Am I making a rational decision or emotional mistake?

[Morgan]

Hello. I’m a 27 year old college graduate. I am very unhappy with the status of my life right now, and am looking to do something different yet meaningful.

I’ll be 100% honest; I am so fixated on the Navy’s incentives that I may be ignoring the cons/risks. I’m sold on the loan repayment program, the opportunity to travel, making money with very few expenses (saving), and employment security for AT LEAST the next 4-8 years. The Navy has an answer to all my civillian woes. I’m going into this with the mindset that it’s going to be hard and I’ll probably be miserable, but what am I really losing? My family all says that there is a war going on and now is the wrong time to join. I don’t look at the military as a guaranteed ticket to war or a death sentence, but they do. If enough people disagree with you, then eventually you have to think you're wrong. So am I missing something? Are there more risks with the Navy that I am not considering? I don’t want to psych myself out from joining, but I also don’t want to be naïve either….please help me make a more rational decision!

[BunkerQB]

Here are a number of discussions that you should read. Perhaps you'll find your answers in one of them.
1. Loved Ones of OCS Class of 14-10
2. Out of college - thinking of joining the Navy.
3. Daughter doesn't stick with anything - will Navy cure her?
4. Joining the Navy
5. What to say to my parent? Please help.
6. Convincing my son to join, right or wrong?

[Paula]

BunkerBee gave you some great reading, but no matter what you read, or hear it still stands the final decision is yours. If your joining just because you can't find a job you like, well maybe the Navy is not for you. What happens if you do not like your rate? You can not get up and leave.

You are already a college graduate, so def. go for Officer not enlisted. It may not be easy, it is very physical)
It is a very rewarding career but if you think your going to make boat loads of $ your wrong, but to weigh in on the opposite side, you don'[t have to pay for housing on your own--You, not your family have to sit down & write all the pro's and cons and weight it out.

What is your degree in? Maybe you could talk to a OCS recruiter and see what they have to say. I wish you the very best. The US Navy always has room for good Sailors. Let us know your decision, I am sure all the Moms on here are behind you.

PS, please also see it from your families prospective... You are still a child in their eyes and there is a war going on. Will you go there, who knows but I am sure they just want the best for you.
Take care sweetie

[Morgan]

I've pretty much read all these discussion post and people's responses looking for an answer for myself. Everything has been helpful, but i'm still holding some concern. I don't come from a military family and am very ignorant when it comes to military life. So maybe my problem is lack of knowledge on the Navy's role in the world of defense. I didn't think sailors went to warzones. I always thought of them as being in the seas protecting against potential threats, and aiding other branches by shipping supplies, so I never imagined there being an option to end up in Iraq or Afghanistan. Why do some people view joining the military, especially now, as a death sentence or a 1st class ticket to war??

As far as the OCS thing goes. My recruiter put in a request of some sort that was denied so I don't qualify for OCS just because of my degree, but I will enlist as an E-3. My degree is in broadcasting, and my grades were not the greatest so I don't think I was worth their investment...understandable I guess. From what i've learned about being an officer i don't know if it's something for me personally. At least not yet. My plan was to spend some years enlisted to see if I even like military life, because as was said before I can't just quit if I don't. If I don't like it, then what's 4 years of my life struggling through it? I'm not really losing anything, yet i'll be gaining a lot even through my "misery."

Thank you for all the support and help, it's greatly appreciated :)

[Anti M]

I can see why you'd hesitate if you aren't familiar with the Navy.

Yes the Navy has sailors who perform duties on shore rather than at sea, and sailors can be sent to serve in conjunction with other branches. Nothing like infantry or the Marines though. However, while women are near combat, they rarely are directly on the front lines. You will very likely be at sea for part of your enlistment. I'd not say the Navy is a one way ticket to a war zone; just be aware there is a possibility. What if you joined in peacetime and a war began?

I was in the Navy and loved it, but I was raised Navy, so the moving around and hurry up and wait stuff didn't bother me. A sailor must be patient and flexible! I do question why you'd call it "misery". Sure, some of it sucks... but doesn't some of life just suck as well? Wearing a uniform is not awful, it is a state of mind, as is standing duty and following orders. What I'm reading as an emphasis on the word "misery" is the one thing I'd worry about. Would you be willing to explain what ideas about the Navy make you think of as miserable? Then maybe some of us could explain our experiences in the areas you have concerns about.

And on shipping supplies. That's not the Navy, that's the Merchant Marines and private companies. The Navy does have their own supply ships and hospital ships, but mostly the vessels are warships. Very high tech and a source of pride. (I'm not trying to be obnoxious, just informative,)

[BunkerQB]

I am not being critical but it appears that your primary reason for joining is financial. There are many benefits of being in the military, particularly given our economic climate; however, you must feel "compelled" internally (inner directed) to be part of something greater than your own personal needs before you make that final decision. If you don't feel that passion, do yourself and other sailors a favor and do not join. You would not make a good sailor. Other sailors who give it their all will resent you taking a place where another with a higher degree of commitment would appreciate the opportunity more. I am not saying the Navy is NOT for you. Simply, that you must do some real hard thinking about why you want to join. My son is an officer. Periodically, he run across someone (enlisted and officer) who really did not think things through before joining. That sailor makes everyone around him miserable and is miserable himself. Understandably, others treat this person like shit. It is a LOOSE-LOOSE situation.
Have you explore other career avenues? How about grants and scholarships to retrain if your area of study is not beneficial in this job market? I know I written some words that may seem harsh. They are not intended to be. Being part of the Navy is serious business. With certain jobs, a non-caring slacker would be dangerous to have around (other than being unpleasant). You have a college degree. Opportunities are really endless. Think outside of the box. Do some research on other avenues. If you come to the decision that the Navy is for you, you will have lots of support right here. Best of luck.

