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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.
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

4 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

5 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?

7 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.

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

7 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

8 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

8 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

9 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.

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Categories

  • Navy OCS Journey (22)
  • US Navy (85)
  • Veteran Benefits (28)

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