Thinking about joining the military

Epitaph · 03-17-2010, 02:50 AM

More specifically Navy.

Anybody on here a recruiter?

I'm 22, end of my 3rd year of college, I have 3 semesters to go until I have a Bachelors in Computer Science. I have hearing loss in both of my ears, but I don't know what frequenc(y/ies). I can't afford to go get a test done, so I was wondering if the gov't pays to have it checked, or what..

If my hearing checks out - would they pay for any of my student loan debt? More specifically - how much of this could apply to me?
http://www.navy.com/benefits/education/earnmoney/

I have some other questions, I just don't want to be pushed into signing any papers from a local recruiter. If I do end up deciding to go in, I'll use you if possible.

Reaper1a · 03-17-2010, 03:39 AM

Actually you will HAVE to have your hearing checked, and yes the military will do that for you. It may be a disqualifying factor, depending on the extent and what you're wanting to do for a career. I don't know what the Navy requires, as I was Army, but I assume they are similar.
My advice, talk to multiple recruiters, and research any information they try to sell you. I don't have anything personal against recruiters, as they have a job to do, but I also consider them to be very close to a car salesman. They want the sale, whether it's at your expense or not. Just my humble $.02.

Ghost of Vincent Price · 03-17-2010, 07:47 AM

Im a Marine recruiter. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I can tell you that you will have to talk to the Officer Selection Office before being interviewed by an enlisted recruiter. Good luck getting the BDCP if you are a white guy. Also do you have any criminal offenses on your record, exponged or not?

dirtydogg · 03-17-2010, 07:58 AM

i was in the army, and my son in the navy. we both agree if we had it to do over we would have chosen the air force, because more mos's have a civilian related job then any of the other armed forces do. one piece of advice don't let anybody talk you into anything take your time when making a well informed decision, and only then make that choice for yourself. don't be afraid to ask if you don't know. the only dumb/stupid questions are the ones not asked.

JKLNHYD · 03-17-2010, 08:15 AM

I'll shamelessly plug this here! I've been in the Navy 16 years now...US Navy SEABEES!!! If you aren't sure what the SEABEES are, they are the Department of Defense's contingency construction Force of Choice. Something needs to be built somewhere, anywhere, and we get the call to do it. We don't go on ships, we train like the Marines do, and we have fun all over the globe.

I agree with dirtydogg, inform yourself as much as possible before you sign anything. And if a recruiter promises you ANYTHING, get it in writing. Have fun!

cschmidt1956 · 03-17-2010, 08:20 AM

PLEASE see an Officer recruiter! Don't go see an Enlisted recruiter because they will get your John Hancock on the dotted line quicker than a used car sales person.

Hearing loss depending on how much and what frequency can disqualify you. They do this testing at the MEPS Station before you are sworn in. You will get a full physical along with ear and eye exams. These exams are at no cost to you. The MEPS facility pre-screens applicants to ensure they meet the criteria for service.

Good Luck on your quest!

Chris

Former USAF First Sergeant, 24 years of Service

*mlee* · 03-17-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cschmidt1956

PLEASE see an Officer recruiter! Don't go see an Enlisted recruiter because they will get your John Hancock on the dotted line quicker than a used car sales person.

Hearing loss depending on how much and what frequency can disqualify you. They do this testing at the MEPS Station before you are sworn in. You will get a full physical along with ear and eye exams. These exams are at no cost to you. The MEPS facility pre-screens applicants to ensure they meet the criteria for service.

Good Luck on your quest!

Chris

Former USAF First Sergeant, 24 years of Service

Totally agree...

USAF 21 yrs...

Coop · 03-17-2010, 08:57 AM

US Army retired 22 years and former detailed recruiter here...

I definitely agree with making an informed decision. While I was on recruiting duty I never forced anyone to sign anything. I even encouraged people to take a look at other services, take their information and compare your goals with how each service can help you accomplish those. One thing you need to look at though since you will be graduating college is do you have student loans that need to be repaid or not. Going officer will obviously have more pay but will not have a repayment plan for colege loans like enlisted. As for the hearing, you will get checked at the MEPS that is for sure. How do you know you have hearing loss? If a doctor has checked you before or there was an injury causing this you will probably need medical records for it and then maybe not.
Again making a good informed decision prior to signing anything is VERY IMPORTANT.

Ghost of Vincent Price · 03-17-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydogg

i was in the army, and my son in the navy. we both agree if we had it to do over we would have chosen the air force, because more mos's have a civilian related job then any of the other armed forces do.

That couldnt be further from the truth. I would say the Marine Corps has more jobs than the air force minus medical fields.

I will say the Air Force is the most laid back branch. We call them Chair Force. LOL.

But that doesnt really matter anyways if you plan on going to the officer side. You pretty much get 3 choices for the Marine Corps. Air, Ground, or Law.

I cant speak for the other branches officer process though.

