Thinking about the Navy

j allen

So, I'm debating joining the Navy. Bascially, at this point, my life is going nowhere. I'm out of school, but there is very little in the way of opportunity in the area. I don't make enough to finance job hunting excursions away from here, and I make too much to qualify for much in the way of financial aid to go back and work on my bachelor's. I despise my job, and know it's a waste of my time and abilities, plus my salary is capped unless someone above me quits. Even if I do move up, I'll still be miserable, and be taking on additional responsibilities that aren't proportional to the additional pay.

A close friend of mine who is in the service suggested that I might look into the nuclear operations electronics tech job. It certainly seems relevant to my interests. Anyone have any thoughts to share on this? I think I may call the local recruiting office on my next day off unless I find a compelling reason not to do so.

Thanks in advance for any input.

nooshinjohn

The Military is among the most noble of professions. I would however look into ROTC programs that you may qualify for BEFORE enlisting. Better to be an Officer than enlisted, and if I could do it again, I would have done exactly that.

RuSsMaN

How old are you? You say just out of school, so I'm assuming 18-25.

Research it, make your own decision, but I say GO FOR IT. You'll see the world, you'll be a part of something, and you won't be worrying about where next months mortgage payment is going to come from. If I had joined when I was 18, I'd be retired TODAY.

woodhead 2

Great way to get some free training, see the world, and meet some of the best friends you will ever have. I put four years in and no regrets.

Mike Kozak

I was going to join the navy with a hight school buddy, but I was only 17 when I graduated and Dad said no way, the military is not like it was when he was in it. No kidding, really?? Anyway my friend ended up becoming a Navy Seal. Shoulda woulda coulda.

Polkersince85

Quote:" I might look into the nuclear operations electronics tech job"

Go for it. We had a President that was a Navy "nookeer" engineer. Maybe not the best one but he did become President.

dcmeigs

I say go for it. When I graduated from High School (1974) there was a world of opportunity out there and tuition was only $300 a semester. Today, I don't see that much opportunity for a young man as this recession drags on and on and on and I don't think I need to tell you anything about the cost of education. The Navy could be the adventure of a lifetime for you but I caution you, as others have, that you might prefer the life of an officer to that of an enlisted man.

Hawkeye

If your considering the Navy, I have some advice for you. This advice comes from 20 years of active Naval service. I joined as an E-1 and retired as an E-8 at 38 years old.

First, do you like boats? There are usually 6 month deployments where you may or may not hit many ports. While at sea, there are long hours. For most of my career, I worked a minimum of 12 on 12 off. Could me more on than off time depending what's going on.

Can you take the dirty grunt work for your first year or so? Scubbing the toilet, peeling potatoes, washing dishes, sorting laundry. Being told when you can and can't go on vacation or leave the ship.

Do I sound negative? No, just a realist. While I did all of the above things and more, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

If your prepared for some of the above and more, you'll receive great training, a solid paycheck, a chance to see the world and make some life long friends.

Ask the recuiter about the not so pleasant things you may experience. If he or she is worth their salt, they will talk about it because it is fact of military service. I took the good and bad, and for the most part, the good outweighed the bad when looked at on the whole. The Navy provided my family with a good, not extravagant lifestyle. When my kids got sick, the medical was there and no money out of my pocket. The paychecks come like clockwork every 2 weeks. No overtime, but liberal time off makes up for it.

It is a fine thing to try. If you have any other question or concerns, fire away. I'll give you the unvarnished version.

Gordon

j allen

RuSsMaN wrote: »

How old are you? You say just out of school, so I'm assuming 18-25.

Research it, make your own decision, but I say GO FOR IT. You'll see the world, you'll be a part of something, and you won't be worrying about where next months mortgage payment is going to come from. If I had joined when I was 18, I'd be retired TODAY.

24. And yeah, I'm tired of this feast or famine crap, where I get a check for 100 hours followed by a check for 72. The big check has to pay for the past-due bills that went unpaid when I got the small check. It's a wonderful cycle.

