Whats the Navy Like?

[dilligaffrn]

The Navy is about you serving your country, it is a way of life, not a job, if you go in understanding that, you will most likely thrive and love it.

I am proud to have served (and loved it all, the good and the bad).

[bigmike82]

"and he is a satellite communication engineer for Boeing"
This isn't IT in the private industry sense. Sat stuff is an entirely different animal, and those skills you pick up in the military can absolutely be used in the private sector. HOWEVER...the demand for skilled satellite engineers and techs is not very high at all. There is a lot of competition and not a lot of job openings.

My point is simply that you should do something that you *enjoy* in the military, and use your educational benefits to learn something that can help you secure a career once you're out. You'll occasionally find an MOS that is directly useful in the civilian world, but most don't translate.

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by FireControlman

You have some good advice in this thread; however, with the good, you can get bad and dated advice as well. That's pretty much anywhere you go though; as an example, a Petty Officer who last served in 1991, a Master Chief and likewise a Commander who retired in 1989, served during a very different time. The culture of the Navy has changed, as in we now have woman on ships. Much of the vulgar and alcohol related debauchery is no longer tolerated in today's Navy. Technology has taken us from standing in ranks and receiving week old information by the time it trickled down the ranks to information now is rapidly disseminated via email and the internet.

I was a recruiter, a damn good one, make no mistake - a recruiter is on a military mission to man the Navy. He is not out to befriend you; he has a job to do. It is very typical for a young man to know very little about the Navy or have no frame of reference other than speaking to uncle Johnny who once upon a time served as a boiler technician. Truth be told: the Navy is about ships, period. No matter what you see on television or in the movies, the Navy is about ships. Ship life is not Carnival Cruiseline; there is no stewards, baggage handlers, chefs, room service, handymen, trashmen, staff, towel boys and security. Those people are called Sailors.

Again ship life is not the college life, but then again, neither is the Army in the Helmand province of A-stan. Someone mentioned the Navy has a lot of traditions. This is very true, life on a floating vessel since the days of sail has been a very different place than marching in ranks on dry land as a soldier in any army. Not long ago, enlisted personnel were whipped or rather should I say, subjected to flogging. The distinct separation of officer and enlisted ranks is highly evident in the Navy. We eat separately, our sleeping quarters are separate, rank and privilege are visible in many things we do. There is also a distinct separation in the same regard as it applies to Chief Petty Officers and E-6 and below. Chief's not only eat separately from junior personnel but they will also have your *** for dinner if you piss them off.

As to the cleaning that everyone is talking about: most ships have what we call "cleaning stations" and everyone is involved. On the Navy's newly built ships, everyone cleans from the Commanding Officer on down, no exceptions! On that note, junior officers don't have it easy at all, they are extremely busy chasing down qualifications, learning their job and how to be a leader. School doesn't teach one everything.

Now that I have that out of the way, I can move on from ship life.

There are other "communities" in the Navy that don't revolve around ship life. Someone mentioned the NECC above, but what does that mean to you?

NECC = Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. This is a newer organization of the Navy that wasn't around when uncle johnny was in the Navy.

Who are they? Take for example these mainly non-ship jobs:

Seabees
Maritime Expeditionary Security Force
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Expeditionary Diving
Riverine
Expeditionary Intelligence
Expeditionary Logistics
Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST)
Combat Camera
Expeditionary Combat Readiness


Heard of Naval Special Warfare?


We also have our version of Military Police/ Antiterrorism specialists: the Master-at-Arms force. They comprise our Police, Security Force, Protective Agent and Investigative force. Sprinkle in other unique jobs areas such as emergency management and you have one cool job.


Another area is our Navy spooks, our Intelligence Specialists and our Cryptologists, these personnel can find themselves in unique assignments and interesting places unlike being on ships.

I have a 17 yr old in the house and the only fields I have recommended to him are IS, CTI, and maybe MA. My advice to him is serve, earn a degree and if you like it then return as an officer.



By the way: The training for my rating took nearly two years before I reported to a ship. When I decided to work on my two year degree, all that I had to complete was five courses, paid for by tuition assistance - didn't mess with my G.I. bill. I felt like an *** for not knocking it out years ago. I'm close to finishing my b.s. in Public Administration from a regionally accredited university and I'm stoked.



more to come.


More later.

thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by bigmike82

Don't do IT in the military. It doesn't prepare you for IT in the corporate or other business sectors (with the exception of gov't contractors...though you'd really be useful if you managed to specialize in IT security within the Navy). If you're joining the military, do something you can't do as a civilian. Fire big guns, crawl around in the mud, drive big cars/ships...whatever.

