Crits/Comments about US Navy

[Chad]

As of lately, my girlfriend/fiance left me about a month before we were supposed to get married, which completely flipped my life upside down. My grades dropped in school, and my work performance didn't exactly hold up to par. But I did get a raise last week which was nice.

But that's not why I'm writing now, I still seem to be in a rut. Here I am, about to turn 20 on the 29th this month, and I feel my life is going nowhere.

I don't have the same output on life like i did before. Before the break up I could play SH3, work on my little indie game, and watch Das Boot 20x a month. Now I can barely even get on the computer without feeling like a low-down, piece of **** sloth that has no life.

When I'm not at school or work, I'm home alone, and that's probably the worst thing for me. The quiet just makes me feel lonely and depressed. I have friends yes, but due to their schedules usually conflicting with mine it usually takes some planning and time to get together, and it's not altogether that often.

Basically I've decided to make some changes in my life, and this afternoon I called a Navy Recruiter to come out and sit down with me and my family and talk about joining. This is where I'd like your guys opinions, what do you think about a college student with a part-time job at Wal-Mart in Electronics still living at home with his parents joining the navy?

I'm not altogether out of shape, I used to play football in high school but lost a lot of my muscle mass and weight, and couldn't run a mile under 10 minutes anymore. But I'm still "in shape" if you get what I'm saying. I could start running again, and get back in shape before boot camp, or whatever the navy has. So the physical part wouldn't be that difficult. Also I'm good at making friends, so in training I could make and meet friends, and since we'd be together almost all the time I wouldn't feel lonely.

I'm a good fast learner, and have always loved the military, from the civil war onwards, and I think that this would be a good direction to head my life into. The more i think about it the more excited I get, but I know a lot of you were in the navy before, and want to know what you think.

Thanks for your help,
Chad

[FIREWALL]

The first paragraph Chad makes me think you should give this some more serious thought before you leap.

This is a big life changeing thing and you don't want to go into this for the wrong reasons.


I wish you the best matey.

[RickC Sniper]

Don't join the military because you want friends.

You sound depressed and that can become a serious disorder. Deal with this problem before making the decision to enlist.

[Chad]

Okay, I just want some direction in my life. I feel like i'm going no where. This is why I think it would be a good decision.

My love for the sea, when i was younger we travelled to Florida all the time, and i just love the smell, sound, and plain sight of it. I've always been a good swimmer and can hold my breath for about a minute, which probably doesn't matter but water is like second nature.

When I first bought Sh2 i didn't know the difference betweeen a bow plane and a depth charge. I have to admit, i was never really that interested in submarines or the naval warfare part of things. But the wolfpack league, and subsim really informed me on a lot and that's where i learned and became hooked on it. They also taught me some stuff like programming, like the .sdf files that SH2 came with for mission scripting. That led me to develop my own game.
/\ So what i guess i'm trying to say here, is that i've really grown a respect for such technological advanced things. And I'm quick to adapt and learn how to use and operate such equipment.

It is for myself. I'm not joining to live up to a family tradition, to prove something, or show-off. I want to do this, I want to serve my country, and when I'm dead and my family comes to see my grave, I want the American flag flying next to my grave, showing I served my country the best I can.

And, as I mentioned in my previous post, I want direction in life. Maybe I can learn a new skill, or expand my knowledge in one I already had. So that after I retire or get released, I can easily get a job with my experience in the field.

Nothing is final, i'm going to pray about it, talk to friends and family, and last, the recruiter to see what options are available for me, and see where things go.

[Tchocky]

What kind of education are you in right now?

It's usually best to finish school, then move on.

[SUBMAN1]

I'd say do it. You will learn a lot! Besides, 20 is way too young to get married. I waited till I was 28! You need to live life, you need to live life being 21 without being married. You will both want this - trust me on that. You will feel like you missed a part of your life if you get married this early. In a few years, maybe you can get back together again if you want, but for now - you need to see the world without being hitched. Navy is a great way to do that, and learn skills and dicipline at the same time!

Chances are, when you go for a few years at this, you will see the mistake you were making. She left because she wasn't sure. That is the problem - you are too young to know if its the 'sure' thing. As far as I'm concerned, her breaking it off is probably the best thing that happened to both of you at this point, yet I hardly doubt you realize it yet.

Am I making sense? Don't be down on this. Look at it as an opportunity to find out what 'you' really want in life. When i was 20, I thought i knew it all, but I didn't know squat.

-S

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

Am I making sense?

Don't be down on this. Look at it as an opportunity to find out what 'you' really want in life. When i was 20, I thought i knew it all, but I didn't know squat.

-S

No, you old geezer:rotfl:
Yeah wait till you're 25. I do know everything now!

[UnderseaLcpl]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. But there will always be times in life like that.

Think carefully before you decide to enlist, however. If you can go to college or have any opportunity to land a decent union job or something (which will likely pay more than what you would make for years out of college) I would look at doing those things first.

