Was the US Navy everything you expected?

gugliamo00

I enlisted in the Navy at age 20 with a BA in math. I didn't go for an officer program because I didn't know if I wanted to make the commitment.

The two factors in my decision were my grandfather's experiences in WW II, and what I thought was brilliant logic. I figured that if I were on the ground and that was blown out from under me, that would be about it for me. That eliminated the Marines and the Army. If I were in a plane and that was blown out from under me, that too would be it for me. That eliminated the Air Force. But I could swim a little. I reasoned that if a ship I was on were blasted out from under me, I might still have a prayer.

Back then the ASVAB was administered in Boot Camp and, based on the scores, recruits were steered toward ratings for which they were deemed most qualified. Thus, my rating selected me. I spent most of the next four years doing a lot of very un-Navy-like things.

When it came time for me to reenlist for my E-6, somebody dusted off the degree and recommended me for OCS. I took the offer and retired at 45 after a quarter of a century.

For the first dozen years or so, I had a good time. I got to do stuff that most guys only dream about. The latter part of my career was a little unsatisfying. I'd been trained for action. I'd been involved in the action. I liked it. But, when you make LCDR, they kind of wean you away from the action... and I really didn't relish the idea of being anchored to a desk for the rest of my life... even for Flag rank.

But even the lack of action wasn't all bad. I got to make some small impact on the program.

A lot of guys were smarter than I was. They got out after one hitch and went to work in the "real" (civilian) world. In 20 or 30 years maybe some of them made it up to some of those 500 square foot, glassed-in, corner offices way up in those tall office buildings. They're working 50-60 hours a week to make ends meet. Maybe in some of their rare free moments, they dream about travel, adventure, maybe golfing on some exotic course. They might even consider learning to SCUBA dive, or even try sky diving... if they ever have the time and the money.

Me? Dullard that I am, I was able to retire at 45. I'd managed to put away about a third of everything I made for 25 years. That doesn't come to 8 years of income at the current level, but it was a good three years. Plus I had my pension. So, with the GI Bill, I managed to get a couple more degrees in three years.

With my military experience, my management experience (20 years as a Navy officer), my education (predominately on the military), and my recent security clearance, I landed a job managing military projects on the West Coast for a management consulting firm. I bought a home with a VA-insured loan and paid it off in 10 years (the second career paid very well). I retired again after 12 years at age 60. I still had most of my military savings left. I had my pension with the annual cost of living increases. I also had a pretty good income from my retirement from my second career. So I spent a few years traveling... you can go almost anywhere in the world for free if you're retired military.

Last year I moved into a Veterans Home. The place is awesome. I'm renting my place to an Air Force officer stationed at a nearby base. The rent more than pays for my stay here at the Home. Everything's covered. Medical, dental, room, board, transportation, entertainment... you name it. They even have a work-out center and a seasonal swimming pool. I also belong to a local public gym that has a year-round pool... but it's indoors, so, in the summer, I go to our pool and get a tan.

But, that's my experience... and I'm not a girl. In my limited experience, the Navy seems to be the least "defemizing" of the branches. I'm not sure why. In my experience they are better educated, have stronger personalities, and quicker wits. I found them to be better company. I spent about half my time as an officer in Washington, DC. I got to know quite a few of them. I don't know about female enlisted personnel, nor are my data definitive.

The Navy, probably any branch, will be what you make it.make of it. You can be miserable and complain if you want. I remember the first few days in Boot Camp. We were straggling to breakfast before the sun came up. People complained about the early hour and the cold. I remember looking at the San Diego sunrise and feeling sorry for the poor folks who were still sleeping and couldn't watch it. And I preferred marching in the cool of the day rather than in the heat. They complained about the heat too.

Did I get what they promised me? I don't recall any promises. There was kind of a tacit agreement that they wouldn't try to kill me in Boot Camp. I was able to secure a promise that they'd send me where they needed me. I never expected a sign-up bonus... I think having to purchase a person's loyalty, to have to bribe somebody to do their duty... is really a dumb move on the part of the government. I think much of the dissatisfaction with the military expressed by some is due to spoiled children not getting their way.

