Thinking of the Navy

S

skydog

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
86
Well, things here at school dont seem to be working out quite like I'd planned (go figure :rolleyes: ). I'd originally intended to get a co-op job to pay my out of state tuition so I dont graduate with enough debt to buy a porche, but after many interviews in the last month, there is a possibility that I wont get one. So, in evaluating my options in the event that I dont get one of the two jobs I have left, I happened to talk to a buddy of mine in the Navy ROTC who referred me to the NROTC recruiter on campus. I'd go through the rest of my schooling normally, only during the summers I'd go out on 'Cruise' with the fleet and learn all the Navy stuff. After school I'd get a commision in the Navy, and depending on my job, I'd be obligated to 4 years active duty and 4 in the USNR. But, I'd get ol' Uncle Sam to pay for all my schooling that I have left. And on top of that, I'd be able to say I served in the military, which is something I'd like to be able to say. Now honestly it sounds like a pretty good deal to me, but I'm still not sure about it. Can any of you current or former servicemen give me a little of info on what its like and what I can expect? I'd greatly appreciate any help I could get.
 
I am not, nor have I ever been in the armed forces, but I think that sounds like a very reasonable plan of action (based on what little I know). Personally, I think I would have been in the service had I not settled down before i settled down (dated my wife for years before we were married and had a job waiting for me with the family business). There are pros and cons with everything, but if it wasn't going to be so tough on family life, I would have joined up in a second.

Jake
 
Dude, don't do it! I did, and have always regretted joining the Navy. I'm proud of having served my country, but wish to hell I'd chosen to do so in a different branch of service. If I could do it all over again, I'd go in the Army or the Marines. At least then you'd actually get to do something except sit around or do busywork on a ship, where your higher ups entertain themselves by trying to crush your soul. You'd have a commission, so you'd be a bit better off than an enlisted stooge (like me), but you'd probably still be miserable. At least in the Army or the Marines you get to run around outside and shoot guns. Nowadays, there is always that pesky "getting your ass blown off" problem though. In the Navy, at least you'd be safe. (your body, yes, your spirit, no!)

I joined the Navy because I thought school sucked too. I was a crappy student before I joined up. The Navy gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to suck. When I got out, I became a 4.0 student and went on to get 2 masters degrees. It certainly whipped my ass into shape! I did not want another taste of the suck, so I worked as hard as possible to ensure that I'd never have to put up with anything that bad again.
 
If your heart is set on the Navy, look at the Dirt Navy (SeaBees). They don't deal with ships or deep water much, and most of the officers there have skills from the Navy that are in high demand in civilian life. But as mentioned, don't leave out looking at the other 4 branches. Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
 
I honestly don't know much about the Navy, but I did spend more than half my career in joint operational stuff with the Army and Marine Corps, starting back in the early 80's with the RDJTF. So, I have had a pretty good opportunity for comparison with my own branch (USAF). On the whole, if you're thinking of coming in as part of the officer corps, my definite bias would have to be toward going Air Force. However, I'm not trying to steer you toward any branch in particular, that's your decision to make, and one that you'll have to live with.
What I will say is; don't marry the first pretty girl that winks at you. :D Examine your options, don't buy any recruiter's sales pitch, check things out for yourself, then decide. In picking a military career path, think ahead to what career/profession you'd like to pursue when you eventually become a civilian. Make sure the military specialty you pick will move you toward your goals, not detour you away from them. In plain English, go in with both eyes open. When you raise that right hand and swear that oath, there shouldn't be any doubt in your mind what you are getting into.
Here's a link I want you to take a look at; http://www.af.mil/careers/
Again, not trying to sway your decision, just encouraging you to weigh all your options before making such an important decision.

