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

[blueskies2009]

That doesn't mean we can't be friends though, maybe we'll have the same duty stations someday :D

[KaSherr]

Oh, yes! We can definitely be friends, and it would be great if we had the same duty station!

[Chris]

Katie,

What rates are you considering? Studying for the ASVAB may not do you much good. You should be fine. The rate you choose is as important as the decision to enlist. As they say, pick your rate, pick your fate. Good luck and thank you for making the decision to stand watch and serve our country.

[KaSherr]

Thank you for wishing me good luck, Chris. I will need it! I'm mostly just considering rates in administration or intelligence. I'm trying not to think too much about jobs, and box my self into just a few - then they not even offer me any of them at MEPS... which is where I am going next Wednesday! I am so nervous! Any prayers for passing the physical will help me tremendously. Thank you everyone for all this support.

[Solara]

Hey I am John 21 I go to MEPS Wednesday into Thursday at Ft Mead Maryland. good luck... I am not trying to be discouraging but this is my second time going to try and get a job but i guess it doesn't help that i am going for two of the most popular jobs Master at Arms and Hospital Corpsman!!! I hear that they are booked up for the rest of the year!! Good luck

[KaSherr]

That's awesome! We'll be there the same days! I hear we are going at the best time, because there are more jobs available in the beginning of the month. I hope you get MA or HM. I actually met a guy in DEP yesterday for MA - one year. Hope you're not in DEP that long either! Good luck to you, too.

[KaSherr]

Thank you for such an encouraging reply, marine_navy mom! As I wrote, I am mainly just worried about the physical, specifically the blood test. My dad is a carrier of a hereditary type of anemia, spherocytosis, and I had a 50/50 chance of inheriting it from him. My mother said she tested me a long time ago, and that I was negative. However, I am showing one symptom. Anyways, I'm just praying that I don't have it, or that I will not be DQ'd for it. I'm really stressing it! And, I'm trying to not get my hopes up in case I do.

[KaSherr]

Thank you sooooo much, marine_ navy mom! Your comments are truly helping me. I am also hoping it's the anemia that most girls experience. I have begun taking iron supplements (which are prescription, so fast-acting), and folic acid supplements. Hopefully they will help raise my blood count by the time I am bussed off to MEPS! Lastly, the extra prayer is much appreciated. :)))

[belkysv]

my son has the same thing he was taking folic acid , but you are not allowed to take any madication to BC so he became anemic just before BS . he graduated but put medical hold they sent him to see a hematologist. he was told he will be send home. He is sad he wants to continue to A school. my advise to you is to get a waiver or you will go throu BC in vain.

[shoprat]

My daughter just told me a few days ago that she is joing the navy...she has made up her mind. can anyone tell me how realistic is it that she can obtain a degree while enlisted? she has a little bit of university,and is an intelligent girl (23 years old) Is there actually TIME for that while she is serving?

[judiduenes]

You will love Navy life -- I know that I did. I was married to a Navy officer (who was career - almost 30 years when he passed away) and we were able to provide our children with a wonderful lfe style. Now all my children have completed college and are on careers of their own. I currently have my youngest son who is in the Navy and he and his bride are going to go to Italy for 3 years -- they love the life and the people and he intends on re-upping this June for another 4 and will probably make this his career. The Navy offers so many opportunities for young people - I encourage you to take advantage of all of them espcially the education benefits. My son went in with his Bachelors degree and will get his Masters in May of this year -- so take advantage of every possibility that they offer you. Best of luck. Judi

[KaSherr]

Thank you, judiduenes! Your comment really reassured me. I'm sure you and your husband truly did have a wonderful life, and hope your youngest son is able to live as well as you two have. I hope I enjoy Navy life as well, because I am scheduled to ship out on July 14th! MEPS was crazy, but I did it. It feels great to have a goal, and I am ready for the plunge. My rating is IT (heard some good things about it). Gotta start working out!