If you're not motivated to finish college now, the military is likely a good alternative.

how so? any specific reasons why it wont apply to civvie life? im hoping that after i serve i can land a gig at a Military Contractor. but thats the best case scenario haha

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

+1 NECC.. that is where it's at!

believe it or not I started in the fleet.. two ships, two deployments.. first one starting just before Desert Storm lasting ten months.. then became a Seabee (I see all the surprised looks on your faces) spent years in battalion.. then finally NCW (Naval Coastal Warfare) still employed as a Seabee..

I can speak from experience about what someone might expect out of the Navy.. I haven't been everywhere and done everything but I think my list is shorter of the things I haven't..

my best advice to the OP is to ignore the banter between who cleans who's toilet and get out and meet some Sailors doing the jobs he's interested in..

my experience has been that those that are miserable in the military.. are often miserable everywhere else.. it's all what you make of it..

keep the education mill going.. before/during/after a possible military career.. lots-o-options there..

as for careers started in the Navy related to IT.. hell yes!

I worked with a CW03 who was a prior enlisted in an IT related field (EW) and he is a satellite communication engineer for Boeing.. a Senior Chief that is a compliance officer for the Navy's NATO Sea Sparrow missile program (a real live rocket scientist).. as well as folks working for Verizon, Comcast etc..

there are endless IT opportunities in the Navy.. these a couple of experiences I have had working with them..

haha thanks for the advice, i figure i could put up with some "bowling" considering the BS i deal with now LOL.

say for instance i hate what i do, is there any chance to switch fields after ive been in? say go from IT to EW?

Originally Posted by bigmike82

"and he is a satellite communication engineer for Boeing"
This isn't IT in the private industry sense. Sat stuff is an entirely different animal, and those skills you pick up in the military can absolutely be used in the private sector. HOWEVER...the demand for skilled satellite engineers and techs is not very high at all. There is a lot of competition and not a lot of job openings.

My point is simply that you should do something that you *enjoy* in the military, and use your educational benefits to learn something that can help you secure a career once you're out. You'll occasionally find an MOS that is directly useful in the civilian world, but most don't translate.

on your last point, thats exactly my intent. any particular MOS you would recommend?

[bigmike82]

"how so? any specific reasons why it wont apply to civvie life? im hoping that after i serve i can land a gig at a Military Contractor. but thats the best case scenario haha"
Bingo. That's where you can make good money, but you have to have the correct skill set and a security clearence to really make it. From what I've seen in my own job searches and looking at potential candidates, IT Security is *THE* best way that you can get into the private sector easily after the military. If you've got IT skills, and want to use your military experience to pad your resume, get into cyber security.

"on your last point, thats exactly my intent. any particular MOS you would recommend? "
I have not yet sucked it up and lost the weight to go in, so I can't say concretely. Many of the guys here who are in, however, can easily tell you which MOS they like best and had the most fun in. Personally, I'd go Army in any combat arm. Yeah, you'll be a janitor quite a bit, but you'll also get to do some really fun stuff you can't do in the civi world. Combine that with working on a degree while you're in and finishing it when you get it out, and you'll have a great combination. You'll be able to speak enthusiastically about your time in the military while having that lambskin which many employers look for.

Hope that makes sense.

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by bigmike82

"how so? any specific reasons why it wont apply to civvie life? im hoping that after i serve i can land a gig at a Military Contractor. but thats the best case scenario haha"
Bingo. That's where you can make good money, but you have to have the correct skill set and a security clearence to really make it. From what I've seen in my own job searches and looking at potential candidates, IT Security is *THE* best way that you can get into the private sector easily after the military. If you've got IT skills, and want to use your military experience to pad your resume, get into cyber security.

"on your last point, thats exactly my intent. any particular MOS you would recommend? "
I have not yet sucked it up and lost the weight to go in, so I can't say concretely. Many of the guys here who are in, however, can easily tell you which MOS they like best and had the most fun in. Personally, I'd go Army in any combat arm. Yeah, you'll be a janitor quite a bit, but you'll also get to do some really fun stuff you can't do in the civi world. Combine that with working on a degree while you're in and finishing it when you get it out, and you'll have a great combination. You'll be able to speak enthusiastically about your time in the military while having that lambskin which many employers look for.

Hope that makes sense.

Cool, thanks for the info!

