THE BENEFITS OF BEING PROACTIVE

For enlisted, your Commander’s endorsement acts as a nomination. That’s a huge benefit, but don’t assume it’s all you need.

We recommend you notify your chain of command about your intentions early.

Here’s why:

You can’t apply once you’re 23 years old. So if you mess around, you’ll become too old to apply.

So, ask for feedback. If leadership doesn’t see you as a worthy candidate, you need time to work on your weaknesses.

Enlisted sometimes assume because they have a nomination, they’re an automatic admit. By no means. You have to compete with all the others. Obtaining a nomination is much easier than getting in.

The #1 problem that hurts enlisted is their academics. You need time to replace C’s in high school with A’s, and dust off the SAT prep books. Meanwhile you’re up against the clock with your age.

Be proactive.