Joining the Navy, looking for any insight/opinions

[Caligulove]

So basically, short story of my life- I dropped out of college in sophomore year to help out with my family's situation and because it just became a huge strain financially that I could not keep up with with my job as a sous-chef in a kitchen, even got a part time job at a coffee shop for some easy hours and pay. Have regretted leaving school, though. Want to go in and back at it. Was going into college for physical therapy or education, was still on the fence when in school.

So after roughly 6 months of living back home, get my own place again and began working to pay off my loans. Still have the two jobs and overall, still really enjoy my life. When I'm around my friends, though, who are still in college, about to graduate or already graduated- they ask me if I will go back to school again. And I really miss it, and more than anything I just feel like its something I've left unfinished in my life.

Talked to my uncle, who was a career man in the Navy, only one in my family with military experience as well. But basically, after talking to him and reading more and more information about the opportunities I could get from the Navy in those fields I studied, I think it would be a worthy investment of my time. My uncle even has said that he has never been unemployed after he was 16.

I know that the Navy can help me with continuing my education, either during or afterward, not to mention that it can help pay for my existing loans. And though not as important as the other factors, it would be a great opportunity to see the world- and be a tremendous addition to any resume and help with one of my lifelong goals of going into the Peace Corps. I've always loved being on boats and ships, sailing with my uncle and my family. So far, I'm thinking this would be a good idea.

Wondering if anyone here has experience in the military or the Navy. This has started to make me wonder whether I would have what it takes to serve on Duty for that long. I've never been outside of the city for more than a month, and that was on a month-long camping trip, not extended service on a ship at sea. At the same time, I think I am capable of it.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[redblinky]

I dont know about the Navy but I know right now its never been better to go in and then get out of the army.

A guy I know right now is getting so many benefits its ridiculous.
Yellow Ribbons-This pays for his 35k a year tuition.
Housing-Gets around 1k a month for housing.
Start a Business-The army will finance your first business for you.

The oppurtunities right now are really good for people joining the military.
If your financial situation prevents you from going to college I would definately join the military but dont listen to recruiters. I have never talked to any guy from the military who didnt say "yeah my recruiter lied to me"

 

[Sentient6]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw

 

[wizzerd229]

This intrests me b/c i am thinking of joining the USN

 

[Queen Michael]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw

This guy just ninja'd everybody who's ever going to reply to this thread.

 

[neoman10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw

Damn you, I was going to put that

good thing that he will become a <youtube=AO43p2Wqc08>

 

[GrinningManiac]

I say go for it!

What's the worst that could happen? And you'll sure as hell have interesting stories to tell (Navy guys get EVERYWHERE)

I know that if you're going into the actual "on a boat" kinda career, you'll wanna be aware that there's some kind of inauguration ritual when you cross the equator or something, and it's kinda painful or weird

 

[OmegaXIII]

I considered it for a while and checked out some career info, seems pretty worthwhile if you're committed to it. Just make sure you do the necessary research before making a decision.

 

[FiveSpeedf150]

I'm a Master-At-Arms 3rd Class in the USN stationed in Gaeta, Italy right now. Feel free to message me with any specific questions.

Be advised that due to the economy the USN is NOT hurting for recruits right now. They're looking for specwar candidates and candidates for advanced tech and intel fields. There is competition to join. Take the ASVAB. You're a gamer, obviously, and hopefully a nerd like me. (Get a 90 or above on ASVAB and you're pretty much set for jobs =D)

You should also have vague idea of what you're getting into, many recruits have some odd vision of life in the navy that they design off their own imagination. Understand it will be nothing like whatever you expect it to be, if that makes sense. What you said about education is true, there are a lot of opportunities (although not nearly enough time to take advantage of them at sea, especially as a junior sailor getting qualified at their first command).

Anyway, that's just the tip of the rambling iceberg. Message me any specific questions I can help with.

 

[Sentient6]

Hehehe.. Another internet win for me. Too bad I can' embed the video..

 

[TheTim]

Go for it man.
I would try and get on a carrier or be in a carrier group, because their the biggest and safest navy groups in the world.

 

[Avaholic03]

My best friend is in the Navy. The advice I've heard from him is to become a submariner. It's much less formal than the surface fleet, and you'll learn a lot more. Naturally it's harder to get into, but it's worth it if you can.

 

[AngelSword]

Two words: DO IT

Some more words: The military is willing to help you, but only after you find out that they will. They're not going to outright hand you tuition assistance, you have to show that you want tuition assistance. They're not going to give you the paperwork for a VA Home Loan, you have to find it yourself and initiate the process.

In essence, the military offers you a great many things, but they're kinda shy about talking about it.

 

[iLikeHippos]

Well, as long as you can travel with your uncle, it could be a valuable experience.

Otherwise you HAVE to put up with your comrades, whether you like them or not, if you join.
Because they won't tolerate any mischief amongst the ranks... Or whatever...
It was something at that way anyhow, when my older brother tried sign up for military service.

He couldn't join because he couldn't "co-op with others" very well.
But than again, perchance military and navy doesn't have the same requirement goals.

Anyways, I say, go for it. I doubt you'll be in any huge danger in the navy anyhow.
And if you fail the tests whipped at you, well, than you can go back to school again.

 

[CGAdam]

I'm actually in the Navy, so here's my two cents' worth.

The Navy has a lot of benefits. You do get to travel, you do learn a skill, and you do get paid pretty well. Depending on your rate (job), you can get advanced fairly quickly, or extremely slowly. It all depends on how many other people are in the same rate, and whether or not they're going to be getting out any time soon. Easy rate=lots of people=long time to advance. Quartermasters (guys who handle signal flags) in particular are pretty bad; they just now climbed up to about 7% advancement, and that's GOOD compared to what they had six months ago. Choose wisely if you decide to join.

Second, don't go into the Navy expecting to never set foot on a ship. Some people actually did this, and I don't know why. Also, being on a warship is a lot different from being on a regular sailboat. It sounds like being on an airplane all the time when you're underway, and feels a lot like being on a floating office building (with guns). It can be tough when you're out to sea, as well. You stand a lot of watches, you do a lot of busy work, you might not sleep that much for weeks on end. But there are certainly times it's fun to be out on what I've started thinking of as a big blue desert. I'd never actually seen water that looked bluer than the sky until I went out to sea the first time.

Boot camp is not that tough. If you're in any kind of decent physical condition, you can handle it. Check online for Navy PFA requirements, and you'll find a chart that lists how many push-ups, sit-ups, and how long you get to run a mile and a half. It's pretty simple.

The upshot of this long thing is this: the Navy is a good career, or a good job, whichever you want. It's not all exotic ports and beautiful women, like the recruiters will tell you. There are a lot of long days and short free time hours. You will sweep things more than you ever expected; you might be defending the ship from missile attacks underway (my job), but you are always the Navy's janitor. But I joined four years ago, and I'm planning on re-enlisting in about two months. It's worth it. If it wasn't for the Navy, I wouldn't be replying to to your query while I look at my Japanese neighborhood. Gotta run, I'm off to work.

PS: If you're interested in more detailed information, feel free to PM me.