emphant

I recently took the ASVAB and scored very well (93). I was thinking about the Air Force, pretty seriously, until I actually researched the Navy.

Based on my scores I qualified for some pretty cool jobs, and the two I'm looking at most are Crytoligist Technician - COmmunications or Crytologist Technician - Interpreter.

In the Air Force I was looking at something like Computer Sys Ops apprentice.

It seems the Navy gives you a lot more training and whatnot, and that the jobs require more brainpower (I'm somewhat big on this).

My question is how close to the truth is the stuff they promise you? Can you really get a four year degree, at least realistically?

How often are you at sea?

I'm 19 right now, how likely is it I could go in and get my bachlors and get accepted into OTS? I realize it may take a while, but is it realistic at all, assuming I'm smart and work hard?

Basically I just want to know what each branch is really like once you are in. Thanks for the help.

Bill O'Rights

Keep in mind that I am biased, having spent 8 years in the Air Force, but here goes. Just keep this in mind;

The Marine Corp takes it.
The Army secures it.
The Navy cleans it up.
And the Air Force lives in it.

Air Force, baby. The best of the best.

Oh, and as far as getting your degree and going to OCS...yes, it is very realistic. In fact, if you don't do it...you're not as bright as you think you are.

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"Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus

It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

Peetster

From an appropriations perspective, the Air Force certainly knows how to play the POM game. Their Pentagon staffing is almost three times any other service per POMmed dollar. They budget bases and golf courses before jets and bombers. It sucks when cable is out, as oppossed to it sucking when you are in a combat zone.

So you have to ask yourself, how much of an impact do you want to have in real world events? How close do you want to be to the news?

Yeah, retired Navy pilot, combat decorated seven times. So I'm biased.

PM me for more real world data. I'll be straight with you about your chances.

SinisterMotives

The Navy was the world's largest dysfunctional family when I was in, so I don't recommend it. I've heard the Air Force experience is way better.

skinnymofo

damn a 93 thats awesome
i only managed to get a 70 something but that was like 2 years ago ( i was 16).
i personally would go air force because i love flying and everything around it.

Boo

I am retired AF. I suggest a computer networking field. Great bonus potential.

Tha navy is not as family oriented. If you want a family, try the AF or Coast Guard. I personally would stay away from the flightline. It is hard on the body with limited rewards or compensation.

What about a health care field like radiology, optomotrist or resperatory therapist. You can watch the planes at lunch.

Stay away from EOD.

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analog

What about no service at all? Why are you pondering entering the military anyway if you're smart?

Speed_Gibson

I scored a 95 or 96 on the ASVAB if memory serves. Had a brief mostly unpleasant experience at Nuke School in Orlando, then ended up in the field where I have the least aptitude - engineering.
I worked with BTs and MMs. Boiler Techs merged with Machinists Mates in mid '96 and that effectively killed most chances of getting past E-5.

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Started talking to yourself I see.
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Black Adder

Speed_Gibson

If I could do it all again, I would still join the service. The travel alone made it worthwhile, and the memories of working on a 80,000 ton Aircraft Carrier being responsible for 2.4 Million gallon of DFM (diesel fuel marine) are special as well.

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Started talking to yourself I see.
Yes, it's the only way I can be certain of an intelligent conversation.

Black Adder

Xell101

Heh, I'm in the same position and I've got some pretty good options having scored a 99. As far as what it's like being in the military, my sister (whom you scored two points higher than, and is in the Navy) tells me that the Air Force generally has better looking people and that's it for stuff I'm not sure you already know.

If you get it in writing, extremely truthful.

kurtisj

be a man... Army/Marines

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MooseMan3000

I got a 99, a couple free t-shirts, and a lot of phone calls from local recruiters when I was thinking about it. It's still a possibility for me to enter the military, and most of the people who know me say I need the discipline. Thing is, I don't think discipline is really my style. I'm more of the "sitting on my ass and doing what I feel like" kind of guy.

My recommendation? Stay away from military. I look at the National Guard. They promise "2 weekends a year," or whatever it is they say... and look at them. They've been stationed overseas longer than most people. Don't get me wrong; I understand WHY this is. But the fact is that they don't keep their promises a lot of the time, especially with a bunch of war mongers in office.

