I'm sorry you had that experience, but it certainly doesn't seem to be the norm. I'm familiar with the other person's thread...and I've heard of others that had their accounts frozen a month or so in because of elibility concerns...which is partially why I didn't move all of my banking activity to them. But, none of those issues appear to be widespread.
I applied online and things took about a week, which seems somewhat par for the course. I wonder if one is more likely to face issues when applying via CSR...as perhaps they open the account immediately and then security/verification gets involved after the fact. When I opened online, I needed to submit proof of address and ID a few days later before they could fully process my application.
Sorry this happened to you, but it's not really a reason to warn people against Navy Federal.
I had my accounts and funds locked up early on for weeks by the BSA department at Navy Federal. It was inconvenient, but everything is fine now and I love Navy Federal! 
@Anonymous wrote:Sorry this happened to you, but it's not really a reason to warn people against Navy Federal.
I had my accounts and funds locked up early on for weeks by the BSA department at Navy Federal. It was inconvenient, but everything is fine now and I love Navy Federal!
I agree with this sentiment. AND, sorry OP that sucks.
I applied for membership today via NLSD and will not start using the account for primary purposes for at least a couple weeks. i deposited the $5 for required savings and will make a deposit next week. After i am confident NFCU is satisfied i will start using direct deposit.
I am very excited to be a new member but understand there is a certain level of beaucracy involved with this credit union. The rewards for me far outweigh this inconvenience.