How is life in the Navy?

Question

I want to sign up, i believe im just scared of the unknown, knowing what can go wrong at sea? I want to be a navy counselor. but my recruiter said i cant go on in right away and become one, so he said to pick a job i can do for a year and switch over? is it that easy as he makes it sound? please help me out

Answer 1

go to pbs.com and find the show "Carrier". Watch the episodes and you will see what Navy life is like. It is a real life documentary about Navy life aboard a carrier. Its really cool too.

Matter of fact here.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/carrier/full_epi...

Answer 2

The PBS documentary "Carrier" does give a glimpse at life in the Navy.  However, most ships are smaller than carriers and the documentary only shows the ship on her six month deployment.  

As far as becoming a Navy career counselor, your recruiter is right.  The NC rate is closed to new recruits; it is only available to petty officers wanting to cross rate into the field.  You need experience in the Navy before you can advise other sailors.  You may want to enlist in an administrative rate, like yeoman, to gain experience.

My advice to you, if you want to join the Navy, is to research fields that you might be interested in.  You can always try to cross rate to NC later on; but you might decide to stay in your rate if it suits you.

Answer 3

Navy life for me personally is easier than before i joined the navy. Guaranteed paid check, with a bad economy right now. But on your other question, NO it is not easy to switch jobs at all. Yes it can be done but not until you reenlist which is 4 years later so no it is not possible to switch after one year. If you want to be a counselor then wait in DEP until it is avaiable and tell your recruiter that the only way you are joining is for that. Dont let them pressure you into anything especially right now.

MT2

2004-

Answer 4

First off, never take your recruiter's word for anything. There are a lot of shady recruiters out there. Make sure that any "promises" they make you are included in writing, in your contract.

Second, see if you can find someone with Naval experience... they'll give you the real story.

Answer 5

I joined, volunteered, in 1976...it was THE best thing I ever did. I spent 5 yrs in the Navy as a photographer, and ate very well, traveled extensively and met people I never would have.  Sure, with everything there is a give and take, you work for what you get but thats life...

Be prepared to give your best and be your best!  Life is exciting in the military, its rarely boring.