Why the hell didn't I just stay in the Navy?
436241
I ask myself that same question all the time, i would've retired after 20 years. now i have to wait until I'm 65. If your thinking about reenlisting I wouldn't wait too long,you might lose the time you already served.\n   I am very proud that i did serve my country, I still have my crackerjacks, I just can't get rid of them, I mean it's been 27 years since i was in, if I was younger I'd go back in a heart beat. good luck in what ever you decide.\n       squids forever
1024836
the decision should be yours, not your friends.   good friends support your decisions, not guide them.\n\nwhat do you want to do in the Navy???  be sure to ask allot of good questions to the recruiter.    Just be sure that the trade you chose is something you want to do.\nNavy/Military life is not for everyone....but very few regret the time they spend in service.  It's unique - its just like any other job - its thrilling - its tough and makes you tough.   All depends on how YOU make it....\n\nIn service 17 yrs...  somedays I don't like my job but I have never regreted the day I swore on the flag for duty honor and loyalty.\nWhat it did for me, who I became... will never be lost.
129031
Well, your question was probably not answered because it was very vague.  Asking about a specific " US-Navy security a guy," is a little crazy.  I mean, there are a lot of Navy guys.\nMaybe ask it again with a little more information, although I doubt it will be able to be answered here anyway.
1137221
I was home for 30 days in the Navy. It may be different in the Army.
46051
If you want to join the military just to relax in some "safe-haven" area, then don't waste your time. All military personnel are subject to being in a war. You are probably one of those idiots that join the weekend warriors for the benefits and then, when it is time to do your job you are paid for, you wimp out. Do everyone, including yourself, a favor. Do NOT re-enlist...get the hell out...military don't want you anyway with this attitude...also, learn to spell...
745261
My father was an enlisted man in the Navy.  The officers have a much better life.\n\nGo to college right away.  If you are still interested in the Navy when you get out -- go in as an officer.\n\nIf you are absolutely sure that you want to go into the Navy, enroll in the ROTC program while you are in college.  They will pay for all or part of your education and will give you a comission upon graduation.\n\nThink about this option -- it is the smart way to go.\n\nGood luck.
975737
Good gosh man you are still here?  You really need a life bad.  Everybody with sense stopped listening to your BS a long time ago.  The only one with dellusions of this stuff happening is you, seriously if your father really was in the Navy like you claim.  I bet he disowned you for all of this.  This is all your way of getting attention, find a better hobby.
1073082
I already served my time in the US Navy.\nIt's a great way to serve your country and see the world.
500101
I was in the same boat with the Army.  I toughed it out.  My wife pushed me to stay on, and it worked out.  The last couple of years were the hardest, and easiest, of them all.  I won't say that it was a cake walk, but knowing that I ONLY had 10 years, 8 years, 1 year to retirement made a difference.  If I had gotten out, I think that I would be kicking myself for not staying.\n\nMy brother got out of the Navy after 10 years, and went to work as a contractor.  He and his family have moved 4 different times since he got out, so the moving part is still there.  BUT, he is happy with his decision.  I told him he was nuts, he was half way there, etc.  But, he had had enough.\n\nThe ultimate decision on this is between you and your husband.  You will have to weigh the pros and cons.  I, personally, think that if your halfway there, and don't have your degree yet, then you should stay.  But, then again, I've already passed the hump.\n\nGood luck, and thank you for your service.
560693
Feeling trapped is a common reason for re-enlistment. But that's also pretty much a commitment to be a lifer. You've got a family to support.  Is his carreer going well?  If he's got something that will hold him back (NJP's, weight/physical problems) from picking up Staff with in the 12 year time frame, do you want to invest that much time in the military only to be denied reinlistment down the road?  Does he have job skills that can help him in the civilian world?  It's not as scary as it seems, but when you are used to guaranteed pay and health benefits it's intimidating.  This is something you two need to decide for yourselves, since you know your situation better than any of us.  But don't be afraid of change, if you decide to get out.  And if you stay in, just make sure your career is on the right track and you'll keep moving up.
