Ensign Select

Aaron first joined the Navy in 1992. From his initial enlistment way back then it has been his goal to put on khaki. For those of you who don't know, there are only certain ranks that wear a khaki uniform. On the Enlisted side, he would need to become a Chief Petty Officer (E-7) to put on khaki. The other option was to become an officer.

He never reached that goal during his active duty enlistment. He made it throught the ranks just fine he just didn't spend enough time in the Navy to reach those levels. Since joining the Reserves in 2002 he has been working towards this goal. Last year when we first moved here to Colorado he put in a package for the Officer program. Unfortunately, the recruiter who was handling his paperwork did not do his job and missed an important piece of paperwork for Aaron's package.

This year he was given the option for an early promote to Chief. In February he took his Chief's exam (you have to take a test for promotion) and turned in two officer packets. Once those things were done he just had to wait for the results.

Monday night he got a phone call telling him that he did great on his Chief's exam and was now board eligible. After passing the test you have to send a package of paperwork to the Chief's board and then they decide if you will become a Chief or not. He was thrilled and started making a list of things he needed for his packet. Tuesday morning he got another phone call. This one was from his officer recruiter telling him that he was selected for Officer from one of the officer boards. They are still waiting on the results for the second officer board. Either way though, he is now becoming an officer.

He is so excited about his accomplishments. Officer was his ultimate goal so he will be taking that option not the Chief option. He has some more paperwork and a physical to complete. He also has to go to Rhode Island for a 3 week class. Then we will be doing his ceremony. We also now have some new uniforms that we have to purchase.