Different Commissioning Sources for Aviation

[ChickenNuggets]

I was just now viewing the webpage of the NROTC unit at Kennesaw State University. On their NROTC page it says quote;

"OCS, NROTC, and USNA all commission 1000 officers per year. Each commissioning source has the same number of billets for all communities. You have an equal chance of gaining your preferred service selection [Aviation] from each commissioning source."

I wanted to know whether this quote is true and you have roughly the same chance of becoming an Aviation Officer.

 

[Kierkegaard]

I don’t know about the “equal chance” thing—kind of a meaningless statement as it comes down to the individual’s academic and physical qualifications. And in OCS, the candidate knows their designator before they attend.

I do remember hearing that the commissioning source for student naval aviators are roughly equal thirds from those three sources. But again, not really the question to be asking, unless you’re an actuary working for the air boss .

If you’re someone who wants to be a naval aviator, then the bottom line is to have good grades, do well on the ASTB, meet the physical qualifications, etc. Pick the commissioning path best suited to you. All of them produce lots of great aviators.

 

[nuensis]

Agreed, wrong question to ask. NROTC and OCS are way different from USNA, because there isn't one class. OCS is the best way to guarantee aviation--if you don't get it, you can walk out and wait until you do.

Sure, NROTC might have roughly the same proportion...nationwide across some dozens of units. OCS might have roughly the same proportion...across a dozen classes that year.

Don't think about the numbers game, you have no control over it. Think of service assignment as an individual effort. It's on you, it's not about your commissioning source.

The formula is always the same. Pick a major that will make you competitive. Participate in activities that will make you competitive. Get competitive grades. Meet the physical, medical, and academic requirements. Show interest in the community.