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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
  • US Navy

Joining Navy at 29: Is It Too Late?

9 months ago
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Wondering if joining the Navy at 29 is too old? Learn from a retired officer about age limits, boot camp challenges, and how older recruits with families can succeed.

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

Navy OCS Competitiveness: What It Really Takes

9 months ago
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Wondering how competitive Navy OCS designators like intel, supply, or finance are? Learn how direct community selection works, what PT standards matter, and the real application timeline.

A U.S. Sailor request permission to begin fuel sample collection and testing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez
  • US Navy

Military Funeral Support: Guide for Denver Families

9 months ago
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Learn how to rally Navy support for a veteran's funeral in Denver, including contacting NOSC Denver, Navy League, American Legion, VFW, and National Honor Tour.

Small Arms live-fire exercise
  • US Navy

Navy Fitness and Nutrition: Staying Jacked as an Officer

10 months ago
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Learn how to maintain muscle gains, track macros, and keep your strength in the Navy, from OCS through your career, with practical tips on gyms, galley food, and Navy PT.

Capt. Christopher Schwarz, Chief of Staff, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central
  • US Navy

Leaving DEP for Officer: Your Options

10 months ago
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Thinking about leaving the Delayed Entry Program to pursue an officer commission? Learn how to do it, what to expect, and why it's worth trying.

Mr. Alvin Yu, maritime security specialist assigned to Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
  • US Navy

Navy Pilot Requirements: From Pre-Med to Cockpit

11 months ago
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Wondering if a non-engineering degree can still lead to Navy pilot wings? Learn about ASTB scores, immediate select, and the path to test pilot school.

A U.S. Sailor stands watch on the bridge wing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113), July 31, 2026
  • Navy OCS Journey

Navy OCS Funny Stories: Laughs from Training

11 months ago
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From marching mishaps to legendary instructors, here are some of the funniest moments from Navy OCS and bootcamp, as told by those who lived them.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 fast-ropes onto a mountain from an MH-60S
  • US Navy

ASTB-E Tips: Last-Minute PBM Advice

11 months ago
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Get last-minute ASTB-E tips, especially for the PBM section. Learn how to tackle the drone, multitasking, and test-day strategies.

USS Gridley Underway Replenishment
  • Veteran Benefits

Military Investment Strategy: From Conservative to

12 months ago
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Learn how an O-4 military couple can shift from a conservative financial mindset to a more aggressive investment strategy, balancing cash reserves, TSP, and taxable accounts for long-term growth.

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

OS to NFO Overlap: What Really Transfers

1 year ago
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Wondering if your Operations Specialist background helps you become a Naval Flight Officer? Here's what actually transfers and what matters most for selection.

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  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
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