What:
When:
Where:
Presented by:
STA-21 Program Career Day
20 February 2008, 0900-1000
Devary Hall, Bldg. C-9, NS Norfolk
LT David Boisselle, USN
(836-7935 or david.boisselle@jfcom.mil)
and NROTC Unit Hampton Roads
This presentation will inform potential enlisted fleet applicants
about attaining a STA-21 college scholarship, including eligibility
criteria, application procedures and program deadline. Other
officer accession programs will be discussed in brief.
AGENDA
 Program History
 Current Program
 Pay and Allowances
 Eligibility Requirements
 Program Options
 Education
 Commissioning
 Application
 References and Points of Contact
 Other Commissioning Programs
 Guest Speakers/Q&A
PROGRAM HISTORY
When Sailors today hear the term
“Seaman to Admiral,” no doubt former
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike
Boorda comes to mind. As a product of
an enlisted-to-officer commissioning
program in the early 1960s, Admiral Boorda
was the first CNO to have risen from the
enlisted ranks.
As CNO, Admiral Boorda immediately
reestablished the historic program, Seaman
to Admiral, for young Sailors to earn their
commission and become naval officers. The
admiral believed “people should have the
opportunity to excel, and be all they can
be, even if they don’t get a perfect or
traditional start.”
CURRENT PROGRAM
The Navy has combined most of
its commissioning paths into one
consolidated program, Seaman to
Admiral-21. This program is
designed to meet the goals of the
Navy in the 21st Century, while
creating a fair and equitable
system for outstanding active
duty Sailors to receive top-notch
college education and become
commissioned officers in the
Unrestricted Line, Nurse Corps,
Supply Corps, or Civil Engineer
Corps.
PAY AND ALLOWANCES
Participants in the STA-21 program will:
• Receive full pay and allowances for their
pay grade
• Be eligible for enlisted advancement
• Receive an education voucher of up to
$10,000 per year, paid to the university
for tuition, fees, and books
• Upon successful degree completion, be
commissioned as active duty Ensigns in
the U.S. Navy
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to apply to the STA-21
Commissioning Program, a Sailor must:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be a U.S. citizen
Be recommended by CO
Be a high school graduate/GED
Be able to complete requirements for
a bachelor degree in 36 months or less
Be able to complete degree and be
commissioned prior to 27th birthday
(some waivers)
Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better
SAT (min. 1000) or ACT (min. 41) within
three years of application deadline
Meet physical standards for appointment
PROGRAM OPTIONS
STA-21 allows Sailors to apply to the
Core Option or Target Group Option.
Students in Core Program will be
choose an Unrestricted Line community
in their senior year. (Offers most
flexibility in selecting a major and
requesting schools to attend.)
Students selected into a Target Group
Option will, upon commissioning, be
assigned to that option’s officer
community.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Pilot/NFO
Surface Warfare
(and SWO/IP)
Nuclear
(SWO & Surface)
Special Warfare
Civil Engineer
Supply
Nurse
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Special Operations
Special Duty Officer, Intelligence
Special Duty Officer, Information Warfare
Medical Corps
New!
 What designator to apply for?
 Aptitude and career desires
 Seek mentor(s)
EDUCATION
Selection into STA-21 will occur in the
fall of each year. Some selectees will
initially attend BOOST, then complete
Naval Science Institute (NSI), or report
directly to NSI.
BOOST is designed to offer an
individualized program of study to
assist in transition to college. BOOST
path may be 3 or 6 months long,
depending on student’s needs. Those
who are not designated to attend BOOST
will report directly to NSI. BOOST is
located at NETC Newport, RI.
EDUCATION
The Naval Science Institute (NSI)
Program is designed to teach officer
candidates the fundamental core
concepts of being a naval officer.
This program provides competency in
navigation, engineering, weapons,
military history, justice, etc. NSI
is located at NETC Newport, RI and
lasts 8 weeks.
Upon successful completion of
the STA-21 officer candidates
report to an NROTC affiliated
or university to pursue their
degrees.
NSI,
will
college
college
EDUCATION
STA-21 applicants make up to three school choices
during the application process, and CNET conducts
actual student placement to the schools after
selection into the program. This placement is
based on several factors including available
NROTC Unit openings, program option, etc.
While selectees are strongly encouraged to
pursue technical degree programs, participants
are free to choose their major areas of study.
Some of the many NROTC colleges
and universities include:
*
*
*
*
*
University of Arizona
San Diego State University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Notre Dame
ODU/HU/NSU
EDUCATION
Students in the STA-21 Program
will attend school full-time
year-round. All students are
required to complete degree
requirements in not more than 36
calendar months. STA-21 members
are required to be enrolled in
every academic semester offered
by the college or university.
Not all STA-21 students will
begin their college education at
the same time of year due to
planned phasing of the program.
Some may begin in the summer, others
in the fall, and still others in
the spring.
COMMISSIONING
After successfully earning a college
degree and graduating from his or her
respective college or university, the
officer candidate will be commissioned
an Ensign in the United States Navy.
Following graduation, newly
commissioned Ensigns are sent to initial
training for their officer community.
CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS or
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Sailors”
•
Sustained superior performance
•
Challenging and diversified assignments
•
Personal and professional education and development
•
Command and community involvement
•
Appearance and physical fitness
•
Leadership and maturity
•
Goal-oriented
APPLICATION
The STA-21 application is composed of two parts:
1. Part I (Initial Application Data—Online Form)
2. Part II (Mail-in)
a.
Must be postmarked by 1 July of application year
b.
Includes:
Personal Statement
Downloadable application form
Last five enlisted performance evaluations
SAT or ACT scores
Academic transcripts (HS/GED and college)
SMART Transcript
PFA Results
Interviewer’s Appraisal Sheets
Commanding Officer’s endorsement and recommendation
TIMELINE

