Tips on deferment

This is an email sent from OH to a student (who shall remain anonymous)

In July you will have the opportunity to apply for your internship and if deferment is what you desire, you ask for that pathway too. Deferments are based on the needs of the Navy at the time of selection. The Navy selection goals for full deferments are usually in critical war-time specialties. The official list will be released during the summer. In May of each year we have a training plan meeting that determines what specialties will be available for full deferments, and when they are determined, we post them via a class of 2012 group e-mail detailing which specialties will be available for a deferment.

Keep in mind that if you are applying for a full deferment, you should be fervent and apply wholeheartedly to the civilian match with the thought that you will be selected for a program. Do not apply for a full deferment unless you are totally committed and expect to match in a program that you are applying to. We will not put you in an unfilled position if you do not match. You will be required to find a preliminary internship and come back in after that internship.

Our recommendation is to study hard and do the best you can in your studies and Boards. The best way to ensure you get what you want is to be the best you can be and be competitive for the specialty you are asking for. If you are not a competitive candidate, you won't be selected. Additionally, make sure that you set aside time to interview with the respective Navy Specialty leader, as they decide who if any will be selected for a full deferment in their specialty, they are the consummate experts in their specialty.