Sarge
 
As`a retired Marine I have a vested point of view here. The navy in general is a mind numbingly boring, rats in a maze exercise. That being said, NROTC is also a gateway the becoming a Marine officer. That, I will guarantee, is anything but boring. My concern is the way you seem to look at the prospect of being an officer. ( I would like to say that I served.) Are you looking to better yourself and the lives of those placed under your command? Or are you looking for another notch in your bedpost that might help get you elected to something " because you served", even if it was as the assistant recreational officer in Adak, Alaska. If your just looking for a free or cheap ride thru college get your GPA up and apply for more grant money and work three or more jobs like I did. Remember no matter what your degreed skills are , in the military you could end up doing any job the need an officer for. That means from a morale and welfare slot to commanding a rifle platoon in a life or death fight. In the military and officer has to realize that he/she affects the lives of everyone under them and that the reverse is also true. Misery breeds misery. As a retired Gunnery Sargeant I have seen both good and bad officers, if you do this don't be a bad one it can have horrible consequences. Sorry, ranting and foaming at the mouth over. Jim
 
Sorry about all this, but the Navy is not such a bad choice!
I worked as a deckhand on a commercial freighter in Alaska for awhile, and it is one of my best memories.
If you like the water, and you like to travel, the Navy would be great. You just have to get yourself into a job on the ship that you enjoy. As an officer, you might be able to work your way into the wheelhouse and learn navigation, etc. Now there is NO WAY anybody can call that boring. I got a chance to do some navigation and take wheel watches, and it was way cool. Working in the engine room is another matter. If you like it, you love it but I preferred being on deck.
Also, there is nothing quite like the feeling of ghosting into port and tying up the ship after a long cruise.... Good stuff!
 
I have a friend doing Navy ROTC, and he loves it. I mean LOVES it. But, he's been interested in military service from a young age and is very dedicated, which makes a huge difference. I served in the Army and honestly didn't like it much, too much political BS for my taste. I would highly recommend doing a lot of research on all of the military branches before committing to anything, including attending some ROTC functions of each branch if possible. It's a great deal if you are a good fit in the military, but those four years can end up being very long indeed if the service is not for you. Best of luck.
 
You get out of it what you put into it.

People that are squared away, smart and work hard go places in the Navy. They do recognize and reward excellence, and I think it really is equal opportunity.

No, I didn't serve. Medical. But I have worked with a lot of Navy aviators and they are very got-it-together people.


Mike
 
bigkahunasix said:
The navy in general is a mind numbingly boring, rats in a maze exercise. Jim
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That's the best description of the Navy I've ever heard. It's probably different for officers, but enlisted men (and women) are generally expected to check their brains at the door when they sign up. Individual thought is rigorously oppressed in the Navy. Asking questions is a sure-fire way to get yourself in trouble. "Why?" is practically a swear word.
 
Well, I have never been in the military, but from 2 friends that were in the Navy, one said "The Navy was great, I got to go to Canada, get stomped by Canadian bikers, and I learned to play chess really good", and the other said, "I didn't do a whole lot except read". Now, on the other end of the spectrum, my nephew recently joined the Navy and made it to Submarine school - the kid is a smart cookie and so far, he LOVES it. Someone mentioned it previously, but I agree - you get what you put into it.
 
I keep thinking of the book, Two Years Before the Mast


Just kidding. I understand that on a aircraft carrier life can be a real challenge. Jets are flying all the time, and accidents are common.

On other ships...with not as much to do, humans usually do torture one another.

You know, it would depend upon your job in the Navy, as to whether it was horrible or not.



munk
 
I have no regrets about doing my time and I'm glad that I did it, but I have no wish to go back. Does that tell you anything?

There are areas of the Navy where it's neither boring nor safe; if you do decide to join, it's a fairly simple matter to find out what they are and how to get there.

I won't harp upon the differences between the branches, either. What's usual for the service can be dramatically different at lower levels and there's quite a bit of overlap these days. Were I to go back to active duty it probably wouldn't be in the Navy, if that means anything.

If you listen to nothing else that I say, consider that eight years is a long time to be doing something that you don't like. (Don't count on reserve time being reserve time these days. If you owe eight, expect to pay eight.) The problem is that you won't know whether you like it or not until you're there.
 
Thanks for all of your replies, every little bit helps me know if this is what I want to do. I'm also checking out other services to see what they have to offer too (thanks Sarge :D).
Or are you looking for another notch in your bedpost that might help get you elected to something " because you served"
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I dont guess I was very clear on this. I dont believe in doing something halfway, so if I join the military I intend on doing the very best I can for everyone involved. And honestly, I cant hardly stand to think about most politicians, much less be one.
Personally tho, I'd really much prefer to do something with aircraft, my eyesights too bad to fly, but maybe an NFO or Navigator would be the thing to do. But like I said, this is just one road I can potentially go down and it sure helps to be able to see as far down the road as possible.
 
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