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Paul N.

Paul N. is a retired U.S. Navy Cryptologic Warfare Officer who commissioned through Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. He started VeteranWiki to document his OCS journey week by week — and to share the practical, firsthand details he wished someone had told him beforehand. Now working in tech, he writes these guides to help the next group of candidates show up knowing what to expect. It's personal experience, not official policy — always confirm details with your recruiter or chain of command.

Staff Sgt. Jordan G. Kinal, Marine Corps Drill Instructor assigned to Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island
Capt. Rick Haley, commanding officer, USS Iwo Jima, left, is relieved of command by Capt. Kathryn Wijnaldum, perspective commanding officer
  • Navy OCS Journey

OCS Navigation Preparation: What You Need to Know

2 years ago
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Learn how to prepare for the navigation portion of Navy OCS, including maneuvering boards, CPA problems, and COLREGS. Practical tips from a retired officer.

U.S. Consul General of Naples Terrence Flynn, (left), and Capt. Benjamin Foster, commanding officer, U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples
  • Veteran Benefits

Debt and Military Service: What You Need to Know

2 years ago
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Can you join the military with credit card or personal loan debt? Is there loan forgiveness? A retired Navy officer explains the truth about debt and military service.

U.S. Navy (USN) Rear Adm. David Buzzetti, center-left, vice chief of the USN Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and USN Capt. Robert Reyes
  • US Navy

Guam Base Lodging: On Base vs Off for DEERS and Leisure

2 years ago
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Should you stay at the Navy Lodge or off base in Guam for a DEERS trip? This guide covers beach access, transportation costs, and the best option for your visit.

A Light Landing Craft (LLC) carrying Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) personnel departs from the well deck of Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
  • US Navy

Understanding the DD368 Conditional Release: A

2 years ago
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Learn why the DD368 conditional release is mandatory for your Navy OCS commissioning package, what to do if it expires, and how to persist with your recruiter.

intel officer sea duty — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Intel Officer Sea Duty: Can You Choose to Go to Sea?

2 years ago
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Wondering if an intelligence officer can choose sea duty? As a retired Navy officer, I explain how 1830s can go to sea, how to request sea billets, and the balance with shore duty.

Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Capt. Hisnindarsyah, center, TNI Task Force commander of Pacific Partnership 2026
  • US Navy

HM to SWO Transition: What to Expect as a Former Corpsman

2 years ago
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A retired Navy officer shares what Hospital Corpsmen should know about transitioning to Surface Warfare Officer, including culture changes, mandatory surface pin, and career expectations.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicolas Pantoja, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Rota
  • US Navy

Boot Camp Gift Ideas: What to Give Your Boyfriend Before

2 years ago
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Looking for boot camp gift ideas for your boyfriend leaving for Navy boot camp? Learn what's allowed, why letters matter, and the best time to give actual presents.

After being appointed the new commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) on July 17, Capt
  • US Navy

Navy Officer vs Enlisted Cyber: Which Path Fits Your

2 years ago
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Comparing Navy officer (Information Warfare) and enlisted (CWT) cyber careers for candidates with IT backgrounds, family priorities, and medical waiver needs after bariatric surgery.

intel officer shore duty — U.S. Navy photo (DVIDS)
  • US Navy

Intel Officer Shore Duty: What to Expect at OCS and Your

2 years ago
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Thinking about becoming an Intelligence Officer? Let me share what I saw from my Intel shipmates: nearly all start at sea, and OCS is more about mental grit than physical strength.

Charleston, SC (July 10, 2026) Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic hosted its annual Palmetto Cybersecurity & STEM
  • US Navy

OAR Reading Comprehension Tips for Navy OCS

2 years ago
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Improve your OAR reading score by training with real Navy instructions and using AI tools. A retired CWO shares proven study strategies.

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