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Navy OCS, from the application to the day you commission

I went through Officer Candidate School in Newport and served as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer. Everything here is firsthand — the twelve weeks, the paperwork that comes before them, and the benefits nobody explains until you need them.

Navy officer candidates standing in formation during drill at Naval Station Newport

Start here

  • My Navy OCS Journey Twelve weeks at Newport, written up week by week.
  • Applying to Navy OCS Packages, waivers, the ASTB, and what a board actually sees.
  • Navy Officer Designators and Career Paths Pick the community before you judge your odds.
  • PCS Money and Allowances TLE, BAH, PPM — the money nobody explains before you move.
  • VA Home Loans What the loan actually does, and what prequalification is not.
navy officer programs — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Navy Officer Programs: Which Path Fits You?

23 hours ago
by Paul N.
10 views
7 min read

Compare Nuclear, CEC, BDCP, and NROTC as Navy officer programs for engineering students, including financial benefits, career tracks, and eligibility.

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VA loan refinance — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Refinance vs FHA Refinance: Which Is Better?

1 day ago
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Should you refinance your FHA mortgage into a VA loan or stick with an FHA refinance? Compare total costs, mortgage insurance, and break-even point to decide.

ot vs swo career choice — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Navy OT vs SWO: Choosing Your Officer Path

2 days ago
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Deciding between Navy OT and SWO? Weigh the passion for occupational therapy against the immediate benefits of a surface warfare officer career.

VA home loans

  • VA Loan Refinance vs FHA Refinance: Which Is Better? (Aug 2026)
  • VA Loan Pre Approval: Why Prequal Isn’t Enough (Aug 2026)
What the loan actually does, and what prequalification is not
student loan refund taxes — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Student Loan Refund Taxes for Disabled Veterans

2 days ago
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Wondering if student loan refunds are taxable while waiting for TPD discharge? Learn why loan proceeds aren't income, Pell grants are tax-free, and TPD forgiveness doesn't trigger taxes.

nrotc instructor — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

NROTC Instructor: Can Staff Corps Officers Serve?

2 days ago
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Wondering if a Nurse Corps officer can serve as an NROTC instructor? Learn about the typical path, exceptions, and advice from a retired Navy officer.

cec collegiate program — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

CEC Collegiate Program: Post-Acceptance Logistics

4 days ago
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Learn about bringing a surfboard and car to CECOS after OCS, plus the timeline between OCS and CECOS for CEC Collegiate Program participants.

re3 code navy — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

RE3 Code Navy: Rejoining After Mental Health Separation

4 days ago
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Learn what an RE3 code means for Navy reenlistment, especially after a mental health separation, including waiting periods, waivers, and whether switching branches helps.

va loan pre approval — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Pre Approval: Why Prequal Isn’t Enough

5 days ago
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Prequalification and pre-approval are not the same. VA loan pre approval requires a lender to pull your credit and verify your income, and it's what makes your offer credible to sellers.

enlist vs officer path — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Enlist vs Officer Path: High School Enlistment or College

3 weeks ago
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Deciding between enlisting in the Navy after high school or pursuing a college degree and commissioning as an officer is a pivotal choice. This article compares the two paths, covering pay...

bdoc expectations — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

BDOC Expectations: A New SWO’s Guide After OCS

4 weeks ago
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Just commissioned? Here's what to expect from BDOC as a new Surface Warfare Officer, including tips on OHARP, uniform standards, and the transition from OCS.

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Categories

  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
  • US Navy (77)
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Video

Officer Candidate School - Newport RI

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  • VA loan refinance — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
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