31 Mar 08:
SAT or ACT deadline (recommended)

01 May 08:
Special Request Chit to CO

15 May 08:
Application package to Admin

31 May 08:
Interviewer’s Appraisal Board
and Nomination Review Board

15 Jun 08:
CO’s endorsement prepared

01 Jul 08:
Mailing deadline

XX Sep 08:
Selection board convenes

XX Oct 08:
Results announced by NAVADMIN
Lessons Learned

Clear, forceful, consistent endorsement from CO

Comments on leadership and potential

Interview boards of senior officers (DH+)

Personal statement explains weakness(es)

Personal statement highlights leadership exp.

Have mentor(s) proof personal statement

Obtain as much current college as possible

Letters of recommendation encouraged
TRENDS
•
More emphasis on technical majors
•
Early completion – Do you have your AA/AAS?
•
Encouraging more applicant diversity
•
PFA minimums are not good enough
•
Average SAT = 1200
•
Previous college credits – Math
•
Whole Person Concept – community involvement, outside
activities
•
FY07 STA-21 Selection Process:
- 800 applications received
- 595 application board eligible (due to errors)
- 200 selected (34%)
REFERENCES AND POINTS OF CONTACT
References:
OPNAVINST 1420.1A (Chapt. 8) [https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/opnavinst1420_1a_chap8.pdf]
NAVADMIN XXX/08 (approx. May)
Your Command Career Counselor
Points of contact:
The STA-21 program is managed and administered by
the Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC),
Officer Development.
On the Web:
E-mail:
Telephone:
https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/
PNSC_STA21@navy.mil
(850) 452-9563 or DSN 922-9563
LT David Boisselle, U.S. Joint Forces Command
david.boisselle@jfcom.mil or 836-7935
OTHER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS
 United States Naval Academy
 Officer Candidate School
 Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer
 Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program
 Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program
 Flying Chief Warrant Officer Program
 Direct Commissioning Programs
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Established in 1845, the Naval
Academy, located in Annapolis,
Maryland, is the undergraduate
college for the Navy that prepares
young men and women to become
to become professional officers
in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The Naval Academy ensures that
the best students from around the
United States are selected for
admission and that those who are
selected have the drive and
motivation to complete the
four-year program and excel as
Officers in the Navy or Marine
Corps.
On the Web:
www.usna.edu
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY - Eligibility
 At
least 17 years of age and must not have passed 23
on 1 July of year entering USNA
 Unmarried, not pregnant, no parenthood obligations
 Must obtain 1 of 85 SECNAV nominations
 Academically qualified (incl. SAT 1050 or ACT 46)
 SECNAV nomination requests due to USNA Admissions Office
by 15 February of year desiring entry
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS)
The 13-week OCS course has been
designed to give an individual a
basic working knowledge of the
high-tech naval establishment
afloat and ashore, to prepare that
individual to assume the
responsibilities of a naval officer.
OCS is open to qualified individuals
who possess a bachelor’s degree
and who are committed to the goal
of earning a commission in the
Navy.
The United States Naval Officer
Candidate School is located at
Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL.
www.nsgreatlakes.navy.mil/otcp/
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL - Eligibility
 At
least 19 years old and not more than 29 to 35
depending on designator. (Waivers for enlisted service.)
 Must possess a bachelor’s degree
 Must pass Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam. Pilot/NFO/
AMDO applicants must also take the Aviation Selection
Test Battery (ASTB).
 Marital status and dependents:
no restrictions
 No application deadline to COMNAVCRUITCOM
LDO/CWO
The Limited Duty Officer and
Chief Warrant Officer Programs
provide commissioning
opportunities to qualified senior
enlisted personnel.
LDOs and CWOs are technically
oriented officers who perform
duties limited to specific
occupational fields and require
strong leadership skills.
www.npc.navy.mil/Officer/LDOCWOCommunity/
LDO/CWO - Eligibility
 Be at least a PO1 (CPO SelBd eligible) for LDO or
CPO-select for CWO
 LDO: Must have completed at least 8 but not more than
16 years (15 for PO1) of active naval service
 CWO: Must have completed at least 12 but not more than
24 years of active naval service
 No age restriction
 Applications postmarked to NAVPERSCOM by 1 October
MEDICAL ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (MECP)
MECP is a commissioning program
specifically intended to provide an
advancement pathway to a commission
in the Nurse Corps, USNR.
Selectees for the program will