795935
I was in from 1989-1996.  There are positive and negative aspects of being in the Navy.  To answer your questions:\n-No, sometimes you may not be qualified for the jobs that you want or able to get security clearances.\n-If you want to be treated fairly or with the respect you think you deserve, forget it.  For the first several years, you are a low ranking person, and get treated as such.  Problem is, you are no longer protected by the U.S. Constitution, but by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which has it's own set of rights and responsibilities.\n-Depending on where you are stationed, travel can be awesome.\n-If you are on board a ship, school can be difficult because you have no set work schedule, they own you and you work whenever they want you to work.\n\nOverall, I am very proud to have served.  Someone once told me that they would not trade their memories for a million dollars, but they wouldn't do it again for a million either.  I couldn't agree more.  Good Luck
915126
Please be a little careful about what the ROTC instructors tell you. They can and do give out inacurate information for various reasons, one being they want to keep you. It is all about numbers.\n\nDo your own research. My son did just that and found out it is not easy at all. Here is why:\nHe found out that when you complete ROTC for one branch and at any time want to switch to another branch, they look at you as DAMAGED GOODS. They want to know why you are not happy? They think you are pulling out so therefore you are not dependable. It is just like any other jobs. You try to switch and they feel you are hopping around looking for the best deal. There are a few exceptions but it is not easy.\nMy son took NAVY ROTC in high school while he did Civil Air Patrol (Air force Aux). But then the Army gave him a scholarship to college so he went Army hoping later to switch to Air Force. It never happened. As soon as he graduated he was assigned to transportation and shipped out to East Coast for training. From there he was assigned his base in Texas and from there he was shipped to Iraq. He is now a 1st Lt in the Army and proud of it.\n\nAnother thing is that the Army advances you in rank much faster than the Navy or Air Force. Higher rank means more responsibilites and more pay. But the Air Force treats its men the best (food, lodging, education).\n\nSo keep in mind if you go Army dont plan on a switch as it may not happen. The Air force can tell you they dont want you and the Army does not have to let you go. Simple as that.\n\nAlso remember, ROTC is a recruiting tool. They have you and they want to keep you. They will help pay your education but you will serve your country for 8 years. Dont do it just for the education or the money. Make sure you are a soldier first.
681495
So you decided to become a sea going bell hop.....\n\nFirst off I want to say you might have made the best decision or the worst decision in your life. The military isn’t for everybody. First things first you got to get to MEPs once your there they will give a physical and ask you some questions. Once you get to boot camp you’re going to think this was a bad idea. Just remain calm and don’t panic and keep your mind on the task at hand boot is one of the most important events in your military life when you get into trouble where ever you are you will automatically go back to your most basic training. So pay attention! Secondly don’t get pissed off at your drill instructors they may seem to hate you but just remember they hate every one equally and they are just there to help you. First they will try and make themselves the enemy so that your unit will bond with each other, most people think they try to break you this is false. They try and make you hate them so much that you will wish they were dead. At this point you just need to obey and you need friends. If you alienate your self in boot camp you will only find your self alone. Alone you are vulnerable and you will not make it. Near the end of boot you’ll notice a change in your drill instructors they become like your family with a mother a father and a big brother try and figure out their roles to understand how they will react. \n\nAs for advice in dealing with your parents, this will be the hardest part you’ll need people back home that support you they need to have enough respect for you that you can make your own decisions as an adult. Yes Bush is an Idiot, but at the same time as a sailor, marine, soldier, or airman you can’t choose who and when you want to serve. That is something that some one out side of the military cant understands. Say for example that you joined up before the Iraq war or even before 9/11 you can’t say I am not going to war. You just have to make the best out of your situation you have to tell your self how can I make this better how can I improve this situation. One of the best qualities about Marines is their ability to improvise, when you are fighting a war that you don’t agree with just see what you can do to make it better, a lot of people do this every day most just feel that they are fighting for their buddies to keep them alive. Just remember that you can’t second guess you’re self that you have to do the job or you or a friend will not make it home. No pressure right? On top of that you may never see Iraq. The best advice I can give you in the field is if you’re in the infantry trust in your friends not your weapon remember it is made by the lowest bidder. \n\nAll in all joining the military is a unique experience one that will help you on your way to opening a business just look at the rise in companies after the second world war hence why they are called the “Greatest Generation.” We just have to have a positive out look on a very negative situation maybe just maybe our boys and girls coming home will be like that generation.
811582
My suggestion, as you have 2 years before you get out.  Sit down with your Career Counselor for your command.  Tell him/her your concerns and find out what you can do to improve your opportunities in the civilian world.  Remember, you'll also have the opportunity to attend TAPS class will give you more ideas on jobs.\n\nThe other suggestion I would have is this.  If you are a Deck Seaman, that means you are unrated.  You have every opportunity in the Navy before you right now.  Talk to your career counselor, find out what jobs are available.\n\nHave you completed PTS? (Perform To Serve).\n\nCheck into rates that are undermanned.  Start thinking about what you would like to do, and look for rates that mirror those civilian jobs.\n\nYes, I know being out to sea can suck, but if you give it more than a year or so, the Navy can be a very, very rewarding place.  I have been in for almost 12 years and I love my job, I love when I am out to sea, but I would, of course, rather be on shore with my family.\n\nYou have two years, see if you can get an "A" School with some type of skills useable on the outside.\n\nI would suggest AT (Aviation Electronics Technician) "A" school and then Calibrations school.  Skills from those two schools, both accredited and worth college credits, will definitely help you in the outside world.  You may need to extend a year, but hey, it will help.\n\nGood luck, send me a message if you have any other questions.
