Is The Navy Life for Me? Advice Appreciated!

[KaSherr]

Hi, my name is Katie, and I am thinking of joining the Navy. Right now, I'm 21 and enrolled at a community college with a very good GPA. I could transfer to a good school, and probably go without paying any tuition. Still, I feel uncertain about it all. I just don't think I could spend 2 or 3 more years of my life going to classes, and working as a waitress.

My reasons for joining:

I want to grow up, and become independent.

My parents are not doing well financially, because they are having to pay for three of my brothers (and all their mistakes, because they have not become independent). They have simply become burdens to my parents. I'd like to send money back home to them. 

Education.

Possibly seeing the world.

Having a secure living.

The benefits included afterwards, such as the GI Bill.

Meeting new people.

Excitement.

I will go to see a recruiter on Friday with my parents. I have heard they can be much like car salesmen. Basically, I'd like the honest truth about the Navy. What is a day in the Navy like? What will I be expected to do? What are the downsides to life in the Navy? I want to hear the bad side; the stuff the recruiter most likely won't tell me. Then, I can decide if Navy life is for me. I'd hate to choose it, then find it isn't!

Also, I would greatly appreciate any experiences from a mother who's daughter is in the Navy. Are they glad they joined?

Thanks for any replies,

Katie

[Anti M]

I was in the Navy. I was going to college, and truthfully, I never wanted to be an officer. Yeah, opportunity, but you fly a desk, not work with your hands. (Lisa knows I always stick up for choosing being enlisted, just as she always suggests Officer, LOL) Do research both choices!

I found being a sailor to be very fulfilling because I learned a skill I'd never contemplated: electronics. Yes, I repaired and maintained multi-million dollar systems vital to world security. I like saying that because even now I have trouble believing it. They trained me, trusted me, and I came through!

What you will do daily will depend on what rate you are, and what paygrade you achieve. This all is after boot camp, and your schools, A school and C school. Training in the Navy is constant.

You will likely go to sea, which is a world apart. Others will have to tell you what that's like for females.

What I did as an ET: Mustered daily at 7 am, in uniform. Read my assignments off the board, did my work, went home at four. If "my" gear broke, I stayed at work until I fixed it. On my duty day, I'd stay at the command and sleep in the duty bunkroom; there was always a tech in the building. Couple times a month, that was me. I prepared for inspections, I did my advancement courses on my own time. I cleaned a lot too, and yes, I painted. As you advance, you hold the musters, prepare the work assignments (I'm skimming here), monitor the training records, create the duty rosters. Approve special request chits, write evals, counsel younger sailors. In case of emergency, you do what you're trained to do. The more responsibility you have, the more privileges you earn.

I wasn't on a ship, so I didn't have to do crank duty (think chores like kitchen aid instead of your main job). That's temporary. I did stand Shore Patrol in San Diego. That was interesting.

I usually had weekends and holidays off, but not always. Sometimes we got special liberty, and we could request days off. 30 days of leave each year, although we had to juggle when we could take it.

My dad was Navy, I was Navy, my hubby was Navy, my friends and my nephew are currently Navy. We ALL loved it.

[KaSherr]

Again, thank you for the replies, everyone!

I have honestly researched the BDCP, NROTC, and the enlisted option. For me, enlisted seems to be my only way at this point. I'm most likely not far enough in hours for BDCP (considering that quite a few of my courses will not transfer). My current school is not a four-year one, so no NROTC. Even if I transfer, NROTC is way too competitive. All I have is a 3.7 GPA; no extracurricular activities, and my SAT still is not good enough for it. Bah! It's all just frustrating me. I'm young, single, and I don't need a big paycheck. I just want some money for school, be independent, see the world, and get my life started!

With all that being said... can you make me feel better Anti M (and others may chime in as well, of course!), and give me some reasons why you prefer enlisted? I keep reading, and being told about how poor the quality of life is for enlisted, and it's really putting a damper on my excitement for the Navy. Thank you all. :)

[Chris]

There are some transitional programs that may be beneficial to you. BDCP may be what you are looking for:

http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/miami/OPO/BDCP.htm

[Anti M]

Hey, that's new to me. Looks like a good program!

[KaSherr]

Thank you for all the replies! Lisa, I will definitely make sure to ask the recruiter about OCS. It sounds like a good opportunity. If they pay for my schooling, and I also receive my grants, then I shouldn't have to worry at all. Sounds great! And, you're right! I will make sure to research all my options, because I do owe it to me and my family. Thanks so much.

Anti M! Thanks for the detailed reply! I kept wondering what an actual day was like. I think I could do it. I don't mind the cleaning and painting (I do all that stuff now, ha-ha). It sounds to me like you are given jobs, and then left alone. Sounds great! If you do your job, and do it right, you won't be bothered. That's how I like it. I also like the thought of working my way up, so by the time I am given responsibilities - I will know what to do! From your reply, I think I will love it, too. :D

Chris, that program looked really interesting. I've just only skimmed through it, but I will make sure to read it all, and ask my recruiter about it when I see him. Thank you! Thanks to everyone!

