Joining the Navy - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

TheFrogel · 01-23-2005, 10:18 AM

Well, tomorrow I'm joining the Navy. I went to college for three semesters but wasn't into it. I didn't care, failed classes, and amassed an amazing 31 credits. I'm going in for obvious reasons and personal reasons, and I've talked to a lot of people about it already. Currently, I'm not looking to make a career out of it; I'm hoping to get more schooling and learn some good trade skill that I can use in The Real World. I intend to complete a 4-year degree while in (I'll be in for probably 5-6 years), and according to preliminary ASVAB scores, I can do any job available. (Not bragging or anything, just to give an idea of my situation)

Basically, I want to hear your story about joining the Navy (preferably) or any other as an enlisted man. Are the recruiters lying sacks of crap, or can they be trusted? Are there things you wish you had known before going in? I'm just looking for as much info as possible, because it's what will be the next few years of my life.

PLEASE, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't say it. I know, I've heard all the urban legends about "Don't trust the recruiter! He's the DEVIL"; saying stuff like that isn't useful. Unless you, or someone you know has been lied to by a recruiter or something like that; that sort information is useful.

Note: I did a search and found this thread about the Air Force, but I know each branch of service has their own way of doing things. And I don't want to threadjackt the one that has people detailing their military service.

appleseed · 01-23-2005, 01:50 PM

I did 2 years active duty in the Navy starting in 1992 after a college career that began in a way remarkably similar to yours.

So here's the advice I can give you:

The recruiter probably won't lie to you, but they will exaggerate and obfuscate. Keep this in mind, you are signing a contract for employment. You want to get as much that is good for you in that contract as possible.

Have you decided which rating you want to go into? Have it written into your contract that you will get to go to that 'A' school after boot camp. They can still back out of it but it makes it harder for them.

Bring a parent or a friend when you do all of the paperwork. It will be really boring and long for them, but they may ask some very good questions, and may keep the recruiter from influencing your answers on the questionnaire.

If you are willing to go in for 6 years, take the NFQT. If you did really well on your ASVAB they should let you. Believe me, Nucs have it better, although you may be more likely to be assigned to a sub.

Don't count on finishing your degree in the next 5-6 years unless you are very motivated. I'm not saying it's impossible but it isn't as easy as the recruiter will make it out to be.

Make sure you bring up your 31 credits. I'm pretty sure that's enough to get you bumped to an E-2 immediately after boot camp.

Where are you in the process? I can offer more advice based on how much you have already completed. Hope this helps!

BoCo · 01-23-2005, 06:04 PM

Thanks for being willing to die for us. Seriously.

TheFrogel · 01-23-2005, 06:10 PM

I'm still at the beginning of the process. Tomorrow morning I go to the recruiter's saying I'm in, but it's not until Wednesday that I go to Harrisburg, take the ASVAB, stay the night, and decide the next few years of my life.

What's the NFQT? I've never heard that before.

Ah yes, and I've hear that I should get guarentees as to whice rate I'll go into, and I'll beleive you on that. Best not to take chances.

Interesting point on bringing family/friends along for the ride, I've never heard of that before. Also, my recruiter said he'll come with me from my town, is that normal or is he trying to pressure me in?

Oh, and I'm hoping no submarine. I'm 6'4...that could be painful.

santafe5000 · 01-23-2005, 06:11 PM

I was in the Navy from 68 to 72. The recruiter didn't lie to me. I went to Boot Camp like he said. Not much else went the way he said, tho.
Times now are different. Choose your rating carefully. Make sure it is what type of service you really care for. And make them stick to what is in your contract.
Good Luck, the travel can make it all worthwhile.

appleseed · 01-23-2005, 06:28 PM

NFQT is the Nuclear qualifying test. If you decide to be a Nuc it's a 6-year enlistment, but. IIRC, you spend about 3 years of the 6 in school.

Heh, I'm 6'4" also and even an aircraft carrier is no fun.

Man I just realized it's going to be 10 years since I got out of the Navy. I am getting old.

crewsor · 01-23-2005, 07:15 PM

Good luck and thanks for serving. Its an honorable selfless thing to do. I can't give you advice, since I was in the Army years ago and I'm sure things are completely different now. But if you do enlist, you have my gratitude and respect.

jorgelito · 01-23-2005, 08:40 PM

There are many ways to maximize your time in the Navy. You can gain a lot while doing a service for your country (best of both worlds).

I am currently in the process myself.

My recommendations:

1. NROTC if you can (i'm too old but you may qualify).

2. I don't like enlistment, I am going for the Officer Program (they're paying me $2500 month to stay in school). Much better pay. It really is two different worlds.

