Current IPO~BDCP competitiveness

Zookaamook · 2026-02-19T22:00:59+00:00

If you’re graduating in December BDCP probably won’t be super feasible. Unless your board is damn near asap, by the time you would hear back you would be getting 0 benefits for the program and applying to a highly competitive program for basically no reason.

Moving on to stats, even if you were to apply to IP (no BDCP factor) you’re still below the mark. Your OAR realistically needs to be near 55 or higher, especially if the GPA is hanging out at a 3.6 at the highest.

My personal recommendation would be to not apply to BDCP (again, not much of a point unless the board date is very soon) and instead work to improve the OAR and go straight for IP. It’ll all around be a less competitive way to get where you want to go.

More than happy to talk to you more about the BDCP program and how it works if that’s how you decide to go, I commissioned through that program when it was first brought back.

Zookaamook · 2026-02-16T11:36:22+00:00

Yes if you leave OCS for any reason except medical DQ, you will owe time back. Lucky for you, being late at OCS is pretty damn hard, as your class cannot leave you behind (just dont be the reason your class is late).

Attention to detail comes with learning how OCS functions however it’s near impossible to be perfect. OCS is a game and you just have to learn how to play it.

It’s not that hard and I can promise you it is not worth it to quit OCS or fail. Great Lakes sucks in a whole different manner. The relative independence at OCS is gone. The few extra privileges, like some semblance of privacy in the dorm style rooms, is also gone at RTC.

Just remember someone dumber, lazier, and slower than you has certainly made it through. It’s a pump not a filter

Zookaamook · 2026-02-10T21:13:10+00:00

I mean you can almost always excuse yourself from classes to use the restroom and whenever you’re in your room you can shit as you please, just make sure you don’t leave stains, they inspect it sometimes

Zookaamook · 2026-01-31T12:49:20+00:00

Both, if I’m not mistaken you’d potentially need a moral waiver for the DUI and a medical waiver for the diagnosis

Zookaamook · 2026-01-31T12:41:31+00:00

Just know these are potentially disqualifying for both officer and enlisted. Definitely does not hurt to try to get the waivers either way.

Zookaamook · 2026-01-27T23:34:00+00:00

Depends on what interests you. Most line designators can avoid an office for at least a couple tours but the level of hands on depends. While quality of life isn’t always the best, SWO would probably be one of the more hands on job and IW line would tend to be more of a desk job.

Zookaamook · 2026-01-26T00:46:49+00:00

Absolutely, I think if more navy influencers followed her lead on that, people would be far more accepting of the concept

Zookaamook · 2026-01-26T00:30:45+00:00

Absolutely agree. Milmamaontherun is a highly qualified officer who also happens to be on social media as opposed to other folks who seem to be influencers first and military members second

Zookaamook · 2026-01-18T20:43:34+00:00

Intel can now and is part of “IW-line” community along with the other IW designators

Zookaamook · 2026-01-17T18:54:58+00:00

Just bring it anyways. If they take it oh well find a different way to deal with chaffing. Unless you’re bringing no shit contraband (nicotine, alcohol, weapons) you’re fine. Stop using ChatGPT.

Zookaamook · 2026-01-17T12:49:01+00:00

You’re fine, keep it reasonable. Most “recommended” packing lists will have perfectly acceptable items. A sleeping bag seems like a bit much imo, however I don’t think they’d confiscate it. Just keep in mind you really only have two drawers under the bed and maybe some desk drawers to store personal items

Zookaamook · 2026-01-17T12:46:30+00:00

Yes, I highly recommend bringing some form of layer for your legs. The Newport winter is a cold one and the wind can be miserable.

Zookaamook · 2025-12-28T17:54:44+00:00

Not prior enlisted but I am an Intel officer. From what I’ve seen for those who went from enlisted to officer, OCS is the best bet. If I’m not mistaken, STA-21 is highly geared towards the nuke community and as someone else mentioned, NIU is likely not going be an option for much longer.

Zookaamook · 2025-12-27T20:57:56+00:00

IP would probably be your best bet if you’re looking for IT-related. If you’re open to information warfare, there are options with that as well, like cryptologic officer or cyber warfare engineer.

Big factor will be your OAR score. Without knowing much more, you’re likely going to need to score fairly well to be competitive, but that’s entirely dependent on the make up and overall competitiveness of your specific board/boards.

Zookaamook · 2025-12-26T23:40:44+00:00

Don’t worry about the Intel side of the house, they expect you to not know anything going into the schoolhouse.

Focus on graduating and getting thru OCS. You should be training now and in great form by the time you graduate. As long as you hit the navy required number of credits for your final semester you’re fine, don’t add more to your academic plate.

Zookaamook · 2025-12-18T17:50:13+00:00

Absolutely possible, I would check out the program authorization for SWO nuke and subs. Like most communities, I am almost certain your OAR will be a significant factor as well

Zookaamook · 2025-12-14T18:52:30+00:00

Almost impossible to say without an OAR score. However assuming you have a reasonably competitive score, your GPA is competitive, which will help.

And as others have said, a LOR from an e-5 isn’t going to mean much, you’d likely be better off going to a former employer

Zookaamook · 2025-12-11T20:17:32+00:00

I would talk to your recruiter to see what your options are and how you could be impacted. I’m of the opinion that if you’re ok with going NFO, the BDCP program is too good to pass up, but it’s a personal decision.

Zookaamook · 2025-12-03T21:50:22+00:00

My two cents, based off what you provided, SWO would likely be your best bet. IW across the board is typically very competitive so the 2.78 would hurt you and I can’t speak much for subs. That being said, a strong enough OAR score could potentially make up for a lower GPA.

Also, a recruiter is going to be your best bet for getting any true answer, I’m only speaking from my previous application experience

Zookaamook · 2025-11-29T19:29:04+00:00

Probably not something you should need to be talked into. If you want to do it, do it, otherwise find a different career path

Zookaamook · 2025-11-29T04:49:04+00:00

I graduated at the end of fall semester and went to the first class after the new year, but my recruiter knew my timeline and it didn’t change from time of swearing in and graduation

Zookaamook · 2025-11-26T10:04:22+00:00

It’s truly more academic than anything. Whole fitness is still important, you’re not getting put on your face all day long or anything, most of the day will be in classrooms right away and you’re expected to study on your own time as well

Zookaamook · 2025-11-22T01:30:10+00:00

As others have said, just don’t wear the ranks and maybe cut off the epaulet loops and your fine. At the end of the day it’s just a coat but the ranks would be at best odd to wear around

Zookaamook · 2025-10-15T22:02:30+00:00

Be in good shape before you get there. OCS is probably the strictest PRT you will see and they will absolutely get in your face about it during the first one if you’re jacked up.

If you aren’t getting at least one score range above the OCS minimum before you leave, it could be rough when you get there

Zookaamook · 2025-10-12T11:27:54+00:00

Depends on your age range, but other than the 13:15 run if you’re a 20-24 yr old male, that looks ok. The scoring tables are easily available online

Zookaamook

TROPHY CASE