[socalshooting]

If you want to continue your career after you get out of the military, you should take advantage of every possible opportunity to work with civilian contractors and get to know them. Have you ever heard the saying "most jobs people have are from knowing somebody"? That is very true and I've seen soldiers I know that ETS and come right back in to work in the same place as a civilian counterpart making the big bucks. Their secret? They were nice to everyone and worked hard. There's always a head mofo in charge of all the civvies, get to know the guy, kiss his arse if you have to. They'd rather hire a guy they've seen working then hire some newbie.

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by socalshooting

If you want to continue your career after you get out of the military, you should take advantage of every possible opportunity to work with civilian contractors and get to know them. Have you ever heard the saying "most jobs people have are from knowing somebody"? That is very true and I've seen soldiers I know that ETS and come right back in to work in the same place as a civilian counterpart making the big bucks. Their secret? They were nice to everyone and worked hard. There's always a head mofo in charge of all the civvies, get to know the guy, kiss his arse if you have to. They'd rather hire a guy they've seen working then hire some newbie.

great info that makes loads of sense! thanks!

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

1. military contractors positions are great gigs.. easy to come by as long as you behave.. I have some friends working in some now..

2. yes you can switch fields.. "rates" in the Navy enlisted terms.. the conditions for "cross-rating" vary based on manning levels and such.. there is a detailed administrative program that Sailors can use to determine what other rates are available at any given time.. as for IT to EW.. ? that would have to be looked up..

I hope everyone hasn't got you thoroughly confused.. I suspected the Navy IT field was your objective based on your op.. I just happen to have spent 6 years of my 20 in the NECC working with all sorts of "twidgets" (IT types or related) that are all inbred (Navy breeding, nothing personal) anyways.. I will admit that I was not one but I am quite aware of the gist of what they do..

I have some close friends in the Army (HOOYA!) as well that work in this local area.. One of my best friends is a 1st Lt. stationed here as well.. He is a prior Ranger (injury) combat engineer (Essayons) and has lots of other good experiences to share from his 22+ years of service..

my point is.. when you get a break in your studies.. go out and meet some of the folks that are doing something that may want to do and hopefully they will answer the real questions you have.. the questions you don't even know yet..

will definitely be looking into military contractors after....

Man i cannot wait until the semester is over, we need to meet up for sure!

oh ok, so if i wanted to cross-rate i could basically see what is open after certain amount of time and apply for a different rate? works for me

not confused so far, just some unanswered questions like daily duties for IT and other things of that nature. youre right the IT field is what ive been after for awhile, thats basically what im going to school for.....for now at least LOL

[winnre]

Marine Corps Rules:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a '4.'
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.

Navy SEAL's Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Adjust Speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.




US Army Rangers Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from 'Higher' to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.



US Army Rules:
1. Curse bitterly when receiving operational order.
2. Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee.
3. Curse bitterly.
4. Curse bitterly.
5. Do not listen to 2nd LTs; they can get you killed.
6. Curse bitterly.



US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask 'What is a gunfight'?
5. Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation.
6. Wine & dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
10. Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict but close enough to have tax exemption.



US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy Marines

Go Navy !

[todd2968]

There are many bitter people out there giving BAD advice.

People say get a degree and go OCS like it is an easy thing. Recruiters will not talk to you unless you have a 4 year degree from a reputable college with at least a 3.5 GPA

In this economy there are so many people without jobs and security that the Navy right now is a great option.
You will work your way up the chain of command and do things like clean bathrooms, but if you hang on you will move to a position of authority, and responsibility. The Navy is what you make of it if you work hard and go to school while you are in you will get recognized and advance, if you duck work and complain and not accept responsibility you will have a hard time.

Good luck on your decision

Do not join unless you are in the career field you want and don't listen to the BS of cross rating.

[develown]

Originally Posted by todd2968

People say get a degree and go OCS like it is an easy thing. Recruiters will not talk to you unless you have a 4 year degree from a reputable college with at least a 3.5 GPA

Nothing easy is worth having. A degree is worth it because its hard. Don't enlist thinking your taking the easy road out of school and responsibility. Enlisted life isn't all peaches and cream. Not to mention the instant disgruntlement that all enlisted folk feel when they see an O-1 making more then an E-6.

A degree is the key to success. I know a lot of people make it sound like you can just magically leave the military after 4 years or what ever the case may be and walk into a good contractor job. The fact is, a lot of those jobs look for people with degrees as well.

Moral of the story, get smart, or get left in the dust.

[winnre]

Originally Posted by todd2968

Do not join unless you are in the career field you want and don't listen to the BS of cross rating.