After I graduate, OCS in Florida for 13 weeks then my commissio (4-years), longer for doctors, lawyers, and nuclear engineers. Then I start at O-1 which is like E-9 or something, a whole hell of a alot better in my opinion.

My plan is to go from Ensign to Lt. Commander in 10 years (hopefully) or at least Lieutenant and move on from there.

Most competitive sectors: Naval Pilots.

Best pay: Nuclear engineers (sub-command)

I'm going into Intel or Surface Fleet, hopefully as a bridge officer on an aircraft carrier (the safest place to be, seriously).

Do plenty of research before you talk to a recruiter. The Navy web-site is a good place to start.

Discussion forums are good too. Check out: www.airwarriors.com

Here's some info:

The Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) consists of Math, Verbal/Reading
Comprehension, Mechanical Comprehension, Spatial Apperception, and Aviation
and Nautical Information Test. You can prepare for the test by looking at
the following books:

Military Flight Aptitude Test (published by ARCO)
Officer Candidate Test (published by ARCO)

We do not endorse these books, but they give guidance on preparing for the
test. The whole test is about 2 1/2 hrs long. If you are applying for
Aviation and Intel, you have to take the whole test. Otherwise, you just
need to take the Math/Verbal and Mechanical Comprehension Test.

In addition to the books, it is recommended that you review your Algebra,
Geometry, and/or Trigonometry textbooks to refamiliarize yourself with how
to solve different math problems. Also, if you get a chance to check out an
Aviation or a Navy terminology book, do so to help with your knowledge of
the aviation and nautical information section.

For additional guidance, you can also check the website below.

www.airwarriors.com

With thoughtful and careful planning, you can maximize your experience.

jorgelito · 01-23-2005, 08:42 PM

One more thing: YOu really need to study for the tests. The entering class I'm in has an average GPA of 3.78 and many of the guys have MAs from Stanford, Cornell, John Hopkins etc. It's competitive.

yabobo · 01-24-2005, 05:51 AM

Do yourself well, and thank you..

Rodney · 01-24-2005, 08:04 AM

Better that than the Army. And I expect you to do your job well and get something out of it for yourself, not die for us.

wolf · 01-24-2005, 08:51 AM

Good luck and thanks for keeping us safe.

appleseed · 01-25-2005, 03:40 PM

So did you sign any paperwork yet?

TheFrogel · 01-25-2005, 07:38 PM

Oh, sorry to keep you in the dark. Well, no paperwork yet, I go to Harrisburg on Thursday to take the ASVAB and on Friday I get a physical and such, to make sure I'm qualified for certain jobs. The only paperwork I've done so far is the stuff saying that I'm who I say I am, and that I haven't killed anyone or done drugs (basically). The real paperwork, that decides whether I'm in or out, will be signed on Friday; I'll post after that. Thanks for the information so far, It's really helped me out!

And thanks (or I guess 'you're welcome') to those who have wished me well; it's very odd being on this side of the fence, I never thought I'd be here. But thanks.

Chupes · 01-25-2005, 07:41 PM

I'm not sure what the requirements are, but if you wanna learn a good trade for after the Navy, try to get into the nuclear power program. It's tough as hell, but the military will make you pass. Once you are qualified in whatever it is they have you do(I guess run the reactors) as a "nuke," they will take care of you because they don't want to lose you to the many nuclear power companies that will pay you lots of cash to come work for them.

jorgelito · 01-25-2005, 10:02 PM

If your GPA is at least 3.75 and you have solid Calculus and Physics under your belt, then you will be in decent shape.

TheFrogel · 01-26-2005, 07:46 AM

Actually, yeah, Nuke engineering is one of my top choices, should I be fully qualified (and I think I will be, by anyone's account). Were you in the Navy at some point Chupes? That's a lot of what I've been hearing; my recruiter is a Nuke, and actually he had to work really hard just to get to be a recruiter, because the Navy still wanted him working in nuclear power.

Haha, GPA of 3.75? Mine from Pitt (the university i went to for 3 semesters) is around 1.7, after miserably failing my last semester. How bad is miserably failing? 0.00. Clearly, college is not the place for me right now.

...although even with that GPA with me, I *have* learned a lot of physics, calc, and chemistry already. I did some of the learning, but none of the work, so that puts me a bit ahead of those coming straight out of high school.

Chupes · 01-26-2005, 06:12 PM

No, I haven't been in the Navy. I'm still a high school senior :P I did, however, listen to a Nuke speak in my chemistry class last year. Seems like a good deal to me if you can get it. As far as I know it's an enlistee's job so you don't need a degree. I'd say give it a shot, if you can't get it, oh well. You'll still have the privilege of serving in the world's best navy!

