Thinking about a new life...?

Question

I am thinking about joining the Navy, I have been thinking about it for four years now, I am 19. My parents talked me out of it when I was 17. Now I feel like I am in a dead end job with no future, I still want to join the Navy, but I dont want my parents to be woried about me for the four year enlistment. I also dont want my friends to feel like I am leaving them. I dont know if I should do want I want and join, or do what every one else would like me to do. Be safe and stay in a dead end factory.

Answer 1

Let's take a trip to Pennsylvania, 1984. My choices were: Factory job, in a town that was tearing down factories left and right.

I joined the Navy. My mom cried, my Grandmother cried, my sister cried. My grandfather was in Burma in the army in world war II, he had died a few years prior to me enlisting , but would have wished me well, maybe his ghost did. My uncles (Army, Army, and Air Force) all shook my hand, and said, right on, Guy, You're a man now like it or not, keep your head down, and write us when you get free time.

I saw the world on active duty in the Navy. Literally, Tennesee, Florida, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, Vancouver BC, Tijuana-Mexico, Thailand (woo hoo), Sri Lanka, Phillipines (woo ho, prior to pinatubo), Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ensenada & Acapulco (Mexico). Lived many years in and around San Diego, a great port for duty, lots to do and the beaches are nice, great weather, not too many earthquakes.

I met the best people I ever met in my life. Most were self sacrificers. Some were jerks, okay sure, but I was part of a team. I learned the value of hard work, planning and attention to detail.

My advice: Big ships are hard to deal with, because you are a number, and get less overall responsibility, the smaller the ship, the better, they give you more work and responsibility. I was on shore a few times, and on cruisers a few times. Loved it.

Study HARD for your tests. There are certain jobs that are hard to advance in, because there are not enough jobs to go around for the promotion slots. You can pass a test, with flying colors, but still not get promoted, called PNA points. But overall, get the job you want. If you are gonna be a lifer take any job. If not, take a job that will translate to civilian skills when you get out. There's lots of jobs, pick yours VERY Carefully. Get a guaranteed "A School" in your contract no matter what the recruiter tells you. If you can get a guarantedd "C" School so much the better, but that's rare until after you've been in a few years.

Study for the ASVAB, it will determine what rates are open to you.
1.5 weeks in to bootcamp, and about once a week thereafter you will be tempted to quit, it is a game, a head game, to see who wants to quit. Don't quit, just folow orders and learn. Don't fall asleep in the classes, bite your tongue and tap your feet.

They will put you in this room and turn up the heat after you have only had a few hours sleep and been marching all day, to test who falls asleep. Lol.

Foolow instructions exactly, but think about what you are doing. If you are unsure, ask questions.

Good luck. Man, Wish i was 18 again, I'd go in a minute, and volunteer for arabic language training.

-Mil Vet, Retired from USN.

Answer 2

Explain to your parents and friends how you feel about your life and your job. If you have been thinking about it for 4 years, you must be pretty serious about it. Tell them this is what you want to do. It could be a great opportunity for you, imagine the people you'll meet in the Navy and the travel. It might be hard for your parents to let you go, maybe have them read some brochures or something. It's your decision.

Answer 3

Go for it. I was in the military for 10 years, made hundreds of new friends, saw places I only read about in school, and had a lot of adventures. Your friends will remain your friends. I've stayed in contact with childhood friends my whole life. Your parents will be proud of you when you come home in your uniform after Boot Camp. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment and a lot more sure and confident about yourself. That's my answer.

Answer 4

The thing is that it's your life. You've got to pave the way. I also think you should do what your heart's telling you. So if you want to get out there, go for it. No matter what, you've got a future, so make something of it with whatever you really want to do.

Answer 5

Do wot ur heart desires, if the navy is wot u want to do well go. U only have one life.

Answer 6

Why dont u go to collage??