Remember this is a self reported forum. Don’t get too wrapped up in what you see. This is simply about putting your best package together. If you did that at the end of the day you can’t fault yourself in any way. In the military you have to learn a phrase.... ‘the worst they can do is tell me no.’ People apply for all kinds of things and get told no. You learn that you won’t get it unless you apply and all you can do is put your best package together and let the cards fall where they may. The military is honestly a long list of competing and applying for things; grad school programs, exchange programs, the best tours, follow on PME, Test Pilot School, Blue Angels, astronaut, command. That is just a few of many. I listed some pretty prestigious programs on there, but I list them, because I have friends who are or were all of them. You think my buddies who are astronauts thought they would get it? Nope, but they tried. As an officer, you will help your Sailors or Marines apply for all sorts of stuff, it’s your job to set them up for this, guide them and assist them. It’s all a learning lesson. You aren’t out of the game. If you get a TWE, your response to it will be a huge lesson to who you are as a young man forging your future. Hang in there and keep working on Plan B and beyond while your Plan A plays out.