The Road to Direct Commission Officer School

The Road to Direct Commission Officer School.

The next step for me was DCO School in Newport, RI. My first mistake in making DCO School happen was to think I could make things move in a forward fashion in just a couple of weeks. I was wrong. The classes are limited in size thus a request must be made to reserve a seat in a upcoming class. All readiness categories must be complete before orders can move and, again, my security clearance would play a role. I, mistakenly, took vacation from work thinking all these things would move smoothly in getting me to Newport. I, sadly, started to realize that I had over two weeks of vacation coming and I realistically may not have anywhere to go! As fast as I could, I completed all my needed tasks. Online training and medical requirements were just a few of the things I had to complete to be ready for DCO. Just when I thought my orders would be in the clear, I was informed by the NOSC personnel I needed a complete security clearance to attend DCO.  At this point, there was no definitive estimate for completion. I felt like I had come so far to make this happen I reverted back to my plan of attack while going through the recruitment stages. I emailed the commanding officer (CO) of DCO School in Newport. Now as a “seasoned” Naval Officer, I realize my move took a hard right on the chain of command. Not a good move as one is launching a new career. After several exchanges, I was informed a temporary clearance could be issued. I was then  tasked with completing a temporary paper security clearance application. After completing the 125 page paper application with several revisits, my clearance was submitted and I began to watch my orders move through the chain to get me to Newport. My orders were finally approved making my next step to schedule my travel. To travel for all branches of the military, the Defense Travel System (DTS) must be utilized. This web site maybe the most feared and despised site in all the US Military. With no user friendliness associated with DTS, I asked anyone I knew for help navigate DTS. Everyone I spoke with had only difficult stories to share. My next move was to turn to Youtube.com……the ultimate in education help. Sure enough there were several videos that were very helpful and finally DTS was complete. 

My final step in preparing to head to Newport found me at the base uniform shop. Dress blues, boots, khakis, socks, dress shoes and belts were now all part of my fashion repertoire. Having a mentor present is a must. The uniforms are very expensive and some items are only suggested. Direction in collar devices, belt placement,  boot lacing are only a few directions the mentor will help with. The uniform process can be overwhelming with the number things needed for DCO. Don't leave home without your mentor.  A few weeks later, I was shinning shoes, cutting strings, placeing collar devices and making every attempt to look like a correctly outfitted Navy Medical Corp Officer.