I'm thinking about joining the Navy. What are some of the issues I need to consider AGAINST doing this?

Question

I'm an intelligent woman who was a straight-A student & should be doing more with her life than working in the restaurant business.
I'm 28 yrs old, and a college drop-out. I should never have left college, because I'm intelligent (top 10% of my class), and value education.
I love to travel & have a high aptitude for languages.

At this point in my life, it's time to get serious. I believe 4 yrs in the Navy could get me places that 4 yrs on my own wouldn't lead me to right now.
I don't really have any reason to NOT join. Maybe a fear of dying, but I believe the Navy places me at less risk.
I am ready for a challenge, and want to invest my time wisely.
But what if I hate it and am miserable?

I'm a smart cookie, and I think I'm wasting my brain and my talents by just living life as please.
I got a 95 on my ASVAB entrance exam & am interested in becoming a CTI (Interpreter) which means I'd go to Defense Language Inst. in Monterey for training.
Please help me with my decision. Thank you!

Answer 1

In the Navy you aren't going to DIE. Stop being dramatic and just do it. I had three BS degrees from Jesuit Universities and enlisted in the Navy. Best choice of my life. You don't have to be stupid to enlist. Being smart isn't a bad thing, it just means you could advance faster than average. The only way you could die in the Navy is if you aren't following procedure shipboard and you are part of an accident, but if you listen to everything you are told through training you should be fine. If you enlist and save ALL of your money instead of blowing it on crap like clothes, and cars and whatever else most Sailors buy instead of smarting saving and investing your money you will have an awesome world for yourself. My husnband and I are both Navy. We OWN two houses and are building our dream house in CO for our retirement in 3 years. Even if you enlist at your age you can RETIRE at 48. You can't do that taking orders at a restaurant or anywhere else for that matter. We have zero debt because we don't give in to temptations of stuff. We have everything we need and more, but we don't buy stuff until we can really afford it. We save and pay ourselves first. Not common for most Sailors, so IF you can live on a budget, study hard to advance quickly, let the Navy take care of you, you will love your new life. Free medical, dental everything. It is a great way to go. You will be poor the first year, but it is a small sacrifice. I enlisted at 29 and I gave almost everything I owned away. It was very freeing to be able to carry your life on your back. As time went on I bought a new life for things I had given away, but the simple life the first few years in the Navy was awesome. You may not believe it, but it is true. Stop wasting your life. Enlist. See the world for free and have the time of your life. Just do it.

Answer 2

I agree that the military would help you in ways that nothing else can.
Be prepared though to go to war and all that that means... the military has some great benefits, but those benefits come at a price... are you willing to pay that price?

As for the Navy, the only thing I can think of against that is the thing that ails me... I get horrendously seasick on fishing boats (hence, I have not been on a fishing boat in over 20 years). The Air Force is very good to it's people... so if you are prone to seasickness, I'd say, go Air Force.

Good luck in your decision making!

Answer 3

There are always reasons why you shouldn't do things. If you're not sure whether you'd like it or not, do the reserves. That way, if you don't like it, you don't have to worry about going to work every day. Just one weekend a month, 2 weeks out of the year. And you get educational benefits. And if you decide not to stay, it will still look impressive on a resume. Prior service is high in demand with lots of jobs.

Answer 4

You should only consider your own feelings on this issue. It seems to me that you are patriotic and that you are a good person. We need as many good people in the military now more than ever.

Also you get to go to a lot of places all over the world and you will come back with a much broader understanding of the world and an even greater appreciation for your country and our freedoms.

I have a friend who speaks with Iraqis, Iranians, and Aghans, and peopel working for the US and other countries on the rebuilding and security efforts. I added his liink below.

“For those that will fight for it… Freedom …has a flavor the protected shall never know.”

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.”

“It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.”

“It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.”

Answer 5

The Navy is a good move. I'm former Navy, and it was one of the best jobs I ever had (Avionics Tech).. you work with good people that are interested in your development. Even the officers are very down to earth.. much like a plant manager, CFO etc. in the civilian sector.

The only drawback (may be a good thing too) is your age. Because you are 28, you are going to be working with a lot of 18-20 year old kids...but.. this may actually work in your benefit on a maturity level, earning you more responsibility.

Answer 6

I know you asked for 'against' doing this... but I don't have anything... I just wanted to say, I was there. I finished college, kinda rolled around, and decided to join the Navy. Its been by far the best decision I've made in my life. I haven't traveled to amazing places, I haven't been deployed, my life hasn't been in danger (I work in public relations) but I have met amazing people, and have a great job. The Navy does everything for you, I've been in for 4 years and barely know the half of it. Go for it, I say.

Answer 7

I think you should have tried for the Navy a little earlier in life. I'm not saying you won't get in, with as many ppl dying over seas I think our military is starting to get desprate for warm bodies. You will be serving at least for a 6 months to a year over seas while in your military career, just an FYI.

I am assuming by what you didn't mention, you don't have a husband or any children right?? If you do, I would really consider the impact your joining the military will have on them. I'm not saying joining isn't noble, but if you have a family I would really take in to consideration and how the possibility of what your not coming back will affect your family.

My oldest cousin was very passionate about being in the military and we appreciated all he did for us and what he fought for. However when he perished over seas because he was going to a meeting, it left his wife of 6 years to raise his two kids both under the age of 6. How do you tell a little boy of 2 that his daddy is never coming home and explain to a little girl of 5 daddy is even heaven now. Everytime the girl plays "house" the husband always has to die" and the little boy always plays "Dead soldier" Once the little girl even asked her grandpa if he will marry her mom so he can be her daddy.

But if you don't have a husband or any children and don't mind risking death your first shot overseas ending any "places Navy will get me that my four years in college didn't get me" than have at it. BTW, believing the Navy places you "at less of a risk" is kind of futile to believe. Think about the "USS Cole" They weren't even fighting anyone when they got torpedoed in the side. U have just as much risk at being shot at and dying as you do as being in the Army, Airforce and the coast guard. Everyone has dreams of making it out of the military life and living it large, but it doesn't always work like that.

Also if you don't mind a little snot nose kid (who has his ranks given to him on a silver plater) just out of college being higher rank than you just because he went to ROTC and skipped basic training who thinks hes got every right to boss you around because he went to ROTC and you didn't. Then like I said have at it and good luck!

Just some stuff to think about in joining the military.

In response to a post above:
"It is also the dead soldiers which results in leaving our familes broken."
"It is also the result of the death of the head of the household, why many kids get in to all kinds of trouble now and days and why the other spouse can't get a handle on his/her kids."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggAGXqq7mPw

Answer 8

Join the Air Force! my answer might sound sexist. Being a woman on a submarine or ship for months at a time puts you at a much higher risk for sexual assault or sexual harrassment. yes it has gotten much better but it still exists! The Air Force is a much better branch for women especially if you are looking to go back to school. The Air Force is the most accomidating and understanding. Deployments are shorter and there support system is impeccable!

Answer 9

Sounds like you have a good plan but there is one thing I would suggest you consider. Think about joining ROTC so that they pay you to finish college. You will make more money as an officer (not to mention less crappy duties) so I would finish college first.

Answer 10

I see only positives, unless of course you are put on a ship for months at a time. I wouldn't care for it, but you may not have a problem with it. I say go for it, enjoy your life and see as much of the world as you can.