If you do decide to enlist, remember a few things.

1) Assume anything the recruiter promises you is a lie unless you get it in writing.

2) Talk to any friends who have enlisted and get their advice. If you don't have any enlisted friends, I'll be your friend .

3) Take a good look at all branches, not just the Navy. Make sure you ask about, and get (in writing) any guarantees for enlistment bonuses you can.

4) Make sure you are prepared to spend a good part of your life being controlled. Not sure about the Navy but most of the time th USMC doesn't let you sleep, eat, sit or s*** unless you are authorized to do so. And it better be quick.

5) Have a plan B. If you enlist elect not to re-enlist or make a career of it, be sure you have some groundwork laid for a civvie job. Choosing a useful MOS that can be applied in civilian life helps a lot. Computer or network-oriented jobs are some of the best for that.

6) Assuming you decide to go ahead with it, ask your recruiter about poolee (persons slated to enlist soon) meetings and attend them.
Ask the military personnel every question that comes to mind. Try to learn some basic drill and marching. It will save you hours and hours of pain and being screamed at.

7) If you want to enlist but have some doubts, join the reserves. If you like it you can always go to active duty, but if you don't like active duty, you can't go to the reserves.

8) Never, NEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVER, accept an "open" MOS. 9 times out of 10 you just agreed to take the crappiest job they have available. And for the love of all that is holy, actually READ the contract. Double-check everything. I almost signed up for infantry because my recruiter goofed.


I can really sympathize with your situation. My experience was just a little different but similar overall.
I joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. I shipped out the day after graduation. I would have to write a book to describe the shock and pain of boot camp. It wasn't so much the physical element that was hard. It was being trapped there, with no freedom to do anything I wanted. When my feet hurt I could not sit down. When I was tired I could not sleep. When I was thirsty I could not drink.
Everything, sometimes down to the slightest movement of my body, could only be done with permission. Sometimes you can't even ask permission. You just have to hope they say "drink water" or "use the head" (bathroom for those who don't know)

I graduated boot camp in August 01. Ten days later I was in Camp Pendelton's School of Infantry and barely a week later 9/11 happened.
Things went downhill from there. My girlfriend left me because she "wasn't going to wait while I went to war". My parents got divorced and my grandfather died, along with my horse.

Half a year later, when I finally got to come home, my life as I knew it was gone.
But, the military does do one thing for people in these situations. If you take your training to heart, and embrace the traditions, you gain a discipline not available anywhere else. For me, failure simply lost its meaning. Because of the Marines I know I can do anything, and no matter how badly things may go for me, or how much a loser I may be at some point in my life, I will always be able to hold my head high and say "I am a true servant of my country, and my people. I have nothing to prove."


Well that about sums it up. Whether the military is right for you or not depends on the kind of person you are. If pride in yourself and doing "what's right" is important to you it may be a good choice. If your sole concern is getting rich or "keeping up with the Joneses" you may be disappointed.

If you choose the Navy, know that it is a fine service, with a long and distinguished history that you can be proud of. Just watch out for those Marines, they think they're sooooooooo cool

P.S. it also comes with the benefit of hundreds of hours of fun shooting the s*** with your enlisted friends, drinking beer and swapping war stories


PM me if you need anything, and good luck!

-the Lance

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by UnderseaLcpl

Sorry to hear about your troubles. But there will always be times in life like that.

Think carefully before you decide to enlist, however. If you can go to college or have any opportunity to land a decent union job or something (which will likely pay more than what you would make for years out of college) I would look at doing those things first.

If you do decide to enlist, remember a few things.

1) Assume anything the recruiter promises you is a lie unless you get it in writing.

2) Talk to any friends who have enlisted and get their advice. If you don't have any enlisted friends, I'll be your friend .

3) Take a good look at all branches, not just the Navy. Make sure you ask about, and get (in writing) any guarantees for enlistment bonuses you can.

4) Make sure you are prepared to spend a good part of your life being controlled. Not sure about the Navy but most of the time th USMC doesn't let you sleep, eat, sit or s*** unless you are authorized to do so. And it better be quick.

5) Have a plan B. If you enlist elect not to re-enlist or make a career of it, be sure you have some groundwork laid for a civvie job. Choosing a useful MOS that can be applied in civilian life helps a lot. Computer or network-oriented jobs are some of the best for that.

6) Assuming you decide to go ahead with it, ask your recruiter about poolee (persons slated to enlist soon) meetings and attend them.
Ask the military personnel every question that comes to mind. Try to learn some basic drill and marching. It will save you hours and hours of pain and being screamed at.

7) If you want to enlist but have some doubts, join the reserves. If you like it you can always go to active duty, but if you don't like active duty, you can't go to the reserves.

8) Never, NEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVER, accept an "open" MOS. 9 times out of 10 you just agreed to take the crappiest job they have available. And for the love of all that is holy, actually READ the contract. Double-check everything. I almost signed up for infantry because my recruiter goofed.


