Joining after masters degree?

[Anonymous]

Help! I am graduating with a masters degree in epidemiology (the study of diseases). I just found out about the great medical research that the Navy does in many cities of California. I am aware that I can work for the navy as a civilian, but I think I would like to become an officer. I am not from a military background and have no idea what is in store. I am disciplined (getting a high degree in a hard science at a young age), fairly in shape (kickboxing three times a week), but am concerned about following orders (I have had a problem with this, very independent). I am not concerned about the physical issues or personal issues like beauty and hair. I was hoping to hear from others who may work in the medical research area or know of people who do. Did anyone else have these fears? As an officer, how is training differet from basic boot camp (or is it not). How long is training? Will I be moved all over the contry, or can I pick where I go? And lastly, if anyone else has a masters degree and joined the navy, how do you like it. thanks in advance for any and all information you can supply. My email is htiesman@com1.med.usf.edu if anyone wants to write. Thanks

htiesman@com1.med.usf.edu

[Anonymous]

Hi Hope. I can sympathize! After getting my MBA I decided that I would rather work for the government & my country than for a company that was just going to profit from my work. I was also worried about being told what to do, but the reality of it is that as an officer with specific skills, you will more or less be allowed to do your work without anyone barking orders at you. You will, however, get plenty of that in OCS. After that you will find that working for the military in this type of position is just like working anywhere else (except that you will do a lot of saluting and of course wear the uniform). OCS is a little longer than enlisted basic training (13 weeks instead of 8) because as well as doing all of the PT, classes, etc, you will also do a lot of leadership and management-type stuff. Just try to have a positive attitude about the whole thing and be sure to bite your tongue if you are tempted to talk back to an unreasonable DI (take my word for it: you DO NOT want to learn this one the hard way!!). Speaking for myself, it is definitely worth it. It has without a doubt been the best decision of my life. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

: Help! I am graduating with a masters degree in epidemiology (the study of
: diseases). I just found out about the great medical research that the Navy
: does in many cities of California. I am aware that I can work for the navy
: as a civilian, but I think I would like to become an officer. I am not
: from a military background and have no idea what is in store. I am
: disciplined (getting a high degree in a hard science at a young age),
: fairly in shape (kickboxing three times a week), but am concerned about
: following orders (I have had a problem with this, very independent). I am
: not concerned about the physical issues or personal issues like beauty and
: hair. I was hoping to hear from others who may work in the medical
: research area or know of people who do. Did anyone else have these fears?
: As an officer, how is training differet from basic boot camp (or is it
: not). How long is training? Will I be moved all over the contry, or can I
: pick where I go? And lastly, if anyone else has a masters degree and
: joined the navy, how do you like it. thanks in advance for any and all
: information you can supply. My email is htiesman@com1.med.usf.edu if
: anyone wants to write. Thanks


dejae@msn.com

[Anonymous]

: Dear Hope,* I just came across your message posted on the military woman page.


I am a female Navy Officer with 19 years of military experience.* I am Lieutenant Commander/O-4, assigned to recruiting my three years of service, which will end this November 99.

I think you did not get an exact answer to your question.* With an MBA in epidemiology, you would be looking at the Navy's Medical Service Corp. (MSC).* MSC has a varied career field..it encompasses medical professionals other than nurses and doctors...such optometrists, health care administrators, environmental hygienist, etc. MSC's do not go to OCS bootcamp (Pensacola, Fl for 13 weeks)..they go to OIS (Officer Indoctrination School/ Newport, RI) for 6 weeks.* In OIS there are no Marine Gunny's to yell at you...no strenuous physical requirements.* In fact we call it Fork & Knife school, because it's only an indoctrination period to learn Navy rank & structure..and such things as how to wear your uniform.* The Navy treats physicans, nurses, MSC, lawyers and chaplains a little differently than others applying for a commission.* Let's face it not to many docs or chaplains would be knocking on our door if they had to go through what mostly "youngsters" go through at OCS.* So, I strongly suggest you contact your local Navy Officer Recruiter for more information.* You'll be surprised at what you'll find out about the* MSC program.* Best Regards LCDR J.

dejae@msn.com