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

[Linda D-IA]

Michael, I am a Navy mother and I was also in the Navy. My son Craig leaves for Boot Camp on the 21st of August he just graduated in May. As so many others have said. The Navy offers alot of benefits education bar none; travel. It is also time to grow as a young adult to figure out what you may want to do in the future. I enjoyed my time in the Navy and don't regret not one day. True let your Dad look at Karen's commercials they are full of valuable information. And, remember we are here if you ever need us. Take care and good luck. Linda D- ia

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Hi Michael, how smart of you to do your homework and this is a great site for information. There is a "school and education forum" on the site and alot of the job descriptions are posted there for you to review.

Our son is in A school now for the FC program. It requires a six year enlistment as the first two years are spent in school which will provide alot of college credits in the process. My husband was also an FC for 10 years and it was a great rate for him in the Navy and in the civilian world as well.

If you have any specific questions that we can answer about this job, please let us know. Good luck with your decision process.

[Michael]

This field is interesting to me. What are some of the things that would be good to know that reading a job description won't tell me?

[Michael]

My dad did talk to the recruiter on the phone and gave him many many excuses. My dad found out about this site somehow. He told me to try and find out info other than what i get from a recruiter. So far I still haven't found any downfalls. Kinda funny because thats what he was hoping for,

[Dianne]

Hello, My son is in the navy nuclear program. He's been through basic training, A school, Power School and he is almost done with Prototype School. He is a machinist's mate and will be going out in the fleet soon on an aircraft carrier.

Have you taken the ASVAB yet? My son scored high on that but didn't do all that well in high school, passing but not stellar. Power school was tough but he made it. He says prototype is easier.

Nuclear is a great field to be in right now. The nukes get pretty good bonuses. $12,000 to sign and at the 2 year point they get a chance to re-up with a $45,000 bonus. The private sector likes to hire nukes because they know their training is superb. I've heard they are building several new nuclear plants so they will need nuclear trained people and the navy trains the best. So if you stay in the navy or not you will have a bright future.

Do you have any specific questions?

Dianne

[Michael]

I did take the practice asvab and got a 91. And I have done pretty well in school, as long as i try. I also got a 24 on the ACT. It sounds like I can do it. I just need to focus. As far as questions, I am just wondering if there are any things I should know about that I can't find out just by reading the pamphlets or talking to the recruiters. More real life kinda things.

[Dianne]

I hope it is OK to post these. I have two web sites that tell about Nuke life.

http://www.squidoo.com/proudnavymom
http://www.squidoo.com/prototypeschool

Power school is hard but they want you to succeed. There are instructors available to help every night after school. If your grade point average falls they will give you extra help and extra study hours. I was worried that my son might not make it because he didn't do that well in high school, but he did make it.
Guys that don't make it in power school, for example a machinist's mate, they become regular mechanics instead of nuclear mechanics and they really excel at that. The navy seems to be very good at choosing people for this program. Nick says there is a particular configuration of personality traits that fit the nuke rate.

Nick feels like he has the hardest part is behind him. Prototype is long hours but easier.

Great ASVAB score BTW! And good luck with your decision.

[Michael]

Thank you. I appreciate all the feedback. I will check out those sites. And I was always wondering what would happen if you don't get through all the schooling.

[sailormom - Lisa Jesse's mom]

Hi Michael,
I think it sounds like you have your head on straight. My son has been in for almost 2 years and he loves it. He has found a true purpose for his life. I am extremley proud of him...

[Achseh]

Michael- I am a Navy mother and was a Navy wife. My husband retired after 23 years of service as a Master Chief, I was his wife for 21 of those years.

We did not want our son to join, so I can empathize with your father. My husband served so his children wouldn't have to. Unfortunately, the world hasn't changed much since he joined, just different players but still as unsafe.

As you can probably tell by me saying I'm a Navy mom that my son went and enlisted anyway. Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of him but I love him with my whole being and I just cannot reconcile in my heart that he will be in harms way.

It's very hard and I'm sure that's what your dad is going through, too, so try to cut him some slack and try to understand where he's coming from. Always go into your talks with your dad with his point of view in mind and as an adult and you will most likely be able to convince him that this is the right thing for you at this time.

My piece of advise is to always double and triple check what your recruiter tells you. Recruiters are not your friends- they may make it look like they are, but they are there to fill a quota and check a box. After going through some hairy crud that could have and should have been taken care of prior to my son's enlistment, we are now on our way, but his troubles that he's had to deal with over the past few weeks rest solely on the shoulders of his lazy recruiter.

That said, not all are lazy nor do all lie, but, just like the Navy itself at times, you must look out for your own best interests. Navy dad Kevin is a great resource for you as will be others who are here.

It's not an easy life, by any means, but it sure is an interesting life! Good luck with any decision you make. I, too, would suggest college first, by the way. :o)

[Jennifer Watson]

Dear Michael, My son went into the navy when he was 17. My mind was blown, as he applied for westpoint. He didnt get in so 4 weeks before graduating HS he enlisted. I was Happy and sad at the same time. My dad worked for the Navy for 30 years. David Buddy my son is on the USS Asheville in the nukes program and loves it. He is deployed rt. now we have only heard from him once since June 2nd. But I know he is in good hands.The navy gave him a 50. thousand dollar college schorship for when he gets out of the navy or to go to college while hes in there.

[Michael]

I have heard lots and lots of benefits. I still really haven't heard any downfalls besides food, small bed, on a boat for a long time, etc. Those don't bother me. What are the downfalls of say being an ET or EM in the nuke program? Or working?