But that's just my opinion; I could be wrong.

Peetster

The Navy has more aircraft than the Air Force.

Of course, the Army has more boats than the Navy as well. It depends on how you define "boat".

SinisterMotives

I signed up for the G.I. Bill and paid money into it each month but never got it. Another ex-Navy guy said the same thing happened to him. So if you're thinking you'll get a free education beyond military schools, think again.

Speed_Gibson

I received 12,500 of the 14,000 for my ITT Tech bill, knocked it down to less than 10,000 for me.

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Started talking to yourself I see.
Yes, it's the only way I can be certain of an intelligent conversation.

Black Adder

tropple

Go Navy.

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soccerchamp76

Be a total badass and become a Navy SEAL

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ubertuber

Maybe that is exactly the person we want serving in the military. I say go for it, and I'll be grateful for your service!

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Pragma

I don't mean to start any kind of a flame war, but what does being smart have to do with joining the military?

I've done exemplary on the ASVAB (I got a 99), as well as all of those stupid standardized tests (SAT), great grades in HS, and am working my way through college. However, when I graduate from college, I plan on joining the Marine Corps.

I don't see why being intelligent would stop someone from joining the military, I'd think you'd go even farther in the military with intelligence.

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denim

I'm going to ask a stupid question: what is the ASVAP? Is it something recent?

Bill O'Rights

ASVAB. Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Simply put, it's a series of tests designed to evaluate your suitability to various jobs within the Armed Forces. And...no, it's been around for many years.

__________________
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

"Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus

It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

denim

I'm wondering if it is some kind of test they're now giving to high school students or something.

Esco

Father and brother were in the Air Force. Air Force life was good to my family growing up. Best memories of my life.

Go AF.

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analog

First of all, let me just state absolutely so that there is no question: I have nothing but admiration and respect for those who do join and lay down their lives for their country.

However, respect and admiration of those who choose to do it does not mean I think it's right for me in any way, nor would I ever engage in recommending anyone join up (I will not actively try to talk them out of it, either, if that's what they want).

I think there is a wonderful array of intelligent people in all branches/whatever of the armed services, and I do not imply that smart people should not join up, or that it's made of dumb people, or anything like that.

If I see a person with a great mind, my personal opinion is that I would like to see them in the country somewhere, doing a greater good to humanity, rather than helping blow shit up- even though i understand that is an important function of the armed forces. Yes, I want the best people for the jobs where you blow shit up, but I also want top minds in the private sector doing better things to further humanity, not destroy it.

I am not outwardly anti-war, I just think there are other avenues in the grand scheme of the world that could be taken towards a more peaceful coexistence. War is necessary when others disagree with the notion of peace, humanity, freedom, etc.

My $0.02? I think I just gave you about $3.21. Don't spend it all in one place.

denim

As I understand it, part of being in the military is making it possible to NOT blow things up. Being ready to do so is a deterrant, at least in theory no?

Pragma

Fair enough, I'm certainly not going to jump down your throat over your opinions.

I agree with a lot of what you say, in terms of hoping that the very intelligent people use that intelligence to help out society/etc. However, I think there's also ways for them to use that intelligence in the military to help save lives (through better tactics, vehicles, etc.).

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poco_vino

I had an experience similar to speed_gibson.

High ASVAB and then conned into Nuke school (at least it was a good place to party and 45 minutes from Daytona).

My recruiter told me the same thing about my degree--he lied. Everything we were taught was confidential, so we couldn't tell any body what we did (even though the info was readily available in any library). Can't say what you studied = no college credit.

Seems a Nuke is worth two normal recruits, so they pushed it heavily in my time.

My vote, AirForce. I had some buddies in the Airforce and they had a much better time then we had.

My recommendation is to research any bit of information that they pass off to you as fact.

Plenty of military guys around here. If you think they said seomthing untrue, post it here....and take your time. Don't let them rush you.

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Kurant

I think it's admriable for anyone to WANT to go into the service in the times we are in now.

