Well I've made a big decision...

[Hypnotic Toast]

And I've decided to join the Navy.

I've thought the military since my junior year in high school, but I decided to try the college experience first. This is my sophomore year and I'm just not into it. Sure the dorms were great and partying is fun, but I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything. That's not to say I'm not going to class and earning my degree, which I am, it's just that I can't see myself graduating and starting out at the bottom of wherever I go and working my way up for the rest of my life. Not to mention working off the debt that college is putting me in.

I decided against the Air Force because I'm not sure if I want to make this a career or not and I decided against he Army because...I just didn't want to join the Army. It seems that the Navy is a fine choice and I've talked to multiple people who have joined and a family friend who's out from 32 years and is now retired. At my age it just seems like it has so much to offer and the opportunities within it are endless. I look forward to traveling the world and experiencing things I've always wanted to, and most of this is going to happen at no cost to me.

The job I'm leaning towards right now is Damage Controlman, which is basically a fireman on a ship. If sh*t hits the fan, I'm the one they look to. Of course I haven't looked at all of the jobs offered yet, so I'm not completely sure.

So to anyone else who has joined and served, what was it like? I'm completely confident that I can and will succeed but I just like to listen to stories and experiences from other people.

 

[tony314]

I just got out of the Military. You'll love it. Just keep a pos. mind set while in Navy basic and you'll have some of the best friends and memories during your time in.

 

[vavet]

I did 10 years in the Army and Army Reserve and heard a lot of "my recruiter told me..." stories. Remember, recruiters are salespeople. They are under a lot of pressure to meet their quotas. The words coming out of their mouths are only as good as the altitude above you, the fuel left in the truck (instead of in your airplane's tank) and the runway behind you- in other words, worthless. Whatever is important to you needs to be in your contract. If you want a particular job, get it in the contract. There might be a contingency that you have to score a particular lever on the aptitude test to be eligible for it....fine, but as long as you make that minimum score, you should get the job.

Not trying to rain on your parade, but just don't go into it blind. Congrats on your decision.

 

[daniel3507]

a friend of mine just got kicked out of the navy. he's kind of a moron though

 

[cebailer]

i just got out of the navy .. 3 days ago after doing 4 years, i was an IT, i loved my job, i had alot of god times, DC isn't really a bad job , but you will be working alot , if you have any questions feel free to ask, i still have a ton of friends back on the ship and i can get you in touch with them

 

[fastpakr]

Have you considered taking a reserve contract instead?

 

[mjonesjr]

it's just that I can't see myself graduating and starting out at the bottom of wherever I go and working my way up for the rest of my life.

Good luck with not starting out on the bottom in the military. Seniority is a BIG factory in the military. Besides you will go in as an E1 (Seaman Recruit), which is the lowest pay grade in the military. Did you really think you would go in as an E5 (Petty Officer Second Class) or even an officer (you have to have a 4 year degree to be an officer)?

 

[aogden001]

A thought on what was said above.... Why not finish college, get the degree, and then join. If you have the 4 yr degree and start out as a lowest ranking officer it's a hell of a lot better than starting as the lowest ranking inlisted man.
I did my time back in 1980-1983 as a MP in the Army. A lot of good expeirence that I wouldn't trade for anything. My opinion is that most would benefit from a little time in the military. I said most not all so lets not start a flame war here.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I totally support anyone who wants to join any branch of the service, and if you do I salute you.

However don't be afraid to start at the bottom with a civilian job. I'm only 25 and started at a machine shop when I was 17, and now I'm a very well paid supervisor and get to travel around the country fixing CNC equipment on the company’s dime. If you have a good level head, attitude and strong determination you will go far no matter what you do with your self.

If I were you I’d finish up collage and take the next two years to think it over. Either way I’m sure you’ll be happy, and won’t regret your decision. Good luck.

 

[AllanD]

A thought on what was said above.... Why not finish college, get the degree, and then join. If you have the 4 yr degree and start out as a lowest ranking officer it's a hell of a lot better than starting as the lowest ranking inlisted man.
I did my time back in 1980-1983 as a MP in the Army. A lot of good expeirence that I wouldn't trade for anything. My opinion is that most would benefit from a little time in the military. I said most not all so lets not start a flame war here.

If you already have two years into colledge and have good grades
you could get "uncle" to pay you to finish your education
In return for a trip to OCS and four+ years of service when
you graduate....

Would you feel good about continuing school if you were no longer accumulating debt to do it?


AD

 

[fastpakr]

Yep, OCS would be a good option. At a minimum, you can be a contract E-2 if you get your transcripts to the recruiter. If you've got enough to pick up an associate's degree, you could also take a look at the Army's warrant officer helo program.

 

[mjonesjr]

If you've got enough to pick up an associate's degree, you could also take a look at the Army's warrant officer helo program.

You don't have to have an associates degree for the Warrant Officer flight program; it does look better though. The only requirement is that you score at least 110 on the GT portion of the ASVAB, and you score at least a 90 on the AFAST.

I am going through this process right now (I do have a degree thought). Just waiting on Ft. Rucker to approve my flight physical so I can do my review board, hopefully next month (September).

 

[fastpakr]

Interesting, I thought there was a minimum education requirement beyond high school.

 

[mjonesjr]

Interesting, I thought there was a minimum education requirement beyond high school.

Nope.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I would join ROTC. The navy will pay for your school and you will have an 8 yr navy contrct but as an officer and making bank. When you get out officers always get the better positions anyways. Being enlisted is great but no matter how high you go your always on the bottom.