Made a Mistake

[BBF2003]

Hello all,

This is hard to write, as it's honestly just embarrassing. I missed one of my Senator's nomination application deadlines because I mixed up the due date. So at this point, I've applied for my MOC, and my other state Senator, and will apply for VP.

My question is, how "fatal" is this mistake? Is it as significant as I'm making it? Honest input is appreciated.

Although this is unfortunate, I'm going to look at it as a learning experience. I'm hoping it won't be detrimental, however.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MidCakePa]

The good news is that you’re still in play with two other MOCs. Because of that, wouldn’t say it’s fatal. If you get a nom, then the missed deadline is no big deal. If you don’t, it’s difficult to know if the other MOC would’ve made a difference.

It’s done, so move on. And as you say, file away this hard-earned lesson. In fact, there are at least two lessons here: (1) Pay attention to detail. (2) Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Great learnings to take with you as you pursue that officer’s commission.

 

[BBF2003]

The good news is that you’re still in play with two other MOCs. Because of that, wouldn’t say it’s fatal. If you get a nom, then the missed deadline is no big deal. If you don’t, it’s difficult to know if the other MOC would’ve made a difference.

It’s done, so move on. And as you say, file away this hard-earned lesson. In fact, there are at least two lessons here: (1) Pay attention to detail. (2) Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Great learnings to take with you as you pursue that officer’s commission.

My ALO informed me that my district is relatively not competitive, so that's a plus. But yes, definitely a learning experience, albeit a bit embarrassing. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Capt MJ]

Hello all,

This is hard to write, as it's honestly just embarrassing. I missed one of my Senator's nomination application deadlines because I mixed up the due date. So at this point, I've applied for my MOC, and my other state Senator, and will apply for VP.

My question is, how "fatal" is this mistake? Is it as significant as I'm making it? Honest input is appreciated.

Although this is unfortunate, I'm going to look at it as a learning experience. I'm hoping it won't be detrimental, however.

Thanks in advance.

You’ve gotten good input above.
When these kinds of user-fault errors occur in the military, it’s common to do a “safety stand down” or other pause to reflect, assess, learn, adjust.

Have you evaluated your action plan with associated deadlines for accuracy?
Is there anything you can do to improve your current planning/execution set-up to avoid other errors?
How can you avoid this in future?
What lessons have you learned about yourself? About planning and executing?
(These are rhetorical, not looking for answers.)

Staffs often collaborate within a state. Someone may mention in an interview, “We see you didn’t apply to Senator Flagwaver, why is that?” Do you have an answer prepared? “I learned a big lesson about double-checking details during this process after I discovered I had mixed up the application date for Senator Flagwaver. I used my error as an opportunity to do a baseline review of my entire application process and verify all due dates and status of action items. I know that junior officers are expected to pay attention to detail and now I know why.”

 

[BBF2003]

You’ve gotten good input above.
When these kinds of user-fault errors occur in the military, it’s common to do a “safety stand down” or other pause to reflect, assess, learn, adjust.

Have you evaluated your action plan with associated deadlines for accuracy?
Is there anything you can do to improve your current planning/execution set-up to avoid other errors?
How can you avoid this in future?
What lessons have you learned about yourself? About planning and executing?
(These are rhetorical, not looking for answers.)

Staffs often collaborate within a state. Someone may mention in an interview, “We see you didn’t apply to Senator Flagwaver, why is that?” Do you have an answer prepared? “I learned a big lesson about double-checking details during this process after I discovered I had mixed up the application date for Senator Flagwaver. I used my error as an opportunity to do a baseline review of my entire application process and verify all due dates and status of action items. I know that junior officers are expected to pay attention to detail and now I know why.”

Thank you for this; super helpful. I'll keep it in the back of my mind in case it is asked of me.

 

[JulietTengoWhiskey16]

Attention to detail INDEED!
My DS has a resume. The resume has been reviewed many many times by both his parents and many others. During his interview yesterday with his evaluator AOL he asked how he likes working at
DIARY QUEEN


They had a bit of a chuckle.

 

[BBF2003]

Attention to detail INDEED!
My DS has a resume. The resume has been reviewed many many times by both his parents and many others. During his interview yesterday with his evaluator AOL he asked how he likes working at
DIARY QUEEN


They had a bit of a chuckle.

lol. Noted, thank you.

 

[jl123]

Missing a deadline is never good - I doubt you will make that mistake again. Since you are from California, missing the deadline is not as bad as if you were from a small state, where the odds of a Senatorial nomination can be equal to that of a nomination from the district, and missing a deadline is more costly.

Your focus now should be on having a solid, well rehearsed answer if an interviewer asks why you didn't apply for a nomination from that Senator. Obviously, don't bring up the subject yourself, but be prepared for the question.

 

[BBF2003]

Missing a deadline is never good - I doubt you will make that mistake again. Since you are from California, missing the deadline is not as bad as if you were from a small state, where the odds of a Senatorial nomination can be equal to that of a nomination from the district, and missing a deadline is more costly.

Your focus now should be on having a solid, well rehearsed answer if an interviewer asks why you didn't apply for a nomination from that Senator. Obviously, don't bring up the subject yourself, but be prepared for the question.

Understood. Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.