Unlike Analog, I would never try to talk anyone out of going in the service. The people who try to talk you out, are the people you don't need to listen to. Just because your smart, doesn't make joining the armed forces any less desirable. I think it's great when young people want to serve this country, especially in what's going on today in the middle east.

I'm an Air Force baby, and in 1997 I was in an accident, and lost some feeling in my face, my sense of smell, I coulden't join the Armed Forces, oh how I wish I could have. I'm 26 now, and still regret not joining. I was around it for 22 years of my life with my dad, and still wish everyday I had done it.

Seaver

Got a 97 on my test, got high ACT/SAT scores. I am currently in the Navy ROTC program, thankfully I found out about it because my father was an officer for 23 years.

Ok what I'm about to say is biased... raised in the Navy and am in it myself so dont take offense.

The Air Force has the best houses/bases/etc, but also the smallest budget. They are kind of the Cadillac of the forces, comfterble for the riders but takes a while to get started.

The Navy (non-aviation) is more like the reliable truck. A lot of the equipment dates back 20-30 years, but recently have been getting lots of new funds and is starting to build the new X-fleet (term for the new low-radar visible high-electronic fused ship). If you're smart and want a really tough mental challenge nuke school I'd suggest. The civilian world LOVES these fellows... a buddy of mine recently got his Masters in Business, his bachelors in Electric Engineering (all paid for by the Navy)... and is now getting out of the service is going to be getting $400k per year.

Navy Aviation and Air Force have been butting heads since the get go. The Navy has more planes than the Air Force, but something like 65% (approx... I dont know the real stat) are Helos. Navy tends to build it's planes tougher (with exceptions), while the Air Force tends to go twards speed/electronics.

If you're interested in computers either one is a good choice, the Navy is overhauling their systems, and already has good ones liek Aegis. If you dont know what the Aegis system is, its a radar that is powerful enough to make a plane drop out of the sky from one blast, it can also (from reports) detect a butterfly from 2miles if needed. The Air Force has most of it's computers deep underground.

If you're single and want to travel most people will say go Navy. If you're in a serious relationship or would rather stay in the states, go Air Force.

rockogre

Just remember that if your vehicle sinks, ships start at sea level, planes give you lots of time to see it coming.

Sorry, just a smartass Navy vet. Good luck with your choice.

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Rdr4evr

Nevermind..

bacon_masta

my dad spent 18 years with the air force as an mp, and (this being from his point of view and what i see for myself) the navy would be the better bet, faster promotions, better pay, only problem is spending 6 mos at sea

emphant

Thanks everyone for your help so far.

I just missed qualifying for Nuke school by like 5 points, and I don't have the high school background in physics or math to do it anyway.

What I'm really looking at right now is being a CTI or CTC in the Navy, but I know that involves work on a ship. That's okay, but I want to know if I'm on a ship, how realisitc is it for me to keep going to school? And how realistic is it that if I push hard for my degree, I'll be able to get it in four to six years?

TheRealViking

Do not know if this helps, beeing Swedish and al. We still have the draft in Sweden an I did my time in the navy as a enginere. So my advice for you is to choose what ever you think you wil have the best use for when you are leaving your military-life. Although I realize that in the US, you can make a carrer in the millitary, I think you should plan for a civilinan life to !

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Seaver

The Navy pays college professors to go on the ships while they are at sea to teach.

The GI bill was extended to 6 years of service now.

Every guy I've talked to will flat out tell you that doing your college through the military is very possible, but they do warn that it takes a great deal of self control.

Let me explain to you how they explained to me. They would put down the money for the GI bill, and pay the payments. Eventually most of them would get married, when it came time and they started getting the cash for the college that they spent those years in for, they used that money on car payments, loans, etc.

Though if you enjoy the military life there are a lot of other ways, OCS for the Navy, MECEP for the Marines, whatever else for the others. This is where you get Petty Officer 1st class pay, and your job is to go to school at an approved University. There you work with the ROTCs there, and will spend anywhere between 2-4 years to get your degree. Upon your graduation you are commissioned as an officer and require 4 years after.

KMA-628

I think the professor thing is only on certain ships (unless it has changed recently). I had heard that but the only ship I knew that had a prof were carriers (both kinds). We didn't have one and we were a big ship (800 ft. long/600 crew). I did two tours with no prof.

