How does NAPS work?

lukepeoples

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
81
I'm half-expecting an appointment to NAPS, if anything, within the next couple of weeks and I'm wondering:
-How does the orders process go?
-Will they authorize leave before reporting?
-Do we need to bring our uniforms (NWUs, Coveralls, Blues, Whites, Outerwear, MARPATs, NSUs etc...)
-Are roughout boots allowed? Coraframs (spelling?)
-Are we eligible for BAH if we have household goods?
-Are we eligible for advancement?
-Are we still in the EMPARTS system for deployments that would interrupt our education?
-When will we need to start applying to USNA again?
-Will we need to apply for nomination from other sources, if so, when should we start?
-When do NAPSters usually report?
I know that a lot of these questions are probably elsewhere, but I would like to ask you guys, since a few of you are either already there or wondering the same things.
 
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I'm half-expecting an appointment to NAPS, if anything, within the next couple of weeks and I'm wondering:
-How does the orders process go?
-Will they authorize leave before reporting?
-Do we need to bring our uniforms (NWUs, Coveralls, Blues, Whites, Outerwear, MARPATs, NSUs etc...)
-Are roughout boots allowed? Coraframs (spelling?)
-Are we eligible for BAH if we have household goods?
-Are we eligible for advancement?
-Are we still in the EMPARTS system for deployments that would interrupt our education?
-When will we need to start applying to USNA again?
-Will we need to apply for nomination from other sources, if so, when should we start?
-When do NAPSters usually report?
I know that a lot of these questions are probably elsewhere, but I would like to ask you guys, since a few of you are either already there or wondering the same things.

If I remember right, you're currently enlisted, so I'll answer accordingly (if I know). I don't know how the orders process works for prior enlisted. Direct entries show up to the local Navy recruiting office and enlist under a special contract for two years (which ends after they graduate NAPS or DOR). Directs then receive orders from MEPS for when to report to NAPS. Most prior enlisted here were actually encouraged by their commands to take leave before reporting to NAPS. I'm not sure that's a great idea though. After graduation, direct entries can leave immediately since they are then discharged. Priors have to stay until plebe summer starts (about 6 weeks later). However, if you have leave accumulated as a prior, you could get some time to visit family/friends before reporting to USNA.

You will bring your uniform items with you to NAPS. Priors show up earlier than directs. The priors in my NAPS class showed up on July 12th or so (give or take a day or two) I believe, while I-day for directs was July 24th. Once I-day comes around, you will hardly touch your previous enlisted uniforms. I think you get to keep your old NWUs, but your silver nametapes will be replaced with gold ones. You will also get NAPS/USNA specific clothing/gear, such as Summer and Winter working blues, blue rim PEP gear, etc. I'm unfamiliar with EMPARTS, but barring WWIII, you will not be deployed while here.

You do not need to apply to the academy again. Your file will be automatically updated with the two SAT tests you take while here, your PRT scores, and any other relevant data. Directs need to apply to their congressmen for another nomination. Priors will get a nomination from the Secretary of the Navy. Congressional nomination applications are usually due around the month of November and the due dates vary with each congressman. IIRC, the VP nomination can be applied for as late as January 31. All directs are required to apply for every nomination source for which they are eligible.

You will not receive BAH while here. You will get BAS. Directs get paid as E-1s while priors retain their previous base pay. Most priors here are E-4s, with a few E-3's and E-5's around as well. About 50 priors were admitted for this year - class of 2013 (almost double that of the previous year's class from what we've been told). Both directs and priors get deducted nearly the same amount for battalion activities, uniforms, and all that, but priors obviously have quite a bit more to spare. Save it up. You'll miss that pay as a plebe.

Good luck! :thumb:
 
Are vehicles authorised? How much storage space is available? I have two full seabags of uniforms and another three of civilian clothes, so I know I will probably need to leave some stuff at home. I'm one of those guys that rarely wears his uniform so I must ask: If I only have one set of NWUs, NSUs, etc... will they issue more? Which uniforms don't you wear? If I'm not going to be wearing let's say... Enlisted Dress Whites, I won't bring them.

