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Joining the NAVY. Yay or Nay?

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SteeloDMZ

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You know, I just read that "I'm 22 And I Want To Live A Less Boring Life" thread and it made me think. I'm not exactly in the same position as the OP (although I'm also gonna turn 22 soon), but I do feel that I'm at a point on my life where I have to take a serious decision on what I want to do next, and where I will be in the next few years.

I'm a naturalized American. I got an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design back in December, and since then, I haven't done much to advance my career. I also moved to my birth country to see if I could get a good job here but right now I'm questioning if that was even a good decision. While I have enjoyed this year and I did a lot of stuff (like working out and eating right consistently), I'm beginning to have that overwhelming sensation that I have fallen into a monotonous, one way routine.

So let's get to the point: I'm considering joining the NAVY. Why I would do it? From what I'm reading, there seems to be a lot of benefits like learning important skills, travel the world, get paid and they will pay your studies too. Sounds exactly like what I'd like to have!

And even though I have already searched for these questions on the Internet, it would be great to have a more "personal" input from gaffers who were on the Navy or are considering joining too.

- First of all, how hard is it to get into the NAVY? My plan would be to stay for the 4 years it seems to take and then see if I can go study or maybe stay there.

- Do you have to pay with money out of your pocket for stuff like food when you are in the NAVY, or they take care of that?

- I know this probably varies, but how's the environment where you are? (meaning, is the people respectful, can you make good friends, etc?)

That's it for now. Hope some of you can help!
 
Do you enjoy doing what you're told under strict rules and being part of a uniform group? If not, then I would say don't join.
 
GrizzNKev said:
Do you enjoy doing what you're told under strict rules and being part of a uniform group? If not, then I would say don't join.
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Told to do what exactly, and do you have examples of the strict rules? I wouldn't mind following orders to be honest, and I also consider myself an organized person.
 
Stay in college and join Navy ROTC if your campus has one, you'll learn a lot about the different careers offered and the benefits officers have. When you get your degree then you'll commission into the Navy as an officer. I wouldn't go enlisted if I was you since you already have your Associates. If you want to be out in 4 years in the military, you have a much better chance at getting out when you want as an officer than enlisted, which a lot of people I know stay for around 6 to 8 years.
 
While I would never do any of them, Navy is definitely the best way to go.

Best food, best benefits, least amount of worry that you'll end up dying.
 
SteeloDMZ said:
Told to do what exactly, and do you have examples of the strict rules? I wouldn't mind following orders to be honest, and I also consider myself an organized person.
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I don't know really, I'm more just asking if you see yourself as someone who could succeed in a military environment. It's probably not horrible but it's also probably not all fun and games and learning either.
 
kutthoat5150 said:
Stay in college and join Navy ROTC if your campus has one, you'll learn a lot about the different careers offered and the benefits officers have. When you get your degree then you'll commission into the Navy as an officer. I wouldn't go enlisted if I was you since you already have your Associates. If you want to be out in 4 years in the military, you have a much better chance at getting out when you want as an officer than enlisted, which a lot of people I know stay for around 6 to 8 years.
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What I'd like to do is go straight to University, but the problem here is the money. I'm pretty much on my own right now.
 
Afro Gunsou said:
While I would never do any of them, Navy is definitely the best way to go.

Best food, best benefits, least amount of worry that you'll end up dying.
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I would say the Air Force is a better route than Navy, unless he wants to stay on a boat for 8 months. There are more technical jobs in the AF than what the Navy offers.

SteeloDMZ said:
What I'd like to do is go straight to University, but the problem here is the money. I'm pretty much on my own right now.
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Again, navy rotc will actually pay for your tuition and other things, but since you would most likely need to get into the 2 year accelerated program since your already half way through your college degree, you would most likely need to contract into the military which means you would have an obligation to serve. So just be sure that's really something you want to do.
 
Well I like it so far, but I'm still in A school and just graduated boot camp 2 months ago. Right now I pretty much go to school and play video games at the liberty center here. It's hard sometimes but I met some cool people and I'm learning some cool stuff. Plus I'm being stationed in japan, which is pretty much my life's dream to live there.

To add a little more insight, its getting kinda hard to join in right now cause they are downsizing, but as long as you get a good asvab score and run 1.5 miles in about 12 mintues your good to go.
 
Afro Gunsou said:
While I would never do any of them, Navy is definitely the best way to go.

Best food, best benefits, least amount of worry that you'll end up dying.
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Air Force is equally as safe and you don't have to worry about ship duty or whatever the fuck. Travelling the world is great but I don't want to be on a boat for months at a time. Our living conditions are generally considered more superior to other military branches.