[Anti M]

Mostly, although "the shop" tends to act as a team. And as with any workplace, you get individuals who are micro-managers.

Do come back and post as you continue your search for the perfect fit in the service!

[KaSherr]

Well, I went to visit a Navy recruiter this morning! I know I said I was going to last Friday, but it turned out they were closed on Fridays, then they were closed on Monday, too, etc. Overall, I enjoyed the visit. Of course, she made it all sound like candy and ice cream. She was extremely vague, and most of what she did tell - I already knew. Never even mentioned other ways in which I could enter the Navy besides just straight enlisting. I'll make sure to ask her about it all next time, including ROTC. It's OK right now, since I am only scheduled to take the ASVAB on Monday. I guess I was just expecting her to really help me make the most of my decision. I mean, I have a 3.7 GPA (gonna go up after this semester), and I have a good score on my SAT. I just thought I might be able to do more, or I may just be expecting way too much. Then, she may just probably see me as one of those people who may not show up again, but eventually take me more seriously as we go on. Meh. Just the ASVAB for now. I am in no rush.

I've gotten more advice from other great folks, including those outside the Navy. One has been in the Navy for 11 years, and I have another friend of the family who I was told was an Admiral or at least highly-ranked. Still have to call him. Most everyone I have talked to enjoyed their military experience, and has given me encouraging words. I think I may be one of those that love it! Thanks so much for all of the help you all have given me! I'll keep you all updated if you like. :)

[Joyce Campbell]

The Navy is a great career path for women. As far as recruiters go, there are good and bad ones, just like in all walks of life. Know that what's in writing is the truth, the rest is all possibilities. My son had six wonderfuls years enlisted and did see the world and did become financially independent. He is now attending college and doing well, all paid for. Please do keep us posted. If end up near Great Lakes, let me know!

[navygryph27]

I will tell you right now that if you truly want to go the officer route, you need to talk to an officer recruiter not an enlisted recuiter. The enlisted recruiter will try to get you to enlist first, Which is fine if you want to enlist first then go officer. It's just a lot harder to go officer when you go enlisted to begin with. Though like everyone else here, follow your heart. You sound like you'd be a great candidate for NROTC or the BDCP program. If you want to go Nuclear, consider looking into the NUPOC program. If you're not sure what NUPOC is, NUPOC stands for Navy Nuclear Officer Propulsion Officer Candidate. Where you go to school, get paid as an E6 (Petty Officer First Class) then when you graduate, you go to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI for 12 weeks. Upon graduation you will get your commission.

I agree with TawnyA, your benefits, pay, and ife in general is much greater as an officer. I almost went the enlisted route, but I did some soul searching and I found that I didn't want to go that route. I want to make a bigger impact on my country, and to inspire others. What better way to do that than to become a military officer!

Explore all your options in the Navy before settling for one, and definitely reach higher if you can. I wish you all the luck.

To locate an officer recruiter, go to the Navy website, and under Find a recruiter, it will give you the phone number for the Officer programs.

[Brenda Jones (BeBe's mom)]

HELP!!!
I have a daughter that joined 2 years ago, right out of high school as enlisted and she loves it. Out on tour right now, but she always loved the idea of Military life. She is flying high and enjoying it.
However, I need some advice. Can someone offer any? My middle daughter just enlisted January 24th. She is at Officer School in RI. She hates it. She constantly talks about leaving and giving up. I told her to stick it out and then when she graduates, the sky is the limit. She states that it is not what she thought it would be and she don't like the idea of having to be over people. She wants to talk to them about possibly letting her enlist. She is not for all the "MILITARY-STUFF". She just wanted to go in, pay off some bills and get out.

[KRR]

goosssh we have the same life lol same name and thinking about joining for basically the same reasons! i'm not sure what to do either yet i'm just thinking about it right now i might wait a year though to get an associates and join then do school stuff while in the navy to get a bachelors degree! but yea i'm bored of being a soda jerk and could help my family and grow as a person so... yea when i got on here and read that i though "gosh twin" lol but so i still don't know what to do but maybe i just need time!

[KaSherr]

We do sound like twins! I am confused, too, ha-ha. I just want to do something with my life, you know? What did make me feel better was that many people with college education still choose the enlisted route, and there are still commissioning programs once in the Navy (though they are much more difficult to get into and complete). Oh, well. I have the nearest Officer Recruiter's number, and I'll call him when the week starts. If he doesn't make me feel anymore optimistic about this whole Officer thing - my next post may be saying I've gone enlisted! Good luck to you!