Navy question?

Question

I know that when the recruiter promises me a certain position/job (w/e it's called) in the Navy, it's mostly a bunch of B.S. I don't mean to bash recruiters but that's just how I feel it is. With that being said, do I have any say in what I'd be doing in the Navy as far as jobs are concerned, and what are my chances of doing what I want to do?

Also, a follow up question:
Would having a 4 year degree benefit me in any way being enlisted? I'm asking this because I feel I'm lacking in leadership skills and I wouldn't want to jeopardize the well being of other sailors knowing I was placed in a leadership position I knew I didn't deserve.

Answer 1

Sign the dotted line, but only after you have the promised schools.

As long as there are openings in the field you want. The chances are very good that you will train and work in them.

If they feed you the BS line "We don't have any openings at this time"

Your response should be, "When will you have them?" Can I sign up under delayed entry?

PRESS YOUR POINT, do not settle.

Answer 2

You will be allowed to pick any job (called a "rate" or "rating" in the navy) that's- 1. available and 2. you qualify for.

Your recruiter cannot offer you anything. He can't promise you anything. Nothing.

You go to MEPS and get tested. You take your physical. You meet with a classifier. The classifier will tell you EXACTLY what the navy can offer you. If you accept and pick a job then that job will be guaranteed. It will be right on your contract.

"Pick your rate, choose your fate," we used to say. So, be sure you really want the job you pick.

Your degree will get you an enlistment at the rank of E-3 (Seaman/Airman/Fireman) while most everybody else starts at E-1 (Recruit). It normally takes between 1 and 2 years to advance to E-3.

You won't be put in any position of authority or responsibility until you are promoted to Petty Officer Third Class (E-4). If you start at E-3 that should take a couple years.

Answer 3

a 4 year degree will get you E3 upon enlistment.

you can be guaranteed a slot in whatever A school you qualify for and is available that you want. graduating said school is all on you.

depends on your Line scores, what rating you want, and the needs of the Navy. say you want to be a linguist, for instance. You must be a citizen, need no moral waivers, get at least a 100 on the DLAB(the Navy is only accepting scores at least that high right now) and other wise qualify physically. But say you only want to be a German Linguist. probably won't happen. the Navy doesn't use German all that much, but they DO use Farsi, Korean, and Mandarin.

Answer 4

The recruiters cannot guarantee anything. Nothing becomes official until you get to the processing station. There you will be able pick your school and sign your enlistment papers. At least that's how it was when I enlisted.

Answer 5

Why not bash the recruiters, they lie, lie, lie! BASH, BASH, BASH. But you could request a job or certain place but your in the hands of uncle sam, you have to go where your told. You do get the choice of east coast, west coast or overseas.