Be glad you didn't make Nuke school. That was the most intense program I have ever seen. 12-15 hour days in a classroom with no windows was the norm. You couldn't take your books out of the school because of the confidential material. Yikes, it was rough. Failure rate was extremely high as well.

I think you are going the right route, Navy or Air Force.

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Sargeman

I agree. I'm also a Navy vet.

If and when you get in the Navy and are established at your command (ie the place you will be serving) get as much schooling as you can and try to get your degree. The Navy used to pay for something like 70-80% back when I was in.

If you go subs you can pick from attack subs or nuke subs. Nuke subs is the way to go. Nuke subs your only on the sub for about 4 mos. of which about one of it you spend in turnover and refit. In other words checking all the systems and making sure everything is working properly. I was a navigation electronics technician. It was a very close "family" type atmosphere.


I think going military is a very smart move, they educate you (not all of it is blowing things up), they educate you, they give you food and lodging, and they help pay for you to further your education. All for free except the helping you pay for part of your degree.

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Boo

Everyone has different needs, wants and desires. Being smart got me into the Air Force. Being smarter kept me in. I retired at 38 and have a hefty check each month and decent medical. If you were to join, I suggest the Navy as you can troll from a ship better than an airplane.

I have friends in the Army/Marines. While they enjoy most of it, the real complaint is that they don't receive as much emphasis on family life.

Just my $.02.

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xepherys

I suggest the Army... but that's because I'm a soldier myself. I scored a 99 on my ASVAB and my wife a 98...


She's a Combat Medic- 91W (actually uses her brain) and I'm a Combat Engineer - 12B (not so much, but I blow stuff up).

I do IT as a civilian and wanted something a little bit different. There's a lot that you can do in the Army that gets overlooked by a lot of "smarter" people. If you have any other military questions, even non-Army, PM me and I am happy to try and help.

echo5delta

Damn. Wish I'd seen this a few days ago.

For anyone who is considering entering the military, the main thing to consider is what I call the "Get/Put Ratio". How much do you want to get out of your experience (and possible career), and how much do you want to put into it?

Ask yourself that until you can give an honest answer, and you'll have a real good idea of what branch (and specific occupation) would be best for you.

If you want to get the highest qualitiy of life possible, the most stability, and the most accomodating atmosphere for families, then by all means join the Air Force! Not saying that quality of life is all they're good for, but it's definitely one of the things that they do best. They also have many many tech-oriented jobs relating to communications (of all imaginable types) and space.

If you want the most opportunity for travel, then the Navy is it. Granted, other branches do train or deploy all over the world as well, but on a single cruise in the Western Pacific (for instance), you could stay on the same ship and visit Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and Taiwan on port calls and liberty. One single deployment! Nobody else can touch that. Of course, if you've an aversion to swimming or ships, the Navy is probably not your best move.

My dad was Army enlisted and officer, and now continues to work for the Army as a GS- civil service guy. I really have a hard time seeing any redeeming qualities or selling points about the Army, but I'm also highly biased about how bad they suck, and have been from the time my dad shipped off to basic two weeks after I was born. I'll now recuse myself from evaluating the Army as a career option.

I can tell you that when I enlisted in the Marine Corps originally, I was trained as a Russian linguist and went to MOS school with many, many CTIs and CTCs. That is a very interesting line of work that has just as many or (probably) more land-based duty assignments than sea-based. And once you're done witht he Navy, you can always take everything you've learned PLUS a security clearance and slide right into something back in the civilian sector. I mightily recommend that particular Navy rating if you're smart but (like me) fucking hate math.

As far as the Marine Corps goes... I don't think I need to say much there. Everything you've heard and more is true. We offer a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and some of them actually see those things every day they put on the uniform.

I like to think I'm one of those lucky ones, else I wouldn't be here over ten years later still lining up targets and knocking them down daily. But again, I'm horribly opinionated in this regard.

emphant - Feel free to contact me anytime with any question about enlisting or commissioning for any service. If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you ASAP. And I won't bullshit you like a recruiter, either!

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