Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army... who?!

[Geoffrey20005]

So I am sitting here, contemplating my future and decided to enlist. I already had a few decent things going for me (87 on the ASVAB, I had recruiters calling me before I even got my test results back) and other people in my family were/are in the service (grandfather got out of the Navy right before Pearl Harbor, come home to farm; sister is going through Navy ROTC). I think the only drawback will be that I am too tall for a few areas already (6'3", I can't be a pilot in some areas, and I think I am about 2" away from being to tall to serve on submarines).

With all the media hype, the strain for needing more recruits and the recruiters saying things they can't back up, just who is to believe in this age? I have pretty much decided that I will enlist no matter what, and that I will go through the enlisted service and not a reserve area, but where should I go?! Sheesh... its all so confusing sometimes:uhh: :question:

I was kinda thinking enlist through the Navy, then you get to see more places and travel more. I can enlist in advanced computer electronics, which has a training length of 26 weeks. Then I get commissioned on a ship, enjoy life for a while, make E3, submit my STA-21 packet (Seaman to Admiral, the enlisted officer course) go to college for about three years, go to OCS, then be an enlisted officer...

Anyone have any comments?

[Wolfcounsel]

"With all the media hype, the strain for needing more recruits and the recruiters saying things they can't back up,..." --Geoffrey200005


Don't listen to recruiters' hype. You join the Military, any branch, be prepared to place your life in harm's way, first and foremost. It takes a strong backbone, and strong desire to help protect your country. Any goodies you get out of your service, use them to your advantage. All branches are going to plant your butt where it is needed. Good luck!:laugh:

[Beowulf]

I can't speak for the Navy, Marines or Air Force but I can for the Army.

-Basic training is 9 weeks, to include week zero, and yes it is tough.
-You are guaranteed a specific job, not just a field. I was guaranteed IN WRITING that I would work in Army Aviation as an Observation/Scout Helicopter Mechanic. The Air Force would only guarantee a field but NOT a specific job.

If they offer you any bonuses or any extras, GET IT IN WRITING! Many areas of expertise will offer an enlistment bonus payable over the term of your enlistment on your anniversary date but mind you that it MAY require a longer enlistment.

And don't let your Lib friends tell you the military is nothing but war. You have big chances to save college money through the GI Bill and college funds. USE THEM!! The GI Bill gave me $439/month for my school expenses. That helps!
If you want more info, drop me a PM. I'll be glad to help.

[Geoffrey20005]

Well, if all goes as planned, I will be going next Thursday/Friday to Denver, Clolorado, to MEPS, to enlist in the Navy. I will be placed on a DEP (delyaed entry program) and report for duty sometime next year after graduation.

Everyone keeps asking me why I would do such a thing like this, they say that I have a brilliant mind and I should go to college and get a degree... all I can say is that there are some things worth believing in, and you shouldn't believe in something unless you are willing to die for it, and well... I believe in the land of the free and the home of the brave, from sea to shining sea... and I am willing to do what it takes to preserve this country.

Thats all, folks.

[Beowulf]

Best of luck. Glad to have been of help. (Pm's and all) I'm greatful for my service time.

[BEST45CAL]

When you get to bootcamp, you and everyone else in your company may be tested again. If your scores are really high, the navy could approach you and ask you to consider thinking about going into a highly technical field where they really need warm bodies.

Of course, it's up to you to make the final decision. Just because they ask doesn't mean they can make you do it.

When a recruiter tells you that you're qualified for a certain MOS, it could mean that you meet the qualifications to be trained within a certain MOS classification.

For instance, in the Marine Corps, the 6000 classification includes:

Aircraft Maintenance
Avionics
Aviation Ordnance
Aviation Logistics
Weather Service

Will you be a hot shot F-18 mechanic or will you be in logistics?

Listen to Beo: Make sure you get it in writing before you agree to sign anything.

Let's say that after you graduate from bootcamp and you've completed your A-school training, things don't quite work out as planned and you have a change of heart. You may request a lateral move. A navy career planner can help you out with that.

Lateral moves can usually be granted, provided that the MOS you're really interested in isn't full, and the one you're currently in is full. Not only that, if you're on active duty, you will be given preference.

I'm glad that you're ready to accept what the navy gives you, although I don't think you'll have to worry about being a boatswain's mate.:laugh:

Good luck to you. Email me anytime.

best45cal@comcast.net

[Geoffrey20005]

Well, the wheels are rolling now. The recruiter will be coming by tomorrow afternoon to get a couple signatures from my parent's, then by Thursday I will be on my way to Denver, CO on an expense-paid trip to go to MEPS, then I will officially be in the Navy on DEP. :)

[BEST45CAL]

Well, the wheels are rolling now. The recruiter will be coming by tomorrow afternoon to get a couple signatures from my parent's, then by Thursday I will be on my way to Denver, CO on an expense-paid trip to go to MEPS, then I will officially be in the Navy on DEP. :)

Relax. Get plenty of rest. Eat a good meal. Have a good time.

That's an order. LOL:thumb:

[Geoffrey20005]

Yes Sir!

Heh, found a form I needed to fill out before recruiter comes tomorrow... bleh, government forms are so darn tedious :p