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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. 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

2 months 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

2 months 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?

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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.

Philippine Coast Guard personnel assigned to PCG Gabriela Silang-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) conduct a Maritime
  • US Navy

Enlist vs Officer Path: High School Enlistment or College

2 months 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...

Capt. Jonathan Hopkins, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, tours the new CFAY Child and Youth Programs (CYP)Ikego Youth Programs building
  • US Navy

BDOC Expectations: A New SWO’s Guide After OCS

3 months 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.

Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Talaysha Ross assigned to Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91)
  • Veteran Benefits

Military Spouse Residency: Keep Home State, Skip Taxes

3 months ago
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Learn how MSRRA lets a military spouse keep their home state residency while stationed elsewhere, avoid duty-station income tax, and protect their legal residence.

Students in Officer Candidate School (OCS), Class 10-26, at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN)
  • Veteran Benefits

TSP Basics for New Officer Candidates: Prioritizing

3 months ago
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Confused about TSP as a new military officer with a civilian job? Learn the basics of TSP, Roth vs traditional, contribution limits, and the smartest order to save for retirement while serving.

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