Nightspore68 · 03-17-2010, 10:01 AM

The Air Force is the only branch that only sends their officers to to do the fighting. Of course their fighting is way cooler than anything the Marines do.

I may be biased. I was an AF officer for a few years.

The Air Force is really emphasizing Space and Cyber positions these days. I do think, especially in CS, the AF is more likely to have positions applicable to private industry. They sure did for me. Once an AF satellite controller, the next day a contractor doing the same thing (for much more pay).

If you do decide to join, consider going through OTS (AF) or OCS (Marines, Army, Navy) since you apparently didn't do ROTC. If you've got a degree you might as well be paid as an officer rather than as enlisted.

One last push for the AF. Marines and soldiers like to mock the AF for being a more casual profession. As if that's a negative. The AF has better quarters and better odds that you won't be shot at, uncomfortable for long periods, or just plain scared. The Marines and soldiers may like playing Modern Warfare 2 for a living, but IMO it's smarter to take a safer, less arduous position. Unless you need the adrenaline of ground combat or a great desire to prove you're macho, I don't see a reason to go Army or Marine Corps. As for the Navy, do you really want to be stuck on a boat for months on end? With very few women around?

Before the Marines on this board frag me, let me say I have great respect for what they do. The Marines I knew were the greatest officers I met in the military in many respects. It even sounds like being a Marine is occasionally fun. But the AF was better for me.

Oh, one last thing: just because you join the Air Force or the Nay doesn't mean you'll wind up flying a fighter jet. Similarly, just because you join the Marines or Army doesn't mean you'll be crawling through trenches with an M-16. See if your recruiter will get your assignment in writing to make sure you get what you want. My brother was promised he would do architectural drawing by the AF and wound up a plumber. (Another reason to go officer corps!)

good luck deciding,
M

BlackSS831 · 03-17-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost of Vincent Price

Im a Marine recruiter. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I can tell you that you will have to talk to the Officer Selection Office before being interviewed by an enlisted recruiter. Good luck getting the BDCP if you are a white guy. Also do you have any criminal offenses on your record, exponged or not?

I went in to get information about being a Marine and was stalked for 4 weeks, I never gave them my address but he ended up coming to my home and tried preaching about the military to me... lol

this was 9 years ago

Ghost of Vincent Price · 03-17-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightspore68

The Air Force is the only branch that only sends their officers to to do the fighting. Of course their fighting is way cooler than anything the Marines do.

M

Did you miss the part about Marines having combat aircraft since 1917? Before the Airforce existed. LOL

Oh and Marine ground officers fight too, so you are wrong on two counts.

Nightspore68 · 03-17-2010, 10:23 AM

No, I didn't miss it. You misunderstood it.
What I said was the AF is the only service that exclusively sends its officers into combat. Enlisted airmen don't (generally) go to the fight.
Maybe it's time the Marines considered raising their reading standards.
Just kidding,
M

Ghost of Vincent Price · 03-17-2010, 10:27 AM

Your saying that none of your enlisted guys see action?

03-17-2010, 02:50 AM	#1
Epitaph Custom User Title Drives: Fast Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 550	Thinking about joining the military More specifically Navy. Anybody on here a recruiter? I'm 22, end of my 3rd year of college, I have 3 semesters to go until I have a Bachelors in Computer Science. I have hearing loss in both of my ears, but I don't know what frequenc(y/ies). I can't afford to go get a test done, so I was wondering if the gov't pays to have it checked, or what.. If my hearing checks out - would they pay for any of my student loan debt? More specifically - how much of this could apply to me? http://www.navy.com/benefits/education/earnmoney/ I have some other questions, I just don't want to be pushed into signing any papers from a local recruiter. If I do end up deciding to go in, I'll use you if possible.

03-17-2010, 03:39 AM	#2
Reaper1a Drives: 2010 Summit White 2LT/RS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 356	Actually you will HAVE to have your hearing checked, and yes the military will do that for you. It may be a disqualifying factor, depending on the extent and what you're wanting to do for a career. I don't know what the Navy requires, as I was Army, but I assume they are similar. My advice, talk to multiple recruiters, and research any information they try to sell you. I don't have anything personal against recruiters, as they have a job to do, but I also consider them to be very close to a car salesman. They want the sale, whether it's at your expense or not. Just my humble $.02. __________________ Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit. -Elbert Hubbard

03-17-2010, 08:15 AM	#5
JKLNHYD Defending the Nation... Drives: '16 Summit White 2SS, A8, Sunroof Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Long Beach, MS Posts: 443 View My Garage	I'll shamelessly plug this here! I've been in the Navy 16 years now...US Navy SEABEES!!! If you aren't sure what the SEABEES are, they are the Department of Defense's contingency construction Force of Choice. Something needs to be built somewhere, anywhere, and we get the call to do it. We don't go on ships, we train like the Marines do, and we have fun all over the globe. I agree with dirtydogg, inform yourself as much as possible before you sign anything. And if a recruiter promises you ANYTHING, get it in writing. Have fun! Attached Images __________________ '16 2SS, A8, Sunroof, non-NPP "SURSUM AB ORDINE"