Bingo. I signed up for nuke and 360 days later they wanted to make me a Boatswain's mate. I bailed.

[bigmike82]

"then why are you giving anyone advice about something you know nothing about?"
'cus I'm the guy giving you the offer letter, sweetheart. My perspective comes from the private sector. If you think that four years doing help desk and tech support in the military gives you an advantage over a guy who's been doing that in the corporate world, you're sadly mistaken.

[HUTCH 7.62]

Originally Posted by winnre

Bingo. I signed up for nuke and 360 days later they wanted to make me a Boatswain's mate. I bailed.

But you coulda blown the boatwain whistle man that woulda been such a cool job


If i had not met my wife in High school I would of done eithier or both Joined the NAVY or/and the Railroad.

[winnre]

Originally Posted by HUTCH 7.62

But you coulda blown the boatwain whistle man that woulda been such a cool job

If i had not met my wife in High school I would of done eithier or both Joined the NAVY or/and the Railroad.

Dang they never told me I'd get a whistle!!! I walked across the hallway to the Army and asked for the next plane out.

[bodger]

I joined the USAF in 1971. Got a guaranteed AFSC of repairing medical equipment. Recruiter told me I would most like be stationed at Weisbaden or some other large base where there was a large medical care facility.

Six months later I was working the flight line at Utapao RTAFB with the 552nd AEW&C in 110 degree jungle heat.

I wouldn't change a thing though.

US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask 'What is a gunfight'?
5. Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation.
6. Wine & dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
10. Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict but close enough to have tax exemption.

[FireControlman]

Originally Posted by bigmike82

"then why are you giving anyone advice about something you know nothing about?"
'cus I'm the guy giving you the offer letter, sweetheart. My perspective comes from the private sector. If you think that four years doing help desk and tech support in the military gives you an advantage over a guy who's been doing that in the corporate world, you're sadly mistaken.

Actually it does and the reason it does is because it comes with something called a security clearance which holds value in itself. There is a large community of employment that is called the defense industry that in many cases relevant to this discussion does indeed exclude the rest of America that does not have a security clearance.

To not understand this statement is akin to living in a void but it would not be that persons fault, it is simply how it works; understand your value and where you should be marketing yourself - do not subject yourself to environments that do not understand this - they are not worth your time. There is too much money to be made in the defense industry; trust me, I am intimately familiar in this subject area.

You should be thinking along the lines of:

Lockheed Martin
General Dynamics
L3 Communications
Northrup Grumman
CSC
BAE
Mantech International
SAIC
CACI International
Raytheon
Alion

[FireControlman]

Originally Posted by develown

Nothing easy is worth having. A degree is worth it because its hard. Don't enlist thinking your taking the easy road out of school and responsibility. Enlisted life isn't all peaches and cream. Not to mention the instant disgruntlement that all enlisted folk feel when they see an O-1 making more then an E-6.

Wrong.

An E-6 with 6 years in service stationed in San Diego makes more than an O-1 he works with:

E-6: $2801 pay
$1800 single bah
$ 323 bas

Total: $4,924


O-1: $2,745 pay
$1785 single bah
$233 bas

Total: $4,753

[winnre]

Want respect as an officer? Go enlisted then get a direct commission.

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by FireControlman

Wrong.

An E-6 with 6 years in service stationed in San Diego makes more than an O-1 he works with:

E-6: $2801 pay
$1800 single bah
$ 323 bas

Total: $4,924


O-1: $2,745 pay
$1785 single bah
$233 bas

Total: $4,753

haha

Originally Posted by winnre

Want respect as an officer? Go enlisted then get a direct commission.

basically my main idea. work my way up as quickly as possible

whats the quickest route to enlisting then getting a direct commission? working my *** off im assuming? would it even be feasible to say i could do that in 4 years?

[develown]

Originally Posted by FireControlman

Wrong.

An E-6 with 6 years in service stationed in San Diego makes more than an O-1 he works with:

E-6: $2801 pay
$1800 single bah
$ 323 bas

Total: $4,924


O-1: $2,745 pay
$1785 single bah
$233 bas

Total: $4,753

Well no S*** if you go to the higher times in service, but at the quickest an you can make E-6 (4 years) its 2,690.70 IE less than an O-1.

Also, in 3-4 years that O-1 will be an O-3 making a ton more. That E-6 will probably still be an E-6.