MikeyChalupa · 01-28-2005, 10:29 AM

Congratulations! I'm an E-6 (AT1) and it's funny, I dropped out of college after three semesters, then joined the Navy, aced my ASVAB and haven't looked back. I took the NFQT and missed it by one question. They offered me a re-take but I decided to go with AT instead. If you haven't selected a rating yet, let me HIGHLY recommend an aviation rating, of course I'd plug my own rating highest, Aviation Electronics Technician. We have the best working conditions, high advancement rates, and very high re-enlistment bonuses should you decide to stay in for another tour (I got $20K at each of my two re-enlistments). If you do go nuke, remember that subs are volunteer only and you will need to physically qualify for sevice aboard one. If you don't want to do subs, as a nuke you're pretty much going to be on an aircraft carrier. I've done 4 deployments now aboard carriers, 3 of them on CVN's, and I can tell you that a carrier is both the best and worst ship to be on. Best because we have all the amenities that smaller ship's can't have. Since we have such a huge crew we have more facilities and better chow than anyone else. But such a huge ship can be very impersonal (even for the Navy). On a frigate or destroyer you have a very close knit crew of about 200-300. Everyone knows each other. On a carrier, your DIVISION might be bigger than that. You will see people every day and not know a thing about them other than their rank and last name.

With your high ASVAB scores, they're most likely not going to stick you in the Navy undesignated, and don't let them try. Get an A school, make sure it's something you're going to enjoy. If you don't like working on cars, don't pick AS, for example. If you want a nice, clean job, we have office type jobs, JO, LI, PN, DK, SK, YN but those would seem to be a waste for you. Like I said, go into aviation. We have high advancement rates (I made E-6 in 6 1/2 years, just took my 2nd Chief's test and if I make it will have chief in just under 10) and exciting jobs. Please feel free to PM or e-mail me to discuss it more. Your recruiter will never flat out lie to you (he will lose his job and any chance of ever getting promoted himself) but he CAN leave things out to try to steer you in a particular direction that he needs filled. As you said, you already have a leg up on some of the people you're coming in with. Never mind your GPA, the important thing is how many credits did you actually pass? If you have a certain amount you can come in at a higher paygrade. I want to say it's somewhere between 25 and 35, that you can come in at E-2. I had 45 between 3 semesters at Buffalo and 2 at a community college and that was the cutoff for E-3.

Best of luck and maybe I'll see you in the fleet. Again, PLEASE ask me or any of the other squids any questions you have, and get ready for what can be the best, most rewarding time of your life, or the worst thing you've ever done. It's all in your attitude and how you approach everything. Don't worry about boot camp... it's the easy part.

-Mikey

TheFrogel · 01-28-2005, 06:48 PM

Haha, wow! I just got back from the Military Entrance and Processing Stations (MEPS...military sure likes abbreviations) a few hours ago, and jeez that's a crazy place. I actually had some fun there, after I got over the initial disorientation. I took the ASVAB on Thursday afternoon, and went back with about 20 kids to the hotel, where we played pool and hung out until curfew, so I got to meet pretty much everyone who was joining with me. This morning was a string of injections, inspections, detections, neglections, and all sorts of mean nasty things. /obscure reference Anyway, I got through all of it and passed. I was told to the the Nuke qualifying test, so I took that; then in a bit I went to see the job counselor. I told him I want to do Nuke, but also wanted to check out other things. He told me my test scores; I had gotten a 99 on the ASVAB and 46 (out of 50) on the Nuke test, I was so excited with that I did that well. So I'm in Nuclear Engineering now, and ship out mid-April (I forget the exact date). This is all insane...all the sudden I'm dedicated to going in the freaking Navy!

Yeah, I want to be assigned to a carrier, I think it'd be interesting hanging out on a ship that has aircraft landing on a floating city. I might go into subs, too; I've been told that they're tall enough to accomadate me, but I'll do some research while in school and see which way I want to go. Regarding my ranking: Because I'm in Nuke, I'll join as an E-3, and when I'm done with training, I'll be E-4, so my college credits really can't boost me (thanks for the advice though). I'm getting a $12k enlistment bonus and ... wow, things have changed for me over the past month. Thanks to those who have encouraged me so far, I appreciate it! For now...I'm not in yet, I don't know what it's like, so I may hate you later, but as for now, I have a direction, and I'm going. It makes me happy.

MikeyChalupa · 01-29-2005, 02:23 PM

The Nuclear Navy... glowing with pride!

