Going in as musician

[Gulf Coast Mom]

My son has been in the Navy for two years now and I am one of their best advocates. I was just talking with the parent of one of the students at the school I work at. He told me his son's recruiter told him that the son (a jr. in high school) could get his GED and go in now (or soon) as an E-2, but if he signed on now - DEP - guaranteed musician - and finished high school, he could go in to boot camp as an E-4. I told him this sounded fishy to me - my son went in as a nuke as E-3 and after A-school was promoted to E-4. I did not have time to talk to dad long - referred him to this site and specifically the musician group, but was curious for myself. For one, I didn't think they were taking GEDs and I don't know of anyone going to boot camp as E-4. Thanks to all.

[Anti M]

No one goes to boot camp as an E-4. That's the level where you have learned your rate. Impossible before you've joined the Navy! Guaranteed E-4 after A school I can believe, going to boot camp with E-3 yes, but you're right, it isn't possible the way the recruiter says. Perhaps something was misunderstood?

I think they still take a few GEDs. But it just doesn't sound correct to me either.

My ex wanted to join the Navy as a musician. They told him to take ET then he could switch. Well, ET has a six year obligation. Guess who never got to be a Navy musician?

[Gulf Coast Mom]

Thanks - I hated to argue with the dad, but I thought to myself - there is no way this is correct. I am going to give him the info for this site and the musician site. Although I would like to tell him to believe everything the recruiter says, I know better, both from my son's experience and reading thru the posts here. Not sure how long the recruiters stay in one place, but if he happens to be dealing with the same guy my son did I wouldn't believe much. I don't want to dash his hopes - just think he needs to do a little more research. Thanks again.

[EMC (SS)]

Its not like normal ratings and recruiters have nothing to do with getting into it. You have to specifically audition to become part of the Navy band. They go through boot camp as an enlisted Sailor, but I have no idea what rank (my guess is E-3; so rare I've never met one, Hoppi aka Angie might be able to give you better info on this as she works in Great Lakes). After completion of boot camp (they can also be picked up out of any military branch or rating, again audition), they are meritoriously advanced to E-6 (then pretty much never advance again). Please direct this potential Sailor to the following information, it sound to me like someone is trying a pull some wool over the eyes routine. Information about the benefits can be found at the below website:

http://www.navyband.navy.mil/careerinfo.shtml

"The U.S. Navy Band, Washington, D.C. is a preferentially staffed Presidential support activity. Members of this premier band are selected by competitive live audition from among the very best musicians in the country. Selection for assignment to the U.S. Navy Band is determined from among candidates who apply for announced vacancies. In order to audition it is required that you be a U.S. citizen aged 18 to 34, pass the Armed Forces Entrance Physical and be otherwise qualified for service in the U.S. Navy. Current military members and some veterans may be exempt from the age requirement.

The Navy and Navy Band have strict appearance and weight standards. Each candidate will be weighed and measured prior to auditioning for the U.S. Navy Band. If you are found by Navy Band personnel to exceed the Navy's current weight standards for your height by more than 10% you will not be allowed to audition. The determination of Navy Band personnel who weigh and measure candidates is final. Additionally, musicians who are hired must conform to weight and appearance requirements prior to enlistment. Please consider this requirement before accepting an invitation to audition for the U.S. Navy Band.

If you are interested in auditioning for an announced U.S. Navy Band job opening, send your resume as an e-mail attachment to the Audition Supervisor at the address listed below. Please be sure to list the position in which you are interested in the subject line of all e-mail correspondence. Active duty musicians from all branches of the U.S. military must also send a letter from your band director/commanding officer granting permission to audition for the U.S. Navy Band. A compact disc recording is required for consideration to audition for all U.S. Navy Band specialty groups, including the Sea Chanters, Commodores, Country Current, and Cruisers. Recordings will be screened by the unit audition committee in order to determine who will be invited to audition in person in Washington, D.C. Specific information about what must be included on recordings is available from the Audition Supervisor. Audition materials will not be returned. Please note that all travel arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of auditioning candidates, not the U.S. Navy."

U.S. Navy Band Audition Supervisor
617 Warrington Ave., S.E.
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5054
202-433-2840, 202-433-4108 (fax)
[e-mail]

[Gulf Coast Mom]

Thanks EMC (SS) - as I said, I know what the dad told me doesn't sound right. I am going to give him this info and he can go from there. I just know how impressionable the young kids are and they want to believe everything that they are told. I have learned soooo much from being on this site. I usually stay below the radar put wanted to at least let dad/son know they needed to do a little more research.