I want to Join the Navy any advice?

I can only tell you my experience. I joined the Navy a long... long... long... long time ago. I retired after a quarter of a century over 20 years ago. So my information is dated as is my experience... but I went in as an enlisted man and, because of my degree, was recommended for OCS after about 4 years... so here goes.

Before you join, start finding out about the Navy. Go to the Navy's Web site. http://www.navy.mil/

You'll find out about current ratings (specialties), pay amounts for the various rates, programs, even about recruit life. You have a lot of time, but I'd do it this year.

Keep your grades up. Stay out of trouble -- Eatle Scout... staying out of trouble should be no problem. If you're not there already, start getting into shape. You don't have to be a triathlete... take a look at the requirements... those are minimum. Relax... there will be folks that can't meet those... they get extra PT. If you don't already know how, learn to swim.

When joining, you'll probably talk to a recruiter. They're used to having to deal with people who don't know anything about the military other than the negative stuff they see in the papers and on TV. They're salesmen and will try to sell you... and get you're signature... today. They'll want to sell you on programs they're trying to push. They're probably goingto try to guide you into a field where there's a current need. But, with the research you will have done by then, you'll be able to ask specific questions to fill in the blanks in your research.

You will take the ASVAB. That's a set of tests to see where your capabilities and interests lie and how the Navy can best utilize those capabilities and interests. Based on those tests you will have a list of ratings for which you qualify. Some will tell you to take practice tests and get high scores. High scores are good, but only if they reflect your abilities. If you "prep" for the tests you may find yourself in a job for which you're not really qualified. You might make a mistake that will cost you your life... and maybe the lives of others. Also, because you got the job, you may have prevented somebody more qualified than you from getting it... and maybe he wouldn't have made the mistake you did.

You can expect a physical. The military is careful about who they allow in. People with pre-existing medical conditions -- especially those that are serious -- probably aren't going to get in.

If you get through the testing and the physical, you'll be given a date you'll ship out to Boot Camp. You'll spend 8 fun-filled weeks at Great Lakes, IL. After that, you'll go to "A" school for your specialty. Then you'll be deployed.

Depending on your specialty, you'll spend about half your time aboard ship. Of that time, depending on the assignment, you'll spend about 3/4 of your time at sea. Shore duty is pretty much like working at a civilian job... except for the uniform.

Jobs? Imagine a large city. What jobs are available there? Well, the Navy probably has something comparable. There are cooks, doctors, post office workers, secretaries, newspapermen, dentists, mechanics, firemen, you name it. And they have specialized Navy fields such as havigation. While I'm unfamiliar with the Air Force specialties, I'd guess, since the Navy has its own aircraft, it has the same specialties as the Air Force.

Don't worry about "preparing for jobs." First, as I mentioned, you'll be trained in "A" school. There may be other formal training your job requires... you'll get that too. Then you'll work under the supervision of people who know the job. Regardless what some officers seem to think, it's the enlisted folks that keep the Navy afloat.

If you ant to get in an officer program, you'll have to wait a few years. To become an officer you need at least a four-year college degree.

I'd saythat being an Eagle Scout will be a benefit. While it probably won't do much as far as the application process, you will have instilled a lot of the ethics and values that will enable you to succeed in the Navy... or anywhere else for that matter.

Continue to work hard in school is the first step. A solid background in Math, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, etc. will help you score well on the ASVAB if you decide to enlist.

Get in physical shape, if you aren't already. Start running and swimming, as well as some weight training. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete, but you can't be a total couch potato either. The Navy's semi-annual PRT includes push-ups and sit-ups (max effort over a 2 minute time) and a 1.5 mile run. The military has height/weight standards you have to meet and maintain.

You need to decide what you want to do. That includes what you are interested in. You also need to decide if you are going to be an enlisted Sailor or a commissioned officer.

I mentioned the ASVAB before. That is the test you would be taking if you decide to be an enlisted Sailor. Your scores on the ASVAB determine which ratings you would be eligible for.

There are enlisted ratings that deal with everything from working with electronics, to working with diesel engines, to doing administrative paperwork. You can work on jet engines, or you can learn to predict the weather. You can work on a nuclear reactor, or you can work on a flight deck moving planes around. You could be a SeAL, or you could be a SeaBee. It all depends on what YOU are interested in.

As an Eagle Scout, if you choose to enlist you will come in at the E-3 paygrade.

To be a pilot, you have to be a Commissioned Officer, so that means 4 years of college and a Bachelor's degree. There are programs such as ROTC and the Naval Academy that would pay for your schooling. If you decide to become an Officer, you wouldn't be enlisting.

Well you can stay fit, pen pal with someone in the Navy, and read books on the Navy. When you join the Navy you can expect hard work (thats painful). Research more on what you want to be in the Navy. The Eagle Scouts... Well I guess that could help you get into a good college but other than that... I, myself want to join the Army. But both the Navy and Army are great! Best of Luck.

-Chandy

P.S. You know you love me*

Hello Matt:

This is a good career choice. Some of the other posters give good advise, study well in school, build up your physical conditioning.

As for a career field, try to think of what you would like to do with your life if you don't join the Navy. What interests do you have? What do think about? You can speak with a Navy recruiter and ask if you can take an interest survey. Think about what you would like to do, then find out if you can do it in the Navy (most likely yes).

You might want to think about a medical career field; these pay well, and are in high demand. If you excel at chemistry, think about training to be a pharmacist.

Good luck!

You should go to college and do NROTC, OCS, or even the US naval academy, and become an officer like your Grandpa.