I respect all the branches. Navy and Air Force are close but in my 5 years I've noticed most other service members tend to notice how good we have it. I have became a way better person and haven't been unhappy in my time in. I'm about to leave on my 2nd deployment next week and I'm pretty pumped about it.

As a single male there is no reason everyone shouldn't enlist with the military. It's not for everyone but if you are thinking about it and have no problem bettering yourself or supporting someone else's beliefs then there is no better option.
 
Other than the obvious differences (land/air vs. sea/water), what are the differences between the Air Force and Navy?

Thinking about staying on a ship for long periods of time doesn't bother me too much, as long as the inside of the ship has stuff to do.
 
ramiel said:
Well I like it so far, but I'm still in A school and just graduated boot camp 2 months ago. Right now I pretty much go to school and play video games at the liberty center here. It's hard sometimes but I met some cool people and I'm learning some cool stuff. Plus I'm being stationed in japan, which is pretty much my life's dream to live there.
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Well, that sounds fucking awesome. Meeting people, playing games and stay at Japan?

Stationed in Japan, I'm sorry but do you stay on the ship or go actually out?
 
NaturalHigh said:
Air Force is equally as safe and you don't have to worry about ship duty or whatever the fuck. Travelling the world is great but I don't want to be on a boat for months at a time. Our living conditions are generally considered more superior to other military branches.

I respect all the branches. Navy and Air Force are close but in my 5 years I've noticed most other service members tend to notice how good we have it. I have became a way better person and haven't been unhappy in my time in. I'm about to leave on my 2nd deployment next week and I'm pretty pumped about it.

As a single male there is no reason everyone shouldn't enlist with the military. It's not for everyone but if you are thinking about it and have no problem bettering yourself or supporting someone else's beliefs then there is no better option.
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The Chair Force? j/k,a anyone who joins deserves applause from me.
 
SteeloDMZ said:
Other than the obvious differences (land/air vs. sea/water), what are the differences between the Air Force and Navy?

Thinking about staying on a ship for long periods of time doesn't bother me too much, as long as the inside of the ship has stuff to do.
Click to expand...

In the Air Force more than likely you will not see the air. The only time I fly is to go somewhere.

You sound like you are good with whatever situation you are in. Which is exactly the attitude you need. As far as Air Force vs Navy..I'm not sure. All DoD receive the same benefits and generally have the same type of allowances depending on your job. It is the same pay scale.

There are a lot of Air Force bases all over. Far more than the Navy stations (this is a guess, no stats to back it up). There is just so much to talk about really.

I am a Cyber Transport Tech (3D1X2). The amount of things my career field can involve is broad but it always keeps you learning. Mostly networking, but can be phones or whatever.

There are some jobs in the Air Force that suck just like anywhere else. You need to have some ASVAB scores done and then look at an Air Force Specialty Code listing and see what you would like.

When it comes to the officer thing, I'm not too sure. There are a bunch of different programs but I do not have a degree and I really enjoy being enlisted anyways. I plan on retiring as one.

Xeke said:
The Chair Force? j/k,a anyone who joins deserves applause from me.
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Haha. I hear this so much. I am the definition of chair force. Does not bother me at all. There are more gratifying jobs to have in the military but we all serve our role. I would gladly help any brother in arms and they would do the same for me.
 
Joining the nurse corps either navy or air force after I get my BSN. Probably Navy since Air Force is so competitive.
 
NaturalHigh said:
In the Air Force more than likely you will not see the air. The only time I fly is to go somewhere.

You sound like you are good with whatever situation you are in. Which is exactly the attitude you need. As far as Air Force vs Navy..I'm not sure. All DoD receive the same benefits and generally have the same type of allowances depending on your job. It is the same pay scale.

There are a lot of Air Force bases all over. Far more than the Navy stations (this is a guess, no stats to back it up). There is just so much to talk about really.

I am a Cyber Transport Tech (3D1X2). The amount of things my career field can involve is broad but it always keeps you learning. Mostly networking, but can be phones or whatever.

There are some jobs in the Air Force that suck just like anywhere else. You need to have some ASVAB scores done and then look at an Air Force Specialty Code listing and see what you would like.

When it comes to the officer thing, I'm not too sure. There are a bunch of different programs but I do not have a degree and I really enjoy being enlisted anyways. I plan on retiring as one.
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Cyber? a/s/l?
 
I'm attached to a Destroyer so I will be at sea 6 to 9 months of the year. From my understanding of shiplife you wake up in the morning, muster with your section and they will put out the plan of the day. Go to work, get out by 4 to 6 depending on your rate and then you can chill out at do whatever, birthing areas have tvs now so you can play video games or watch movies or whatever. Hangout in the recreational area or read books. Only thing is duty and having bad watches at bad hours.
 
