:18 PM

Wayne Soares — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:18:55 -0500

Thanks for the question Dylan

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 21 at 2021 11:04 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:04:37 -0500

Believe in yourself and why you should become an officer. I have just gone through three interviews as I am retiring and what makes my interviews easy is I believe I am the RN they want to hire. Believe that about yourself.