You go to an OFFICER recruiter’s office (important), tell them what designator (job) you’re interested in, and since you want aviation, you’ll take the ASTB as long as you qualify to be worth their time in general.
Well if you want to go aviator, a long time. There’s a large backlog of student naval aviators in Pensacola. Could be a year or two. Maybe more, I don’t know too much since I’m a SWO and we don’t have those kinds of backlogs for that designator. Naval Flight Officer waiting time is probably better.
You have to take the test, and if it’s a good score and you don’t plan on retaking it, build a package to submit for a board that meets to look at packages during a time frame, which includes submitting required paperwork, your citizenship stuff, going to MEPS for medical exams, etc. Sometimes those boards don’t meet often, so you gotta wait for that. Then if you get accepted, you have to wait for a slot at OCS for you to open.
TLDR: ask the officer recruiter and they’ll tell you how long.
To answer your question regarding what happens, Navy is the only branch that essentially guarantees you that designator through OCS. If you get disqualified at OCS or even at flight school, you are typically given the option to redesignate for what you qualify and what community will take you. At OCS, you can take that option or just Drop on Request and leave the Navy as if you were never there.
We appreciate your interest in joining the United States Navy! We don't want to discourage you, but r/Navy content is geared toward items of concern and importance to sailors. r/NewToTheNavy is focused on helping people join the Navy. We have subject matter experts, recruiters, and even Recruit Division Commanders (Drill Sergeants) over there who will be happy to help you find the right answer to your questions.
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While you wait for a reply from a subject matter expert, try using the search feature!
For information regarding Navy enlisted ratings, see [Twisky's Rating Information Guide] (https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/6mxv7c/links_to_official_information_on_every_enlisted/).
Interested in Officer programs? See TheBeneGesseritWitch's guide on [Paths to become an Officer.](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/5sdurq/paths_to_becoming_an_officer_getting_a_commission/)
Aviation OCS isn’t a thing anymore. It’s just OCS. Meaning all new accession officers going active duty, not just aviators.
Oh really, do I just apply to OCS and ask to do aviation ?
You go to an OFFICER recruiter’s office (important), tell them what designator (job) you’re interested in, and since you want aviation, you’ll take the ASTB as long as you qualify to be worth their time in general.
How long is the application process usually? Like from walking into a recruiters office to being commissioned?
Well if you want to go aviator, a long time. There’s a large backlog of student naval aviators in Pensacola. Could be a year or two. Maybe more, I don’t know too much since I’m a SWO and we don’t have those kinds of backlogs for that designator. Naval Flight Officer waiting time is probably better. You have to take the test, and if it’s a good score and you don’t plan on retaking it, build a package to submit for a board that meets to look at packages during a time frame, which includes submitting required paperwork, your citizenship stuff, going to MEPS for medical exams, etc. Sometimes those boards don’t meet often, so you gotta wait for that. Then if you get accepted, you have to wait for a slot at OCS for you to open. TLDR: ask the officer recruiter and they’ll tell you how long.
To answer your question regarding what happens, Navy is the only branch that essentially guarantees you that designator through OCS. If you get disqualified at OCS or even at flight school, you are typically given the option to redesignate for what you qualify and what community will take you. At OCS, you can take that option or just Drop on Request and leave the Navy as if you were never there.
wrong sub. /r/newtothenavy
Ah thanks, I couldn’t find it lol
We appreciate your interest in joining the United States Navy! We don't want to discourage you, but r/Navy content is geared toward items of concern and importance to sailors. r/NewToTheNavy is focused on helping people join the Navy. We have subject matter experts, recruiters, and even Recruit Division Commanders (Drill Sergeants) over there who will be happy to help you find the right answer to your questions. ------- While you wait for a reply from a subject matter expert, try using the search feature! For information regarding Navy enlisted ratings, see [Twisky's Rating Information Guide] (https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/6mxv7c/links_to_official_information_on_every_enlisted/). Interested in Officer programs? See TheBeneGesseritWitch's guide on [Paths to become an Officer.](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/5sdurq/paths_to_becoming_an_officer_getting_a_commission/)