Just need someone to tell it to me straight - I’m 33 (will turn 34 in March). Have a four year degree but no flight experience / hours. In great physical / fitness condition. The only prescriptions I take is for my mildly, high-blood pressure and my thyroid condition.

Is it too late for me to apply to OCS to get a pilot slot in the navy?

Howdy, for the entirety of this year I’ve been struggling to find steady work. A family member has been in for a good chunk of time and in a way inspired me to join up. I’ve been working on the logistical things since march of this year to get my things in order to be able to join. But I kind of want to hear people’s opinions from this thread on how likely it would be for me to even get in. (Imma lay it all out, if I embarrass myself then whatever)

Things that may hold me back:
Hospitalized for depression in 2015 and was in for 3 weeks I think?
On medication on and off from sep 2015-2018
Unpaid ticket from 2022 that I’m currently working on getting paid off
Speeding ticket in 2023
Began medication again in July 2025 stopped January 2026 (have notes in my chart from this doctor saying I had shown improvement)
Misdemeanor from November 2025 that was cleared and removed from my record July 2026
No chronic illnesses, healthy and strong as a horse

If I get there, the rates I’m hoping for are EO and SW
It feels like a hell of a mess typing it out, a lot of it I am not proud of and wish I had the foresight to do things differently. But ultimately what’s done is done. Life has been turbulent and ultimately I want the job security and the discipline the military can offer for myself so I can get my life back on track.
I’m athletic, smart, and willing. Got an 86 on the practice test. I just hope and pray my history is brief enough to be able to be considered. 24 years old
(I have two hand tattoos smaller than a dime so the navy is really my only option, as I cannot afford laser removal)

I Listed ET & AT as one of my top ratings and was stoked I got selected to pursue at least one. They’re giving me a considerable bonus upon completion of my training and I ship as soon as next month! Is there any insight from those with experience in this field that someone can share?

I know dli is supposed to be brutal and will take a while so I really just need to lock in on that and worry about the rest later but I’m really curious what other qualifications are useful and available to CTIs after that. My recruiter didn’t really seem to know so I figured I would ask here.

Just got back from MEPS. During my personal interview with the doctor, my MEPS doctor said he put down in my notes that I was diagnosed with asthma when I was ten, but didn’t use it to DQ me because it was so long ago. I also mentioned that I was diagnosed with lattice degeneration, but because it wasn’t in my medical records he pulled up and because I passed the eye exam, he said that he would put that disqualifying diagnosis into my notes but wouldn’t use it to DQ me for anything as well.

So my question is this: Would the notes he put down in my profile actually be used to DQ me for anything further down the line like in reception at boot camp? Or is it just something that no one is going to care enough about to check?

Currently signed in as AECF, but I wanted to use my Degree in IT, having my TS Interview and PSSQ done. Shipping date is getting near but still no luck on getting IT/ATF, Anyone manages to reclass from 1 highly techical rate to another ?

Hi everyone, I'm interested in joining the Navy as a CWT. I've already passed MEPS physical and medical exams and scored a 97 on the ASVAB. My dad is a naturalized U.S. citizen, but my mom is still a foreign citizen.

My recruiter spoke with MEPS, and they said I should be fine as long as I renounce my foreign citizenship, since my country of origin isn't considered high-risk.

I'm still concerned about whether this could affect my eligibility for CWT or my chances of obtaining a TS/SCI clearance as I am reading other posts of some people being denied. Has anyone been in a similar situation or gone through this process?

Context: I'm prior USMC. In bootcamp we would get little "care packages" from our parents who were also prior military which were usually things that would get us all in trouble. Photographs, copious amounts of CLIF Bars and sweets, dildos, porno mags, candy, etc.

My wife is currently in RTC and I want to send her something goofy and silly.

I was thinking about an "Emergency Battle Potato" with googly eyes and an O1 rank attached on the back of it in hopes that she would have to do something silly such as salute and report to it or carry it around.

Or maybe just a literal brick with something written on it since it's legal to send in a package.

I'm aware the Navy is far different than USMC Bootcamp, so this is why I'm asking here. Not looking to get her entirely in trouble, but messing with her is the primary goal.

Hello all, I'm leaving for OCS in just about a month, any advice? I'm currently studying the appendix B information and maintaining a steady workout routine.

MI'm prior service and currently in seminary, working on my package for the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program. However, the further I get into the process, the more I find myself questioning whether it's actually worth it.

I know my recruiter is obviously going to tell me it is, but I'm hoping to hear from people who have actually gone through the program, especially those with prior military experience.

From my understanding, as a Chaplain Candidate, I'd be in the IRR, meaning I wouldn't have access to TRICARE except during the roughly five weeks each summer for ODS and Chaplain School. I wouldn't have regular health insurance or the benefits that come with drilling in the reserves. The program also doesn't help pay for seminary or fulfill the educational and ministry experience requirements needed to become a chaplain.

As far as I can tell, the biggest benefits are commissioning early, potentially gaining time in grade and time in service for future rank and pay purposes, and possibly making myself a more competitive applicant. Even then, my recruiter has told me that being a Chaplain Candidate doesn't necessarily make someone more competitive. It also doesn't seem to do much for retirement.

Another concern is that once I commission, I lose the option of simply reenlisting if something happens or my plans change.

