BuyOtherSoundEquipment Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I'm coming up on my last-ish year of college for my bachelor's degree, and have been toying in my mind with the idea of enlisting in the navy in hopes of becoming an officer. Google searches on the topic just bring up general information. Anyone have any information or experience on the subject? I know we have a lot of members in the armed forces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I retired from the Coast Guard. What specifically do you want to do in the service? And thank you for choosing a sea-going service--nothing more peaceful than being on the water. USNRET is a Navy man--he should be able to handle most Navy questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 http://www.navy.com/careers/officerplanner/ is the best place to start; if you contact a US Navy Recruiting office, specifically ask for "Officer Programs" and they will direct you. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 My son is home on his first leave (YAY!) from the Navy, he has been in since Dec 16 and is on his way to his third tec school in a week and a half. He really likes it so far, now that the BS of Basic training is behind him[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Adams Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 You do know that Bose has the contract to supply the Navy with speakers don't you? Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 here i am....a couple of things for you to consider that will affect your entry into our Navy (commission, not enlistment). Major? G.P.A.? Physical quals: eyesight, height/weight/condition will dictate career fields opportunity. PM me your contact number / address (for appropriate office) and I will arrange someone to contact you. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 You do know that Bose has the contract to supply the Navy with speakers don't you? Tom and i bought my first two pair of Klipsch from the Navy Exchange (after I had bought the first two pair of b-901s) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rplace Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I was in the Navy for four years. 1988-1984. If you have a college degree and are thinking of going in as an enlisted person you are INSANE. It is like two classes of people and you will be the 2nd class citizen. You will be taking out the trash and making coffee the first couple of years as an enlisted person. If you cannot secure going in as an officer run, don't walk away...run! I do not regret what I did and have fond memories of the days at see and the parts of the world I saw on Uncle Sam's dime. But I was also 18 and quickly saw a college degree was what was needed in life. I got great advice from an Officer I worked for when I was considering reenlisting. He said being an enlisted person for 20 years is for people who need somebody to tell them what to do every day or just don't can't make it on their own. He told me to get out and I would be way further ahead in the long run. I have to say he was right. Go in as an officer or don't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Talk to USNRET as he suggested. Unless there is a special "job" that you want (with a hefty enlistment bonus...), it is far better to go with a officer program if you are qualified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I got great advice from an Officer I worked for when I was considering reenlisting. He said being an enlisted person for 20 years is for people who need somebody to tell them what to do every day or just don't can't make it on their own. I'll bet the Chief's Mess would disagree with that officer's assessment of the enlisted workforce. I can't speak for the Navy; but, the Coast Guard has enlisted people as Officer-in-Charge of patrol boats and stations. Everyone is taking orders from someone. I can remember being an E6, supervising a staff of about 14 where I could have a much greater impact that many of the junior officers. Like the saying goes--you know the difference between a Seaman and an Ensign? The Seaman has been promoted twice! I remember this Warrant Officer saying "An Ensign's only purpose is to learn." I do agree that there is a huge class division between officer and enlisted, and one that many officers don't understand why. The pay difference mostly. That said, I think that a person can have a rewarding career whether officer or enlisted--and there are advantages to both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuyOtherSoundEquipment Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 I knew this was the right place to ask... Reading about it on wikipedia seems so nerdy. I'm not really commited to the idea, just sort of popped up in my brain one day. I'd have to first get in shape, I'm overweight and running isn't my thing, but I'm trying to make positive modifications to change that. I have no knowledge of how the armed forces really work, though. An ensign is a newly commissioned officer, I take it? I definitely know that I would want to be commissioned, not enlisted. Somebody walk me through the process of being commissioned, and what would be required. I know it would be challenging, that's the whole point. Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I'd have to first get in shape, I'm overweight and running isn't my thing, but I'm trying to make positive modifications to change that. How much running can you do on a ship? If you're out on the ocean, wouldn't it be more important to be able to swim, or at least float? [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuyOtherSoundEquipment Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 Hahaha, excellent point, islander. I can float like a bouy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrinkles Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Check into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program as an officer. See what you think. Many rewards while in and after should you decide to get out. Wrinkles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuyOtherSoundEquipment Posted September 4, 2009 Author Share Posted September 4, 2009 Check into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program as an officer. See what you think. Many rewards while in and after should you decide to get out. Wrinkles Thanks for bringing that up, Wrinkles. I should add that math is not my strong suit, reading and writing are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 And remember the benefits: 1....Free food 2....Free clothing 3....Free living quarters 4....Free eye care 5....Free dental care 6....Free medical care 7....Free haircuts 8....Free transportation 9....Free schooling 10....Pension after 20 years service 11....One two week vacation each year 12....Free fire protection 13....Free police protection 14....Free justice system 15....50% off all extra purchases of Klipsch speakers. I suppose the U.S. military is the number one socialist organization in the world. OOOOOOps! JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Call Pittsburg Officer Programs at 412-395-4546 and simply ask away. Navy Recruiting District Pittsburgh 1000 Liberty Ave Rm. 2015 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 1-412-395-5895 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuyOtherSoundEquipment Posted September 4, 2009 Author Share Posted September 4, 2009 Thanks,USNRET. I will go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 What others have Said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picky Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 BuyOtherSoundEquipment: I'm a 4-year, USN, Viet Nam Era Vet who served from 1971-1975 as an enlisted man. I am very proud of having served this country and it was a great experience. When I was honorably discharged I was an AO3 (Aviation Ordnanceman, Third Class Petty Officer) commonly known as a "Red Shirt" or "BB-Stacker". If you have a Bachelor's degree, I recommend you enlist as an officier only in either the Navy or Air Force. They are both good outfits, but in my experience, the Air Force has better chow and usually better living quarters. Whichever branch you do choose to serve in, please know that the rest of us here will be very proud of you and thankful of the sacrifice you'll be making during your service. Best of luck and "Anchors aweigh!" - Glenn Me at 19 as an Airman in the Navy just 6 months (June 1971), stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.