290843
idraw4u hit it in a nutshell.\nBest advice I can give is to find someone who is recently out after more than 6 years or is currently in with more than 6 years. Reason I say this is the first few years in any branch of the service is the worst. You're starting at the bottom of the ladder. Anyone with less than 6 years probably does not have a good feeling for the Navy. Over 6 years they have re-enlisted by seeing something positive in the Navy life.\nRecruiters-will not lie to you, however they will not tell you the whole truth. Misinformation by a recruiter can get them thrown in the brig, period. They are very good at what they do, like used car salesmen. They can show you everything available on the lot but there is a few they have to get sold and will try to "guide" you into buying it. Research on your own on what you would like to do as a job, keeping in mind on if it is a marketable skill when you enter life after the military. What schools can you get guaranteed after bootcamp? Accelerated advancement (higher rank, better pay)? Once you have found one or two skills you want, talk to a recruiter. Stick to your guns on what job you want, cause they will try to get you to take one of the higher priority job they have to fill. Every month, they get the new list of openings, so if they don't have what you want, check back next month or have them contact you when one comes up. This is your life decision, make sure YOU make it. Good luck and hope to call you shipmate soon.
723178
they do know better.. the military lied to me .. i joined.. then left 4 months later.. i had lied to get in.. they told me to do so.. not worth it.. you are better off with a real profession.. ps.. they lie because they must.. we all do the best with what we have.. now that i left the military, i have to explain this to every future employer.. somehow.. something i am struggling with this minute.. i left four years ago.. (ten days ago) bye for now.
228530
Ok I'll do my best given my experience in the Marines and raised as a military brat to explain military life. As you know Marines get the opportunity to work with the Navy, being in the Navy even as a female you may be task to go to sea for 6 months plus. That means the only communication between you and your husband and kids will be via mail and the sporadic phone call. It's hard demanding and you'll work a load of hours. If you break the amount of hours down per month at work then calculate the amount you received in pay you'll see it's not much (below poverty). So if you’re in it for the money don't do it. Health care is great however, not the best. You'll stand around in uniform waiting for a prescription then along comes an officer and he gets his drugs filled right away. You'll wait. Job security definitely, study learn your trade, wear a sharp uniform and stay fit you’ll definitely be able to stay in. Become a "S^&*t bird" as they say and you won't last. Positive experience, well you'll learn what real discipline is and leadership. These are traits required in the civilian world.\n\nPlease do not believe every promise from the recruiter. They will promise you beautiful bases and great life overseas. Most people go in to the military, go overseas for an unaccompanied tour  (Meaning no family can come with you) for a year then you come back. That can be about as stressful as it gets. Make sure if you do go in that you have a guaranteed slot in a school to learn an MOS (Military Occupational Skill). This is a ticket into a school. This does not give you the ticket to graduate; you actually have to work hard and study to pass. I went to the Naval Aviation Electronic course and did 2 years of college in 8 months. A lot of my friends did not make it. They ended up going to the Infantry. \n\nAlso keep in mind that the Marine Corps has the highest divorce rate in the Military followed by the Navy. When I was in, about 75% of marriages failed. Life for the family members can be more difficult then it is for the enlisted person. They have to move, meet people, learn new cities, etc… Some people just are not cut out to be uprooted and replanted some where else. \n\nWith this said prior planning and an active role from your husband and kids can make the transition to Navy life a great positive change. You have to be committed first to yourself and family then to the Navy not the other way around. This will have a great impact on your success or failure in the navy and as a wife/mother.\n\nAs you said there are good and bad things about the Navy. Keep in mind that it is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It is a hard life. You can do it, and you can do it happily with the support of your loved ones. If any of them find it difficult you’ll end up having a very hard 3,4,5 year tour. Think really hard before you make this step your family will go through a great sacrifice. \n\nI would advise you if the Military is what you want go in the Air Force. They treat the poeple better and the families are generally happier. They actually get stationed in cool places.\n\nI hope my rambling has helped in some way.