Should I join the Navy at 25? ?

Question

I'm 25, I have a BSBA in business and have actually already enlisted in the Navy. My question here is not to go enlisted or officer, I already decided I want to have enlisted experience before putting in for a commission and I want the IT training. I graduated two years ago and have been highly disappointed with where my degree has left me. The only jobs I can seem to get are office manager positions, which works for other people, but not for me. I want to do IT and go back for a masters. My sister is also making me feel like c**p b/c she is finally moving to the same state as me and feels betrayed or something about me joining. I also feel nervous about being one of the older people in the bunch. I've also thought about maybe doing the reserves instead as sort of a compromise with my family and what if I hate it then I will only be in part time with a possible sea tour. (doesn't seem as bad as a 5 year full time commitment) I know no one can tell me what to do, but any help or suggestions would be appreciated, I've been having a lot of anxiety about this. Thanks!

Answer 1

Fact is, the average person in the Navy for 3 or 4 years is probably making a considerable amount more then kid who is taking their first job out of college.  Youd probably have better benefits, and youll have your housing free or largely covered.

On top of that, most jobs in the Navy are fairly safe from being on the ground in Iraq.

Answer 2

You need to live your life for you, let your sister live her own life. If you want to go active duty Navy to get the IT training and experience go for it. Sea tours also help you become more focused - with the increased OPTEMPO (operational tempo or workload) you can also take classes while you are underway.

You'll fit right in, don't worry about the age - do you think you're the only 25 yo in the Navy - hardly. Take the plunge....

  Go NAVY !!

Answer 3

I was 24 when I joined the Navy. I really didn't have an age problem. There will be other people in your training group who are even older than you...but the majority will be younger.

Don't let it get to you. For a short time while you are starting you will be the about the same age as some of your supervisors. You may go to a ship and have a curfew...We called it Cinderella Liberty, because junior enlisted had to be back to the ship before midnight (sometimes 11 pm).

But in time you will make rank and it will all even out. I think my first year was the toughest...but it was more getting adjusted...then it got a lot better.

You can get IT training. Make sure that you get the school you want before you sign.

Also think about commissioning programs...I was enlisted and I can tell you that the experience was both good and bad.  If I could have joined with a degree, I would go officer. It is, however, up to you. Just make sure that you look and see what the Officer programs have to offer before you rule them out. Talk with a Officer recruiter and see...you can still enlist, but at least weigh your options. (Getting a commission is hard if you are enlisted.) They tell you that you can always apply, but they don't tell you that you aren't always accepted.

Answer 4

You aren't even going to get any money as junior enlisted in the reserves.

Ok, you are already in the DEP program? Ask your recruiter to draw up a contract where you put in your OCS package and are heard of the result before you go to recruit training. You should have talked to an officer recruiter before you signed your enlistment papers. By law, the Navy has to report all those who maybe be qualified for OCS to an officer recruiter.

Tell your enlisted recruiter what's up, get that contract signed. Then go to the officer recruiter. See if you qualify, then put your package in for OCS. (it is more or less like applying to graduate school.)

Oh, and if you can go OCS, you should. You will be given much more opportunities to pursue higher education as an officer compared to being enlisted.

PS- You should be going in as an E-3. Then after your training school, you can take the test to be a Petty Officer 3rd class. You do get a little rank with your college degree.

Answer 5

whats the problem join the navy full time if you want to go back to collage they pay for it

Answer 6

I entered at 18, served for 6, got out and went to college. Then at 28

I re-entered the Navy and finished my 20 year career.

At 28 I saw 35 year old recruits.

One of my closest shipmates enlsited at 35 and retired at 55.