My buddy cautioned me that he hates it, until he thinks about what it was like living in Dayton, then he likes his job again.

kawizx9r

j allen wrote: »

24. And yeah, I'm tired of this feast or famine crap, where I get a check for 100 hours followed by a check for 72. The big check has to pay for the past-due bills that went unpaid when I got the small check. It's a wonderful cycle.

My buddy cautioned me that he hates it, until he thinks about what it was like living in Dayton, then he likes his job again.

Depends what you make of it.

I'm only 25 having already done 4 years in the Marine Corps and a few tours to Iraq.

Tell you what, I may have had some really bad experiences out there but I've also had some of the best in my entire life. Not to mention the friends you make

Do I regret it? Hell no. Sometimes I just want to go back in.

Semper Fi Bro
-Freddy

j allen

Quote isn't working for me, but in response to Hawkeye in #8, my only experience with boats has been small lake craft, but I loved it.

Also, I routinely clean human **** off of walls, toilet handles, and out of sinks, because I refuse to ask my employees to do it. So yeah, I guess I'm alright with the dirty jobs... Also of note: our customers are disgusting.

sucks2beme

I almost became a Navy nuclear tech for a sub. The enlistment would of been for 6 years.
I ended up signing up in the USMC doing air traffic control
electronics. The question is, what appeals to you most?
Don't overlook the US Coast Guard, either. The guys with the best
gig are in the Air Force. Best food, best housing, more women around.
Any women around a USMC base(both on and off base) were pretty much hags.
The only way to tell a female Marine from a male Marine was their hair was longer.

And they were a lot meaner.

dcmeigs

sucks2beme wrote: »

Don't overlook the US Coast Guard, either.

I always imagined that the USCG would be the best gig. But then I began to wonder that there must be Coast Guard bases in the Aleutian Islands.

danger boy

it seems that you've thought about it some already. and have weighed the options.. I say go and join the Navy... it might just change your attitude for the better and open up some doors.. you're young enough that after you serve your time.. you could also have a very long career ahead of you.. all things point to it going your way.

fatchowmein

j allen wrote: »

So, I'm debating joining the Navy. Bascially, at this point, my life is going nowhere. I'm out of school, but there is very little in the way of opportunity in the area. I don't make enough to finance job hunting excursions away from here, and I make too much to qualify for much in the way of financial aid to go back and work on my bachelor's. I despise my job, and know it's a waste of my time and abilities, plus my salary is capped unless someone above me quits. Even if I do move up, I'll still be miserable, and be taking on additional responsibilities that aren't proportional to the additional pay.

A close friend of mine who is in the service suggested that I might look into the nuclear operations electronics tech job. It certainly seems relevant to my interests. Anyone have any thoughts to share on this? I think I may call the local recruiting office on my next day off unless I find a compelling reason not to do so.

Thanks in advance for any input.

1. Are you wanting to join the Navy because you've always thought about it and the current economic situation is just one more reason to join?

2. Are you wanting to join the Navy because you're up the creek without a paddle and the military is the only available employer?

If your answer is #1, you'll be able to overcome any obstacles while you're serving because it'll be an adventure. I say go for it.

If your answer is #2, you'll be constantly comparing how bad things are while you're in it versus how badly off you were before it. Give it more thought and make sure you're not jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. #2 isn't a wrong answer. Just know why you're doing it and accept the bumps along the way if you do join.

Good luck

bsoko2

kawizx9r wrote: »

Depends what you make of it.

I'm only 25 having already done 4 years in the Marine Corps and a few tours to Iraq.

Tell you what, I may have had some really bad experiences out there but I've also had some of the best in my entire life. Not to mention the friends you make

Do I regret it? Hell no. Sometimes I just want to go back in.

Semper Fi Bro
-Freddy

Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Semper Fi, Bill

apphd

Lots of good advice that you should read over many times and think about. Some of what you are unhappy with now, may be experienced in the military as well. As others have said maybe even think about other branches as well. Do some soul searching as to what you want now and in your future then research which branch might get you there best. I am one that thinks there should be a mandatory hitch for all right out of high school. IMHO it builds a better person out of you on many different levels.

And yes the USAF food was pretty good

What ever you decide, make sure it is for you, and good luck.

SCompRacer

Hawkeye wrote: »

First, do you like boats?

