PHO Candidate Interviews/Finalization of the Application

Okay, so this will be a long one. But I have been too busy/lazy to update as it happens so this is what you get....


So this past Friday Oct 3, I had my Formal Consultant Interview with a Lt. Col out at Randolph. I would say his name, but as this is a public forum I suppose that wouldn't be the best idea. Anyway, the "interview" lasted for about an hour. He was suuuuuuuper nice, and very easy to talk to. No matter what anyone says, if they tell you not to be nervous, you inevitably will be more nervous than you would have initially. He asked me a few general questions, but it was more like an open conversation and he gave me a lot of opportunities to interact, ask questions, etc. The only real specific question that he had, that seemed as though it were an actual assessment of my qualifications was this:

Would you rather be the No. 1. Officer at a small base, or the No. 2. or 3. at a large base?

My answer:

It depends really. If I felt that I would be qualified and enough of a knowledgeable resource to sufficiently lead at a small base then yes, I wouldn't be opposed to being the only or head officer. On the same token, if I didn't feel that I was qualified to do so and would be better off working with other more knowledgeable officers, then I would also have no problem being the second or third in command. I would leave that up to those who are experienced in the field to determine where I would be best suited.

Well, I guess I answered that question right- he seemed very pleased with my overall package, educational background and my "interview". He also informed me that I would need a second informal interview with a PHO at Keesler. It has become a new requirement to have a face to face in person interview in addition to interviews that are conducted over the telephone.

So I had my "interview" with the local PHO yesterday. That lasted a bit longer, and was very informal. The Major I spoke with was also very cool. It was a random collection of thoughts really, not very many questions. Again, very laxed open conversation. We talked about assignments/bases, opportunities, Italy :), school, further education...

Before my last interview I also met with my recruiter and signed and initialed a bunch of forms. So essentially the application is done. We are waiting on a dependency waiver, which I need to fax the forms to my recruiter within the next few days. But we should meet again next week to make any revisions if necessary and do fingerprints for my security clearance. Essentially, the interviews were the last checks in the boxes on that looooong BSC application checklist. It feels great to finally have everything done. Now comes the waiting, but hey- I've waited this long, what's another month in a half....

LOL, if you know me, you realize that's a loaded comment.... I HATE WAITING!!!!