VeteranWiki

  • Facebook
  • Home
  • My Navy OCS Journey
  • Applying to OCS
  • PCS & Allowances
  • VA Home Loans
  • Designators

Navy OCS, from the application to the day you commission

I went through Officer Candidate School in Newport and served as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer. Everything here is firsthand — the twelve weeks, the paperwork that comes before them, and the benefits nobody explains until you need them.

Staff Sgt. Jordan G. Kinal, Marine Corps Drill Instructor assigned to Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island

Start here

  • My Navy OCS Journey Twelve weeks at Newport, written up week by week.
  • Applying to Navy OCS Packages, waivers, the ASTB, and what a board actually sees.
  • Navy Officer Designators and Career Paths Pick the community before you judge your odds.
  • PCS Money and Allowances TLE, BAH, PPM — the money nobody explains before you move.
  • VA Home Loans What the loan actually does, and what prequalification is not.
Students in Officer Candidate School (OCS), Class 10-26, at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN)
  • Veteran Benefits

Navy TLE: Before and After a PCS Move

3 years ago
Add Comment

Learn how Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) works before and after a PCS move, and why it's separate from house hunting leave. From a retired Navy officer.

Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) inspect Port Angeles High School NJROTC students during
  • US Navy

College Degree Requirements for OCS Naval Aviator: What

3 years ago
Add Comment

Learn what college degrees the Navy accepts for Naval Aviator OCS applicants and which degree path is recommended for success.

The first cadre of U.S. Navy JAG Corps students in Officer Candidate School, Class 10-26, at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN)
  • US Navy

Navy Officer Commissioning for Army Veterans: What to Know

3 years ago
Add Comment

A retired Navy officer explains how Army veterans with VA disability ratings can pursue a Navy officer commission through OCS, with advice on designators like Supply Corps.

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

Enlisting vs Commissioning: Following Your Own Path |

3 years ago
Add Comment

Is it wrong to choose enlistment over commissioning? A retired officer explores family pressure, the value of enlisted roles like CTI, and why your personal happiness matters most.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Crewmembers of the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Carl M
  • US Navy

Supply Corps OCS Packet: Tips for GPA, OAR, and Weight

3 years ago
Add Comment

Learn how to make your Supply Corps OCS packet stand out with strong GPA, OAR prep, and safe weight loss strategies. Expert advice from a retired Navy CWO.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Luis Aguas, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest
  • US Navy

What to Do When Your Navy Officer Recruiter Stops Communicating: A Step-by-Step Guide

3 years ago
Add Comment

If your Navy officer recruiter has gone silent, you may need an officer recruiter transfer. This guide explains how to work with your NTAG to get back on track toward OCS.

Rear Admiral Lia M. Reynolds (center), Deputy Judge Advocate General, United States Navy, stands with the first cadre of U.S
  • US Navy

Naval Aviation OCS: Ivy League to Aviator Guide

3 years ago
Add Comment

An Ivy League graduate's guide to naval aviation OCS: differences from the Naval Academy, training expectations, career progression, and transition resources.

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

POCR Board METOC: A SWO’s Guide to Transitioning to

3 years ago
Add Comment

Thinking about a lat transfer from SWO to METOC? This article covers what the POCR board for METOC looks like, day-to-day life as an oceanography officer, and how to build a competitive package.

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

Is Navy PAO Right for You? Competitiveness and Reality

3 years ago
Add Comment

A retired Navy officer breaks down the competitiveness of the Navy PAO program, what recruiters often advise, and how to build a strong application.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Lt. Chris Rielage, training officer of the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Carl M
  • US Navy

Green Card Holder Navy Enlistment: A Practical Guide

3 years ago
Add Comment

If you're a permanent resident with foreign military and logistics experience, learn how to enlist, get advanced pay grade, and eventually become a Navy Supply Corps officer.

Previous 1 … 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next

Categories

  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
  • US Navy (90)
  • Veteran Benefits (28)

Trending

  • Navy OCS Candio box care-package tradition
    Navy OCS – Candio Box
    20,166 views
  • Navy OCS third-class swim qualification training
    Navy OCS Swim Test: 3rd Class Swim Qualification
    18,727 views
  • Navy OCS candidate officer phase, Weeks 10 to 12
    Navy OCS – Candidate Officer (Week 10, 11, 12)
    17,393 views

Video

Officer Candidate School - Newport RI

Quick Read

  • Night Flight Deck Operations
    ASTB HOTAS Practice: What Actually Moves Your PFAR
    5 min read
  • Daily Operations Aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
    Navy Medical Service Corps MHA: Walden vs Texas State
    5 min read
  • Daily Operations Aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
    OAR Study Guide: Best Resources for the Test
    4 min read
  • Sea Chanters Perform at Bradley Hills Church, Bethesda, MD
    Teacher to Officer: Navy Intel Career Path at 27
    6 min read

Advertisement

From the OCS Journey

  • Navy OCS Candio box care-package tradition
    Navy OCS – Candio Box
    20,166 views
  • Navy OCS third-class swim qualification training
    Navy OCS Swim Test: 3rd Class Swim Qualification
    18,727 views
  • Navy OCS candidate officer phase, Weeks 10 to 12
    Navy OCS – Candidate Officer (Week 10, 11, 12)
    17,393 views

Worth a Read

  • Meet Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Jarrett Lilly
    Navy Commissioning Programs for Prior Enlisted
    5 min read
  • A Light Landing Craft (LLC) carrying Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) personnel departs from the well deck of Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
    Understanding the DD368 Conditional Release: A
    5 min read
  • Philippine Coast Guard personnel assigned to PCG Gabriela Silang-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) conduct a Maritime
    BDCP vs Reserve Enlisted: Which Path to a Navy...
    4 min read

Most Popular

  • Navy OCS Candio box care-package tradition
    Navy OCS – Candio Box
    20,166 views
  • Navy OCS third-class swim qualification training
    Navy OCS Swim Test: 3rd Class Swim Qualification
    18,727 views
  • Navy OCS candidate officer phase, Weeks 10 to 12
    Navy OCS – Candidate Officer (Week 10, 11, 12)
    17,393 views
Copyright © 2026.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement. Full disclaimers.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimers
  • Privacy Policy