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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 Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Diquan Anderson, right, from North Carolina, observes Gunner’s Mate Seaman Izaiah Cortez, from Mississippi
  • US Navy

RE3 Code Navy: Rejoining After Mental Health Separation

2 months ago
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Learn what an RE3 code means for Navy reenlistment, especially after a mental health separation, including waiting periods, waivers, and whether switching branches helps.

A view of furniture in the new Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Child and Youth Programs (CFAY CYP) Ikego Youth Programs building's Teen
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Pre Approval: Why Prequal Isn’t Enough

2 months ago
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Prequalification and pre-approval are not the same. VA loan pre approval requires a lender to pull your credit and verify your income, and it's what makes your offer credible to sellers.

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

Enlist vs Officer Path: High School Enlistment or College

3 months ago
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Deciding between enlisting in the Navy after high school or pursuing a college degree and commissioning as an officer is a pivotal choice. This article compares the two paths, covering pay...

Capt. Jonathan Hopkins, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, tours the new CFAY Child and Youth Programs (CYP)Ikego Youth Programs building
  • US Navy

BDOC Expectations: A New SWO’s Guide After OCS

3 months ago
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Just commissioned? Here's what to expect from BDOC as a new Surface Warfare Officer, including tips on OHARP, uniform standards, and the transition from OCS.

Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Talaysha Ross assigned to Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91)
  • Veteran Benefits

Military Spouse Residency: Keep Home State, Skip Taxes

4 months ago
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Learn how MSRRA lets a military spouse keep their home state residency while stationed elsewhere, avoid duty-station income tax, and protect their legal residence.

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

TSP Basics for New Officer Candidates: Prioritizing

4 months ago
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Confused about TSP as a new military officer with a civilian job? Learn the basics of TSP, Roth vs traditional, contribution limits, and the smartest order to save for retirement while serving.

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

From Enlisted to Officer: How OCS Can Boost Your Military

4 months ago
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A retired Cryptologic Warfare Officer breaks down the financial differences between enlisted, warrant, and officer retirement pay—and why OCS can be a smart move for your future pension.

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

Military Retirement Planning: Are You Saving Too Much?

4 months ago
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Thinking about early retirement at 41? Learn how to balance aggressive TSP contributions with today's needs, factor in your pension, spouse's savings, and more.

  • US Navy

Navy OCS Requirements & Eligibility (2026 Guide)

4 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

4 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.

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Categories

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  • US Navy (106)
  • Veteran Benefits (28)

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