03-17-2010, 08:57 AM	#8
Coop Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lawton/Fort Sill, OK Posts: 1,632	US Army retired 22 years and former detailed recruiter here... I definitely agree with making an informed decision. While I was on recruiting duty I never forced anyone to sign anything. I even encouraged people to take a look at other services, take their information and compare your goals with how each service can help you accomplish those. One thing you need to look at though since you will be graduating college is do you have student loans that need to be repaid or not. Going officer will obviously have more pay but will not have a repayment plan for colege loans like enlisted. As for the hearing, you will get checked at the MEPS that is for sure. How do you know you have hearing loss? If a doctor has checked you before or there was an injury causing this you will probably need medical records for it and then maybe not. Again making a good informed decision prior to signing anything is VERY IMPORTANT. __________________ 2010 Camaro 1SS Inferno Orange Magnusson Supercharger Installed and Tuned by ADM Performance, Roto Fab CAI IOM painted, MBRP Cat Back Exhaust, Barton Industries Short Shifter, Clear Image Headers, Pedders coilovers, BMR Front/Rear sway bars Trailing Arms and End Links, VMax ported TB

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03-17-2010, 07:47 AM	#3
Ghost of Vincent Price Banned Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: underground Posts: 374	Im a Marine recruiter. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I can tell you that you will have to talk to the Officer Selection Office before being interviewed by an enlisted recruiter. Good luck getting the BDCP if you are a white guy. Also do you have any criminal offenses on your record, exponged or not?

03-17-2010, 07:58 AM	#4
dirtydogg Drives: . Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: . Posts: 126	i was in the army, and my son in the navy. we both agree if we had it to do over we would have chosen the air force, because more mos's have a civilian related job then any of the other armed forces do. one piece of advice don't let anybody talk you into anything take your time when making a well informed decision, and only then make that choice for yourself. don't be afraid to ask if you don't know. the only dumb/stupid questions are the ones not asked.

03-17-2010, 08:20 AM	#6
cschmidt1956 Drives: Too Little time to drive.... Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nowhere Posts: 268 View My Garage	PLEASE see an Officer recruiter! Don't go see an Enlisted recruiter because they will get your John Hancock on the dotted line quicker than a used car sales person. Hearing loss depending on how much and what frequency can disqualify you. They do this testing at the MEPS Station before you are sworn in. You will get a full physical along with ear and eye exams. These exams are at no cost to you. The MEPS facility pre-screens applicants to ensure they meet the criteria for service. Good Luck on your quest! Chris Former USAF First Sergeant, 24 years of Service

03-17-2010, 10:01 AM	#10
Nightspore68 Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL-1, Victory Red Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 378	The Air Force is the only branch that only sends their officers to to do the fighting. Of course their fighting is way cooler than anything the Marines do. I may be biased. I was an AF officer for a few years. The Air Force is really emphasizing Space and Cyber positions these days. I do think, especially in CS, the AF is more likely to have positions applicable to private industry. They sure did for me. Once an AF satellite controller, the next day a contractor doing the same thing (for much more pay). If you do decide to join, consider going through OTS (AF) or OCS (Marines, Army, Navy) since you apparently didn't do ROTC. If you've got a degree you might as well be paid as an officer rather than as enlisted. One last push for the AF. Marines and soldiers like to mock the AF for being a more casual profession. As if that's a negative. The AF has better quarters and better odds that you won't be shot at, uncomfortable for long periods, or just plain scared. The Marines and soldiers may like playing Modern Warfare 2 for a living, but IMO it's smarter to take a safer, less arduous position. Unless you need the adrenaline of ground combat or a great desire to prove you're macho, I don't see a reason to go Army or Marine Corps. As for the Navy, do you really want to be stuck on a boat for months on end? With very few women around? Before the Marines on this board frag me, let me say I have great respect for what they do. The Marines I knew were the greatest officers I met in the military in many respects. It even sounds like being a Marine is occasionally fun. But the AF was better for me. Oh, one last thing: just because you join the Air Force or the Nay doesn't mean you'll wind up flying a fighter jet. Similarly, just because you join the Marines or Army doesn't mean you'll be crawling through trenches with an M-16. See if your recruiter will get your assignment in writing to make sure you get what you want. My brother was promised he would do architectural drawing by the AF and wound up a plumber. (Another reason to go officer corps!) good luck deciding, M

03-17-2010, 10:23 AM	#13
Nightspore68 Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL-1, Victory Red Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 378	No, I didn't miss it. You misunderstood it. What I said was the AF is the only service that exclusively sends its officers into combat. Enlisted airmen don't (generally) go to the fight. Maybe it's time the Marines considered raising their reading standards. Just kidding, M

03-17-2010, 10:27 AM	#14
Ghost of Vincent Price Banned Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: underground Posts: 374	Your saying that none of your enlisted guys see action?