Hey congrats, did they sit you on the Group W bench? Get a lot of "hurry up and wait?" Heh get used to that. Anyway, yeah I forgot to mention that you'd get E-4 out of your "A" school, and that you'll be in schools and training for almost 2 years, which is why nuke is a 6 year hitch instead of the usual 4. But the advancement for you guys and the bonuses are the best, it's not uncommon to see nukes make E-6 by the end of their first enlistment. I personally know 3 E-6's with less than 5 years in, when I made it in 6 and a half and I thought that was really fast. Good luck shipmate!

-Mikey

MikeyChalupa · 01-29-2005, 02:26 PM

BTW... AFAIK there aren't height restrictions for subs anymore, hell if David "The Admiral" Robinson could serve on subs, anyone can. But screw the bubbleheads, get a flattop! They are the greatest ships in the world and the only way to go.

-Mikey

appleseed · 01-29-2005, 03:39 PM

Hot damn!

I'm glad things are looking rosy for you!! Man that is really cool that you kicked ass on the NFQT. You sound pretty excited and I'm glad we had the chance to help you out.

I agree with Mikey, carrier navy is the way to go.

Hey Mikey, I was at Newport News while they were building your ship, during the big overhaul of the Enterprise.

irateplatypus · 01-29-2005, 04:55 PM

still can't understand why anyone would join the navy with the air force recruiter right next door.

oh well, each to his own.

the enlisted portion of our military constantly amaze me with their expertise and work ethic. sounds like you're on your way to a good nuke career. take care, maybe i'll see ya in a joint operation some day.

MikeyChalupa · 01-29-2005, 06:26 PM

appleseed... GW and Big E are back in Newport News right now, oddly enough... in fact I'm on duty in drydock right now. We just pulled in yesterday for 9 month PIA. Yay. Enterprise has been here since October and should be here until summer sometime.

-Mikey

MikeyChalupa · 01-29-2005, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irateplatypus

still can't understand why anyone would join the navy with the air force recruiter right next door.

You must mean the United States CHAIR Force, heh heh. I think our SECNAV is getting ready to move to SECAF. That's the rumor around these parts. I met him on deployment last year, he's a stand-up guy.

-Mikey

Chupes · 01-29-2005, 09:54 PM

Congratulations on getting Nuke, mang!

appleseed · 01-29-2005, 11:22 PM

That's a pretty odd coincidence! Sorry to hear you're in Newport News, that town is the armpit of the Atlantic Coast. Remember, all the good strip clubs are in Portsmouth...

jorgelito · 01-30-2005, 09:19 AM

Hey way to go man,

Congrats! Maybe I'll be your CO someday: I should get my commission in 2 years after I graduate. I'm looking for Carrier or sub, but will probably end up on Carrier.

Grasshopper Green · 01-30-2005, 09:30 AM

Thumbs up for Arlo!!!

Good luck with your enlistment. I was a Marine wife for four years, and I know the sacrifices that enlisted men go through. Here's to you, I appreciate it very much!!

MikeyChalupa · 01-31-2005, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appleseed

That's a pretty odd coincidence! Sorry to hear you're in Newport News, that town is the armpit of the Atlantic Coast. Remember, all the good strip clubs are in Portsmouth...

Yeah, not anymore. There haven't been "strip clubs" in the entire state of Virginia, much less Hampton Roads in at least the last 10 years. Hell, we just started getting tattoo parlors back a few years ago. There are "go-go" bars all over the place, and in Cheesypeake you can see pasties, that's about it. The only topless place was Bad Mike's on 17th st. at the Beach and they were an illegal operation, I was there once before they got raided and shut down for good. Well, Elizabeth City NC is only an hour away...

-Mikey

appleseed · 01-31-2005, 12:55 PM

Yeah I remember the 'go-go' bars. I even dated a dancer at one of them and she ended up moving back home with me when I got out for about 6 months. It used to be that on the Norfolk side of the bay they had actual strip clubs and on the Newport side it was just go-go bars. I guess times have changed.

Are you guys on the GW staying on the boat?

Anyway, next time you're at the yards say 'Hi ' to the Big E for me.

MikeyChalupa · 02-01-2005, 03:37 AM

That's why I laugh my ass off when I hear "Virginia is for lovers" like it's some crazy sex-drenched place. Yeah, Virginia is for lovers, as long as one of you is male, the other is female, you're married, the man is on top, and you're trying to have a baby.

They moved everyone off the ship. I have a place out in town, but we have guys on two APL barges in the adjacent drydock, up at Ft. Eustis, at Huntington Hall, and at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Not a bad setup. EnterPrison is not in drydock, but they have their mast all enclosed in that white shrouded scaffolding stuff. They're parked very close to us, the same crane picks stuff off our flight deck and drops it on theirs.