I have a bit of leave saved up (only take it at holiday stand-down) so I will definitely go home for a couple days before hand.

I heard word that a shipmate that was similar to me got into NAPS so I am confident that I can get in, so I will prepare for my hopes.
 
Vehicles are authorized. You'll receive a NAPS sticker to place on your vehicle once you register your vehicle with the base. You can only use vehicles on liberty though.

As far as storage space goes, each NAPSter has a conlocker with a bookcase with shelves that goes to about head level, a short rack to hang clothes on, and a little bit of other space. 5 seabags will make things a bit cramped in the locker (basically a walk-in closet), but they'll fit just fine. Many of the priors here have more personal items than directs since they've usually been living on their own for an average of about 2 years.

Priors here 99.9% of the time wear the exact same thing as directs, except that they can wear warfare pins, etc. that they have earned. The uniforms authorized for different occasions could always change next year though. I'd recommend you bring your uniforms, even if you might not use them the whole year. You'll be fine with one set of NWUs. Directs were only issued one pair anyway.

It's definitely nice to take leave before reporting. However, keep this in mind. Many priors here don't take leave over Christmas and Spring break so that they can have some time with family and friends in early June before plebe summer. If you don't have any leave saved up by then, you'll go directly from NAPS to USNA with no down time.
 
This is great information man, I really appreciate your input! I'll probably just take leave before and after NAPS, depending on whether or not my expected outcome comes true of course.
 
Hey I'm a prior-enlisted sailor that went to NAPS last year (2012) and am currently finishing my first year at the academy. If you have any other questions just respond to this post....
 
Hello

Enlisted airman here applying to USNA. I am very familiar with the application process. With this said I do have one question. I have asked this quite a bit around here hoping to get a few perspectives. When you got your COs recommendation did you write it up yourself? I am under the impression I write it up. Any pointers or advice is appreciated. Also I started but did not finish my application last year for 2017 do I need to start over again or may I use the same candidate number and online application I started,and use for class of 2018

ADAN SMITH
NAVSTA NORFOLK
JOEL.B.SMITH@NAVY.MIL
 
LOR

You do NOT write up your own letter of rec. If the individual you are requesting the letter from is willing to write you a LOR then that individual will "write the LOR". I have had many written for me and have written many for my Marines and have never been asked to write one for myself or asked my Marines to write one for themselves.
 
REPLY

Enlisted airman here applying to USNA. I am very familiar with the application process. With this said I do have one question. I have asked this quite a bit around here hoping to get a few perspectives. When you got your COs recommendation did you write it up yourself? I am under the impression I write it up. Any pointers or advice is appreciated. Also I started but did not finish my application last year for 2017 do I need to start over again or may I use the same candidate number and online application I started,and use for class of 2018

ADAN SMITH
NAVSTA NORFOLK
JOEL.B.SMITH@NAVY.MIL

To answer your first question, no you don't write up the recommendation yourself. The only thing I had to do was route up my SECNAV request. You get that from the OPNAV 1420.1B. Your CoC will do the rest.

For your 2nd question, yes, you will have to apply all over again for the class of 2018. I did the same thing twice...procrastinated because I didn't think I'd get in and had to apply to the next class. I was then sent to NAPS because I had been out of school for so long....I could have been with the class of 2014 if I didn't keep putting off my application, but hey I got in and that's all that matters now. Most of the application process is up to you. People in your command may not lend a helping hand, nor support you, but if you really want to get into the academy, you'll make it happen. Good Luck.

MIDN(AW) USNA 2016
 
Thank you for all the replies. Yes, help from my coc has been mostly figure it out yourself. With that said it is what I expected. This cleared up all my questions for the application thank you. Just waiting for my candidate number and going to knock out this application as soon as possible. People that have done is before from the enlisted side you guys have been a lot of help. I have read a lot on here of people's experiences, really has helped me out and gave me insight on the process. I most likely will end up at NAPS myself being out of school for almost two years. I actually don't mind and hope to touch up some of my math to. I want to go as prepared to USNA as I can. Look forward to being apart of such a unique experience.

Very Respectfully,
ADAN SMITH
 
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