I'll not try to mislead you. Not everything was peaches and cream. But I wouldn't have stayed in 25 years if it was a bad experience. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Benji

I used the Navy to get away from my pot-smoking friends and try to find some goals and self-discipline. I was only planning on 4 years. I retired in 2000 with 21 years. There were bad days, of course, but far, far more good ones. Am I a better person for it? I don't know, but I do know I gained a ton of valuable experience.
The worst part? All the political correctness c**p that came along in the 90s.
The best part? Visiting countries and cities all over the world.
Yes, I got what was promised. They put me where they wanted to after boot camp, but after I was on that ship for two years I swapped with another sailor who wanted off a destroyer.
Destroyer sailors are the best.
McFatty is exhibiting the usual Jarhead arrogance.
And what the above person says about the USAF is true, but you hardly ever get to go anywhere! And promotion in the AF is slower than in the Navy.

Generally you will know where you are going after boot camp. You will go where your "A" school is. Sometimes though, your rate may be so filled up that you may have to choose a different one. Sometimes that happens.
It changed me as a person by joining...yes. I felt like I did my duty as an American. And defiantly its the best stepping stone I can recommend.
But, being newly married, you are going to have it rough. Very rough. If you go to a ship (80% of sailors do) you could be out to sea for 6 months or on a carrier up to 18 months. It happens. Imagine not seeing your hubby for 6-18 months. You defiantly are going to have a hard time.

Its good to listen to people on here about your experiences, but do not count on your recruiter as a truth teller. If you go to boot camp with one idea that your recruiter told you and you are shocked because it wasn't so when you got to boot camp, do not say to the RDCs "well, my recruiter told me.....".....I PROMISE they will laugh at you. My recruiter said, my recruiter said, my recruiter said....watch all the girls in your boot say it over and over and get laughed at.
Boot camp is a breeze. If your in fair physical shape, you can pass. Work on your sit ups, running, and push ups. Not girly ones either. Full man push ups. And if you do not know how to swim...LEARN!!! It will be much easier on you if you learn before you go. If you don't pass the swimming test, you will not pass boot camp. You wouldn't beleive how many people join the Navy and do not know how to swim. HELLO!!?? Navy+ship+water=duh! I was in boot with 10 or 12 kids who couldn't swim. Generally they are from the inner city.

The key to getting through boot camp is to pay attention and not to talk whenever you feel like it. There are times where you can gab all you want, but for the most part, keep your mouth shut and pay attention. Otherwise, they will single you out and you will have a very rough time.

Anyway, very smart choice. Get your money for college. Which means that you need to stay in the Navy for 3 years to be eligable for the GI Bill. If you get discharged before that time...forget it. Null and void.

Good Luck.

(the air force is not any more female friendly than the Navy. What a bunch of garbage. If you like sitting around and doing nothing but being a pencil pusher, then join the airforce. You will not go anywhere in the Airforce. If you join the Navy your looking at 300+ countries in 4 years. How many people do you know that have been to that many diff places?)

Special K

Many women join the Navy to be around alot of guys, then they find out that is the same reason the men joined. If you want to know what it's like to be in the Navy, paint a bumpster gray and live in it with 12 other people for six months. If you want just want college money, join the Air Force. If you want to grow up and learn something about life, join the Marines.

Rob G

Shyann,
You are going to get what they promise you as long as you pass your A school. All the reasons you listed are great reasons to join the Navy. You can have a blast and a career, however the danger of asking on a post like this is the folks who scare you off. For example, I was stationed at Coronado Ca. Best duty station in the world!!! And there was a guy there with me who was never happy about anything. If you gave him a ferrari, he would ask "what no air freshener?"

The worst part will be whatever you don't like. PT was the worst for me when I came in, now it's when I don't get to PT.

The question you have to ask before going is..."What kind of person am I?" Do you adapt well, get along with others...etc? If the answer is no than you will be unhappy no matter where you are. If you answer yes than join the Navy because there are a ton of opportunities. I am retiring in 4 months. My pension will be 40K a year and I am stepping into a $400k a year job. There are plenty of people who use the military as a stepping stone, so can you. Quit messing around and get to Boot camp. =)

Best of luck

BeenThereDoneThat

The Air Force will be a better consideration for you. The Air Force is most "Female Friendly", with about 18% Female.

The Air Force is the most likely like the "civil" life, and possibly has the easiest transition too.

The Air Force virtually has all the benefits of the Navy for after your completion of service.

It is also commonly accepted that the Air Force has better housing and food compared to the other services.

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