At this point, I'm wondering if I'd be better off reenlisting in the reserves, having access to TRICARE Reserve Select and life insurance, collecting drill and AT pay, and potentially working toward a reserve retirement while I finish seminary and the other chaplain requirements then applying as a direct ascension Chaplain.

It almost seems like the program benefits the Navy more than it benefits me. They get to send me through ODS and Chaplain School early, and once I finish seminary and meet the remaining requirements, I'm potentially ready to transition into the Chaplain Corps. Meanwhile, I'm spending those years without most of the benefits I could receive as a drilling reservist.

I understand the value of getting that training out of the way, but as someone with prior military experience, I'm struggling to see what I'm actually gaining in return.

I'm not necessarily against the program, and I'm still very interested in becoming a Navy chaplain. I'm just questioning whether the Chaplain Candidate Program is actually the best route for someone in my position.

For those who have gone through the program, especially prior-service members, was it worth it? Are there benefits, opportunities, or long-term advantages I'm overlooking?

TL;DR: As a prior-service member, I'm struggling to see the benefits of the Chaplain Candidate Program compared to reenlisting in the reserves while finishing seminary. Am I missing something?

I’ve taken the ASTB with ISEL scores in July. I have also completed MEPS. Now I am ready to submit my application to become a navy pilot through OCS.

My question is: is the fiscal year closed for navy pilot candidates? If not, what is the timeline looking like?

I am very interested in being a fire fighter and I qualify for DC and I am wondering what the daily life looks like and if it is worth it.

I received this email this morning. I spoke with a recruiter yesterday and filled out the form online. No where did I say I have a bachelor’s degree. Why would I receive this email stating to be an officer or reserves?

SOIDC
Shipping on March 9th
Starting as E4
6y Active 2y Reserve
20k Bonus (Told it would go up before I leave)

Anyone else going NSO that can share their experience, tips to prep for PST, School, etc..
Any info appreciated

I’m looking to enlist as an AC. Im 22yo with a family.
I’ve gained interest in the rate based off the job and civilian opportunities. And I have a few questions.

1: How was A school and how did they determine duty station?

2: how often are you out at sea?

3: is the stress really as bad as everyone makes it out to be?

4: and if you could go back and choose a different rate or branch would you?

Hey shipmates, I’m enlisting AECF my mind is dead set on it and every bit of info helps, what’s the day to day stuff like, I know the good parts are great, what’s the shitty situations I’ll be in, what can I look forward to, I’d like to do my full 20 and starting RTC before the end of the year, thank you all it’s greatly appreciated ⚓️🇺🇸

So, I’m trying to decide if I should pick CWT.

My line scores qualified but I’m afraid I won’t get the clearance and afraid they will reclassify me as needs of navy.. should I still risk picking CWT?

I have a STEM bachelors degree with 5 years of experience. I don’t know if I could leverage this? Last thing I want is to get kicked out and end up doing some rate I don’t want for next 6 years.

The reason: I DO have collections- I was laid off twice in the past 5 years and my collections/debt added up (currently at about 4k) … they are a mixture of loans/CC and student loans

I have been strongly considering joining the navy these past few days. I have always wanted to learn to fly, and I was thinking of joining if I could get into aviation. I wanna use military aviation experience to potentially become an airline pilot later on, or alternatively I'd take rotary wing aviation as well. However I have bad myopia and I know I don't meet the navy's standards for minimum uncorrected vision in the navy.
My questions are:
Does the navy accept pilots if they get LASIK/PRK/SMILE? I've read a few conflicting accounts on this online so I'd like to ask.

If they do, Would it be possible for me to join in on a different job, then change to aviation later once I use the health benefits to get my surgery?

I was disapproved a while ago for 12 months due to a combination of ADHD, therapy, and adderall prescription use. My work history isn’t exactly a conventional line graph that moves up with steady promotions. I’m in-between jobs right now, and I’m wondering if the Navy will care about this.

Is there a policy on this? Do I need positive supervisor references and/or letters of recommendation to get a waiver approved? Or am I overthinking this.

Didn’t really know where else to post this, but my blood pressure was too high at meps. So I have to get 2 readings from an outside doctor, I can’t really afford to pay out of pocket for that, does anyone have any options for me here?

Hi! I have a few questions about my upcoming orders!

These are the locations I'm considering:

* NMRTC Bremerton, WA
* NMRTC Fort Belvoir, VA
* NMRTC Lemoore, CA

**My biggest question is about housing.** Can single E-4s with over 4 years of service receive BAH and live off base at these locations? I'm currently receiving BAH at my training command, If not how are the barracks?

How are the commands and surrounding areas? What's the work environment like, especially for BMETs?

Bremerton is my first choice for now, but I'm open to the other two depending on housing policies and quality of life.

I'd really appreciate any firsthand experiences or advice. TIA!
!

Im thinking about joining as a personnel specialist ? is this more of an off shore job ? to what extent ? How is life as a PS ? how fast do you think I can ship out ?

im going to meps tomorrow, what should i expect? im taking the aavab and staying overnight, also taking the bus there. i know im gonna need mental health stuff waived, what’s everyones experience? also, can i wear a hoodie? it’s supposed to rain. and if i can, should i wear a Tshirt underneath? am i allowed to wear a push up bra? i need to know everything lol.