[pingman]

I’m told that a DWI is a mandatory “ particular work-related skill or aptitude” for the Navy! //extreme sarc (but a kernel of truth)

[brivette]

go Navy, that way he won’t get shot.

[Ken522]

I am ex-Navy, but I think he might be happier in the Army ...

[SkyPilot]

All of the services are positive - they are simply different in terms of mission, history, and some service culture.

It depends on what he wants to do, and what service he wants to be a part of.

Have him go on the services website, explore what missions they perform, and talk to others already in the service about specific jobs he might want to make his career.

As far as the DWI goes, tell him to never lie about it, but be truthful.

I am not certain, but I think he can certainly overcome that.

[nathanbedford]

My first choice would also be the senior service as the most intellectually rigorous and scientifically oriented of the services. The fields of specialization is extremely broad including land, sea, air, under the sea, space, radio, radar etc. In other words, if he learns a skill in the Navy it is more likely to be something useful in the civilian world upon his discharge.

He's likely to stay warmer, dryer, cooler, and be better fed. The uniform doesn't hurt with the girls either.

Good luck!

[central_va]

His interests are ice hockey, video games, and girls, in that order.

Man, times have changed.

[mylife]

He has no particular work-related skills or aptitudes

I don't believe that.

Send him to the US Sub Fleet, they will find his aptitudes.

He sounds as if he is pretty level headed, he may just need something to be proud of.

You may also see if the USN has CT ratings available. If so he could volunteer for sub service as a Direct support element.

Barring that, I would look to the Airforce or the Marines. Airforce is great for skills, Marines are great for building mental acumen.

That's my 2 cents

[EdReform]

BTTT

[Sprite518]

1) DWI is an easy work around. The recruiter will work with him on that.

2) He needs to follow his passion. For instance, if he has a love for airplanes. Then I would suggest Air Force or Navy.
Only HE can decide this.

Good luck!

[ElectionInspector]

,,, looking at the same issue for a bored 16 yo two years from now...have him take as many free personality/career tests which give an idea of aptitudes and then look for a guaranteed training school in that area, even if he doesn’t love it, knowing a trade will allow him to pursue what he does love in free time. Also suggest the small book Strength Finder by Gallup which helps him hone in on strengths to be sharpened and will are help him to shine as a star in an area where he has skills and interests, I think it runs $20, and the testing is online with a key from the book. I would suggest looking at Air Force and Navy and getting the most technical training possible, then you are less likely to get RIF’d in the distant future of smaller military footprint...
Good luck,

ymmv

[driftdiver]

Marines - no, if he doesn’t already want to be a marine he probably wouldn’t have the motivation to make it through basic

Army - Maybe, does he like to play in the dirt? Some good technical training in the Army but also a lot of more generic army stuff.

Air Force - maybe, although the DWI will limit his choices. Good technical training but also a fair amount of playing in the dirt.

Navy - Maybe, does he like the water? Good technical training but will be away from home a lot.

[rabidralph]

What does he ultimately want to do with his life, career-wise? If he can find training for his career in the military, my top two choices are USMC and the U.S. Navy. He needs to find out what he wants to do and go visit either of those recruiters and get that job classification guaranteed in writing from them.

I spent eight years in the Navy and got great job training, which I used to further my civilian career and I traveled all over the world. I enjoyed every place I was stationed, I still miss my shipmates and I sometimes wish I'd stayed for the full 20. Serving my country has been the greatest honor of my uneventful life.

[ripley]

Tell him to investigate his likes and dislikes. (Land, sea, air, flying, airplanes, boats, etc.)

The military will give him a battery of tests to find out what field of expertise suits his aptitudes, abilities and personality. The tests, as far as I know, are pretty standard throughout the military. (ASFABS ?)

Any old boatswain’s mate will know all about that stuff.

(As far as prior DWI, unknown.)

(Good luck and Godspeed.)

[Son House]

What I told my nephew, who wanted to go Army like his uncle(me), be hardcore and go Marines, but your candy-behind better go Air Force, with no offense meant to the Air Force Personal, it’s just was my conception on basic training several years ago.

And on second thought I now advise the younger folks, go get a 2 year college degree, and then if you still want to go in the service, go. Then, if and when you get out you’ll only need 2 more years of college for a 4 year degree.

Good luck gentlemen, and thank God there are brave men and women who do serve!

[central_va]

I was a Naval Officer and have observed many different enlisted ratings. The easiest are the technical ratings. They go in as E-3's, come out of school a senior E-4, never having been to sea. They get to E-5's real easy. Things may have changed but that is what I saw. Oh, did I tell you about the re-enlistment bonuses?

The only problem the politics are getting real bad. Add faggotry to the mix and I think I would pass the whole deal now. I couldn't work for a CO that was an out of the closet queer. I'd resign.

[puppypusher]

This is a difficult situation regarding your son’s aspirations for a military career and In the past I would have said Go For It.But with the Present administration doing what it will to destroy this country militarily and economicly,I would have to say Don’t do it.

I’m tired of seeing our troops throwing their lives away for the piece of trash in the white house.Not to forget the trash in the house and Senate.

If you could I would convince your son to hold off making a decision untill well after the Presidential election in 2012 to see what direction the country is going.

Right now the country is going down the sewer and that’s putting it nicely.

If things do get better with better support for our military I’d say GO Air Force.

[goseminoles]

The military is more particular about a DUI then say 10 years ago. There are plenty of assessments that will categorize his interests. What ha he been doing since high school??

[Drew68]

My questions are: (1) What branch would have him with the DWI on his record; (2) What branch would best suit his personality; and, if he had a choice, what speciality might be good for him. My first thought was the Navy, but I really don't know.

I hate to break it to you but a DWI might be a deal-breaker for the Navy these days. Only a recruiter would know for sure. The Navy is currently "overmanned" and is kicking people out left and right. In fact, with the economy in tatters, all branches of the military are enjoying the unique opportunity to only pick from the top while easily meeting enlistment quotas.

I was able to enlist in the Navy with a DWI on my record but this was 2003. A much different time and a time when the military couldn't afford to be picky.

[vajimbo]

If he’s good at video games, or has the dedication to master those skills, he should consider training to be a UAV operator. I heard an Air Force general say that UAV’s are way cheaper than manned aircraft and provide way more actionable information. Financial pressures on the military will make UAVs a high growth area.

[Grunthor]

The Army treated me right. If my girls go in....and they’ve both had some interest, I suggest the Air Force.

Your son....I think the army could benefit from his joining it.