Creating a contract

[Annie]

I am joining the Navy, when I speak with my job classifier to create my contract. Is there anything I need to know that needs to be on the contract? I don't want to have to stay longer if I don't like it. If I do what should my contract have?

[Steve's Mom]

Annie, I am not quite sure what you are asking.

[Annie]

well I'm a little skeptical, I have read on here that everyone does at least 8 years. Whether it be 4 years active and 4 years reserve. Or 5 years and 3 reserve...and so on....What if I don't get the job I want, I don't want to have to stay in and hate the Navy. I'm joining because I want to have a Navy career so I don't have to get out when my term is up. I'm just a little scared of the unknown. So I'm wondering if I don't get the job I want then can I just get out if I put that on my contract?

[Steve's Mom]

lets go get a couple of recruiters or Navy personell to answer this. When you signe up, you are offered a specific job in your contract.

[Hoppi aka Angie]

Once you join the Navy you are IN the Navy for 8 years, unless you get into trouble and get kicked out. So if you don't get offered the rate you want than don't join!

[Annie]

thanks.

so after you speak with the job classifier, that will be your job for the next 8 years? Could you ever change jobs within that time frame or are you stuck until you re-enlist for another 8 years and get training for another job?

[Hoppi aka Angie]

You can change your rate after being in it for 2 years.

[Shawn Dery]

be careful to understand tat you are not "stuck" in the navy for 8 years. all contracts state 8 years in case there was ever a draft. your active tour will be 4 or 5 years and it will be clearly stated in your contract that you and the classifier at MEPS signs. If after 2 years you do not like your current job then you can put in to reclassify to another job provided that your asvab scores meet that criteria. your contract is very clearly written with nothing hidden or verbally promised to you. anything the classifier tells you you will get is what will be in writing and you will get it unless you do something to screw it up. i.e. if you got a job as a navy cop (MA) and then tonight you got a OWI then obviously you would lose that job. make sense?? feel free to ask away if you have anymore questions.

[Annie]

thanks, that was very helpful. I feel so much better know.

[Sherri]

What is an OWI

[Lady Hamilton]

OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), aka DWI, aka DUI - drunk driving.