07-10-2006, 05:19 AM
Since I don't like to clog up the lounge with new threads when possible...
Forgive my scattered thoughts. I am at a crossroads and need some soundboarding. I know some lurkers have performed US military duty, and I wish for your thoughts on my situation particularly.
I've been investigating US naval enlistment, and will probably see my local recruiter this week. The past year for me has been a 'test' year to recuperate with my parents and try to find other options. I've been unable thus far to find a decent job. I've accrued 70 odd college credits at PSU towards a chemical engineering degree, and for various reasons too lengthy to go into here I do not plan to re-attend to finish the degree at PSU. I am a US citizen in fair health, some intelligence and am considering enlisting, assuming I pass screenings and they recognize my college transcript.
I've read the about.com guide here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup...er10_2.htm
a few from here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/
and the navy.com website for information.
I'm not certain I'm in my right mind. It seems like a good idea, but I thought the same of chemical engineering, except, I was angry at the PSU system for being systemically flawed towards its chemical engineering degree program canidates in satellite campuses that would transfer to the main campus later on at the time.
I'll be 23 come August 30th, 2007. I need to grow up, and take some responsibility but that doesn't mean taking the wrong choices prematurely. If I do join the Navy, assuming they want me, I don't want to do it out of desperation--even though it may be a sound option.
I don't plan on signing anything until hopefully the fall when I can hopefully make a clearer decision... but I would appreciate some opinions.
It could be for me. I fit the standards I've read about so far. I'm in fair health and fitness. I've maintained a certain amount since being certified as a Red Cross lifeguard and playing soccer in high school. The strains for boot camp, basic training, 'restrictions' such as no alchohol, smoking, and various other amenities seem almost like everyday life due to a fairly clean and already regimented upbringing that never promoted scandalous behaviour.
I don't know. The puzzle piece seems like it can fit, but I've never made an 8 year commitment before. I've never lived in one place more than 6-7 years of my life. 4 years here, 4 years there, 3 years here, 6 years there, 2 years here, 3 years there, 1 here. I'm honestly afraid to commit 8 into naval service. Shrug. I've never had much of a social life, and though I'm fine without a personal life for 6 months to a year or so at a time, I hestitate to think of 8.
I should probably let the recruiter screen me before thinking further, but what are your thoughts? These are some heavy reservations. I may qualify. I may find some peace in the Navy (or other US military branch) system. I may not. I'm not sure.
My main concern is that I do not wish to follow the path of my father in that he started fairly late for starting a family. I would like to before I am 30, but a military path... does not seem very conducive at this stage. I would be 26-28 at the end of the official service, and 31 before my 8 year sign on period would end. That too scares me. I'm near the stage where bumming around and having a laugh seems like it'll be more fleeting. However, my career paths also look limited at this moment.
Forgive my scattered thoughts. I am at a crossroads and need some soundboarding. I know some lurkers have performed US military duty, and I wish for your thoughts on my situation particularly.
I've been investigating US naval enlistment, and will probably see my local recruiter this week. The past year for me has been a 'test' year to recuperate with my parents and try to find other options. I've been unable thus far to find a decent job. I've accrued 70 odd college credits at PSU towards a chemical engineering degree, and for various reasons too lengthy to go into here I do not plan to re-attend to finish the degree at PSU. I am a US citizen in fair health, some intelligence and am considering enlisting, assuming I pass screenings and they recognize my college transcript.
I've read the about.com guide here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup...er10_2.htm
a few from here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/
and the navy.com website for information.
I'm not certain I'm in my right mind. It seems like a good idea, but I thought the same of chemical engineering, except, I was angry at the PSU system for being systemically flawed towards its chemical engineering degree program canidates in satellite campuses that would transfer to the main campus later on at the time.
I'll be 23 come August 30th, 2007. I need to grow up, and take some responsibility but that doesn't mean taking the wrong choices prematurely. If I do join the Navy, assuming they want me, I don't want to do it out of desperation--even though it may be a sound option.
I don't plan on signing anything until hopefully the fall when I can hopefully make a clearer decision... but I would appreciate some opinions.
It could be for me. I fit the standards I've read about so far. I'm in fair health and fitness. I've maintained a certain amount since being certified as a Red Cross lifeguard and playing soccer in high school. The strains for boot camp, basic training, 'restrictions' such as no alchohol, smoking, and various other amenities seem almost like everyday life due to a fairly clean and already regimented upbringing that never promoted scandalous behaviour.
I don't know. The puzzle piece seems like it can fit, but I've never made an 8 year commitment before. I've never lived in one place more than 6-7 years of my life. 4 years here, 4 years there, 3 years here, 6 years there, 2 years here, 3 years there, 1 here. I'm honestly afraid to commit 8 into naval service. Shrug. I've never had much of a social life, and though I'm fine without a personal life for 6 months to a year or so at a time, I hestitate to think of 8.
I should probably let the recruiter screen me before thinking further, but what are your thoughts? These are some heavy reservations. I may qualify. I may find some peace in the Navy (or other US military branch) system. I may not. I'm not sure.
My main concern is that I do not wish to follow the path of my father in that he started fairly late for starting a family. I would like to before I am 30, but a military path... does not seem very conducive at this stage. I would be 26-28 at the end of the official service, and 31 before my 8 year sign on period would end. That too scares me. I'm near the stage where bumming around and having a laugh seems like it'll be more fleeting. However, my career paths also look limited at this moment.