Anyone recently graduating from ODS

littleluvbugnavy · Nov 20, 2011

Yes, please do! Going crazy with curiosity! :)

MURunner86 · Nov 25, 2011

Hehe, what would you like to know? I just graduated 14 OCT. Ask away :)

deftonez188 · Nov 25, 2011

I have a few if you don't mind:

1. Do you square away TMO before you go to ODS or while you're there? I'm trying to figure out how much time I have to move, and when, to reduce the stress of the event.

2. What one thing do you wish you had known before going?

3. Are prior service treated more harshly than new commissions?

4. Did you get any liberty? (I have family in RI)

singsongRN · Nov 29, 2011

MURunner...how long did it take to hear back from the board, once your app package was submitted? and will u most likely get your first duty station preference?

MURunner86 · Dec 4, 2011

My board met in late July, and I think I heard back the first week of August. They can't officially tell you until your commission is signed off on, which takes about 7 working days to go up to BUPERS, etc.

I did my household goods move before I left for ODS, and was so glad I did. In my situation, I was moving from east coast to San Diego. I had 9 days to get from RI to CA. Anything beyond that is charged leave. It behooves you to move beforehand unless it's a short distance move.

I wished someone had accurately portrayed ODS to me. They paint it as a cakewalk, and it isn't.

I wouldn't say more harshly. I am prior service myself, and you are pegged for leadership positions and more is expected of you, and perhaps rightfully so.

We did get liberty, but tell your family it is earned, not given. We had in barracks liberty the first weekend, on base liberty the second weekend, Newport liberty the third, and Boston the fourth weekend. Newport and Boston weekends would be the only times you'd be able to see your family on or off base.

singsongRN · Dec 5, 2011

Thank you! My first duty station preference is San Diego. I am also coming from the east coast...hopefully I get it...IF selected, of course.

deftonez188 · Dec 5, 2011

I wished someone had accurately portrayed ODS to me. They paint it as a cakewalk, and it isn't.

I'm prior service enlisted Air Force. I remember what boot camp was like back then, and I guess I can see how it might be harder for prior service who have already been there done that kinda thing to re-experience the same situation again - not particularly looking forward to it, but what are ya gonna do right?

I'll look into doing TMO beforehand. I finish this RN-BSN program this upcoming April, so I believe I should find out where they're shipping me soon. Fingers crossed for West Coast

Leadership positions at ODS? Some go-getter can step right up :)