i am in the process of joining the navy. i want to do something like aviation mechanic. i hope to be put in florida and i am also hoping to be on shore. my ideal situation would be to have my own house or apartment off base...is this far fetched or is there a way i can make sure this happens???? my friend is an aviation machanic for the navy in jacksonville and lives in his own house off base, has a nice car and seems to "live the life." is there a way i can make sure this happens to me or did he get lucky???? please give me some suggestions....
2006-11-01 17:34:16 · 10 answers · asked by Brian C 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Join the Navy and - no matter what the recruiter tells you - they will put you where they need someone, not necessarily where you want to be, and they will train you for the field that they need people in, not necessarily the one you want to be in. Recruiters lie, they have no say in where you're assigned or what your duties will be.
Aviation mechanics are actually in fairly high demand from what I understand - but I don't have any close contacts in the Navy any more, so I can't say what the odds are of you getting that posting, just that the odds are better than they would be if you wanted to be a photographer or something like that.
When you are posted to a land base, you can either stay in base housing (barracks) or you will get a housing allowance for off-base housing. It may not entirely cover the rent and probably won't cover insurance, particularly when you're first starting out and you're low-ranked, but it can make the ends meet if you're clever with your money. Specialist rankings like aviation mechanics tend to be higher ranked and therefore better paid, which is probably the situation your friend is in.
Remember that wherever you are, you'll be leaving in 2-3 years. That's one reason that a lot of young guys just don't bother with getting off-base housing, they know they'll just have to leave and they'd rather not spend the money on rent or a mortgage. Remember also that as an aviation mechanic, you will be expected to spend time on carriers unless you specialize in the big birds, which has its own problems.
If you are willing to deal with the dangers and the difficulties, go for it - but don't go in expecting to get paid just for breathing and showing up. The Navy works its people hard, and expects a lot from them, and if you aren't willing to do the job they have ways of dealing with you that a civilian boss doesn't.
2006-11-01 17:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by triviatm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well jacksonville is one of best place for sailor to live in the state which cost of living is lot lower than in that area compare to most other base station. aviation mechinic is hardwork and requiremetn alot of school skill overperiod of time, is very good job once u out cause alot military contractor aviation looking for such people, alot of time those skill pay off must like what master or higher can earn but really depend how much u do in the navy before u would do better in civilian. u friend probably is married right? hope he's married for money alot young sailor this day fake married someone never support her than just get the extra BAH for him or herself. BAH can be alot for a low rank single sailor. BAH basically let sailor live off base, if u share room usually u get half back to pocker, no need to worry darn inspection. Everytime u go different squadron differnt place form u had to differnt school for that plane alot of training. not many navy job offter that many school as much as avivaiton mechianic.
2006-11-02 17:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but not imemdiately. First, you have Boot Camp and A/C schools, where you will NOT be allowed to live off base at all.
Then, it's up to your Chain of Command at your duty station. typically, E4 and below are NOT authorized to live off base, sea or shore duty. You would have to run a special chit to do so, and even if permission is given, you might not be authorized BAH.
as to where you get assigned: Needs of the Navy. memorize this phrase, it will be your mantra. Since the JFK is going away, chances are NAS JAX will be losing some personnel/aircraft in the future. You could get stationed at Oceana, or Coronado, or Japan.
Bottomline: yes, eventyually, you will eb given the opportunity tolive off base, even as a Single Sailor. But it will NOT be right away. so Patience is another mantra to repeat.
2006-11-02 03:43:40 · answer #3 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want to spend your time on shore and still get credited for sea duty?? go to a P-3(VP) or an E-P3(VQ) squadren. You will deploy but it is once every 18mo and u are gone for 6mo. You will not go on a boat. That would be the best way to live the life and get a house and not worry about leaving it for 6-10 a yr.
2006-11-02 09:39:14 · answer #4 · answered by davydave98277 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly it is possible to live off base in your own apt especially if you are married. As for where you will be station that is partly luck and partly on on what profession you choose.. All NEC's (Navy Enlisted Classification) or rates as they are commonly called have a sea shore rotation That determines how much time you will likely spend at seas or overseas and at home in the good ole USA. These differ between rates some like nuclear power trained sub specialties and a very High ratio of sea time to shore time like 4 yrs at sea to 2 yrs ashore. Others have a much higher shore or even US based ratio such as CB's ( Construction Battalion). In any case the current needs of the Navy can trump these guidelines at any time. This However in conjunction with your abilities and aptitudes should be what you weigh in making you decision as far as military career path and and sea shore rotation on various rates is something that you need to discuss with you recruiter. I served over 7 yrs in the USN and I commend you on your willingness to serv.
On living off base much is determined by 3 things
1 marital status most married members are allowed to maintain off base housing
2. Your Rank Generally those E-4 (petty officer 3rd) enjoy much more freedom by most base commanders to choose off base housing. Those who are E-1 to E-3 tend to have more restrictions put on them by base commanders when they are not married
3. Duty Location. Obviously if you at sea aboard the USS Abe Lincoln you will enjoy shipboard accommodations. If you are married you will receive an allowance to maintain a residence for your spouse or u can opt for on base housing (apt) if available
Hope this helps good luck in your career and PLEASE Don't be afraid to probe your recruiter on any area that will help you in making your choices.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
2006-11-01 18:07:53 · answer #5 · answered by sooj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude,,,c'mon here and get real
First thing, you're going to boot camp. Next, you are going to your "A" school. Then, you are going to sea. Once you have been at sea for 3 years, THEN they will allow you the option of being on shore duty for 3 years.
You want to be on shore? You've got to do the time on the water.
2006-11-01 20:10:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sooner or later you have to serve sea duty no one escapes it. Unless your really lucky you will spend half your time at sea. Once out of basic and school living off base is up to you.
2006-11-01 17:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to spend time at sea...you have to pay your dues before you get to "live the life" as you say. It's how the military works.
2006-11-02 03:14:02 · answer #8 · answered by kherome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to people who are in the Navy.
2006-11-01 17:37:12 · answer #9 · answered by jrnh5150 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on your rank or paygrade
2006-11-01 20:03:45 · answer #10 · answered by Andrew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