Is the Navy right for me?

[jennymarie]

Hi Everyone,

I'll be turning 25 next month. I graduated from college with a BS in Finance and although I currently have a decent job, I feel like I'm not going to go anywhere in life if I don't make a move. I feel I could be so much more professionally and as a person in general.

I'm wondering if the Navy is an experience that would be right for me. I just feel like I need to do something more meaningful and fulfilling with my life. The Navy stood out with all of the various opportunities and the ability to travel the world. It would be a life changing experience and make me a better person.

I'm used to being away from my family as I live a twelve hour drive from them now so being away is not a huge concern. I have a boyfriend I've been with for two years but he supports me in whatever I want to do.

As far as a position, I don't mind finance related work, but I would much rather be doing something more hands on and more in the action. The only thing I would be concerned with is finding a job once I am out of the Navy.

Could anyone that joined when they were older please shed some light on your decision and where it has lead you?

Also, I read that most ratings are 4 years active and 4 years inactive. What type of leave comes during active duty time? What are the requirements of inactive duty?

Thank you!

[jennymarie]

Also, what are the commitment requirements for an officer?

[Concernedad]

OK jenny,

Now you are starting to disappoint me. As I mentioned to start with, there are plenty of links on this website and others as well, that will answer many of your questions. You are no longer asking opinion questions, but now asking for information you can surely Google. As a college grad and potential Navy officer, I would certainly hope you have the wherewithal and motivation to do some of your own research. Why not do some reading on your own, then come back and tell us what you've discovered AND THEN prepare some follow up questions.

I will certainly be interested to see if you decide the Navy is right for you and where your career path takes you.

[BunkerQB]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.... not sure about this one Emma.  I probably lean towards Concernedad's corner but it depends on the subject matter.  My experience has been that younger women tend to research on their own (Google, library, calls to parents, friends, teachers etc.) more than younger men.

The bottom line is no one can really help Jenny Marie make a decision. This one is on her shoulders.  As for going in as a Supply Officer - I believe the slots are limited. At my son's graduation from Officer Candidate School, we met a number of Supply Officers - they were ALL prior enlisted.  It's not always easy to get a college degree with a engineer/computer science major (one of the technical ones) or a degree in a "desired" foreign language as an enlisted sailor unless the rate is in a technical area to begin with. There are more applicants than there are slots available for Supply Officer. It appears to us they those available are reserved for prior enlisted personnel which I happen to believe is the correct thing to do - we should reward proven enlisted sailors who have admirably served already.

[Concernedad]

Sure, but jenny isn't asking perspective questions. She is now asking the members here to find her research for her. And, as we do with any new members, we suggest they read certain threads for information. It strikes me that jenny has spent no time doing her own research.

There's a difference between looking for helpful advice, which as all can see, I am more than willing to provide, and someone who doesn't seem to want to do anything on her own. I can only hope this isn't how she got through college, and honestly, this is the same advice I would have given to my own daughter.

Someone who wants to be an officer in the Navy, surely can be proactive enough to make an effort on her own. I'd hate to think she'll be giving orders to my son without doing her homework first.

 

Her last question was regarding commitment requirements. She needs a woman's perspective to answer this?

[Concernedad]

Alright, well then I can't wait to see the woman's answer to the question regarding commitment requirements for an officer. I'll be curious to see the difference.

BTW, if your comment about this not being Navy Dad's is your subtle way of telling me I'm not welcome here or my opinion is somehow jaded, that's fine. I guess I can go to read only mode.

[BunkerQB]

LOL. Hahahaha. I just choked on my coffee.  There are two separate issues.

1) Providing the answers vs providing resources to the answers.

2) Are answers more relevant if the responder is of the same sex as the questioner?

[Concernedad]

Emma, you have got to be kidding!

You are comparing a mother posting to ask how she knows her sailor got their safely or how to write them, with someone considering joining the Navy who won't even take the time to visit a recruiter or Google her own information?!! Really?

jenny isn't looking for reassurance or a calming influence, she's looking to copy someone else's homework.

Now, I apologize to jenny for having to get so harsh as this was never my intention. I hope you make the decisions that are right for you, but you can blame Lady Hamilton for my having to be so blunt.

[Concernedad]

Emma, I can't help but notice that with all of this, you still haven't bothered to answer jenny's question. Where's the motherly answer she's waiting for?

 

And here I thought this site was designed for the loved ones of sailors. It is called Navy for MOMS. I note there is a site called Military.com, for the sailors themselves to ask questions of past and current sailors. I'd LOVE to see how they would deal with jenny. Betcha a dollar they quickly tell her to do her own research.

FWIW, my opinion of parenting includes guiding my children to make their own decisions and teaching them the skills they need to survive, not telling them to go find someone to give them answers.

I DID tell jenny to go do research, then bring back other questions if need be.

[BunkerQB]

I guess I am a sucker for people with a direct approach.

[Concernedad]

Hey, maybe it's my fault. I said in my first post that asking questions was a good thing. However, at some point, teaching her to fish is better than giving her a fish.

The irony here is, after all this back and forth, she'll probably go join the Air Force.

[BunkerQB]

That is one of the issues with having "internet related" access to information, people, etc. Yes, it's extremely frustrating to spent hours and hours writing instructions, recommendations, summaries, lists, etc. when many don't want to get familiar with the details - they just want the answer - an answer specific to THE question that was just asked and nothing more. Of course, that leads to the next question and then the one after that. It's part of the need for "instant" answers - very much part of the way things are today. 

Jenny's approach is not out of the ordinary.  I spent a great deal of time providing information to clients on unrelated issue to the service I provide. When people find someone with resources or possesses a knowledge base, most do not hesitate to go back and ask questions about anything - again and again.

[mendo059]

Hi JennyMarie:

I'm 24, turning 25 in Jan 2013, and i'm currently in delayed entry. I also have a BS in finance which is why I HAVE to respond to your post. Like you, I also currently have a decent job in my field but it also seems like its getting to the point where it's not as interesting anymore as it should be.

I was looking into the officer programs they have and was talking with recruiters off and on for a couple months and even took the ASTB test and scored a 55. I figured supply would be the way to go if I went OCS route but to me I'd honestly like to do something different. As much as I'd like to be an officer, I think enlisting first and going officer is for me. I need a career change and don't want to push papers in supply. Which is why I chose the nuclear field.

I honestly think being older and having a degree gives you a much brighter future since you should be more mature and more educated. More opportunities and HEY! THEY WILL PAY FOR YOUR GRADUATE SCHOOL.

I figure even if I do 6 yrs. I'll come out with another bachelors or masters, I'll have hands on training in nuclear engineering, I'll have health benefits, and I'll have traveled. There's no negatives to me..other than leaving family and friends but everyone has to at some point.

Don't worry about being older. I know a few people that are shipping soon that are 27 and 31! Do what you want!

BTW if you need any info on the nuclear side.....I can do my best to answer any questions. I ship out SEPT 11TH.