This brings back a fond memory of by brother Chester (RIP). He was a Chief, Surface ET, and he got out with his twenty in the late ‘80’s. He didn’t like sea duty, and opted for six months at McMurdo. IIRC, that duty kept him off a boat four years. The six months turned into a year when his replacement had a family emergency and he said “Hell yes, I can do another six!” (excited to stay off a boat until he retired). The letters he wrote while there and eventually mailed got really strange by the end of that year.

Hawkeye

It is damn tough at sea. I grant the point that it is not as tough as on the ground as some of our folks are doing. We always had three hots and cot with sheets every night. Maybe not clean, because we had to hot-rack on the old boats. That means when another guy got up, you got in. You shared a bed. Not too much of that happening anymore.

Today in the Navy, you have the internet and email. We had the post office and IMARSAT, a radio phone that one had to say "over" after each sentance! OK, I'm old:eek:

I work with young and old sailors, officer and enlisted everyday. I think they are a fine group of people, and would not hesitate to serve with them, or recommend Naval Service to my kids. My daughter joined the Air Force for her own reasons, one was not to hit the boat. She get's sick as a dog at sea!!

Gordon

Gadabout

Very good points brought up by the above posts and I'll add my .02

- IMO, the navy has the best training. They can't rely on civilians while they are on the ship (ssome other services employ as many civilians as they do military). (No, I was in the Army and still believe this to be true.)

- Nuclear tech last I heard was a six year hitch, due to the length of training but there are some decent signing bonuses and bonus for re-up.

- There is a catch, to the nuclear techs. You have to pass the schooling. (Not saying you won't) If you flunk out, they get to do with you as they will till the end of your contract. My MOS was 92B (Medical Laboratory) we started our AIT class with 120 folks, by the end of the 7 months of training we were down to graduating 66. Maybe that is an more an indication of who the Army teased with this MOS to get them to reenlist, but I was shocked and the number of folks that couldn't pass the school.

- You said you had some college. (I think) Make sure you talk to the recruiter about going in as an advanced rank (E-2 or E-3) because of it.

- If you thinking about anything in the Military go take the ASVB (?) test. The test score will determine what training you will be able to request when you sign up. There is no commitment to take the test and the recruiter will want to know your score and what you can qualify for before he starts getting down to details.

- Another option you might consider for a safe play, is perhaps going reserves first. (Although this might limit some of the training they are willing to give you). After Boot and AIT, you can always go active if you like it. You could at least talk to the recruiter about it as an option.

To sum up, I think it's a great idea you are considering it. Sit down and think about after your talk with the recruiter. Discuss it with family and friends and weigh their opinions. Make the decision that is right for you. In your later years, as you look back on your life, I don't think you will regret any military service. I know lots of people that have served and not one of them regrets the time they spent in the military.

Scott

Sherardp

I almost signed up for the Army but ended up going USMC. I felt I wanted the hardest, craziest stuff the military had to offer. 13 weeks later; I was well trained and ready to go. As Kawi said, some of the best times of my life during my 8 yr bid. Zero regrets on my end, I still work with the military today and get tons of respect. My given rank, GS15 now and having fun with the guys even though I'm working for Deere.

On the real aspect of things, the Airforce is a people place, the Navy you will be underway quite a bit if your stuck on ship so lots of deployment, the Army is busy with the war so it's a promise you will up in Afghan, the Marines is not a people place, its good stuff and hardcore. They are known for 1st to fight, and all the other quotes you've heard for a reason. I respect each branch, but if I was fresh out of school today I'd join the Airforce.

renowilliams

I think that joining the military for a young person is never a bad idea. As stated by others you will have the opportunity to do and see things that you might never have otherwise. You will also develop skills which will help you in later jobs and in life.
I joined the Canadian military at 17 years old and did see the world in my 15 years of service. During my service I spend 2 years on a search and rescue team, 8 years as an aircraft technician and finally 5 years doing NDE which I still do for a living today. I also had the honor of serving for 2 years with the US Navy.

One other thing to consider is that employers tend to like to hire honorably discharged servicemen and servicewomen.

