What NEEDS to get in my contract?

[Michael]

Hi, I am posting this because I am awaiting my 18th birthday and will be signing up very shortly after. I want to take a list of everything I need to make sure gets into my contract when i enlist. What should I insist on? I am planning on either Nuke of FC at the moment. My practice ASVAB score was high enough for basically any rate.

[Brenda Sue]

Michael - You are one smart young man!!! There are SEVERAL recruiters on this site. I would be sure and ask each one of them individually. I think if they know what "job" you want, it will be beneficial. Things vary from job to job.

Good Luck in the Navy and for your future!!!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

The practice ASVAB is just that, practice. When you take the really ASVAB you will get the scores which will show you what you are qualed to be.

As far as what needs to be in your contract. Anything you are promised. You will NOT get FC in your contract, they decide if you will be an FC or ET while in BC. It will say something like ACE/F program. If the recruiter says you get a bonus it needs to be in your contract. If you are going to come in as anthing expect an E1 it needs to be in your contract. If the Navy is going to pay back some of your student loans, it needs to be in your contract.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Hey Michael, getting closer to the day huh?! Haven't seen you on recently. You will want your job, schools, sign on bonus and enlistment rate. All recruits start bootcamp as SR (E1) but they may finish boot camp as an E2 or E3 so any promises of a higher rate upon the completion of boot camp, A school or C school should be spelled out in your contract. If you are looking at the FC rate, your contract will state AECF program, then you will meet with the classifiers at boot camp and will receive either the ET or FC rating and the schools that correspond with that rate.

Our son graduates from A school next week and was able to pick his C school orders - he did receive Aegis which was his goal. Keep us posted!

[Dawn Russell]

Be sure to look for anything promised. If you are promised a school, be sure it is in the contract. If you are promised a bonus, be sure it is in there. Also, if you are told you are going in as anything other then E-1, be sure it is in writing. My son's contract changed, due to him changing his rate. He knew when he went to MEPS for the last time, to look for these three things. Also, ANYTHING they promise or guarantee, be sure it is in the contract before you sign. After you sign, chances are, you lost out.

[Suzie T]

I wish we had posted this question before my son enlisted. We did make sure his bonus was on the contract. I think he could have done better had we known you could ask for certain things. He scored high on the ASVAB and he also did well on the practice test.
Great replys to your question!

[Joy]

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[Michael]

Thanks for all of the replies! This is very helpful.