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

Medical Off-Ship Duty: A Guide for Navy Families Facing

2 years ago
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When a sailor needs cancer treatment, medical off-ship duty may be possible through LIMDU orders, the EMPLOY program, or medical board. Here's what you need to know to navigate the process.

Charleston, SC (July 8, 2026) Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic hosted its annual Palmetto Cybersecurity & STEM
  • US Navy

CEC Officer Competitiveness: Steps Before Graduation

2 years ago
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Enlisted Sailors aiming for the Civil Engineer Corps can take key steps years before graduation—pass the FE exam, network with CEC officers, take the OAR, and gain leadership experience through...

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250 pay their respects during a wreath-laying ceremony at the South Boston
  • Navy OCS Journey

OCS Care Packages: What to Send During Indoc Phase

2 years ago
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Learn what's allowed in OCS care packages during the Indoc Phase, what to avoid, and tips from a former Navy officer. Help your candidate stay connected without causing trouble.

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

Medical Waiver Chances for Navy OCS: A D1 Athlete’s Story

3 years ago
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A former D1 athlete navigates medical waivers for AMPS and anxiety. Learn how to present your case and improve your medical waiver chances at Navy OCS.

PORTLAND, United Kingdom – Members of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCG 1) discuss upcoming mine countermeasure training
  • Veteran Benefits

Credit Card Debt & Security Clearance for OCS Candidates

3 years ago
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Worried about how credit card debt in collections affects your Navy OCS application and security clearance? This article covers the risks, mitigation steps, and recruiter advice.

  • Veteran Benefits

Dual Military BAH: Rules for Dependents from Previous

3 years ago
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When both spouses in a dual military marriage have dependents from previous relationships, only one can claim the with-dependents BAH rate. This article explains the policy, how to determine which...

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby fields questions from naval officers enrolled in the U.S
  • Veteran Benefits

Dual Military Home Buying: Buy or Rent Near Hill AFB?

3 years ago
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As a retired Navy officer, I've seen many dual-military couples face the home-buying dilemma. This article breaks down the financial realities of buying near Hill AFB on two O-3 salaries, the risks...

Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN73)
  • Veteran Benefits

Spouse Spending Control: Allowance and Communication for

3 years ago
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A retired Navy officer shares strategies for managing household spending when a stay-at-home spouse handles daily purchases, focusing on allowances and open communication.

Under the command of Captain Austin W. Duff, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Newport, 110 Students in Officer Candidate School
  • US Navy

PEBD Calculation for Prior Service: IRR and OCS Credit

3 years ago
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Learn how IRR time and USMC OCS time affect your Pay Entry Base Date (PEBD) if you're a prior-enlisted officer. Includes tips on reconstructing your PEBD for retirement.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) John Perryman tours the King Hall officer candidate dormitory
  • US Navy

Deployment Mental Health Support: A Guide for Navy

3 years ago
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If your deployed sailor is injured, having suicidal thoughts, and standard options aren't working, here's how to help them—and you—get the right care, from chaplain to chain of command.

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