New to Navy, ODS, Portsmouth-need any help?

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Hi there,

I've been a nurse since 2010 and graduated from University of Portland, Oregon. I worked in mental health and with the red cross for a year before applying for the Navy. 13 mos later I found myself at Officer Development School and graduated this February. I'm stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth now and living in Norfolk. I wanted to offer myself as a resource to any of these topics since I felt like I was at a loss for information prior to coming in. Feel free to ask anything about the nursing, the Navy, the application process, duty stations, ODS, Norfolk, etc. Good luck to you and thank you for considering service in the US military.

Hello All,

I've been reading through trying to see if I could find any info on about 'when' to submit the application. I understand the sooner the better, but knowing this is a real commitment I wanted to take my time.

I finally decided I wanted to serve, so I contacted the recruiter in my area for the Navy NCP and was informed that I just missed the Board's reviewing and that I should contact her in May of 2014 to begin the process. I graduate in April(It may be May lol) of 2015. Shouldn't I be starting it a little sooner considering that its a lengthy process? And knowing that, I don't mind working a little faster(Being on top of Physical/Medical paperwork APPTs). But I still felt that maybe around February would be more of an appropriate time to start the process?

Is anyone in a similar situation or any suggestions?

Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

When I applied, I sent in my packet then had to essentially re-send it in around May/June as most docs have to be dated 90-180 days before application. So yes, you should be actively working on your application and resume until then. If you are in contact with your recruiter they should give you a better timeline. Feel free to ask more questions. :-)

When I applied, I sent in my packet then had to essentially re-send it in around May/June as most docs have to be dated 90-180 days before application. So yes, you should be actively working on your application and resume until then. If you are in contact with your recruiter they should give you a better timeline. Feel free to ask more questions. :-)

So was my recruiter correct in contacting her in May? My resume is already up to date, what other components of the packet should I be working on/where can I get access to it?

Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

If you really can't sent in your resume till 'the next board' which is usually 'September time.' Then yes.

The application when I did it consisted of a CV, a 14 page PDF application, and filling out the online NASIS security application, also three letters of recommendation dates within 6 months of packet submission.

The NASIS thing is time consuming and requires all employers, names, addresses, phone numbers, previous residences etc. So having that info handy will be good.

Other than that keep building your resume with things they are looking for, volunteer with the Red Cross, new leadership positions, and stay fit.

Hello All! I have been a long time browser but a first time poster on this thread! I leave for ODS next Saturday (graduated from University of Iowa) and was just wondering what to expect in that first week? I am prior enlisted and am curious as to how it compares to enlisted "bootcamp". Thanks for any help and insight!

Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

Dear abconnell, I was not prior enlisted but imagine ODS is much easier than bootcamp. Usual 4-5AM wake ups, 1 hour of PT that is more based on following instruction than fitness, long boring lectures/class, more instructions on making racks, eating, etc, long days, lots of walking/marching, ends at 8PM. Laundry, camaraderie, and off to bed. No caffeine, sugar, watches, no knowing what the next thing to do is. I was at ODS in February too, brrr! King Hall was toasty but that wind chill in NSUs gets you every time. ODS is not designed for prior enlisted, it will be a lot of repetition for you as the new folks catch up. You will be invaluable to indoctrinating them.

Hi all!

Thanks for all the great info on the thread! I am prior enlisted and leave for ODS this weekend. I haven't seen anything regarding duty sections/standing watches. I can't imagine that isn't a part of the training up there! What kind of watches do you stand? Is it an all day thing like CDO or 4 hour watches around the clock?

Also, do you have any recommendations for choosing a collateral duty? As far as class leader, do they stick with one the whole time, or do they "volun-tell" others to take a turn?

Thanks for any insight!

KM

Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

Dear km965,

Watch begins usually second week of ODS. It will be 4 hour watches, you will miss class, sleep, etc. You will have a watch partner. It is at the quarterdeck for the building you will reside in, King Hall.

Choosing DIVO should be self-explanatory, you would be in charge of the unit. Other options are PT officer (daily PT), mess coordinator (collects cash weekly), MWR (plans the T-shirt and the party at the end), medical person (has to escort every person with a medical issue-nor recommended, very boring), mail person, knowledge person (writes the POD), watch coordinator (makes watch bill). You can sign up for collaterals on the bulkhead outside your passageway. As a prior you may sign up for something and then they may select someone else. Just a reminder that ODS was not meant for priors. It is designed to quickly militarize civilians. Prior enlisted appear to be mostly used as peer review. Enjoy your raise and help out your fellow sailors.

Hey! I'm going to ODS this summer. How exactly are uniforms paid for. I'm under the impression that I need $2,000-$3,000 available the first day to pay for it. Or do we pay at the end? Thanks!

Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

My uniforms costed $2,400. I went to ODS in the winter and had to buy the winter parkas and overcoats that are more expensive. I believe we paid for everything at the end, most people applied for and used a 'military star card' for a 10% (which is $250). I cancelled the card after leaving ODS. You receive a $400 uniform allowance.

Thanks for the help!

I am SO SO happy I came across this blog!!! I go to ODS (I think) in late Feb, after I graduate nursing school and have a few questions I have been so stressed about knowing the answers to, and I cannot seem to find them anywhere! First off, as the hair goes, are sock buns still permitted? I saw a post in 2012 saying yes, but if so, I need to mentally prepare myself for the haircut :/. Secondly, as stated, I will be graduating in December of this year and was wondering how the process works regarding the NCLEX (if I don't pass the first time, hopefully that won't be the case) and the steps following it. Next, and probably most importantly, I had been under the impression I would be going to OCS, but after doing some research, it looks as I will be attending ODS, is this accurate?? Lastly, does anyone have any tips when it comes to training for the running? I was a sprinter and jumper on the track team throughout college, but unfortunately, my body shuts off mentally after a quick mile. I need help with a training program so hopefully by ODS I won't have any issues. I also got stationed in Portsmouth, so hopefully I'll be lucky enough to train with you! Thanks so much!!!

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