And BTW a security clearance isn’t the end all of job qualifications. Four years of enlisted time usually isn’t enough. The guys who get good contractor jobs are either long time military IE 10+ years or guys with military and a degree. If you think you’re going to do your 4 years and neglect doing school work then walk into some cushy contractor job you may be in for a rude awakening.

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by develown

Well no S*** if you go to the higher times in service, but at the quickest an you can make E-6 (4 years) its 2,690.70 IE less than an O-1.

Also, in 3-4 years that O-1 will be an O-3 making a ton more. That E-6 will probably still be an E-6.

And BTW a security clearance isn’t the end all of job qualifications. Four years of enlisted time usually isn’t enough. The guys who get good contractor jobs are either long time military IE 10+ years or guys with military and a degree. If you think you’re going to do your 4 years and neglect doing school work then walk into some cushy contractor job you may be in for a rude awakening.

im sorry, but have you been reading what ive posted? my plan is to enlist for 4 years (maybe longer, depends) get a bachelors while serving and maybe make it to officer. the experience, security clearance and BS should definitely help land a better job then just getting a BS as a civy and hoping to get into some cush job.

[develown]

Originally Posted by Markbone

im sorry, but have you been reading what ive posted? my plan is to enlist for 4 years (maybe longer, depends) get a bachelors while serving and maybe make it to officer. the experience, security clearance and BS should definitely help land a better job then just getting a BS as a civy and hoping to get into some cush job.

I'm just throwing it out there. But, I wish you luck. However, i do caution you, it is easy to get distracted from school work while in service. I see it all too much, deployments, a wife, kids, going to the field, or just drinking in the barracks has distracted many a service member from higher education.

[SDJim]

[Bizcuits]

Originally Posted by develown

Not to mention that there's 0 loyalty and you cant trust any one.

So it's like every other job in the world?

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by develown

I'm just throwing it out there. But, I wish you luck. However, i do caution you, it is easy to get distracted from school work while in service. I see it all too much, deployments, a wife, kids, going to the field, or just drinking in the barracks has distracted many a service member from higher education.

oh ok, i read you. thanks for the heads up!

Originally Posted by Bizcuits

So it's like every other job in the world?

hahaha my thoughts exactly!

[bigmike82]

"like I said.. something you know nothing about."
Whatever you say, Mister know-it-all.

"There is too much money to be made in the defense industry; trust me, I am intimately familiar in this subject area. "
There absolutely is...but those jobs are not easy to come by, and there's a *lot* of competition. If you want to focus on the gov contractor sector, which is where your security clearence plays a huge role, that's fine. But for non government contractor jobs, a security clearence is relatively meaningless.

[bigmike82]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

Blah blah blah...

You're willfully ignorant of how things work in the corporate world if you think that military experience is an asset as compared to a similarly qualified candidate with corporate experience. I've conducted dozens of searches in the last few years, and I didn't come across a single candidate whose military experience was a deciding factor.

You can sit there and keep thinking that I don't know jack when it comes to hiring candidates, but you're absolutely 100% wrong. It's that simple.

'nuff said.

[Full Clip]

Originally Posted by develown

If that's the case i'm about to write a letter to the director of black hawk down letting him know i hate him for convincing me to join the army

Ha ha, the guys who, respectively, directed Top Gun and Black Hawk Down are brothers, Tony and Ridley Scott.
Here's their company:
Scott Free Prods
614 N La Peer Drive Los Angeles, California 90069

[bigmike82]

"your loss really.."
Yep, that's it. It's the fault of the employer that they won't hire you. That's right.

[monstertodd]

I think I can chime in here.

I spent 10yrs, 10mo, and 26 days in the Navy. I just got out at the end of 2008. I was first an AMS (aviation structural mechanic) and then became an AM (aviation structural mechanic). Confused? lol. I Know it is confusing. They just changed the name of my rating and consolidated a bunch of folks in different career fields into one career field. Happened about 2001 or 2002. Can't quite remember. I deployed 6 times on 5 different ships (twice on the same ship). The Navy took me to 26 different countries. I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. The greatest thing that I walked away from the Navy with.........my Secret security clearance.

anyway......

If you have the drive to excel, I highly recommend that you stay in college and finish school. See I think what the issue is, is that you haven't set any clear and concise goals for yourself. I think that if you sat down, and took a look at yourself, and really thought about what you wanted out of life, it would all become clear to you. You have to decide what you want, and then go get it. That's just life. It's no different in the civilian world than it is in the military world.

While going to school sucks (believe me, I know), you will be better off in the long run if you just figure it out now, and achieve that goal. Easier said than done, I know.

