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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
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.

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) transits the East River as she returns to her homeport at Naval Submarine Base
  • US Navy

Recruiter Ghosting: Your OCS Recruiter Disappeared

1 year ago
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If your Navy recruiter ghosted you after scheduling a Saturday appointment for OCS, don't panic. Here's what's happening and how to get back on track.

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

BDCP vs Reserve Enlisted: Which Path to a Navy Commission?

1 year ago
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Considering the Navy? Learn why the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) is often a better bet than enlisting in the Reserve first, and how competitive it really is.

U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to sling load cargo to a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
  • US Navy

Oahu Housing Military Families: Base, Buy, or Rent?

1 year ago
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A retired Navy officer shares insights on Oahu housing military families: base housing communities like Halsey Terrace, buying in Ewa Beach or Mililani, and renting with a work-from-home spouse...

Naval Support Activity Panama City held an All Hands Call today and presented awards to numerous personnel for superior performance in the
  • US Navy

USAA Account Abuse Flag: How 27¢ Cost a Member $60,000

1 year ago
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A Navy veteran shares how a tiny balance on a joint checking account triggered an 'account abuse' flag at USAA, leading to an automated $60K loan denial—and what you can do to avoid the same trap.

Naval Support Activity Panama City held an All Hands Call today and presented awards to numerous personnel for superior performance in the
  • US Navy

Asthma Waiver: Officer vs Enlisted Approval

2 years ago
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Learn why a denied officer commissioning asthma waiver does not revoke an approved enlisted asthma waiver. Insights from a retired Navy officer.

Naval Support Activity Panama City held an All Hands Call today and presented awards to numerous personnel for superior performance in the
  • US Navy

SWO Career Enlisted vs Officer: Which Path Is Right?

2 years ago
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Deciding between enlisting first or pursuing a direct officer commission as a Surface Warfare Officer? Here's what I've seen from both sides of the pipeline.

U.S. Navy (USN) Rear Adm. David Buzzetti, right, vice chief of the USN Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
  • US Navy

ASTB Retake Advice for Low-GPA Applicants with High PFAR

2 years ago
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Wondering if you should retake the ASTB after a non-selection? Here's advice from a retired Navy officer on weighing the risks when your PFAR is already a 9.

Naval Support Activity Panama City held an All Hands Call today and presented awards to numerous personnel for superior performance in the
  • US Navy

Verify Navy Officer Rank: How to Confirm a Deceased

2 years ago
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Learn how to verify a deceased Navy officer's final rank without involving family, including using the Defense Manpower Data Center and understanding promotion board results.

U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Reyes, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26)
  • US Navy

NFO Selection: How Much Does Your GPA Really Matter?

2 years ago
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Wondering if a 3.0 GPA in Physics can get you into Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training? The answer might surprise you—and it has more to do with your ASTB score than your transcript.

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