There are many paths to becoming an officer in the U.S. Navy, but the journey that leads to acceptance in such a program is not to be taken lightly. For Naval Aircrewman Avionics 1st Class Dominic Ganze, it was a process that spanned three tours and nine years.

For many young Sailors, life at an aviation squadron just out of “A” school is not easy. Moving to a new area, devoid of family and friends, they are faced with the overwhelming task of learning their job and position in a large, complex and operational squadron.

Additionally, these Sailors will be faced with hectic workups and eventual deployment. In a Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ), these issues are multiplied due to forward deployment year-round to multiple detachment sites.

During Ganze’s first tour assignment to VQ-1, he met and was mentored by several prior enlisted officers who introduced him to both the Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs. These mentors ignited Ganze’s aspirations of earning a commission. Subsequently, Ganze enrolled in online courses to begin his work toward completing his Bachelor’s degree.

The STA-21 program is a collaboration of what used to be multiple enlisted-to-officer accession programs including: Seaman to Admiral, Aviation, Nuclear, and Civil Engineering Corps Enlisted Commissioning Programs (ECP, AECP, NECP, CECP) and the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST). Sailors are able to retain all the benefits of active duty service in addition to receiving up to $10,000 coverage a year to pay for college expenses.

OCS is a 12-week program led by Navy lieutenants, chief petty officers and Marine Corps drill instructors designed to commission both unrestricted (those eligible for command at sea) and restricted line officers. It is designed for those who already have a college degree, or those who will be able to complete one by the beginning of their class date. 

After nearly a year of preparation, Ganze submitted his package to STA-21 in July 2008 while continuing to work on completing his degree. He was informed a few months later that he was not selected, and at that time decided that finishing his degree and submitting a package to OCS would be the best option.

In March 2010, while serving as one of the first enlisted cadre members of the newly formed VQ Weapons and Tactics Unit, Ganze graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He immediately submitted his OCS package to be seen by the selection board in July.

While deployed with VQ-2, he was informed that he was a non-selectee. However, with the help of his detachment officer-in-charge, intelligence officer and commanding officer, he was able to submit a more competitive package for the next board.

Before returning home from deployment and after some significant hurdles, Ganze received notice that he was accepted to OCS. He is slated to begin training in August 2011 to be commissioned as an Intelligence Officer.

“It takes determination, dedication and persistence,” Ganze said. “At times it seemed the light at the end of the tunnel was very dim, and speed bumps can and will arise — both professional and personal.