Thinking about joining the military

[GTAHVIT]

Uhm OK back on topic.

Navy enlisted 9 yrs.

Having worked in and around the military and working at the Joint level, both as a service member and a contractor, I will say that there are stark differences between the services.

Yes all of them have technical jobs but NONE of them do business the same way. And the availability of those technical jobs is a big discriminator. By Far, the Navy and Air Force have a much higher ratio of technical billets.

And just becasue they have those billetes doesn't mean they are available when you are looking to join. The military has "openings" just like any other employer.

A couple things to consider. Only certain services will guarantee you a community (aviation, intel, supply, legal, medical, spec ops, ground, fleet, etc.)

While others will ask you to signup then compete for the job you want.

And most certainly if you qualify as an officer then try that first. Yes there are a ton of programs for enlisted to become officers but it's better all the way around to start as an Officer in my opinion.

Just my thoughts.

Please lets not turn this in to a bar room "discussion" Give the kid the information he needs.

:flag2:

[2000v6]

Originally Posted by JKLNHYD

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!

Never heard of you guys. Wouldn't joining the corps of engineers be a much better choice? I suppose that they're your bosses.

[2000v6]

Originally Posted by Epitaph

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.

Also, go see if the ROTC program will accept you, if you're willing to get a master's degree. They literally teach you everything over the breaks, weekends, other free time. By the time that you graduate you are an officer (2nd lieutenant, I believe) who is on par with the cadets who graduate from west point and other military academies. The west point cadets just happen to have a lot more experience, and may advance, it's not always a given right though, a lot quicker than someone who did ROTC.

[dirtydogg]

[QUOTE=Ghost of Vincent Price;1599976]That couldnt be further from the truth. I would say the Marine Corps has more jobs than the air force minus medical fields.
name me one job in the aif force that doesn't have a civi. related counterpart. if you can i will name you two for every one that the others don't.

[ron10]

join the navy and see the world,on a carrier.plus you can be an officer.

[AnnaBear@SpartaChevy]

Epitaph...

What kind of job do you want to do, first of all? Figure that out first.

My son is in the Navy, been in since July, 09. If you would like to talk to a 20-year old who is newly enlisted, let me know. I can ask him to call you. He'll talk straight with you, that's for sure.

Good luck with whatever you decide, it's a big decision!

Oh...and I almost forgot...Hooyah!

[UCI CamaroFan]

What's your major?

If you will be getting a technical degree, you can maybe try and be a Nuke and drive nuclear submarines.

Also, most people in the military will get hearing loss of some sort or another given enough time. My dad was in the Navy for 24 years and he is now collecting disability from the military for it.

[mlee]

Definitely go the Officer route or find a program to enter that allows you to finish your degree. You sound like a sharp guy that we could really use in our military. Also make sure your job is guaranteed so you can focus on becoming the best at what you really wanted to do in the first place. Going into an open general field will get you a job that is hard to fill and nobocy wants. Best of luck

[JKLNHYD]

Originally Posted by 2000v6

Never heard of you guys. Wouldn't joining the corps of engineers be a much better choice? I suppose that they're your bosses.

The Corps of Engineers can't do what the SEABEES can do. Not even remotely close. An 89 man detachment can be anywhere in the world, with any and all the tools, equipment, materials, and manpower in less than 48 hrs with the remainder of the unit in less than a few days if we need to. Corps of engineers can't do that. AND with the broad spectrum of capability we have, we can task organize units to whatever the demand is and still accomplish the mission. From combat bridges and structures to humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery. We are unique and in high demand by every US service regardless of the location.
The SEABEES are who pushed the berms down in March of 2003, allowing the multiple lanes of combat traffic to enter IRAQ.

And no, the Corps is not our bosses.

For a bit of history on how we started, go rent "The Fighting Seabees" with John Wayne. You'll understand much better who and what we are.

[JKLNHYD]

Originally Posted by GTAHVIT

Uhm OK back on topic.

Navy enlisted 9 yrs.

Having worked in and around the military and working at the Joint level, both as a service member and a contractor, I will say that there are stark differences between the services.

Yes all of them have technical jobs but NONE of them do business the same way. And the availability of those technical jobs is a big discriminator. By Far, the Navy and Air Force have a much higher ratio of technical billets.

And just becasue they have those billetes doesn't mean they are available when you are looking to join. The military has "openings" just like any other employer.

A couple things to consider. Only certain services will guarantee you a community (aviation, intel, supply, legal, medical, spec ops, ground, fleet, etc.)

While others will ask you to signup then compete for the job you want.

And most certainly if you qualify as an officer then try that first. Yes there are a ton of programs for enlisted to become officers but it's better all the way around to start as an Officer in my opinion.

Just my thoughts.

Please lets not turn this in to a bar room "discussion" Give the kid the information he needs.

:flag2:

I'm a career Navy member having spent the first 15 years as an enlisted member before receiving a commission and over those 15 years it was obvious that the BEST Naval Officers are those who were enlisted for some portion of their careers. You have to understand the turmoil the enlisted folks go through to be the best Officer you can be. Basic leadership.

[GTAHVIT]

Originally Posted by JKLNHYD

I'm a career Navy member having spent the first 15 years as an enlisted member before receiving a commission and over those 15 years it was obvious that the BEST Naval Officers are those who were enlisted for some portion of their careers. You have to understand the turmoil the enlisted folks go through to be the best Officer you can be. Basic leadership.

I wouldn't dispute that. But there's no reason for him to start enlisted if he can start as a officer.

Yes he will be probably be a better officer if he has been prior enlisted... But there are more then a few mustangs running around that are worthless.

Bottom line, this thread is about whats best for him. Now, after he puts the uniform on then it is about whats best for the Navy/Army/Airforce/Marines...

[BEARS-SS]

Originally Posted by JKLNHYD

I'm a career Navy member having spent the first 15 years as an enlisted member before receiving a commission and over those 15 years it was obvious that the BEST Naval Officers are those who were enlisted for some portion of their careers. You have to understand the turmoil the enlisted folks go through to be the best Officer you can be. Basic leadership.

The BEST officers in all the branches are those who respect their SNCO, NCO, and soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines. I've seen both sides of the coin on prior enlisted. Ones that keep the understanding of what it's like to be enlisted, and ones who treat their enlisted like crap (because that's what they went through). It's really a wash.

Just remember that your subordinates are people and you can't accomplish your mission without them. Take care of your people, and they will take care of you.

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by BEARS-SS

The BEST officers in all the branches are those who respect their SNCO, NCO, and soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines. I've seen both sides of the coin on prior enlisted. Ones that keep the understanding of what it's like to be enlisted, and ones who treat their enlisted like crap (because that's what they went through). It's really a wash.

Just remember that your subordinates are people and you can't accomplish your mission without them. Take care of your people, and they will take care of you.

exactly.

[Muscle Master]

... I'm very interested in engineering

But I'm also interested in the armed forces

Always wanted to be a Tank Commander

or the Navy ... lets see when I'm out of college