[BunkerQB]

Thank you for your perspective. You have lots more experience than I have had in this regard; therefore, I will defer to your judgment on this. Point well taken. Personally, ummm...... And everyone, please don't think we are fighting. We are both opinionated and don't hesitate to said it like it is. I thought I had learned to soften my words but no such luck. Thank God, we are free to speak our minds. LOL

[BunkerQB]

Personally, I love strong minded women - can't stand dip sticks. So what, if we can't agree. Some of my best work in a group is due to the synergistic result of having to "come to a consensus." BTW, want to buy a bridge in Brooklyn? or an igloo in Alaska? priced well, of course.

[Anti M]

I joined because it was the only way I knew how to put a roof over my head in the late 70s after my parents quit paying my tuition. No one thought I'd be successful and love it ... I had doubts myself. But I'd have done the full 20 if marriage and duty stations hadn't been such a conflict. Compelled to serve? Nope. You can never tell.

[BunkerQB]

I just telling you what my darling son told me. He could have sat on his butt, after college. He graduated with a degree in EE with honors. He didn't look real hard for a job because in his words - "He was compelled to do something good for something (his country) or someone other than himself." Now maybe he was luckier than most kids. Always a roof over his head, food on the table, education funded and supportive (some would say over-indulgent) parents. This could be the reason why he is having a hard time with those who are not as passionate about doing the job perfectly as he does. I guess many join for many reasons.

[Arwen]

I too joined for the adventure and the paycheck. I couldn't have cared less about "serving." It makes me very uncomfortable when people thank me for my service. I never felt that I served, I had an all-expenses paid fun-fest adventure. Even taking out the garbage is fun when you realize you are taking out the garbage on a US Navy ship, and while doing the dishes you might be on on secret missions with submarines (true story, LOL). You are out there doing things that most people will never get to do. For years after I got out I dreamed of still being in, of having even more adventures. If circumstances were different I probably would have stayed for 20 years.

Everyone has a different reason for being in the Navy. If you are in the right job (which is part of Hoppi's job, to make sure people are where they can be most effective), then no matter what your reasons for joining the Navy, you can be a great sailor. I have only seen one exception to that rule, and if Morgan has finished college, then this exception does NOT apply.

[ChrisAmo]

My son joined at the age of 29, with a 4-year college degree (in studio art....guaranteed to get him a job, right? ). He's now a Petty Officer 2nd class (his college degree meant he came out of boot camp an E-3) and a rescue swimmer. He flies on helicopters, lands on carriers, and is having the most fun of his life. He LOVES the Navy (well, most of it). For him it was the best decision he could have made, but he took a very long time making it to be sure it was what he really wanted. Part of the decision was financial, part was to travel and see the world and part was for the adventure.

[Morgan]

Hello All-

Sorry for taking so long to respond. I have read, and appreciate all the responses so far. They have given me a lot of insight as well as a lot to think about.

Maybe I can clarify a few things about myself. When it comes to the Navy, I am not at all concerned with all those things that “Hoppi” listed. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but those conditions are not deal breakers either. I know I can’t just quit because I don’t like it, but I’m not the type to commit to something and not finish it anyway.

There are some people who WANT to be in the military and there are some people who would NEVER join. I fall somewhere in between. I can’t say I have this compelling desire to serve my country, and I can’t say I would NEVER do it either. Based on my current situation, and how unhappy I am, I think the Navy can give me that sense of meaning and stability I am searching for. That is why I’m considering enlisting.

Anti M asked me to explain what I mean by misery? Well, I don’t exactly know what I’m getting myself into; no one does until they just do it. I can ask a billion questions, but everyone has their own experience. I’m mostly concerned with being sent to a war zone. I’m sure that’s everyone’s concern. Once you’re in, you follow orders and that’s it. You don’t have a choice anymore. I don’t know if I want to take the luck of the draw and HOPE I never get sent to Iraq or Afghanistan or any place like that. I didn’t even know Navy did things like that. There is no guarantee either way. So if I had to list my biggest concern, that would be it, war. How can I comfort my family and those that support me on the topic when I myself am not totally comfortable with the idea? And I don’t know how to get comfortable. I guess that’s why I’ve come here looking for advice before I make this decision. Is this something I should be all that worried about or is it being exaggerated due to lack of knowledge?

Thanks again everyone, your responses good and bad are very helpful!

p.s. I go with my recruiter to pick out my job and sign my contract on 3-1, so it’s crunch time on this decision.