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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.

Staff Sgt. Jordan G. Kinal, Marine Corps Drill Instructor assigned to Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island

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.
CFAY MWR Hosts Steak Night
  • Veteran Benefits

va home loan specialist: How to Spot a Real One

6 minutes ago
by Paul N.
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7 min read

A va home loan specialist is a sales label, not a certification. Most buyers need a lender who closes VA loans often, not a niche title.

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Hangar Bay Helo Maintenance
  • US Navy

SWO TIS Waiver: 10-Year Prior Service Guide

8 hours ago
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Wondering if you can get a SWO TIS waiver with 10 years of prior service? Here's what you need to know about the PA-100 and the waiver process.

Capt. Andrew Litteral, right, assumes command from Capt. Angel Santiago
  • US Navy

Navy Officer Programs: Which Path Fits You?

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

VA home loans

  • va home loan specialist: How to Spot a Real One (Aug 2026)
  • 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
Capt. Andrew Litteral, right, reads his orders as part of the Change of Command ceremony for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Refinance vs FHA Refinance: Which Is Better?

2 days 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.

Capt. Angel Santiago walks through sideboys during the Change of Command ceremony for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1
  • US Navy

Navy OT vs SWO: Choosing Your Officer Path

3 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.

U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, Child and Youth Programs hosts a back-to-school resource fair onboard NSA Naples, Italy
  • US Navy

Student Loan Refund Taxes for Disabled Veterans

3 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.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe & Africa Band performs at a back-to-school resource fair onboard U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy
  • US Navy

NROTC Instructor: Can Staff Corps Officers Serve?

3 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.

U.S. Navy Airman Nakima Edwards, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
  • US Navy

CEC Collegiate Program: Post-Acceptance Logistics

5 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.

U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Diquan Anderson, right, from North Carolina, observes Gunner’s Mate Seaman Izaiah Cortez, from Mississippi
  • US Navy

RE3 Code Navy: Rejoining After Mental Health Separation

5 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.

A view of furniture in the new Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Child and Youth Programs (CFAY CYP) Ikego Youth Programs building's Teen
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Pre Approval: Why Prequal Isn’t Enough

6 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.

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Categories

  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
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Officer Candidate School - Newport RI

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  • CFAY MWR Hosts Steak Night
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  • Capt. Andrew Litteral, right, reads his orders as part of the Change of Command ceremony for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1
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