NAVY - help?

Question

Im 16 and a senior in high school (i turn 17 in nov.)and i have been considering enlisting into the navy after a recruter came into a class of mine. The main reason for me enlisting is the college aspect. I want to encorporate Journalism into that. I just want to know what is the Pros and Cons of the navy. and a way to talk my mom into it lol.

thanks - everything is appreciated

i already went to the recruter and i feel comfortable with it except that i wont be gauranteed a job in the journalism field. but i was just hoping to get some imput from other people in the navy before i make a decision.

Answer 1

I see some people that tried to answer your question have no clue about the US Navy or any other branch of the service. Air Force having a better education? That person was kidding, right? No other branch of the service offers better education than the Navy does. No other branch of the service offers more job options than the Navy does. Marines? Just a branch of the Navy so why go there? You said you like journalism? Well, just happens the Navy has a need for journalists. Do you want to be a print or broadcast journalists? The Navy needs both.
Your recruiter can't offer you anything. You'll need to talk to the Navy liason at MEPS (Military Entry Prosessing Station) and that person can offer you any job opening that you may be qualified for. Sign up for DEP (Delayed Entry Program) with the option of leaving right now especially if there isn't an opening that you're interested in. That way there is time for an opening to come up and when it does, you can get that slot locked in and head for basic training (it's not called "boot camp" anymore)
Also, the AF doesn't have better food than the Navy, that's a myth. I've eaten in the galleys and mess decks of every branch of service and by far the Navy has the best food.

Answer 2

there are no more JOs in the Navy. they have been merged into the Mass Communication Specialist rating(MC). What used to be JO is now an NEC within MC. currently, this rating is in a state of flux, and is most likely closed to new recruits, and will probably be overmanned for some time, which means the chances of being allowed to crossrate after 2 years is very slim. BUT that can change, and probably will.

if you are job locked, the recruiter will be less willing to work with you, especially if you are wanting a field that everybody else does( MC, HM)

as for convincing Mum: push the college bennies( GI Bill, Tuition assistance), the Thrift Savings Plan, the Gty'd training you get in your field(often worth a few college credits all on its own, heck, Nuke and a few others are worth an Associates degree!)

Will you be away from family? of course, it's a given., whether it's at A or C school, OCONUS or on sea duty underway for 6 months at a time. At 17, and a HS graduate, you need all legal guardians permission(both parents if married, custodial parent only if they are not). If she still won't sign, you will have to wait until you are 18. use that time to knock out some college credits, to gain a higher paygrade(up to E3) upon enlistment, and maybe by then MC will open up to new recruits.

Answer 3

The Navy is not a bad deal, but if you are just going to join for college, you should put some real effort into looking at FA and student grants, and starting out at a community college. Rates in the Navy when you first join are not what you think they will be. A lot of your initial time will be spent in other temporary assignments. you also need to think about what kind of people you want to be your peer group. Students or sailors. That isn't a knock becuase I am a sailor and also a student but espeacialy with journalism, they are two different worlds. On the very large upside you will find a lot of oppurtunities if you are serious when you are in and the cahnces of seeing some great places was one of the reasons I went in. And if you end up in a deployable command the oppurtunities for schooling while deployed are slim to none with, as I have found, not many credits transfering, though that has a lot to do with your ultimate school of choice once out. So do more than go to a recruiting website, do some real research, for instance military.com or find some military groups n myspace et al and canvas some active duty guys and girls. Also just be prepared women in the military deal with a lot more sexual harrassment than their civilian counterparts.

Answer 4

If you do not get it in writing you will not get a job in the journalism field The Navy does not pay for schooling after you get out. They have some program that will give you a a few dollars, but the are grants and scholarships that are better.
Take the asvab test first. If you can not score at like 80 then go to school. School, officer training is all based on your scores.
Go to school first. All the Navy has to offer long hours, low paid and inferior training.
the other branches of the military are not any better.
There have been study showing that people who join the serve do not do as well as their counterpart that do not.,
Listen to your mom. I wish I had then I would not have waste 4 years .

Answer 5

Welcome Aboard lil Shipmate !! We had a rate for Journalism as I'm sure your recruiter informed you... also Photographers Mate. ONE thing... make SURE if you can you get a guarantee for JO A-school on your enlistment contract.

I did 15 yrs in the Navy 1985-2000 as an AW (Aviation Warfare Systems Operator), leaving as a Lieutenant (Aviation Operations) in the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program. I finished my BA at sea and got my Masters during my shore tour.

So here are MY pros and cons:

Cons:
1) 6 month deployments (or longer)
2) Cleaning bills for dress white uniforms
3) Lower Pay vs the civilian world.
4) Rough on a marriage or relationship (not your problem yet).

Pros:
1) Travel - I've seen Hawaii, the East Coast, Japan, Russia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bahrain, UAE, Australia, New Zeeland, Mexico, and Kuwait (I was PacFleet).
2) Education - the GI-Bill paid for my Masters, I finished my BA thru Navy courses and my own $$'s.
3) Friends
4) Maturity gained
5) Medical coverage
6) Looks great on later resume'

It isn't for everyone... but it is what you make of it. Good Luck

BTW... after basic, My Mom became a serious Navy-Mom !!

Answer 6

First of all, every branch offers the same college benefits. It all just depends on how well you do on the SAT's, ACT's, and the ASVAB (Military entrance exam).
Second, the Navy isn't the best disciplined.The Marines are. If you're looking for a solid branch of service with lots of pride and respect, the Marines are the way to go. People who don't join the Marine Corps are just uninformed about them. Trust me, talk to a Marine recruiter and you will learn a lot more.
Talk to all other recruiters in general, it's important to get to know ALL of the branches of service, especially if your spending a minimum of 4 years in the military, you may as well know that this particular branch is right for you.

Answer 7

pros, a steady paycheck while you learn discipline, cons -maybe wearing a uniform, obeying all orders issued, and the fact that we are a country at war. I like the military , woman marine here, I was raised in the military so I don't really know what others would consider a bad part. Dorm living during Boot camp. Something to be proud of.

Answer 8

I heard on the news a lot of the college aspect has been cut. If I were you, and I felt I had to join, then it would be the air force--better food, better commodations---better all around esp. for a young woman.
If u change your mind the recruiter has your number he will ring it off the hook---so answer and tell him.
Please wait at least 2 years to join anything-hopefully r troops will be home.
Also, girl-not derogatrory- baby please apply for student grants- u may qualify for more than u think and please try that option first even if u want 8 years of college. God bless u and best of wishes. Always, please listen to your Mom, u r her best interest!!! She knows more about u than u think even if she never talks.....lol

Answer 9

I'd joined the military for seeing the world, and college, been to a few places, but a good way to let ur moms know is giving out hints and what not, slowly reel her in, the best thing i like about the military is the brother/sisterhood you'll make with other people.

Answer 10

Well

Pros: 1) One good thing about it is that you will serve your country.
2) You get to travel all over the world.
3) You get a great college eduaction and on the job training.
4) Depending on the job you choose it will benefit you greatter for now and for your life after the navy.

Cons- 1) You can't be with your family for long periods of time.
2) There is alot of discipline and alot of order that you have to follow.
3) You have to work on weekends as well.

You can convince your mom by taking her to the recruiter so he/she can talk to her. Or show her the web site. (Navy.com)