-Mikey

Cycler · 02-12-2005, 07:37 PM

Good job, wish you the best any updates on how thing are going? (never been in the service but the Navy would have been my first choice)

Carno · 02-12-2005, 08:42 PM

Frogel - Awesome to hear that man.. Congrats!

I'm actually going to be attending Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in June.. Looking forward to it.

01-23-2005, 10:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	Joining the Navy Well, tomorrow I'm joining the Navy. I went to college for three semesters but wasn't into it. I didn't care, failed classes, and amassed an amazing 31 credits. I'm going in for obvious reasons and personal reasons, and I've talked to a lot of people about it already. Currently, I'm not looking to make a career out of it; I'm hoping to get more schooling and learn some good trade skill that I can use in The Real World. I intend to complete a 4-year degree while in (I'll be in for probably 5-6 years), and according to preliminary ASVAB scores, I can do any job available. (Not bragging or anything, just to give an idea of my situation) Basically, I want to hear your story about joining the Navy (preferably) or any other as an enlisted man. Are the recruiters lying sacks of crap, or can they be trusted? Are there things you wish you had known before going in? I'm just looking for as much info as possible, because it's what will be the next few years of my life. PLEASE, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't say it. I know, I've heard all the urban legends about "Don't trust the recruiter! He's the DEVIL"; saying stuff like that isn't useful. Unless you, or someone you know has been lied to by a recruiter or something like that; that sort information is useful. Note: I did a search and found this thread about the Air Force, but I know each branch of service has their own way of doing things. And I don't want to threadjackt the one that has people detailing their military service.

01-23-2005, 01:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	I did 2 years active duty in the Navy starting in 1992 after a college career that began in a way remarkably similar to yours. So here's the advice I can give you: The recruiter probably won't lie to you, but they will exaggerate and obfuscate. Keep this in mind, you are signing a contract for employment. You want to get as much that is good for you in that contract as possible. Have you decided which rating you want to go into? Have it written into your contract that you will get to go to that 'A' school after boot camp. They can still back out of it but it makes it harder for them. Bring a parent or a friend when you do all of the paperwork. It will be really boring and long for them, but they may ask some very good questions, and may keep the recruiter from influencing your answers on the questionnaire. If you are willing to go in for 6 years, take the NFQT. If you did really well on your ASVAB they should let you. Believe me, Nucs have it better, although you may be more likely to be assigned to a sub. Don't count on finishing your degree in the next 5-6 years unless you are very motivated. I'm not saying it's impossible but it isn't as easy as the recruiter will make it out to be. Make sure you bring up your 31 credits. I'm pretty sure that's enough to get you bumped to an E-2 immediately after boot camp. Where are you in the process? I can offer more advice based on how much you have already completed. Hope this helps! Last edited by appleseed; 01-23-2005 at 01:52 PM..

01-23-2005, 06:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
BoCo Fear the bunny Location: Hanging off the tip of the Right Wing	Thanks for being willing to die for us. Seriously. __________________ Activism is a way for useless people to feel important.

01-23-2005, 06:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
santafe5000 EVIL! Location: Southwest of nowhere	I was in the Navy from 68 to 72. The recruiter didn't lie to me. I went to Boot Camp like he said. Not much else went the way he said, tho. Times now are different. Choose your rating carefully. Make sure it is what type of service you really care for. And make them stick to what is in your contract. Good Luck, the travel can make it all worthwhile. __________________ When all else fails, QUIT.

01-23-2005, 07:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
crewsor Women want me. Men fear me. Location: Maryland,USA	Good luck and thanks for serving. Its an honorable selfless thing to do. I can't give you advice, since I was in the Army years ago and I'm sure things are completely different now. But if you do enlist, you have my gratitude and respect. __________________ We all have wings, some of us just don't know why.

01-23-2005, 06:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	I'm still at the beginning of the process. Tomorrow morning I go to the recruiter's saying I'm in, but it's not until Wednesday that I go to Harrisburg, take the ASVAB, stay the night, and decide the next few years of my life. What's the NFQT? I've never heard that before. Ah yes, and I've hear that I should get guarentees as to whice rate I'll go into, and I'll beleive you on that. Best not to take chances. Interesting point on bringing family/friends along for the ride, I've never heard of that before. Also, my recruiter said he'll come with me from my town, is that normal or is he trying to pressure me in? Oh, and I'm hoping no submarine. I'm 6'4...that could be painful.

01-23-2005, 06:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	NFQT is the Nuclear qualifying test. If you decide to be a Nuc it's a 6-year enlistment, but. IIRC, you spend about 3 years of the 6 in school. Heh, I'm 6'4" also and even an aircraft carrier is no fun. Man I just realized it's going to be 10 years since I got out of the Navy. I am getting old.

