Questions About Joining

[Michael]

I am obviously not a navy mother. I am 17 years old and considering joining the navy, specifically in the nuclear program or as an MT, EW, or FC. I am interested in any pros and cons that all of you guys have heard from family and friends. Some of the important facts are very hard to get out of a recruiter. I have taken the practice asvab test, which the recruiter said was harder than the regular one. I scored a 91 on it. I also got a 24 on my ACT. Also, my dad is very anti-military so any tips you may have to help me convince him would be very appreciated. He did talk to a recruiter on the phone, but from what i've heard, it didn't go over well. He would rather have me go to college first, and then if i'm still interested in the military, go in as an officer. I dont want to do this because I want to get a civilian job after my enlistment period. At least thats my plan. Thank you,
Michael

[Barbara's Page]

Dear Michael,
After reading what you wrote, you do have a good head on your shoulders !! You already know what you want, good for you. Your father should be proud of you.
The Navy really has a lot to offer, as I wrote you already, my daughter is in the Navy and training. to read the radar. There is really all things, a good job, a great career, a bright future.
Try to convince your dad to talk to a Navy Recruit, and read up on the brochures. The Navy offers even college, along with their training. Even if you decide you don't want to stay with the Navy as a career, with your education and experience from the Navy, you shouldn't have a problem finding work in a good company. You can also join the Navy reserves, that's monthly.
I hope this helps a little. Good luck and take care.
Barbara Gambichler

[Karen Gallagher]

I can talk to you about the navy the education the benefits the life etc. Have your dad watch my commercials that are on my page.

I have 3 nukes this is the best education that you can get, the nuke program is equivilant to MIT in only 18 months you can have a degree from many a college with out even setting foot on a campus. You will cont to get education supported by the navy through your navy career, this will assist you with job placement once you are finished with the contract time.

As I have told you on your page my son Jake is available to discuss this info also with you.

Please have your dad contact me if he would like I have lots of good info for him
ask what ever questions you and he have and we will answer them for you

Have a great day

[Brenda James]

Michael
Its a tough decision at so young an age. My nephew joined Navy right after high school and is now a pilot living his dream. Although not for everyone, the Navy offers many opportunities and challenges for your future. My son just went to boot camp after waiting almost a year for his opportunity so although you may join it takes time to go for the training. Make sure you take the ASFAB test and if you score high on the test you can shop around for other military branches too.
My girlfriend's brother has been in the Navy as a physician for 17 years and started out in the nuclear program. Consider all your options and keep the lines of communication open. Good luck!

[Michael]

Brenda,
Thank you. I have only taken the practice asvab test. I did score a 91 on the test. I also got a 24 on my ACT. I am hoping I am smart enough for these fields.

[Brenda James]

Michael
You can buy a test booklet for the ASVAB test that helps you to study and my son's recruiter recommended he do it. It really did help increase his score. I recommend you consider all your options and if you are unsure about college, you can always take a few courses at the community college level which is what my son did before enlisting. It helped him to make his decision. Make sure you consider the time you need to give to the Navy before signing.
~Brenda

[Navy Dad Kevin]

Hi Michael, I'm not a mother either...If his information is correct, my son Luke is the youngest sailor on active duty. He graduated from recruit training on 7/18, is currently in GM A school, and turns 18 in October. I spent 24 years on active duty and retired as a Chief, so, obviously, I'm pro-Navy, pro-USA.

My first thought is- good for you, seeking information and interested in something significant for a career. Keep investigating your options, because the whole world is open to you right now. Once you've signed your name on the dotted line, the options become fewer. Consider what you want to do "for the rest of your life", and see if the Navy or another branch offer training in that. Remember that besides the technical training, the services do offer awesome college options for active duty folks. From what I read recently, the MT may be merging with GM. Or maybe I'm confused with TM. Whatever you do, get as much info as you can, talk with those who've "been there, done that", and seek out what is the "worst case scenario" for that rating (ie Army- digging a foxhole in freezing rain, getting shot at, eating MREs; Navy- working long hours on ship for 6-9 months, sleeping in a dry rack, eating galley food...)

My second thought is - why is your dad anti-military? Did he have a bad experience, or know someone who did? Does he have a philosophical concern? Or does he not trust the government policies? Each of these may require a different approach for you to understand his concerns, and see if you can answer them in a positive manner. I am of the opinion that you should honor your father and follow his guidance. He knows you better than anyone else, besides your mom, and nobody loves you more...perhaps in time you can come to some mutual agreement with the service.

Will be praying for you and him. Blessings, Kevin

[Michael]

Kevin,
Thank you for your input. I really don't have a problem with living quarters or bad food or anything like that. As long as i have a bed 'm happy. All I eat is frozen food so food in the galley will be a step up. My mom isnt around anymore and my dad and i have never really been close. He doesn't trust the government and I guess his friend didn't like being in the navy.