However, if you DO decide to join up, consider the following:

You want a cool job? Be an AW (Aviation Warfare Systems Operator).

These guys are aircrew qualified, and fly as enlisted crew members aboard a lot of aircraft in the Navy's inventory. SH-60B/SH-60F/HH-60H/MH-60S/MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, P3 Orion, E6B Mercury, C-130 Hercules, C-40 Clipper, and the C-2 Greyhound to name a few.

After boot camp, you'll go to aircrew school in pensacola FL. There you'll learn all there is learn about flying. If you decide to fly on helo's, you'll attend what is arguably one of the toughest schools in the Navy. Search and Rescue swimmer school (or SAR for short).

Once you graduate from aircrew school/rescue swimmer school, you'll go to what's known as a "rag" squadron. This is a non-deploying (usually) squadron who's mission it is to teach student pilots and student aircrewman how to fly a particular type of aircraft. This is a school, and you will be treated like a student.

Once you graduate from "the rag" you'll be assigned to a deployable fleet squadron. You could be stationed anywhere. N.A.S. Oceania Virginia, N.A.S. Jacksonville FL, N.A.S. North Island San Diego, N.A.S. Whidbey Island Washington, to name a few. If you're lucky, you could pull duty at one of the overseas squadrons in Japan, Guam, Hawaii, etc.....

The Navy may be all about ships, but if you were to make it your goal to fly as an AW on the P3 Orion aircraft. You would probably never have to step foot on a ship. P3 are land based aircraft, and when they deploy, they deploy to overseas bases.

Bottom line here is: find a goal that you like, and stop at nothing to achieve it!

Bit of recruiter advice for you: If you walk into the recruiters office and tell them "I want to be an AW!" and they tell you "oh, sorry, we don't have any slots open for AW this month" (This statement, btw, applies to any rating that you may ask about). You're response should be "Ok, well give me a call when you've got some open slots".

NOT "well.....umm, ok, what else have you got?"

Just remember this advice, and it will save you from settling for a rating that you will inevitably end up hating. Figure out what you want to do, and stick with it! Don't budge an inch! Remember, recruiters are salesman. Your best interests are not their #1 priority!

Hope this helps. PM me if you have any questions.

Todd.

[truthseeker]

Don't waste your time unless you are going SEAL, SBU, EOD, Diver, Fighter Pilot!

If I had a degree BEFORE I thought about entering I never would have!

Most officers that I have encountered (outside of NAVSPECWARCEN) seem to think they are better than any enlisted puke!

[HUTCH 7.62]

Originally Posted by truthseeker

Don't waste your time unless you are going SEAL, SBU, EOD, Diver, Fighter Pilot!

If I had a degree BEFORE I thought about entering I never would have!

Most officers that I have encountered (outside of NAVSPECWARCEN) seem to think they are better than any enlisted puke!

Apparently if you screw up as a Naval Aviator you can end up flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog Sh** out of Hong Kong

[Markbone]

alrighty, update and some direction change lol

Turns out that IT and most every other program within the navy are overmanned, heavily. IF i qualify for IT and they have an opening for a cook, im getting cook for 2 years....except for Seals and the Nuke program, which are heavily undermanned and come with signing bonuses

so, Markbone want to be a Nuclear Electronics Tehcnician, or a Nuclear Machinists Mate. After weighing my options both during and post Navy, the nuke program is the way to go for me. Start off at E-3, 2 full years training and 4 years Active Duty, plus $15k enlistment bonus.

Just took the ASVAB yesterday, and got a 99 (out of 99) LOL! Took me by surprise but i more than qualify for Nuke so i am STOKED!!! I go back for a second test (nuke specific) and get to meet the program coordinator to discuss more specifics/etc.

thanks all for the advice (i WILL be quadruple checking everything theyve said AND get it all in writing ) and wish me luck! Best case scenario i get a contract drawn up by July 1st and ship out to RTC 3-6 months from then. cannot friggin wait, i just wanna goooooooooo!

[Markbone]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

good job.. so I suppose they gave you the NFQT and Color perception tests.. the latter doomed me to my choices of fields..

that's a hard row to hoe.. but very rewarding on the other side.. and btw.. re-enlistment bonuses have been crazy for those guys in the past..

Good Luck to you!

thanks man! no NFQT yet, thats tomorrow, then medical on July 1st and assuming all goes as planned get a contract the same day. but nothing ever goes as planned, so im just being hopeful at this point lol.

yeah ive heard of some crazy re-up bonuses as well as even crazier civilian side offers

thanks again!