If you decide to do it, for the love of god stay away from Submarines.

3 family members and one currently serving friend have given plenty of warning.
 
SteeloDMZ said:
As someone who enjoys physical activities and would like to be a trainer, what would be the best career, inside the Air Force, that relates to that?
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Similar to my last point, becoming an officer in the air force is one of the hardest military career starting points with the huge amount of applicants vs. cut backs. Also, you need a minimum of a bachelors.
 
SteeloDMZ said:
As someone who enjoys physical activities and would like to be a trainer, what would be the best career, inside the Air Force, that relates to that?
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Ehh, you probably wouldn't want to go that route. That would be like a services job which would doom you to the gym all the time to do bullshit work. You will have plenty of time to work out and/or volunteer to run physical programs on base.

If you want a physically demanding job we have those. But those are also the more "front line" type jobs. See TACP, Combat Controllers, or Pararescue. These are very rewarding programs but some are tough to get through the training for. But if you love the Air Force after a few years you can cross-train into whatever you can make yourself eligible for. There are also special squadrons that deploy a lot. For communications guys like me, I can become a Combat Comm member or a Joint Comm Support Element. Both of those require a bit more physical type requirements.

Edit: Also every squadron has physical training leaders that will, well, lead physical training for their peers.
 
Do you need to have any money when you sign up for the Navi/Air Forces, or as soon as your name is on the dotted lines they take care of that? I'm talking about where you'll live, your studies and the food you eat?

Also, am I reading this right? You get paid when you start, and once you get out of the navy in say 4 years, you have money in your bank acount?
 
One of my childhood best friends hit a deadend in his life some years ago. He was over 30, 4 (!) kids, stressed marriage, you can imagine that money was an issue. I've no clue what led him to it, but he joined the Navy and has been on duty ever since. I can't say that I know whether or not he is truly "happy" now, but he seems to have a lot more solid footing than he did for the previous decade(s) of his life. He wasn't the stereotypical type that you'd figure woould be in that crew either (between his age, and his personality). Anyway, for some people it just works. Maybe that is you, too..
 
SteeloDMZ said:
Do you need to have any money when you sign up for the Navi/Air Forces, or as soon as your name is on the dotted lines they take care of that? I'm talking about where you'll live, your studies and the food you eat?

Also, am I reading this right? You get paid when you start, and once you get out of the navy in say 4 years, you have money in your bank acount?
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Direct deposit starting right after you start boot camp. If you go enlisted (single) you will be stuck in a technical training for a certain amount of time. You live in dorms there. At your first base you will make your base pay, live in a dorm for free (these vary in quality but are generally considered the best in the military), and you will be placed on a meal card if you have access to a dining facility.

You can expect to live in a dorm for the first 3 years or so. It is a great college-like experience. You just can't be stupid about it. Self-control. You will make a lot of friends at the gym like I did.

Edit: All military branches get paid on the 1st and the 15th. Or on the Friday before if pay day falls on the weekend or a federal holiday.
 
NaturalHigh said:
Direct deposit starting right after you start boot camp. If you go enlisted (single) you will be stuck in a technical training for a certain amount of time. You live in dorms there. At your first base you will make your base pay, live in a dorm for free (these vary in quality but are generally considered the best in the military), and you will be placed on a meal card if you have access to a dining facility.

You can expect to live in a dorm for the first 3 years or so. It is a great college-like experience. You just can't be stupid about it. Self-control. You will make a lot of friends at the gym like I did.
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Thanks a lot for the responses man. This is sounding great. What and how is exactly bootcamp, and how long does it last?
 
Well you get every first and 15th of the month and that starts the day you enter in boot camp. So you generally get paid 4 or 5 times by the time you finish boot camp. I ended up with 2,100. They take really good care of you. They pay for 3 meals a day, you get a room with fridge and microwave and a locker and what not. I get paid 800 twice a month but I'm putting in much of that into a colleges saving plan and thrift savings plan for my retirement. Since I been to A school I bought a laptop, a 3ds, an psvita, a Ipod touch and soon an iphone 5.

The liberty center is awesome with a cool game center, with pool, ping pong and video game tournaments and they plan trips to six flags and things like paint ball.
 
SteeloDMZ said:
Thanks a lot for the responses man. This is sounding great. What and how is exactly bootcamp, and how long does it last?
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8 weeks. Once you get in the routine it isn't so bad. Your attitude will be perfect for it.

Long days, lots of stress but is only 2 months. They really do brainwash you though but they do a good job of re-integrating you in tech school.

I had no direction in life and little to no discipline. I turned 20 while in boot camp. Best decision of my life. It has done nothing but better me personally and professionally. Plus I got that Top Secret clearance that is worth a lot to companies outside of the military. So when I do get out it will not be a problem getting a job.

