Questions about Navy OCS

[Anonymous]

I am a sophomore in college and would like to join the Navy as a commissioned officer after I graduate. I know I still have a couple more years of school first, but I feel that I have much training and learning to do to prepare myself. I am still quite ignorant on the OCS entrance process. Is it tough to get accepted? I'm sure there are academic, physical, and medical requirements for entrance, but I have no idea what they are. Do I need to have a degree in a certain field? My major is in international affairs and I may minor in criminal justice. I hope to go into the intelligence field and would like to know if these are pertinent fields of study. Are there any special training exercises or college courses that will prepare me for OCS? Anything you can reccomend to give me an advantage will be greatly appreciated. Also, how does the OCS entrance process work? When should I apply? Is it like applying to college? Who do I contact to get the process started? Finally, what is OCS like? How long does it last? What is the men/women ratio? How likely am I to get the job I want? I know my question list is overwhelming, as I said before-- I am ignorant, but eager to learn.

starbee@gwu.edu

[Anonymous]

You should start preparing yourself by exercising regularly. The PRT is easy to pass but the training at OCS will work you hard. Plus, you'll want the highest PRT score possible. If your college has any rotc programs, I recommend taking some of the PT classes they offer. Otherwise, focus on pushups, situps, and running. Besides PT, you'll take classes everyday where you'll learn navy customs, leadership issues, etc. OCS lasts for 13 weeks, if I remember correctly. The only academic requirement is that you have a degree; it doesn't matter the field you have chosen. Intel is one of the more difficult areas to get accepted. Those people with the hightest scores all around will have a better chance at getting the job they want. But remember, it's all about the navy's need at the time. You should contact a recruiter. But be careful, their job is to get as many people to join the military now. Don't let them convince you to enlist. Ask your recruiter about medical disqualifiers. There are too many to list here, and I don't know all of them. My last advice is to talk to as many people in the military as you can. If you have other questions or need something explained further, you can email me personally.

bbevill@u.arizona.edu