01-23-2005, 08:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	There are many ways to maximize your time in the Navy. You can gain a lot while doing a service for your country (best of both worlds). I am currently in the process myself. My recommendations: 1. NROTC if you can (i'm too old but you may qualify). 2. I don't like enlistment, I am going for the Officer Program (they're paying me $2500 month to stay in school). Much better pay. It really is two different worlds. After I graduate, OCS in Florida for 13 weeks then my commissio (4-years), longer for doctors, lawyers, and nuclear engineers. Then I start at O-1 which is like E-9 or something, a whole hell of a alot better in my opinion. My plan is to go from Ensign to Lt. Commander in 10 years (hopefully) or at least Lieutenant and move on from there. Most competitive sectors: Naval Pilots. Best pay: Nuclear engineers (sub-command) I'm going into Intel or Surface Fleet, hopefully as a bridge officer on an aircraft carrier (the safest place to be, seriously). Do plenty of research before you talk to a recruiter. The Navy web-site is a good place to start. Discussion forums are good too. Check out: www.airwarriors.com Here's some info: The Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) consists of Math, Verbal/Reading Comprehension, Mechanical Comprehension, Spatial Apperception, and Aviation and Nautical Information Test. You can prepare for the test by looking at the following books: Military Flight Aptitude Test (published by ARCO) Officer Candidate Test (published by ARCO) We do not endorse these books, but they give guidance on preparing for the test. The whole test is about 2 1/2 hrs long. If you are applying for Aviation and Intel, you have to take the whole test. Otherwise, you just need to take the Math/Verbal and Mechanical Comprehension Test. In addition to the books, it is recommended that you review your Algebra, Geometry, and/or Trigonometry textbooks to refamiliarize yourself with how to solve different math problems. Also, if you get a chance to check out an Aviation or a Navy terminology book, do so to help with your knowledge of the aviation and nautical information section. For additional guidance, you can also check the website below. www.airwarriors.com With thoughtful and careful planning, you can maximize your experience.

01-23-2005, 08:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	One more thing: YOu really need to study for the tests. The entering class I'm in has an average GPA of 3.78 and many of the guys have MAs from Stanford, Cornell, John Hopkins etc. It's competitive.

01-24-2005, 05:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
yabobo Lust Puppy Location: in your closet and in your head...	Do yourself well, and thank you.. __________________ Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections? Only in America......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

01-24-2005, 08:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Better that than the Army. And I expect you to do your job well and get something out of it for yourself, not die for us.

01-24-2005, 08:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
wolf Ravenous Location: Right Behind You	Good luck and thanks for keeping us safe. __________________ Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.

01-25-2005, 03:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	So did you sign any paperwork yet?

01-25-2005, 07:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	Oh, sorry to keep you in the dark. Well, no paperwork yet, I go to Harrisburg on Thursday to take the ASVAB and on Friday I get a physical and such, to make sure I'm qualified for certain jobs. The only paperwork I've done so far is the stuff saying that I'm who I say I am, and that I haven't killed anyone or done drugs (basically). The real paperwork, that decides whether I'm in or out, will be signed on Friday; I'll post after that. Thanks for the information so far, It's really helped me out! And thanks (or I guess 'you're welcome') to those who have wished me well; it's very odd being on this side of the fence, I never thought I'd be here. But thanks.

01-25-2005, 07:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
Chupes Tilted	I'm not sure what the requirements are, but if you wanna learn a good trade for after the Navy, try to get into the nuclear power program. It's tough as hell, but the military will make you pass. Once you are qualified in whatever it is they have you do(I guess run the reactors) as a "nuke," they will take care of you because they don't want to lose you to the many nuclear power companies that will pay you lots of cash to come work for them.

01-25-2005, 10:02 PM	#16 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	If your GPA is at least 3.75 and you have solid Calculus and Physics under your belt, then you will be in decent shape.

01-26-2005, 07:46 AM	#17 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	Actually, yeah, Nuke engineering is one of my top choices, should I be fully qualified (and I think I will be, by anyone's account). Were you in the Navy at some point Chupes? That's a lot of what I've been hearing; my recruiter is a Nuke, and actually he had to work really hard just to get to be a recruiter, because the Navy still wanted him working in nuclear power. Haha, GPA of 3.75? Mine from Pitt (the university i went to for 3 semesters) is around 1.7, after miserably failing my last semester. How bad is miserably failing? 0.00. Clearly, college is not the place for me right now. ...although even with that GPA with me, I have learned a lot of physics, calc, and chemistry already. I did some of the learning, but none of the work, so that puts me a bit ahead of those coming straight out of high school.

