My BF joined the navy!?

Question

well okay. My boyfriend is in the navy. He said something about a GSM. What is that? Do I have to worry about him being safe? and will he be gone alot? Sorry if I sound like im complaining im just worried about him, thats all.

Answer 1

GSM is gas turbine technician, mechanical.  The Navy small boys, mostly frigates, cruisers and destroyers, use gas turbine engines for propulsion, these are basically jet engines converted to move ships. He'll be a mechanic for jet engines.  

Answer 2

GSM is the code name for his navy job or "rating" as it is called. GSM stands for Gas Turbine Systems Technician (mechanical) A gas turbine engine is an aircraft jet engine except in this case the jet engine is used to power a ship.

As far as him being safe, he belongs to the most powerfull navy this planet has ever seen. The capabilities of these ships is so tremndous the strike fear in anone who dares challenge them. So don't worry about that.

As far as being gone alot, hard to say. The standard deploment cycle for a Navy ship is generally 6 months at sea and 18 months at home. The ship may come and go for shorter periods during the home cycle but stay in port most of the time. Current events in the world can have a dramatic effect on the ships schedule but as things stand right now with Navy it's pretty stable.

Don't feel bad, not knowing anything about it is what is scary. Do a google search for "navy ratings" and look at the discription of a GSM. See if you can find out what ship he is attatched to and look through thier web site. The more you know the better you feel.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

He should be fairly safe in the Navy...I was Navy and enjoyed my service.

A GSM is a Gas Turbine Systems Technician. I put a link so you can read about it.

He may be gone when (there is no if) he goes on a ship. Most ships go out on a few deployments a year. They can vary from a couple of weeks to 6 months or more. It depends on the type of ship.

For Ron G. U.S. Ships unfortunately do get attacked by terrorist. Remember the USS Cole. It was attacked by terrorist in Yemen in 2000. It did not sink but unfortunately 17 people died.  They think it was Al-Qaeda the same group we are fighting now.

You are never completely safe in the military. So far no other Navy ships have been attacted since.  

I wouldn't necessaryly worry about him, be proud of him. Support him. Just realize that the military is a tough job and sometimes bad things happen.

Answer 4

No navy ships being sunk in this war. He'll be very safe from terrorist.  

Answer 5

u really shoulnd be worried. an less theres kamikazes, or hes a pilkot hes not in the direct line of fire

Answer 6

I think it has to do with weapons ,but don't worry overmuch they are VERY safe with them. Former Navy myself.

Answer 7

GSM is just the "shorthand" for his work specialty - basically an engine mechanic.  He could very well wind up on year-long cruises with his ship, or he could wind up in a maintenance yard, in which case he would be home all the time.