As far as college goes you get 100% tuition assistance. There are limits on that but generally you don't have to pay for college unless you want to. You also have the Post 9-11 GI Bill. Which allows you, spouse, or children to be given money for college. Lots of different stipulations to these but you can easily look them up.

Another good thing: my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I was in New Jersey, about 11 hours away from him. I filed a Dr's note and was given orders within 2 weeks to be put only 3 hours away. Military takes care of its own. There are bad sides to everything but good far outweighs it. There is going to be bullshit in any job, it is just part of life.
 
I did 20 and will be retiring in another couple months.

Avoid any of the rates in Engineering. It's not like the engineering degree type work, it's the plumbing and bildge cleaning work.

A good one to get into is Information Technology (IT) rating. Or Cryptological Technician Networking (CTN) rate.

Avoid overseas duty for your first duty station unless you enjoy being treated like a child who isn't allowed to stay out past his bedtime. Make sure they give you E3 right away due to your college credits. Accept nothing less. Each paygrade below E3 extends your advancement path by 9-10 months.

It's definitely worthwhile if you can land the right rating. As an IT, you can have 4 years experience behind you when you go get your degree and you will have valuable certs like security+ and MCSA.

When I joined, my GI bill was $17k. Now I'm looking at getting $75k just in housing allowance in San Diego thanks to the post 9/11 GI bill. Glad I stayed.

But if it's possible, join the Air Force. However with today's economy, their waiting list might be super long or they might not be recruiting at all (like they were when I first tried to join).
 
BigDug13 said:
I did 20 and will be retiring in another couple months.

Avoid any of the rates in Engineering. It's not like the engineering degree type work, it's the plumbing and bildge cleaning work.

A good one to get into is Information Technology (IT) rating. Or Cryptoligical Technician Networking (CTN) rate.

Avoid overseas duty for your first duty station unless you enjoy being treated like a child who isn't allowed to stay out past his bedtime. Make sure they give you E3 right away due to your college credits. Accept nothing less. Each paygrade below E3 extends your advancement path by 9-10 months.

It's definitely worthwhile if you can land the right rating. As an IT, you can have 4 years experience behind you when you go get your degree and you will have valuable certs like security+ and MCSA.

When I joined, my GI bill was $17k. Now I'm looking at getting $75k just in housing allowance in San Diego thanks to the post 9/11 GI bill. Glad I stayed.
Click to expand...

what's the point of going to college at 40?
 
BigDug13 said:
I did 20 and will be retiring in another couple months.

Avoid any of the rates in Engineering. It's not like the engineering degree type work, it's the plumbing and bildge cleaning work.

A good one to get into is Information Technology (IT) rating. Or Cryptoligical Technician Networking (CTN) rate.

Avoid overseas duty for your first duty station unless you enjoy being treated like a child who isn't allowed to stay out past his bedtime. Make sure they give you E3 right away due to your college credits. Accept nothing less. Each paygrade below E3 extends your advancement path by 9-10 months.

It's definitely worthwhile if you can land the right rating. As an IT, you can have 4 years experience behind you when you go get your degree and you will have valuable certs like security+ and MCSA.

When I joined, my GI bill was $17k. Now I'm looking at getting $75k just in housing allowance in San Diego thanks to the post 9/11 GI bill. Glad I stayed.
Click to expand...

This cannot be understated. The benefits now are fucking phenomenal. Especially if you live in a high COLA area of the country. I currently make $2500 a month in COLA and everything related to school is payed for. Everything. The joy of walking into the bookstore and not spending a dime is glorious. Ultra early acces to registering for classes due to veteran status. The support group of the VA in general. Best thing that came out of my service.
 
cousins said:
what's the point of going to college at 40?
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38. I didn't realize a college degree had an age limit. I also didn't realize that having another near 30 years of working left in me to reach age 68 meant that getting a degree for 26 more years of work wasn't a valid option.

What's the point of NOT going to college at 40? Why would I walk away from a free degree and a free $75k in my pocket?
 
Do you also travel a lot in the Air Forces compared to the Navy? That's one of the coolest "bulletin points" for me.

Again, thanks for the responses guys. I really don't want to waste my time, specially now that I'm young, so my interest in joining the Navy or Air Force is increasing by the minute.
 
BigDug13 said:
38. I didn't realize a college degree had an age limit. I also didn't realize that having another near 30 years of working left in me to reach age 68 meant that getting a degree for 26 more years of work wasn't a valid option.

What's the point of NOT going to college at 40? Why would I walk away from a free degree and a free $75k in my pocket?
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exactly. you fucking earned it so use it.
 
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