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.