Good Luck

danz1906

Go for the Air Force!!

obieone

If you don't have a college degree, I'd recommend one of the NON-nuclear engineering trades in the Navy. The following is just a brief description with their primary responsibilities

GS: Gas turbine Systems technician, either electrical, or mechanical; The navy uses General Electric Gas Turbine Engines(LM2500) for main propulsion. Destroyers, Cruisers, and Frigates.

EN: Engineman, diesel mechanic(train engines), and air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics. Smaller amphibious ships, LPD, LSD class.

MM: Machinist Mate, steam plant mechanic, also air condititioning and refrigeration. Larger amphibious ships, LPH's LHD's and LHA's

EM: Electicians Mate, basically what the title says, electrian(industrial)

HT: Hull Technician, pipefitting, welding, plumbing and carpentry(damage control) any platform.

The 1st 4 positions can result in an EOOW letter(Engineering Officer Of the Watch), which basically qualifies you to run a power plant. Not a job you'd walked straight into, but DEFINITELY helps get you in the door.

There are plenty of opportunities in the Navy, just don't get stuck in a dead end job like supply, admin, or operations. Very limited reward for those piplines in the civilian world.

Mike Kozak

My parents former priest retired from the Navy as a Captain! Pretty high up the ranks as I understand. Great guy.

j allen

fatchowmein wrote: »

1. Are you wanting to join the Navy because you've always thought about it and the current economic situation is just one more reason to join?

2. Are you wanting to join the Navy because you're up the creek without a paddle and the military is the only available employer?

If your answer is #1, you'll be able to overcome any obstacles while you're serving because it'll be an adventure. I say go for it.

If your answer is #2, you'll be constantly comparing how bad things are while you're in it versus how badly off you were before it. Give it more thought and make sure you're not jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. #2 isn't a wrong answer. Just know why you're doing it and accept the bumps along the way if you do join.

Good luck

Answer is sort of number 1. It isn't something I've always thought about, so much as something I've started thinking about in the past several years.

Lot of the jobs around here are civil service, and military folks getting out get huge preference in candidate selection. If I decide to come back home after a bit (say, end up not liking it and don't re-up after 6 years), I could basically walk on to a job at the base.

Really, the main thing I want at this point is a good job, where I can be challenged, and have the opportunity to advance. Oh, and a degree, but I understand they offer pretty nice tuition stuff.

Oh, and an adventure is always nice

obieone

Well, the 1st thing you have to do is take the ASVAB. That'll tell you what strengths you have.
And I hope you like firefighting. That's kind of a requirement.:p
Or repelling sharks. Your choice:eek:

j allen

obieone wrote: »

Well, the 1st thing you have to do is take the ASVAB. That'll tell you what strengths you have.
And I hope you like firefighting. That's kind of a requirement.:p
Or repelling sharks. Your choice:eek:

As far as the ASVAB, I'm fairly confident. I'm good at basically everything except relating to people. I can write when I sit down and think about it, do math like a champ, and push myself to physically excel as circumstances require. I'm good at random memorization also, and can perform first aid on demand. (certified, but haven't renewed due to lack of need) I know I have to take that before I pursue anything further; that and get a meter thick stack of tattoo waivers... At any rate, we'll see about firefighting. I haven't done any except for small kitchen fires.

I'm going to talk to them tomorrow. We shall see what we shall see. If I can't get into something that I'm interested in, it's back to college for my happy <butt>.

nooshinjohn

j allen wrote: »

As far as the ASVAB, I'm fairly confident. I'm good at basically everything except relating to people.

The highlighted words trouble me a bit if you are thinking about the military or any other profession where your life and the lives of others are dependent upon each other. May I suggest working on the people skills a bit first? Take up a team sport or other activities that promote interaction with others as this may help.:)

Hawkeye

J, I'd like to commend you for your self examination! It takes a gutsy guy to say what did above. I think if you decide to enter any service, your knowledge of your strengths and weakness's can assist you in improving your people skills. People skills are an important part of military service if you aspire to a leadership position.

Good luck with the recuiter. Let us know how it goes and if any of us can offer further advice or recommendations.

Gordon

doctorcilantro

Coast Guard is an option too. Don't forget to sign up for the GI BILL; I paid for most of my B.A. and M.A.

good luck!