I am currently a 1/C Mid in NROTC and just finished my nuke interview for subs. After the interview there we had a choice of picking being a stashed ensign at our ROTC unit or doing OHARP back home. I chose OHARP because it seemed like a good opportunity to spend some more time back home before the fleet and my ROTC unit is already pretty big and would not hurt having one less ensign working there. My hometown is also probably a gold mine for potential NUPOC applicants. I was wondering what my chances of being able to do OHARP is and if I don't get it, why that is the case.
Herman_Snerd
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There are no age or rank limitations to participate in OHARP per the official SWO-related site. It seems obvious but OHARP are recruiting assignments of varying length and they prefer candidates who have some tie to the area - hometown, went to school there, etc. If you and 15 people from say the University of GA or nearby hometowns apply to go OHARP while waiting to start power school, and they are seeking 4 participants, then likely your odds would be lower. If you apply to an area they need more help in, well, there ya go. (Needs of the navy). Chances cannot be determined here unless a PNS or other in-the-know alum has general stats like "no one is turned down" or some such gouge.
Spending all day with Navy recruiters, recruiting.... hmmm, all yours! Kidding aside, I get the appeal based on other reasons, especially being back home for a while. The submariners in training at power school that I know from this year didn't have much of a life - they can't take study materials home, so they go to class, then study on-base for hours, then go get a few hours sleep - lather, rinse, repeat. Then those in advanced training and in the fleet spend at times months away from families or longer. so good luck and I hope you get that window at home before reporting down in Charleston.
I participated in the OHARP program as an LTjg in the early 90's Chicago area under official TDY orders. I was between duty stations (my first ship and a Washington DC assignment) and I was looking for something cool to do. If I recall correctly, there was some sort of selection process by BUPERS to ensure the candidate would be a positive role model and represent the navy well for officer recruiting. I was assigned to the navy recruiting station HQ to support officer recruiting - basically NROTC outreach only. You'll visit area high schools and give presentations and answer questions about the navy and NROTC selection process. I had the opportunity to review candidate records, provide advice and conduct informal interviews. All great PR for the navy! Bottomline, there was a review process by the detailing shop....I don't think you'd have a difficult time if you've passed your NUPOC interviews...but timing is everything for TDY orders.
It might depend on a couple things like proximity to a Navy recruiting office and length of time before you ship out to Nuke school. No recruiting station nearby, and they probably won't be able to send you back to your hometown. If you're shipping out to Nuke school very quickly after commissioning, probably won't send you.
GWU PNS (emeritus)
George Washington University Capital Battalion
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Separate issue for you to nail down. Who will be writing your initial fit report if you go O-HARP. Your nuke school will expect that a fireplace has been written. Not all of the units understand this, so make sure you have that well under control.