Posted on 05/27/2002 9:22:15 AM PDT by Militiaman7
Active Duty, Veterans, Family members, friends, FREEPERS and Lurkers, sign in and give service branch and dates of service.
HJ's Brother, USA, 1974-1977
HJ's Dad, USAAF, 1946-1967
HJ's Step-Dad, USN, 1957-1961
HJ's Uncles, All Branches, 1939-1960
A Navy recruiter came to his school and gave him a test, which he passed and he is very interested in what the recruiter told him. I was not present, so I know only what is their web site. Can anyone give me some advice about how we should approach this. My son is waiting for me to encourage him to go in a specific direction. He likes working from a plan and is goal oriented, just like his dad.
Thanks, S4T.
Nov. 1988 - Nov. 1994
Great-grandfather, Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers,
Spanish-American War, May 11 1898-August 22,1899
Father, U.S. Army 1958-1981, Vietnam
Speaking from personal experience I can only tell you about the Navy. I'm sure that there are alot of other folks here that can fill you in on the other services.
One of the things that helped me decide on the Navy was that I was interested in the Nuclear Power field, and the Navy has great experience with nuclear propulsion and energy generation (they've been doing it since 1953 with no significant problems). I am in the energy field today (I can thank the Navy for that).
Another one of the benefits that Navy men seem to have over some of the other services is the opportunities for travel (provided you're not stationed aboard a missle submarine). Surace sailors get to visit a great many ports. On my first deployment I got to visit three, on subsequent deployments as many as fifteen. I've visited places that the average person only dreams about, and it didn't cost me a dime (until I went ashore for meals, hotels, etc...). Getting to experience other countries makes you realize just how good we have it right here in the good old US of A.
I made some great friends in the service, and had some good, and not so good times. Any branch of service will offer your son to develop friendships that will last for the rest of his life.
Whichever branch he choses, he will not be disappointed. It will help him to mature, and he will have the pleasure of knowing that he has helped to defend the freedoms that have made this the greatest country in the history of the world.
United States Air Force
1971-1975
BUMP..
He'll have to decide that direction for himself or it's best if he does. But as for the recruiter? Watch out. Believe only what you see on paper and sign promises you see only on paper with a release clause if the service fails to uphold the deal. They will tell you anything and many will deliver nothing in the way of training. Look for traing schools in the Navy called class A schools, Class B schools afterward ect. Do not fall for the generalized training in a field like Fireman, Airman, Seaman. These are titles of a professional group and not an exact job. He could end up a paint chipper like that. He'll do enough of that anyway. Have the job title like Machinist Mate, Electronics Technican, or any other job specifically spelled out on paper.
It's a good experience but remember it is the recruiters job to get someone to sign for the least ammount of cost to the government. Treat it as you would any obligating contract. For better Navy info go to a second hand book store and buy a Blue Jackets Manual and look for some Training Manuals in certain fields. This will give you a heads up to get him the best possible enlistment benfits.
Older Brother Retired Major (mustanger) USMC
Little Brother USN Active Duty Chief Hospital Corpsman,
me:USMC 1976-1980 interservice transfer USN retire first class field corpsman HM1 (SW/FMF) there was nothing hospital about me, I love the field
Any service will give him the opportunity to grow as a man, and to give of himself in service to his country. There is a pride derived from such service that he will earn no where else.
Additionally, any recruiter worth his salt is going to come back and talk with the parents of a potential recruit. They should know that they should at least try to sell you on the idea, too!
Father, WWI, 1939-1946, Army/Army Air Corps, European Theater, pilot, B-24s.
Uncle, 1941-1969, Army, WWII, Korea.
Uncle, Korea, dates unknown.
Two cousins, Navy, Vietnam, dates uknown
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