Hubby to join US Military

[berserkbishop]

And they aren't as militaristic as other branches. They have some really good MOSes that really aren't ocean-oriented. .

MM3 Bishop doesnt like the sound of this statement. Who is this Moses and why is he so good? Oh you mean Rating. Yeah. We do have some pretty sweet ratings. I am a Nuclear Machinist Mate. You make it sound like the Navy is a walk in the park. Sure we arent quite as focused on silly things like marching and cadence but most of us work on boats! Not much marching to be done there. The Navy is steeped in tradition and is just as much of a challenge as any other branch even if we arent "warriors" like our sister service.

I agree with all of the previous statements and have witnessed second hand and personally what kind of strain the service, regardless of branch, can cause on a relationship/marriage. Take that into consideration. The hardest job in the Navy is that of a Navy wife. Im sure that stands for the other branches as well.

Just a shameless plug: I feel that the Navy is under represented in this crowd of responses and I wouldnt rule it out. Most of our jobs correspond to jobs in the civilian world and we are highly sought after. Plus for a lot of rates the reenlistment bonuses rock. Oh and also accelerated advancement! I have been in a year and have been an E-4 for six months. That may not mean much to a civilian but ask some other service members how ridiculous that is!

Feel free to pm me about opportunities and straight talk about Navy life if you would like!

(sorry if I offended anyone with my first paragraph. Just like to joke at other branches expenses as well as offer an insiders view on the navy!)

Regards
MM3 Bishop

[davedove]

(sorry if I offended anyone with my first paragraph. Just like to joke at other branches expenses as well as offer an insiders view on the navy!)

Hey, everyone who has ever served knows that one of the privileges earned is the right to make fun of the other services.

It's kind of like a family. I can make fun of my brother, but nobody else can.

[Tattoo Bradley]

Dirka.

I'm one of a few former Airmen on the forum. I also served in the Army National Guard for a year enlistment after I seperated. If the AF is on his list of choices, either one of you are welcome to PM or email me (info in profile). I'd be glad to help in any way I could.

[cavscout]

I feel like their is an incredible amount of opportunities in either of the branches he's considering. The chance to get almost any imaginable skill set in such a short time and follow it up with several years of actual job experience is awesome.

Chances for base housing or a housing allowance is a nice bennifit, as well as good health care.

Both branches have bases over seas and in virtually every state. As Dave said, the Middle East is almost guaranteed. But then again, Korea has been on almost everyones deployment list I know in the Army. Ask about the policies on accompanied and un-accompanied duty stations (whether he can bring you and the kids along to live there). The Corps would send you off for a year un-accompanied or give you an option for a 3 year deployment accompanied. This can be a great opportunity to see the world or it could be a long time apart. Many wives were able to get teaching jobs at the base school and many learned Japanese by immersion.

Also, don't be lulled into thinking that reserves will be a way to avoid deployments. Many of the lads over seas now are reservists and national guard. My Guard Unit was deploying to Bosnia for a year when I got out. They were offering bonuses to keep me in but even with that and Hazardous Duty pay, the pay was not enough to allow me to leave my day job for a year.

[Frank McGrath]

Whatever the recruiter says, get it in writing.

[Spc. Scott]

Whatever the recruiter says, get it in writing.

I can't say for the other branches but the Army contract has a neat little line tucked in there that says that anything the recruiter may have promised you is null and void. So if it is the Army that you both decide on be sure it is in the contract that you sign.

*I'm sure that's just what Frank meant but I felt the need to expand that a bit for clarity.

[davedove]

I can't say for the other branches but the Army contract has a neat little line tucked in there that says that anything the recruiter may have promised you is null and void. So if it is the Army that you both decide on be sure it is in the contract that you sign.

As well as the "needs of the Army" clause, which basically says we'll guarantee you all these things, UNLESS we really, really need you somewhere else.

[Steve53]

Dirka,

Tattoo Bradley's comment on the AF holds for me, too, though I'm sure Tattoo's info is a bit more up to date than mine. (Igot out in 81.) If you've any questions, PM me, please.

Steve

[Tattoo Bradley]

Dirka,

Tattoo Bradley's comment on the AF holds for me, too, though I'm sure Tattoo's info is a bit more up to date than mine. (Igot out in 81.) If you've any questions, PM me, please.

Steve

Perhaps a little. But, even mine is certainly going to be dated some.

I got out in '02.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

While the recruiters do not lie,

When did this start? they might bend the truth a little... I was even referred to once as "Good Southern breeding stock"...

Back on topic.

That aside, what ever service he chooses to join, if he targets one of the trades, he will also have the benefit of a qualification/s at the end of it, that can be used on civvie street (presumably).

(I say that because I was a Stoker, and have reaped the benefits of it)

Generally ex-service trademen are highly sort here for their experience and expertise.

And to top it off, all credit to him for considering, and hopefully obtaining enlistment.

Phil C