01-26-2005, 06:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
Chupes Tilted	No, I haven't been in the Navy. I'm still a high school senior :P I did, however, listen to a Nuke speak in my chemistry class last year. Seems like a good deal to me if you can get it. As far as I know it's an enlistee's job so you don't need a degree. I'd say give it a shot, if you can't get it, oh well. You'll still have the privilege of serving in the world's best navy!

01-28-2005, 10:29 AM	#19 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	Congratulations! I'm an E-6 (AT1) and it's funny, I dropped out of college after three semesters, then joined the Navy, aced my ASVAB and haven't looked back. I took the NFQT and missed it by one question. They offered me a re-take but I decided to go with AT instead. If you haven't selected a rating yet, let me HIGHLY recommend an aviation rating, of course I'd plug my own rating highest, Aviation Electronics Technician. We have the best working conditions, high advancement rates, and very high re-enlistment bonuses should you decide to stay in for another tour (I got $20K at each of my two re-enlistments). If you do go nuke, remember that subs are volunteer only and you will need to physically qualify for sevice aboard one. If you don't want to do subs, as a nuke you're pretty much going to be on an aircraft carrier. I've done 4 deployments now aboard carriers, 3 of them on CVN's, and I can tell you that a carrier is both the best and worst ship to be on. Best because we have all the amenities that smaller ship's can't have. Since we have such a huge crew we have more facilities and better chow than anyone else. But such a huge ship can be very impersonal (even for the Navy). On a frigate or destroyer you have a very close knit crew of about 200-300. Everyone knows each other. On a carrier, your DIVISION might be bigger than that. You will see people every day and not know a thing about them other than their rank and last name. With your high ASVAB scores, they're most likely not going to stick you in the Navy undesignated, and don't let them try. Get an A school, make sure it's something you're going to enjoy. If you don't like working on cars, don't pick AS, for example. If you want a nice, clean job, we have office type jobs, JO, LI, PN, DK, SK, YN but those would seem to be a waste for you. Like I said, go into aviation. We have high advancement rates (I made E-6 in 6 1/2 years, just took my 2nd Chief's test and if I make it will have chief in just under 10) and exciting jobs. Please feel free to PM or e-mail me to discuss it more. Your recruiter will never flat out lie to you (he will lose his job and any chance of ever getting promoted himself) but he CAN leave things out to try to steer you in a particular direction that he needs filled. As you said, you already have a leg up on some of the people you're coming in with. Never mind your GPA, the important thing is how many credits did you actually pass? If you have a certain amount you can come in at a higher paygrade. I want to say it's somewhere between 25 and 35, that you can come in at E-2. I had 45 between 3 semesters at Buffalo and 2 at a community college and that was the cutoff for E-3. Best of luck and maybe I'll see you in the fleet. Again, PLEASE ask me or any of the other squids any questions you have, and get ready for what can be the best, most rewarding time of your life, or the worst thing you've ever done. It's all in your attitude and how you approach everything. Don't worry about boot camp... it's the easy part. -Mikey

01-28-2005, 06:48 PM	#20 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	Haha, wow! I just got back from the Military Entrance and Processing Stations (MEPS...military sure likes abbreviations) a few hours ago, and jeez that's a crazy place. I actually had some fun there, after I got over the initial disorientation. I took the ASVAB on Thursday afternoon, and went back with about 20 kids to the hotel, where we played pool and hung out until curfew, so I got to meet pretty much everyone who was joining with me. This morning was a string of injections, inspections, detections, neglections, and all sorts of mean nasty things. /obscure reference Anyway, I got through all of it and passed. I was told to the the Nuke qualifying test, so I took that; then in a bit I went to see the job counselor. I told him I want to do Nuke, but also wanted to check out other things. He told me my test scores; I had gotten a 99 on the ASVAB and 46 (out of 50) on the Nuke test, I was so excited with that I did that well. So I'm in Nuclear Engineering now, and ship out mid-April (I forget the exact date). This is all insane...all the sudden I'm dedicated to going in the freaking Navy! Yeah, I want to be assigned to a carrier, I think it'd be interesting hanging out on a ship that has aircraft landing on a floating city. I might go into subs, too; I've been told that they're tall enough to accomadate me, but I'll do some research while in school and see which way I want to go. Regarding my ranking: Because I'm in Nuke, I'll join as an E-3, and when I'm done with training, I'll be E-4, so my college credits really can't boost me (thanks for the advice though). I'm getting a $12k enlistment bonus and ... wow, things have changed for me over the past month. Thanks to those who have encouraged me so far, I appreciate it! For now...I'm not in yet, I don't know what it's like, so I may hate you later, but as for now, I have a direction, and I'm going. It makes me happy.

