I have been approached by the navy. is it a good idea?

Question

I am a freshman in college and just recently I have been approached by a naval officer who presented an offer to join?.
please is it a good idea to join the navy? and can I stiil go to college while in the navy?

Answer 1

It's not a bad idea. The Navy will pay for your college.

Answer 2

Remember you are not in the Navy until you sign on the line. If you have question you should ask the recruiter. That is what he is there for. Don't assume anything. If you want him to explain something in detail then ask him too. He approached you so you have the advantage.

Ask the recruiter about college opportunities for officers. The Navy has many college programs. The Navy even runs it's own post graduate college for officers. When talking to the recruiter about college opportunities ask what you need to do to be able to take advantage of the programs and if there are any limits (i.e. age, rank, a yearly quota). Just because a program exists doesn't mean that everyone can use it.

The Navy has instructions for EVERYTHING. If you are going to join the Navy to take advantage of a program ask to see the instruction. Most instructions can be googled once you have the instruction number. If you don't completely understand something ask the recruiter or another Naval officer to explain it to you.

Also, get everything in writing. If you are promised something and it is not in writing before you join then it is not guaranteed.

Answer 3

The decision whether the Navy is a good option or not is yours to make. There are benefits in Joining the Navy, I steady paycheck, Medical, Dental, and training and experience that most people don't get. Since you are a Freshman in college, look up the ROTC program. ROTC will help pay for your college, although it requires a commitment for military service after graduation, but you will be a commissioned officer during that commitment. There should be an ROTC office at your college that can get you more information and the application forms. It's not automatic that you get into ROTC, but if you do get in, it's a good way to get your college tuition paid for.

Answer 4

OK, let me give you an opinion from an outsider who is indirectly involved in the outcome of a case similar to yours .
I urge you, and I mean 'URGE' you under no circumstances quit your current pursuit in life to join without having a degree in hand . Unless you want to carry an oil can till hell freezes over . Do not listen to the spiel of a recruiter who needs to fill up his quota . When you are finished and have a bachelor degree or equiv.., then go ahead and get the lead out of your system and sow some wild oats . You don't want to enlist as an every day ordinary swab by. You want to be in charge of something and get ahead . The navy is a great thing, character building, and offers loads of opportunities . But why would you throw it all away and take second best . When you are finished and you still feel the same, THEN join up .
It sounds good to hear from a recruiter when they tell you they pay for your education etc., blah,blah blah but real life is not like that . It is very hard to be in it and still go to college . Few succeed. The temptation to slouch off is too great .
This is the voice of experience . Play it safe and work hard in college. Join up and become an Admiral. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Do you have a family or ever want a family of your own because you won't see them very much. I was in the navy for 6 years and I was singled but I knew a lot of married guys that probably spent 3 months out of the year with their family. As an officer you are in charge of the enlisted and don't really do anything but boss people around, including guys twice your age, but it can get stressful when the CO is on your case for why things aren't getting done on the ship and yes the navy does pay for your college, tuition is free in the service and the MGIB when you get out.

Answer 6

yes you can still attend college but its very difficult to do it at a regular university setting....more than likely you will deploy to a boat...they offer distance learning classes which means you study and do your school work when you have spare time which isnt much if you are out to sea....my husband is in the navy and i am a navy veteran...i found it so difficult to do my time with the navy and attend college fulltime, which is 4 to 5 classes...most would say to finish college first but my advice is do what you feel is right...
good thing about the military is the GI Bill...you have to pay into that for 1 year before you can start using it though

Answer 7

when you have 60 semester hours you can go to officer candidate school. a summer of hell in pensacola florida, being screamed at by Marine drill instructors. then you are commissioned as an ensign O-1. you can go reserve and only do drill one weekend per month. after you finish your degree you will go to your specialization school or if your degree is directly rel;ated to your military position, you will go into that job. An officer in the US military is a highly respected position worldwide. this isn't just how navy officer works.... all of them work the same. you could also quit college after 60 hours and go active duty, and finish your degree online while getting paid pretty well. you need a bachelors degree to get promoted to O-4.

watch "an officer and a gentleman" it takes place at navy OCS

Answer 8

Okay, so naval officer? Even if not officer, the Navy is an excellent place for a young man or woman to start.

Answer 9

No.
Go Air Force.
With Navy, you have your normal duty hours (usually 8) THEN...you have to "stand watch" unknown hours. Living conditions are poor. You move around a lot. You're on a ship (most Navy is) the you are always at sea.
Air Force...No extra duty, carpet, air conditioning, great meals (not from a box), you stay where you are stationed (rarely shipped elsewhere), because you stay in one spot and no extra duty, you can spend your time doing college.
The reason other branches offer more for the GI Bill, is because you are not able to do school as much as you can in the AF.

Answer 10

It is definately a good idea to serve in one of the services, and the Navy is excellent. You will become a better person and more marketable for it. Yes, you should be able to remain in college but that is a question for your recruiter.