Posted on 12/12/2011 8:49:40 AM PST by erod
Hi FReepers!
In the past two weeks my life has been turned upside down, I got forced out of a job I was working in for three months, long story I did nothing bad, but it was due to a bad situation. Anyway, I’m looking for work because I have bills and I want to have a career doing something fulfilling.
I’m starting to think that maybe I should join the Naval Reserve. The gig would give me good benefits, decent pay, and a future so when this recession is over, instead of saying I sat on my ass for a year at least I can say that I was working for Uncle Sam in a professional role, I have a college degree, I graduated in 08 when the market tanked, and I have had a hard time finding work in my field: marketing.
I’m a little older than the average recruit, I’ll be turning 28 in January, but I feel like if I got myself into shape and went into boot camp that I would be fine. I don’t want to make a permanent career out of the Navy, but I think it would be good to serve my country and get some professional experience while riding out the recession. Any advice on what to expect for boot camp or military life would be great.
Thanks, -Erod
Why Navy as opposed to Army or Air Force?
I would suggest that at your age and considering your career field, that you consider taking a marketing job in any location in the country, or take a job selling, on commission.
Or, go back to school for an advanced degree.
I think you would regret the taking the military way out of this recession.
I have a nephew who is in the Navy. He is an amazing young man and it has chaged his life for the better. He has been in for 5-6 years and the training he has learned will bring him good job in the civilian world. I also have a nephew who is a Marine. Both make me very proud for the sacrifice that they make to their famalies, while serving over seas.
I say do it! And thank you for wanting to do it.
The sea is a harsh mistress...
If they will take you, go for it. You will live through basic, and hate it.
But don't figure that Reserves will keep you out of the scrap.
I was active my first 6 years, during the cold war, and never went anywhere.
I went reserve when I signed back up, and spent 2.5 years deployed. Reserves are being HEAVILY used now.
And any deployment, for any length of time, to anywhere is a life-disrupting event. Best for single men.
/johnny
Move to North Dakota
Why Navy? Your best bet is to spend a couple of hours in a recruiting office for each of the services and see what they have to offer.
Having a degree can mean more rank or officer rank. It just depends upon what the respecitve recruiter offers.
Any service is a good choice and none is better than the other. The each offer their own unique form of BS, jerks, and hardships. They each have their own good points as well.
Good Luck
I know the risks involved that’s good info on the age, thanks.
I wanted to join the Navy because I like swimming and the sea but I believe that my age has already disqualified me I’m going to look into that again though.
Air force - clean sheets and hot showers what’s not to like.
Do it, and consider it a life experience.
You may be older and better educated than the basic recruit, but in this economy, maybe not.
I second the suggestion to check out the Air Force before deciding. Really!
Basic training can be a bit of BS, espcially for an older college grad. Just grit your teeth, go along to get along, and keep your eye on the higher prize.
Getting into a job that requires a security clearance and teaches you people skills, team work, and computer skills will help you in the next stage of your life and maybe make you some lifelong friends.
Good Luck!
Appears he is still eligible for every branch except the USMC Reserve.
http://www.todaysmilitary.com/before-serving-in-the-military/military-entrance-requirements
I think you have 2 options.
1. Go back to school and get an advanced degree. It is far more respectible to say you are a student than you are unemployed.
2. Take a close look at becoming an Officer* in one branch of the military. Enlisted job skills are more entry level. With a degree and a commision you can later sell yourself as having had managerial positions. As an O-1 you wil have 20-40 people working for you.
*No, I’m not bashing enlisted folks, it’s just given the OP’s degree and age it seems that it may be better fit to look at the Officer side of the house.
Swim calls are pretty rare.
I have the utmost respect for our military. They are the finest in the world. That being said....
Given the recent lift on the ban against homosexuals AND given that the current CIC utterly HATES the military with every fiber of his being AND given that we have no idea if the current CIC will be voted out in the next election or who there might be to replace him, I’d advise against it.
I did 4 years active during the Cold War under Ronaldus Magnus. I currently have a nephew in the Army who has stated emphatically that he IS getting out when his term is done.
To me, there are now just too many negatives when it comes to military service.
Understand, I’m just speaking from the point of view of a navy mom here. Son got out of the navy in Dec, 2009. He is now in college finishing up the degree he started before the navy. He says entering the navy was a decision he will never regret.
He told me that boot camp was tough, but he fared better than some of the other recruits because he was a little older. (he was 21 when he entered whereas most were 18 and 19 and entered right out of high school The oldest recruit in his division was 32. The older guys are more emotionally ready. Physically, yes it is tough, but in a good way. The hardest time he (and we as his parents) had were the weeks of isolation. The first few are the hardest. You are allowed little contact with family, but that is a good thing. Yes, you get yelled at - a lot! but that eases up as you learn all the basics and learn the military mindset. Every man on a ship has to be able to depend on each other. It truly is teamwork. By the time graduation comes around - 8 weeks later - you are transformed. You are probably in the best shape you will ever be. Our son gained a self-confidence that I had never seen in him before. It was a very good experience for him, and we were so proud.
He was stationed in Japan for three years. Where they send you depends upon the needs of the navy, not your desires. You basically belong to the US government and ‘momma navy’ as we navy moms called it! You may be on a ship in the Persian Gulf - just guarding oil wells - or on the flight deck in the 7th Fleet in Japan. Depending on your rate, you could be down in the bowels of the ship or in an office. Our son was actually talking about going to officer school, but has since abandoned that idea, but he is majoring in Asian Studies and hopes to return to Japan someday.
Basically, some love it and some hate it - as with all military branches.
Good luck as you make your decision!
I’m retired Army, and I would recommend it. Make sure you’re in tip-top shape, you’d probably go in as an E-4 the I would suggest immediately going to OCS. Make sure the recruiter puts all of that into your contract, and you can also get a waiver on age if you meet all the other requirements - good luck!
No, move to Pennsylvania. Frack our shale, not theirs. (Just kidding Last Dakotan.)
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