participate in a nationally
accredited academic program leading
to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
OPNAVINST 1420.1A, Chapt. 5
MECP - Eligibility
 Candidates must complete baccalaureate nursing degree
requirements and be commissioned prior to 35th birthday
 Accepted for acceptance to nursing school
 Marital status and dependents:
No restrictions
 Applications postmarked to NMETC Bethesda by 1 October.
MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS
IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM (MSC IPP)
The MSC IPP provides a pathway to an
officer commission for career
motivated enlisted to serve as:
 Health Care Administration (HCA)
 Physician Assistant (PA)
 Radiation Health Officer (RHO)
 Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
 Industrial Health Officer (IHO)
 Entomology
 Pharmacy
MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS
IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM (MSC IPP)
 Open to E-5 to E-9 (some rating restrictions)
 Must not have reached 42nd birthday by time of initial
appointment
 Qualifying degree
 Deadline for application to NMETC Bethesda is 26 August.
OPNAVINST 1420.1A, Chapt. 6
FLYING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER “PILOT” PROGRAM
Navy is seeking applications from highly-qualified and
hard-charging Sailors (E5-E7) for a “pilot” program to
place Chief Warrant Officers in cockpits as pilots and
naval flight officers.
30 selectees will be commissiond as CWO2, attend
LDO/CWO Indoctrination, and report to flight training.
Newly-winged aviators will attend FRS for ultimate
assignment to VP, VP(Q), VQ(T), HSC, and HSL squadrons.
Intent is to create “flying specialists” unencumbered
by traditional career paths of unrestricted line
officers. As such, Flying CWOs will rotate between
traditional aviation sea and shore commands, but remain
junior/division officers (vice DH and command track).
FLYING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER “PILOT” PROGRAM
Eligibility:
 Must be commissioned by 27th birthday
 Must possess associate’s degree or higher
 Physically qualified for aviation duty
 Must meet Aviation Standard Test Battery (ASTB)
minimums
 8 year minimum service obligation for pilot; 6 for NFO
 Application deadline to Pers-432V is 13 Jun 08
 For further info, see:
www.npc.navy.mil/officer/aviation/flying+cwo+program
DIRECT COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS
 Dental Corps
 Chaplain Corps
 Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG)
 Medical Officer
QUIZ!
1. STA-21 participants receive an education
voucher of how much, and what may it be used
for?
2. STA-21 participants must complete requirements
for a bachelor’s degree in how many months?
3. STA-21 participants must be commissioned prior
to what age?
4. STA-21 applicants must achieve what SAT or ACT
minimum scores?
5. T or F:
Non-citizens may apply for STA-21.
6. Applications must be postmarked to CNET by
what date?
“We are now faced with the fact, my
friends, that tomorrow is today. We
are confronted with the fierce urgency
of now. In this unfolding conundrum of
life and history, there is such a
thing as being too late.
Procrastination is still the thief of
time.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boisselle’s Recommended Reading

About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior – COL David Hackworth, USA (Ret)

The Killer Angels – Michael Shaara

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life –
Tony Dungy

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

My American Journey – Gen. Colin Powell

Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War – Mark Bowden

Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir – John McCain

Once an Eagle – Anton Myrer

Leadership is an Art – Max De Pree

It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy – D. Michael Abrashoff

On Becoming a Leader – Warren Bennis

John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy – Evan Thomas

The Greatest Generation – Tom Brokaw

1776 – David McCullough

The Gift of Valor: A War Story – Michael M. Phillips

The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset - John C. Maxwell

Read Navy Objectives for FY 2008 and Beyond, Navy Times, All Hands, and your local
newspaper
Phone:
683-4744
Or visit:
http://www.odu.edu/ao/hrnrotc
REFERENCES AND POINTS OF CONTACT
References:
OPNAVINST 1420.1A (Chapt. 8) [https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/opnavinst1420_1a_chap8.pdf]
NAVADMIN XXX/08 (approx. May)
Your Command Career Counselor
Points of contact:
The STA-21 program is managed and administered by
the Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC),
Officer Development.
On the Web:
E-mail:
Telephone:
https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/
PNSC_STA21@navy.mil
(850) 452-9563 or DSN 922-9563
LT David Boisselle, U.S. Joint Forces Command
david.boisselle@jfcom.mil or 836-7935