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There are numerous programs that give enlisted Sailors a path to a commission. They range from the Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program, which allows selected applicants to earn a bachelor’s degree and become an Ensign, to the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) programs, which offer a commission to senior enlisted Sailors who epitomize technical expertise and leadership in a particular rate.
Lt. John Hall, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) air department, earned his commission through the STA-21 program.
“I decided pretty early on in my career that I liked the Navy and what it stood for, that it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Hall. “I saw the commissioning program not only as a way to exercise my full potential, but to give back to an establishment I’m grateful to for the opportunities and experience it provided.”
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Zachary Perez, assigned to Ford’s weapons department, was recently accepted to attend Officer Candidate School, and identified persistence as an essential factor in his application process.
“It’s not easy,” said Perez. “It requires months of boards, paperwork, interviews, and earning endorsements and letters of recommendation. The process is daunting, but don’t lose sight of your goal. Many people see the school and paperwork as a mountain, but you can climb it one step at a time. It takes persistence. Work on it every day.”
Even more integral, according to Perez, was guidance from those who had gone before him.
“Mentorship is key,” said Perez. “Have a support system. Finding a good mentor, someone who knows the program, is everything.”
Sailors in need of the same guidance can turn to Ensign William Batten, a prior enlisted Sailor and Ford’s educational services officer.
“For anyone interested in officer programs, the Educational Services Office is the place to go,” said Batten. “There’s a plethora of opportunities, and we can give the ins-and-outs of each one. We’ll go over the instructions and build a package together. Here we can even help with schooling to bolster applications. Make our office your first stop.”
The road to commissioning may be long, but those who have walked it assure the destination is worthwhile.
“It’s not easy, it requires a lot of commitment, but the outcome is absolutely worth it,” said Hall. “The experience is worth it.”
“The Navy is full of opportunities; you just have to take them,” said Perez. “Keep going every day.”
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2017 10:30 |
| Story ID: | 255097 |
| Location: | AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The Path to Commissioning, by PO3 Joshua Murray, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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