Job Question??

[briana&isaiah forever]

Ok, maybe some of the more experienced ladies can help me out with this one. Well my boyfriend is currently in bootcamp, he's been gone about a week and a half now. He told me forever ago about the job the he got, a dental Corpsman or something like that I think. I know that he was really happy and said it was a good job, but although he told me a little about it, I really don't know what this particular job entails. I wish that I'dve asked more questions before he left, but is there anyone that can tell me a little more about this job, like what he has to do, does he have to be gone a lot, just any info that could help me out? I'm pretty much clueless and want to learn as much as I can. Thanks ladies :)

[ski-nanny]

http://www.navy.com/careers/healthcare/medical-support.html

[Anti M]

He'll be a dental tech/assistant.  Cleaning teeth, assisting, record keeping and so on.  Possibly could  be at a hospital/clinic shore command, HMs don't have the same type of sea/shore rotation as most other rates do.  Bigger ships may have them on board, and they can volunteer for subs.  They can be sent overseas too.  Long school down in Texas, (used to be in San Diego).   

[briana&isaiah forever]

Thanks so much Anti M! :) So does that mean that maybe he wont be gone as much as if he had a different job?

[Anti M]

Maybe.  Because with any other rate, I could say, yes, he's going to sea.  But with HM, and a dental one at that, there's no telling.

The only thing you can know for certain is about how long his A school will take.  I do NOT mean seat time, I mean real time.  You'd find that in one of the HM groups, as all schools have holds and waiting periods.  Can't get around the hurry up and wait  One piece of advice, if you wait until after he gets through school and has his orders before you marry, the Navy will not pay for your move.  That doesn't sound big, but it is.  If he is sent overseas, you might not be able to go with him.  Talk that over with him when you two get a chance.  He will get to take leave after school, usually ten days to two weeks.  

If his school is long enough, and it may be, he might be home over Christmas.  Another time to make plans face to face, or to choose to marry.  Be aware he will probably not get to take leave right away once he checks into his first command.  

Wanting to spend time together as a newlywed.... well, some get that, some do not.  You have to stay flexible and positive.  As for planning a wedding... again, some gals get the luxury of having their day, others must resort to the courthouse.   I can only wish you the best of luck, because I know the Navy will shape your options.  

Sorry if I don't sound as positive as I'd like, it really is tough to plan anything around so many unknowns and the few harsh realities which can be counted on.  But things work out splendidly for many Navy couples, so hang in there. 

[briana&isaiah forever]

 Just in your personal opinion, Anti M, as someone who is more experienced with Navy life than most of us, when do you think is the best time for us to get married? And I know what you mean about it being tough to plan things, I can already see where that will probably be an issue. I very much appreciate your honesty and your advice. I plan to stay as positive as possible and flexible as possible. I know that we probably have a lot of talking to do. I only wish we could talk about it now, but since he is in BC, I will have to be patient. Although I would like to have a nice wedding with all our friends and family, if that cant happen, I just want to be his wife. If necessary, I'd be willing to hold off on a big ceremony until maybe we had an opportunity to renew our vows or something lol.

 When I met this man, I had no idea that this would be in store, but when I found out, I had already fallen too deep in love with him. He is the most amazing person I have ever known and I am so increadibly proud of him and so in love with him.As hard as this may be I want to support him and be behind him every step of the way, cause a good man like him deserves that. I know that things may not be how I envinsioned them when we first got together, but hey, things change. That's only life and no matter where life takes us, I just  know that I want to share it with him.

[briana&isaiah forever]

Im asking because we have been talking about marriage and want to do it whenever the best time is ( I am hoping for within a year) and I dont want to get married and he immediately has to leave again you know, just wanna be able to enjoy some time as newlyweds. And also, knowing more about what's probably in store for the next year will give me a better idea of when to talk about actually planning a wedding. I dont want to overwhelm him!

[meagan5220]

I know my husband's ship has dental people on it. He is on a carrier and they have medical and dental on board. He had to go get his teeth checked during deployment. I remember he was getting irritated about it lol he doesnt like having his teeth messed with. I would say with the military be expecting the worst hope for the best. My husband and I have been married almost a year and a half and we have spent four months together. and I know some people have had it worse.

[briana&isaiah forever]

Thank you, I worry a lot about being away from him so long, because we were so incredibly close. We did absolutely everything together, so it is already hard with him just being in bootcamp. Its frustrating to think about it at times, but I know I gotta hang in there. He's the love of my life and I gotta be there for him no matter what. Im sorry that you and your husband have only spent such little time together, but like you said, with the military thats often the reality. Best of luck to both of you both though and thank you :)

[Anti M]

Try a total of 28 days in our first two two years.  But then, we were both active duty and not stationed together.  You won't have anything that bad!  Our time together became all the more important, and little things like bickering and nagging went away.  We still honeymoon a lot after 25 years.  (I'm waaaay at the other end of the Nay journey).

You'll learn your own way to get through this, how to stay close in heart and soul if not physically.  Every couple has a different strategy to stay strong and true, it definitely can be done.   

[briana&isaiah forever]

Yeah, I definitely believe that its true, and people like you are proof that it can be done :) but idk if you read my reply to your last comment, but if you didnt I was asking your personal opinion on when do you think the best time will be for us to actually get married?

[Anti M]

Several weeks before his A school ends is optimal marriage time for you to be on the orders.  That means a courthouse marriage.  Otherwise, take your chances on his orders and paying to move yourself and marry on post-A school leave.

Christmas leave is a good time also, depending on whether he's in school for the holiday stand down or not.  They get to take a week or to of leave on the holiday if they're students.  

You'll need to know his school schedule for this decision.  Of course, all your family will say to wait.  I'm in the hurry up and get it done school of thought.

[briana&isaiah forever]

Yeah, Im sure they will say to wait, and who knows, we may end up doing that, but ultimately that decision will be ours and I have faith that once we have the opportunity to talk it out together, we will make the best decision for us! Its so exciting yet so scary at the same time! :)