U.S Navy

[Phil]

Hi sorry that this doesnt relate to the game but ive been searching alot of places and cant find alot of non biased info, Im 19 in college and thinking of joining the navy (have been interested for as long as i can remember) either now or after i graduate and i was wondering how many of you are in the navy or have been and what your experience was like? or if you know any websites besides navy.com that has some good info. Thanks Phil

[Finback]

Phil,

All I can really say is Thank You for joining the service. Good people are needed now more than ever.

I can't really think of any specific places for unbiased info but if you went to your local VFW I'm sure you'd get some input.

Better the Navy than the Army right now, unless you're prepared to enter a war zone on the ground. My son is in the 101st Airborne and collected 2 purple hearts during his first deployment. While I'm very proud of him, medals like these don't exactly give a parent warm and fuzzy feelings.

Best of Luck to You!!! Make your choice carefully!

Finback

[Spadefish]

Phil,

I retired from the Navy after 20 years service as a Chief Petty Officer (CPO). What I can tell you is that they were the best 20 years of my life. I served as an Aircrewman w/a squadron aboard carriers, and did tours on a battleship, destroyer and a 3 year tour riding the "boats" (subs). I also did shore tours with NATO, in D.C. and as an instructor. I saw the world (except Australia and New Zealand, damn!!!) and met some of the finest people I've ever known (several who remain as lifelong friends) and some of the worst (as with anything you roll with the punches and keep going :)). It takes commitment and dedication and I received an education that I don't think that I ever could have paid for. But I also paid a price with a failed marriage and several service connected disabilities. But even with those things I wouldn't have changed a thing and would do it all over again the same way.

I see that your in college. If you can afford to stay, get your degree and then decide whether you want to go officer or enlisted. You'll have more options and can then decide. I don't know what school you're attending but you may want to see if they have an NROTC program. The Navy offers 2 year scholarships with a commision at graduation. If you want to go now as enlisted you can use the G.I Bill to finish school while your in or after you get out. Research the job or career you want to do VERY CAREFULLY as once you decide your stuck for at least the 1st 4 years.

I wish you the very best of luck with whatever you decide to do and hope this has helped a little. Thank you for considering serving the Nation.

[Phil]

thanks for both of you guys input it has been greatly appreciated, im just worried about telling my parents that i want to join as I know they wont approve, Im not even really sure why i want to join but i always have been interested, i guess its seeing the world and the fact that when I look back on my life I want to say ive been apart of something.

[Gunfan9x19]

I'm lookin' at a career in the Navy myself. Trying to get into the Academy. I meet the requirements :), so with any luck...

Either way, even if I have to go to a civilian college, 4 years ROTC(not to be confused with JROTC) guarantees a commision if you so choose :).

I can't wait to get in, do it. Some of the best people I know were sailors or officers in the Navy, and all of them say it was the best 20 or 30 years of their lives.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Sigh. My father is a Naval officer. I wanted to go to Annapolis, but had physical problems. Oh, well!!!!!!

[donut]

I wanted to go to the Eagle,& USCG.Academy,but did not score high enough.Joined enlisted ranks FT3 ship board, 4 years enough. I will never forget,70ft.seas on the flying bridge of that tincan, USS Spencer,comming back from Gitmo,in 1962. out of statin island,NY. It mans you up.

[Sailor Steve]

I was in for two years. At the time I thought I had better things to do, but I now tell a lot of sea stories. Being at sea on a ship is an experience like no other, and one that you'll never forget, no matter how far in the past it recedes.

[Iron Budokan]

Finish your education first and then decide.

[EM2(SS)]

Hey Phil,

Joining the Navy is a pretty good choice in my opinion. I did 6 years as a submarine electrician and probably one of the best choices I ever made. Listen to Spadefish, those grumpy old chiefs:lol: have seen a lot and are fountains of information. Many fields in the Navy translate well into civilian jobs ( fancy phrase for makin' the big bucks). If you are in college and doing well ( gpa and money wise), finish up and become an officer. Not that being enlisted is a bad thing ( I was one!) it's just that you have even more opportunities to go real far.

I'm familiar with submarines and most of what goes on with them, so if you have any questions about a carreer in them please ask.

Good Luck