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Christopher B
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If you are just looking for a free ride to college - then no. You are going to be miserable, get into trouble, and end up washing out.
If you are willing to take on a challenging job serving your country, learn advanced skills, work hard hours, maintain a good attitude, and apply for college programs - then it can be a great decision. I went through college on a Navy scholarship. I have achieved all my goals and been to many places overseas that I had only seen on TV through the Navy. The opportunities are there and plentiful, you just can't expect them to fall into your lap. There are programs to get scholarships (STA-21, Limited Duty Officer, Enlisted Commisioning Program, Warrant Officer Program, BOOST), it's just a matter of putting in the time and effort to get accepted to them. Don't expect time during work hours to get them done, but if you ask for help - there are always plenty of people who would be happy to. The Navy is always looking to commission officers from within its ranks.
And to answer Grand Dad up there who enlisted in the Army during Vietnam - I did research all the Armed Forces before I enlisted in the Navy. Navy had the most opportunities for college. On every ship there are college programs, where you can work on college credits while at sea. On the big deck ships, they even have college professors onboard who teach classes and tutor students. |
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helixburger
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Figure out what career field you want. Study for ASVAB and do well. Take a vet with you to the recruiter. If it isn't written down, you don't have it. |
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DW
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I think joining the Navy is an excellent idea. You will have life experiences and can get an education as well. I definitely think you should get info. from the Navy and consider it. |
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JENNLUPE
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No! unless you have nothing left to go but up. |
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rainfingers
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Bad experiences? You mean, like, getting maimed or killed?
Remember, they're sending Navy and Air Force people into Iraq because they can't get enough ground troops from the Army. You may be surprised what a bad experience you have. |
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43
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The Kamikaze corps is the best.
They fight for the Right.
Go big Red Go |
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Beorn
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22 with no college education? Navy is probably the best bet especially if your looking for a career. If your looking to go into college, I believe all the branches offer a pretty good deal about covering costs. I'd go for it. |
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Dirt McGirt
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It really depends on what you're looking for. In the Navy you are unlikely to face any real threat to your life (unless you join the Seals) and you would probably get some good job training for the future. I'm a vet myself (of the Army) and I can tell you it looks good on a resume and goes a long way toward paying for an education once you get out. If you're interested you should talk to a recruiter but be careful, make sure you read EVERYTHING you are thinking of signing and have them write down any promises they make; also, drive a hard bargain and see what kind of signing bonuses you can get. |
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Eric v
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ur asking for bad experiences in the army? im sure u know the worst, id rather kill my self then join the army |
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Neil G
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yes they will send you to school for more information talk to a recruiter |
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valsacar
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Yes, you are allowed to take a certain number of classes(2 if I remember correctly) each semester. You pay books, they pay courses. Also the SOC schools(colleges that offer special programs to military) will give credit for military classes and experience(such as your job training).
If you really wanted too, you could probably do a whole degree for basically nothing during your enlistment. I'd go army though, but hey I'm partial ;) |
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fairlanegta_66
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You should look into it and dont listen to those IDIOTS that think it is stupid . You can and will have the best experiences in your life. The Navy and A/F are more technical oriented but if you want a little excitement from time to time look at the Army or Navy Infantry ( Marines ) They have tech jobs as well however you must be a soldier first. |
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nflhandicapper
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Yes, hell yes it is a decent deal. |
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utahclimbergal
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I haven't enlisted yet, but i have heard of both good and bad experiences. most of the people who didn't like it were the ones that joined just for the money. When things went wrong, and they didn't get paid on time, they would complain a lot. But there were the others that did it for reasons other than the money (patriotism, chance to see the world) and they loved it. A lot of them had been training for it their whole lives, and they knew what to expect for the most part.
If it's something you feel strongly about, I say do it. But with the navy you have to be ready to be on a ship or sub for extended periods of time, that can get a little boring i hear. But it will help you get a job after you get out, and they will pay for your education. But it's not something you can get out of, you have to be ready to do whatever they want you to do. |
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Tristar
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The experiance of my friends in the military has been very bad. Many of your rights are taken away, and college money is hard to use because of many restrictions. It is probably not worth it, please research intensely before signing your life away. |
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dbikeguy1
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make sure you get your job in writing thats for sure |
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theforce51
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Yes it's cool,they feed and clothe you and pay you and you go overseas and die in an illegal war for oil and profit.I think you should do it. |
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SHOOTER586
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The military offers a great deal. Even better than when I was in.
The Navy is a good choice if you are not married and want to travel. |
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Schmorgen
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I was 22 when I joined. I spent last year in college (I'm out now, honorably). With the GI bill and the Navy college fund, I recieved over $1700 a month while in college. I was nuclear trained, which is how I got the college fund. I say go for it. It worked for me. |
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Common Sense
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It is cool and it offers great career opportinities as well
as security.. |
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bornslippyboy
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I have a friend in the Navy. She's studying some kind of electrical engineering. I had no idea she was going to do that when I knew her in high school. I was very impressed, somewhat envious, because I think somewhere in the Navy they gave her the confidence and resources to pursue such a career. She's been sailing all over the place, traveling to other countries. It sounds like she's been on a cruise surrounded by boys, but instead of doing shuffle board or arts and crafts, she studies and works on choppers. From what I know, I would say go for it. However, I'd recommend you do more research. |
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34andlivingwithmomanddad
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Is it cool to join? NO...your so called buddies are going to make fun of you for going.. just say hi to them at your ten year reunion when they're a bunch of fat losers and have the same lame stories to share with you that they had in high school.
To put it in a simple answer...with distance learning and internet access, the military education benefit is a friggin racket. And in the Navy, I think you are going to be on shifts, so you'll have time to do your homework and write your research papers. Just my 2 cents. |
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thirteen_fox
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ok first off if you are wanting to join for college tuition, you are choosing the wrong proffesion, too many people now days join for the college money and are unwilling to make the sacrifice that comes with military service and constantly complain. so unless you are joining the military for the right reasons (and from what i see you aren't) then stay out, we have enough people who join for just the money and don't have the dedication it takes to keep their fellow soldiers alive. |
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shiva
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My husband is in the army and we have had some bad experiences with them, but all branches are different. I don't want to hurt any one feeling but I think that the navy or the Air force is the way to go. The Army has so many stupid rules and not enough that make any sense. The army isn't very family friendly either, so if you have a partner and plan on getting married that's something to think about. Also make sure that you read every word of your contract cause once you sign it there is no looking back. Also remember that when you in list and even when you are done with your time they(military) if they need you can pull you back in for another two years or more. That holds for 5 years after your contract is up.
Just make sure that you watch out for yourself, cause once your in your in. |
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theechrismartin
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If you need maturity I would say go for it. make sure you get your GI Bill in writing and also the job you want in writing. Take the ASVAB test seriously for it will determine which jobs u qualify for. Good Luck and I would say join the Army for it has the best college deals for the shortest amount of years. |
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Hielodrive
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I think everyone should do something to support this country, for a couple of years, it's good to serve and the deals are getting better because they are short of people. |
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dt
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Go for it. You will remember the experience for the rest of your life. |
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