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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
U.S. Navy Seaman Kimone Shaw, assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
  • US Navy

Intel Officer Concerns: Weighing SCIF Life at Navy OCS

1 year ago
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If you're having second thoughts about becoming an Intel Officer due to SCIF life, you're not alone. Here's how to weigh hands-on work vs. the IWC path before OCS.

Vietnamese visitors pose for a group photo aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a scheduled port visit in
  • US Navy

Request Military Service Records: A Family Guide

1 year ago
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Learn how to request military service records for a deceased parent, including eligibility, the SF-180 form, and tips for next of kin.

Navy officer with Ensign bars after OCS, headed to Nuclear Power School
  • Navy OCS Journey

Got Orders to Nuke (Power) School? Life After OCS

1 year ago
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You did it. You survived the smoke sessions at Newport, conquered Officer Candidate School, and felt the weight of those Ensign bars on your collar for the first time. You’ve earned the right to be...

Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC) students graduate from phase one of their training at the Mariner Skills Training Center, Atlantic
  • Veteran Benefits

Continuation Pay Waiver: How to Beat Promotion Time Limits

1 year ago
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Need a continuation pay waiver but worried about E6 promotion time limits? Learn how the IPPS-A process works, what your retention NCO can actually do, and how to get un-stuck.

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

Low GPA OCS: Can a 2.6 GPA Get You In?

1 year ago
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A 2.6 GPA makes Navy OCS a long shot, but not impossible. Learn the GPA minimum, what else matters, and how enlistment can become your commissioning path.

Capt. Thomas Bullock, left, reads his orders during a change-of-command ceremony for Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12 held aboard USS California
  • US Navy

Overseas Screening Dependent: DEA Disaster

1 year ago
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Avoid a costly DEA disaster when moving to Japan as a military dependent. Learn how proper overseas screening and Dependent Entry Approval are critical for a smooth PCS to Yokosuka.

Brad Schmid, a school liaison officer for Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Child and Youth Program
  • US Navy

Navy Recruiting Duty: What to Expect for Family Stability

1 year ago
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Considering reenlisting for recruiting duty to stay near home? Learn what this shore duty really involves, from quota pressure and sales skills to the reality of hometown assignments.

Spanish Navy Ship ESPS Alvaro De Bazan (F101) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in the final events of Exercise Rim of
  • US Navy

MEPS Medical Waiver for Past Alcohol Poisoning and Therapy

1 year ago
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Wondering if a past hospitalization for alcohol poisoning, Adderall use, and therapy will prevent you from becoming a Navy officer? Here's what you need to know about MEPS waivers, GENESIS, and...

Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Cho, a chaplain assigned to Fleet Activities Yokosuka
  • Veteran Benefits

BAH Documents for Basic Training: What to Bring |

1 year ago
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Learn which documents you need to bring to Navy OCS or basic training to set up Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for your spouse, and how the Navy determines the dependent's location.

Curtis Abbott signs his Navy enlistment contract at the Kansas City, Mo., Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). He and his mother
  • Veteran Benefits

Navy Enlistment Bonus for A-PACT: What to Know

1 year ago
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Learn how enlistment bonuses really work for the Airman PACT program, why non-citizens often don't qualify, and what to consider before signing—from a retired Navy officer's perspective.

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