I can really sympathize with your situation. My experience was just a little different but similar overall.
I joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. I shipped out the day after graduation. I would have to write a book to describe the shock and pain of boot camp. It wasn't so much the physical element that was hard. It was being trapped there, with no freedom to do anything I wanted. When my feet hurt I could not sit down. When I was tired I could not sleep. When I was thirsty I could not drink.
Everything, sometimes down to the slightest movement of my body, could only be done with permission. Sometimes you can't even ask permission. You just have to hope they say "drink water" or "use the head" (bathroom for those who don't know)

I graduated boot camp in August 01. Ten days later I was in Camp Pendelton's School of Infantry and barely a week later 9/11 happened.
Things went downhill from there. My girlfriend left me because she "wasn't going to wait while I went to war". My parents got divorced and my grandfather died, along with my horse.

Half a year later, when I finally got to come home, my life as I knew it was gone.
But, the military does do one thing for people in these situations. If you take your training to heart, and embrace the traditions, you gain a discipline not available anywhere else. For me, failure simply lost its meaning. Because of the Marines I know I can do anything, and no matter how badly things may go for me, or how much a loser I may be at some point in my life, I will always be able to hold my head high and say "I am a true servant of my country, and my people. I have nothing to prove."


Well that about sums it up. Whether the military is right for you or not depends on the kind of person you are. If pride in yourself and doing "what's right" is important to you it may be a good choice. If your sole concern is getting rich or "keeping up with the Joneses" you may be disappointed.

If you choose the Navy, know that it is a fine service, with a long and distinguished history that you can be proud of. Just watch out for those Marines, they think they're sooooooooo cool

P.S. it also comes with the benefit of hundreds of hours of fun shooting the s*** with your enlisted friends, drinking beer and swapping war stories


PM me if you need anything, and good luck!

-the Lance

I think this right here is the reality of the situation. I recommend a PM conversation or use IM. I think Undersealcpl can be a big help in your decision. Sounds like he has his boots on tight and knows the drill.

[Sailor Steve]

You know, I just skimmed his post. Thanks AVG for quoting the whole thing so I read it again, and thanks USLC for showing it the way it is.

AVG is right, Chad, The Marine is the man to talk to.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

You know, I just skimmed his post. Thanks AVG for quoting the whole thing so I read it again, and thanks USLC for showing it the way it is.

AVG is right, Chad, The Marine is the man to talk to.

Yep, if you want my .02 cents worth. Maybe even a phone call to each other. Just post the numbers on email or PM. Wide open on the forums, everyone will call you....collect

[Fish]

Originally Posted by Chad

Before the break up I could play SH3, work on my little indie game, and watch Das Boot 20x a month.
Chad

Did she say why?

And for the time don't make hasty decisions, take some time to get yourself back on track.

[Kapitan]

Originally Posted by Chad

As of lately, my girlfriend/fiance left me about a month before we were supposed to get married, which completely flipped my life upside down. My grades dropped in school, and my work performance didn't exactly hold up to par. But I did get a raise last week which was nice.

But that's not why I'm writing now, I still seem to be in a rut. Here I am, about to turn 20 on the 29th this month, and I feel my life is going nowhere.

I don't have the same output on life like i did before. Before the break up I could play SH3, work on my little indie game, and watch Das Boot 20x a month. Now I can barely even get on the computer without feeling like a low-down, piece of **** sloth that has no life.

When I'm not at school or work, I'm home alone, and that's probably the worst thing for me. The quiet just makes me feel lonely and depressed. I have friends yes, but due to their schedules usually conflicting with mine it usually takes some planning and time to get together, and it's not altogether that often.

Basically I've decided to make some changes in my life, and this afternoon I called a Navy Recruiter to come out and sit down with me and my family and talk about joining. This is where I'd like your guys opinions, what do you think about a college student with a part-time job at Wal-Mart in Electronics still living at home with his parents joining the navy?

I'm not altogether out of shape, I used to play football in high school but lost a lot of my muscle mass and weight, and couldn't run a mile under 10 minutes anymore. But I'm still "in shape" if you get what I'm saying. I could start running again, and get back in shape before boot camp, or whatever the navy has. So the physical part wouldn't be that difficult. Also I'm good at making friends, so in training I could make and meet friends, and since we'd be together almost all the time I wouldn't feel lonely.

I'm a good fast learner, and have always loved the military, from the civil war onwards, and I think that this would be a good direction to head my life into. The more i think about it the more excited I get, but I know a lot of you were in the navy before, and want to know what you think.

Thanks for your help,
Chad

Been there Still there not out of it yet.

I get around the lonelyness by working i think i should have worked a bit harder to win over the navy to get in faster but we all make mistakes find something you like do it for a while.

If you go looking for a new girl dont bother she wont come girls are like busses turn up in your life unexpectedly.