01-29-2005, 02:23 PM	#21 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	The Nuclear Navy... glowing with pride! Hey congrats, did they sit you on the Group W bench? Get a lot of "hurry up and wait?" Heh get used to that. Anyway, yeah I forgot to mention that you'd get E-4 out of your "A" school, and that you'll be in schools and training for almost 2 years, which is why nuke is a 6 year hitch instead of the usual 4. But the advancement for you guys and the bonuses are the best, it's not uncommon to see nukes make E-6 by the end of their first enlistment. I personally know 3 E-6's with less than 5 years in, when I made it in 6 and a half and I thought that was really fast. Good luck shipmate! -Mikey

01-29-2005, 02:26 PM	#22 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	BTW... AFAIK there aren't height restrictions for subs anymore, hell if David "The Admiral" Robinson could serve on subs, anyone can. But screw the bubbleheads, get a flattop! They are the greatest ships in the world and the only way to go. -Mikey

01-29-2005, 03:39 PM	#23 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	Hot damn! I'm glad things are looking rosy for you!! Man that is really cool that you kicked ass on the NFQT. You sound pretty excited and I'm glad we had the chance to help you out. I agree with Mikey, carrier navy is the way to go. Hey Mikey, I was at Newport News while they were building your ship, during the big overhaul of the Enterprise.

01-29-2005, 04:55 PM	#24 (permalink)
irateplatypus can't help but laugh Location: dar al-harb	still can't understand why anyone would join the navy with the air force recruiter right next door. oh well, each to his own. the enlisted portion of our military constantly amaze me with their expertise and work ethic. sounds like you're on your way to a good nuke career. take care, maybe i'll see ya in a joint operation some day. __________________ If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. ~ Winston Churchill

01-29-2005, 06:26 PM	#25 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	appleseed... GW and Big E are back in Newport News right now, oddly enough... in fact I'm on duty in drydock right now. We just pulled in yesterday for 9 month PIA. Yay. Enterprise has been here since October and should be here until summer sometime. -Mikey

01-29-2005, 09:54 PM	#27 (permalink)
Chupes Tilted	Congratulations on getting Nuke, mang!

01-29-2005, 11:22 PM	#28 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	That's a pretty odd coincidence! Sorry to hear you're in Newport News, that town is the armpit of the Atlantic Coast. Remember, all the good strip clubs are in Portsmouth...

01-30-2005, 09:19 AM	#29 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Hey way to go man, Congrats! Maybe I'll be your CO someday: I should get my commission in 2 years after I graduate. I'm looking for Carrier or sub, but will probably end up on Carrier.

01-30-2005, 09:30 AM	#30 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	Thumbs up for Arlo!!! Good luck with your enlistment. I was a Marine wife for four years, and I know the sacrifices that enlisted men go through. Here's to you, I appreciate it very much!!

01-31-2005, 12:55 PM	#32 (permalink)
appleseed Tilted Location: Wisconsin	Yeah I remember the 'go-go' bars. I even dated a dancer at one of them and she ended up moving back home with me when I got out for about 6 months. It used to be that on the Norfolk side of the bay they had actual strip clubs and on the Newport side it was just go-go bars. I guess times have changed. Are you guys on the GW staying on the boat? Anyway, next time you're at the yards say 'Hi ' to the Big E for me.

02-01-2005, 03:37 AM	#33 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	That's why I laugh my ass off when I hear "Virginia is for lovers" like it's some crazy sex-drenched place. Yeah, Virginia is for lovers, as long as one of you is male, the other is female, you're married, the man is on top, and you're trying to have a baby. They moved everyone off the ship. I have a place out in town, but we have guys on two APL barges in the adjacent drydock, up at Ft. Eustis, at Huntington Hall, and at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Not a bad setup. EnterPrison is not in drydock, but they have their mast all enclosed in that white shrouded scaffolding stuff. They're parked very close to us, the same crane picks stuff off our flight deck and drops it on theirs. -Mikey

02-12-2005, 07:37 PM	#34 (permalink)
Cycler Float on.... Alright Location: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains, i.e. Oklahoma	Good job, wish you the best any updates on how thing are going? (never been in the service but the Navy would have been my first choice) __________________ "I'm not even supposed to be here today." "I assure you we're open."

02-12-2005, 08:42 PM	#35 (permalink)
Carno Junkie	Frogel - Awesome to hear that man.. Congrats! I'm actually going to be attending Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in June.. Looking forward to it.