Joing the Navy

[Anonymous]

I am a Health Educator at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and I am considering joining the Navy. I have a BS degree and I know that I would go in as an officier but I want someone to tell me the truth about the decision that I am trying to make. My friends who are active duty Navy say don't do it...Can someone please give me some advise before I go and speak to a recruiter?

lej1sms@lej10.med.navy.mil

[Anonymous]

: I am a Health Educator at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and I am
: considering joining the Navy. I have a BS degree and I know that I would
: go in as an officier but I want someone to tell me the truth about the
: decision that I am trying to make. My friends who are active duty Navy say
: don't do it...Can someone please give me some advise before I go and speak
: to a recruiter?


Are your friends who are active, officers or enlisted?? zThe enlisted point of view is very differnt then the officer one. as a 2nd class petty officer, i can say that the enilsited side of the house isn't all that great, but there's a lot more benefits to the officers side. I woulsd say do it and give the minium time in servicerequiredthen go from there. Paul

vernonpl@boxer.navy.mil

[Anonymous]

I am currently going through training in Pensacola, Florida for CTR and from what I have seen and heard from what the fleet returnees have said, the officers from where I'm from on my totem pole aren't really respected very highly. some of us who are in right now came in with the idea in mind to be an officer, but to first experience what it's like to be enlisted. Many people say that the real navy is the enlisted. There are a few people floating around that have their degrees, but they wanted to experience being enlisted first. These people are making less than half the pay that they could get out in the civilian world or as officers, just for this reason. If you think you can handle it, I would suggest experiencing life as an enlisted person first. While being enlisted, you can always move up to becoming an officer. If you could try it even for just a year, it would be well worth it for you in the long run.

funlovin@mailexcite.com

[Anonymous]

: I am a Health Educator at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and I am
: considering joining the Navy. I have a BS degree and I know that I would
: go in as an officier but I want someone to tell me the truth about the
: decision that I am trying to make. My friends who are active duty Navy say
: don't do it...Can someone please give me some advise before I go and speak
: to a recruiter?


Stephanie:

Depends on the questions you're asking. Will you be assigned to a ship at sea? Most probably yes. Will you spend time away from home and family? Most likely, yes. Can you choose where you'll be stationed? Sometimes, but not always. The Navy sends you where they need your skills. Will you be paid well? Yes, of course. Can you accept orders, wear a uniform, do things you don't want to do, work in places you don't want to work in? Can you accept responsibility that comes with increased authority and deal with having responsibility for those who work for you? As an officer, you will be responsible for the performance of those subordinate to you. If they do well, you'll be congratulated. If they don't, you'll be asked why and instructed to change the situation. Those are just some of the issues involved in joining the service. It's not a job, it's a committment; regardless of how long you agree to serve for. If you want to do something for your country and be a leader of people, than I encourage you to talk to the recruiter. If you aren't, don't bother with the service - find some private or government organization to work for. I served 25 years in the Navy, retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and saw a lot of what the Navy is and isn't. The Navy isn't easy, not always fun, but but I loved every minute of it. Good luck in your decision.

Cheryl Wagner ACCS(AW), USN, (retired)

pairadice85@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Cheryl, Great response! Couldn't agree with you more!!! Honest and right on the money.

Stephanie, I noticed some opinions posted about joining as an Enlisted vice Officer, and would like to throw in mine. Grab the commission that your education has entitled you to apply for. The pay difference is huge, the standard of living is better, and there is usually greater responsibility and opportunity. Experience is a plus in any occupation, but I don't believe that you absolutely must have Enlisted experience to be a good Officer. Just keep in mind that some Enlisted have advanced degrees, and others don't but have the knowledge tucked away in their competent brains & don't have the papers to prove it. As long as you treat everyone with respect and don't fall into the trap of believing "more rank" always translates into "better", you'll be fine. It's much harder to get a commission after entering the Navy as Enlisted; push your recruiter for as much rank as you can get up front and BEFORE you enter the Navy. Ensign at least. Sometimes more if you've got significant professional skills and experience, (ie a surgeon.)

I hope you take Cheryl's comments to heart. As a Senior Chief, she was what we refer to as "The Backbone of the Navy". Chiefs are known to be frank, direct and to know pretty much everything (or at least where to find it!) They've a lot of experience and have seen a lot. Her post is a reflection of that experience and honesty, and you ought to give it some thought. Take care, Tracy


:
: Stephanie: Depends on the questions you're asking. Will you be assigned to a
: ship at sea? Most probably yes. Will you spend time away from home and
: family? Most likely, yes. Can you choose where you'll be stationed?
: Sometimes, but not always. The Navy sends you where they need your skills.
: Will you be paid well? Yes, of course. Can you accept orders, wear a
: uniform, do things you don't want to do, work in places you don't want to
: work in? Can you accept responsibility that comes with increased authority
: and deal with having responsibility for those who work for you? As an
: officer, you will be responsible for the performance of those subordinate
: to you. If they do well, you'll be congratulated. If they don't, you'll be
: asked why and instructed to change the situation. Those are just some of
: the issues involved in joining the service. It's not a job, it's a
: committment; regardless of how long you agree to serve for. If you want to
: do something for your country and be a leader of people, than I encourage
: you to talk to the recruiter. If you aren't, don't bother with the service
: - find some private or government organization to work for. I served 25
: years in the Navy, retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and saw a lot
: of what the Navy is and isn't. The Navy isn't easy, not always fun, but
: but I loved every minute of it. Good luck in your decision.
:
: Cheryl Wagner ACCS(AW), USN, (retired)


tracy_liz@geocities.com