[Navy Dad Kevin]

Hey Michael, thanks for replying. I'm sorry to hear about your family struggles...we all face some sort of difficulty, and usually we hurt the ones we love the most. I can understand some of the issues why people may not trust the government, and I have close friends who did not enjoy their military experience. Maybe your search will reveal things your dad will appreciate, and may open doors to a better relationship. That's my prayer for you.

I just noticed that you updated your original message (or I overlooked some details). With your scores you can do well anywhere! If your GPA correlates with your ACT scores, you'd probably get decent scholarship offers, so please don't rush to enlist!

A friend of mine had his MS in microbiology, and the stupid recruiter brought him in as an E3 to be a computer tech or something. That's a waste of talent! He endured the 4 years or whatever, then learned about an officer program to help him get his MD and a commission. Now my friend is a Medical Officer, doing what he enjoys and is qualified to do! So please do not sell yourself short!

So, as much as I want to see the USN get a great new enlisted man, perhaps your dad knows you'd be underutilized as a techician. He's probably as proud of you as any of us are of our sailors! Believe me, the life of an officer has many challenges, responsibilities, and benefits above and beyond what the normal sailor faces. Is there a degree program or specific college that interests you? Does your dad say you'd be a great______ (whatever)?

Let me share a personal story. My parents lived in Norfolk, VA during WWII, and saw how poorly the sailors were treated back then. They were horrified when I said I wanted to join the Navy, and encouraged me to try college for a semester. So I did, and realized that I didn't want to waste my time or my dad's money. So I finally enlisted, and it turned out great, for me. I've since gone back to college while on active duty, and Uncle Sam helped pay for my AA and BA. Now I'm looking at Master's programs, and wondering what I want to be when I (finally ) grow up!

Maybe you'll love college, and get a jump start on an officer career; or maybe you won't. My only caution is to listen and learn before you leap. Here's a wise saying from an old respected text- "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

Okay, not meaning to preach, but you've got talent and smarts, and a dad that says try something else. You may not convince him that enlisted life is best, but if he sees you trying to honor his wishes, he will appreciate your thoughts more than if you don't. Keep seeking. Blessings, Kevin

ps feel free to message me if you want to discuss anything in private.

[Michael]

I think the only reason my dad wants me to try college first is because he wants the thought of me joining to die. I've always been interested in the military so I already know its not going to. I also don't want to become an officer. I am interested in doing the 4 or 6 year enlistment. Probably 6 for any nuclear or advanced programs. I'm more of a hands on person than a sitting behind a desk person also. Last thing, how does guarantees A school work? I'vo only heard the coast guard version, not the Navy.

[Navy Dad Kevin]

Good morning, I agree, that could be his motive. Kinda like a distraction to get your mind on other things. I understand your hesitation about becoming an officer. I was offered several opportunities to pursue a commission or warrant officer field, but once I made Chief I wanted to stay in that role.

In the end, you'll need to do what you think is best, but at the age of 17 you can't do anything final without dad's written permission.

Regarding A school, the Navy wants well trained sailors, so an A school is vital to your, and their, success. However, if for whatever reason you miss a deadline or some prerequisite, the Navy can reclassify you to go where they want you. Make sure you understand the contract, and it's stipulations, before you sign.

By the way, if you could endure a year or two of community college, you could perhaps appease the home authority and enlist at a higher paygrade. Ask the recruiter about that. Then, after completing A school and entering the fleet you could complete a degree on your schedule and at Uncle Sam's expense, if you want to. Can you see my subtle attempts at compromise?

Michael, I don't know you or your dad, so I have no emotional capital invested in this at all. But I do have 7 kids who are growing up too fast, and one who has caused us much heartache. As parents, we usually want what's best for our kids, but they don't always see it from the same perspective. It might be hard for you to do, but if you seek to honor the Lord and your dad in your daily decisions, He guarantees that much blessing and success will follow. Let me know what you find out.

[Michael]

If I were to do the nuke program I would be going in as an E3 already and after A school I would become an E4 so I'm not worried about rank. I think I have made my decision as far as joining. Not positive on which rate I will choose. One mere thing, how does guaranteed A school work?

[Ashley]

Michael,

I'm coming at this with not a lot of experience and as a Navy wife.

My husband would be more than willing to give you more information, he's 20 to be 21 in Septemeber and completed boot camp on May 2nd. He really seems to enjoy it. I would get into the Nukes Mom's group on here...See what their sons have said and are going through. I have found my most valuable information on here. Things even my husband didn't know. My husband is an AT so he couldn't provide you with much information on your job, but we are now at his schooling station in Pensacola.

Hope all goes well...And as for your dad, I think Kevin has a good response for you :)

Good luck and take care and let us know if you need anything!

-Ashley