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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.
  • US Navy

Navy OCS Requirements & Eligibility (2026 Guide)

2 months ago
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One of the first questions I get from people thinking about Navy Officer Candidate School is simply: “Do I even qualify?” Having gone through OCS myself, here is a clear rundown of the...

Meet Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Jarrett Lilly
  • US Navy

Navy Commissioning Programs for Prior Enlisted

2 months ago
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Considering a commission as a prior enlisted Sailor? Learn about Navy commissioning programs, whether to finish your degree first, and key advice from a retired officer.

U.S. Navy Sailors and civilians man the Naval Base San Diego emergency operations center duting the Citadel Rumble all-hazard exercise, Aug. 4
  • US Navy

Navy Funeral Honors: A Guide for Families

3 months ago
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Learn how to arrange Navy funeral honors for a loved one, including contacting the Navy Reserve Center, VA burial benefits, and proper ribbon placement.

A U.S. Sailor maintains an ordnance transportation unit aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Aug. 10, 2026
  • US Navy

OAR Preparation: 12-Day Plan & Last-Minute Tips

3 months ago
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Crack the OAR in 12 days with a focused study plan, quality sleep, and smart use of community resources like Reddit and airwarriors. Learn how to prepare effectively.

U.S. Navy Sailors man the Naval Base San Diego emergency operations center duting the Citadel Rumble all-hazard exercise, Aug. 4, 2026
  • US Navy

Coast Guard Career Advantages: A Navy Officer’s Take

3 months ago
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A retired Navy officer compares the unique career and retirement benefits of the Coast Guard, including enlisted command opportunities, O4 tenure, and DCO programs.

Flight Deck Operations
  • US Navy

Stolen Military ID: Steps to Recover and Replace

4 months ago
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If your military ID and Navy Federal card are stolen, act fast: freeze the card, report to the chain of command, file a police report, and get a replacement ID through RAPIDS. Here's what to do.

USS Curtis Wilbur Damage Control Training
  • US Navy

Senior Officer Recommendations for Navy OCS

5 months ago
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Learn how to tactfully network with senior officers for letters of recommendation for your Navy commissioning package without damaging chain of command relationships.

The Navy's newest Sailors stand at attention during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command (RTC), August 6, 2026
  • Veteran Benefits

E-3 Navy Pay Family: Can It Work?

6 months ago
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Wondering if an E-3 Navy salary can support a family of four? Here's a realistic look at pay, allowances, and the truth about counting on a future commission.

  • US Navy

Joining Navy at 29: Is It Too Late?

6 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

7 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.

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Categories

  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
  • US Navy (81)
  • Veteran Benefits (26)

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Officer Candidate School - Newport RI

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