Active Duty Questions

[bsmith35]

I had originally planned to join as NPSB Reserve. However, my wife and I have discussed Active Duty. I have a few questions about it (if anyone can answer them)...

1. After FMSS, how will my orders be written? Will I have the opportunity to go greenside? My recruiter said after FMSS they write your orders and either assign you greenside or they will ask, meaning I will make the descision. I know I will be a sailor first but I would really like togo Greenside (I am currently a Firefighter/Paramedic and I have worked in a hospital before and I can't say I liked it, I love being out on the street).

2. When I get my orders, how will my "move" be handled? (i.e.: assigned to 2ndMARDIV and have to move from Ohio to California). I am married with a new baby girl and I don't know how I will get them to me. Can you take leave? Does the Navy pay for it? etc.?

3. I think I am in good shape and my recruiter brought up Recon to me the other day. He gave me info on the pipeline and the schools I will go to but my question is: Are Recon constantly deployed? Will I have much time to spend with my family?

Thanks for any information you can lend me.

P.S. - Chief Crone: My recruiter told me that another HMC up at Great Lakes pushes for Recon HM's. I think his last name was Bayless(?) I can't remember what he said and now he is on leave. Will I be able to talk with him at A School to get in on a Recon INDOC? Thanks.

[Da-Chief]

I had originally planned to join as NPSB Reserve. However, my wife and I have discussed Active Duty. I have a few questions about it (if anyone can answer them)...

We can try let's see what you have here..

1. After FMSS, how will my orders be written? Will I have the opportunity to go greenside? My recruiter said after FMSS they write your orders and either asign you greenside or they will ask, meaning I will make the descision. I know I will be a sailor first but I would really like togo Greenside.

After test 8 you will pick orders, I can tell you that if you want to go green, the only reason you won't is if you ask for something else. There are plenty of billets availible in all Divsions.

2. When I get my orders, how will my "move" be handled? (i.e.: assigned to 2ndMARDIV and have to move from Ohio to California). I am married with a new baby girl and I don't know how I will get them to me. Can you take leave? Does the Navy pay for it? etc.?


You will be able to move your family with you. As soon as you go to bootcamp they get Dependant priv's.. When you are all finsihed with the entire pipeline, this when your family moves out to where your getting transferred. DO NOT BRING THEM WITH YOU UNTIL YOUR FINAL DESTINATION IS REACHED!!! The Navy will move them for you, and yes you will be able to get leave etc after school, provided you have some on the books and have not burned it all. Remember the Navy will pay for them to move, But household goods are limited on rank..


3. I think I am in good shape and my recruiter brought up Recon to me the other day. He gave me info on the pipeline and the schools I will go to but my question is: Are Recon constantly deployed? Will I have much time to spend with my family?


This is a tricky question. All HM"s are pretty much deployed a lot now. I cannot be more frank then this, if you are joining to get benifits, be with your family etc, our rate is "NOT" the right one for you. We are at war and are undermanned, especially Recon.. You will be out "ALOT". There are stand-down times, but every rule is made to be broken. We "ADAPT" and "OVERCOME".

Our term.. "Semper Gumby" Always flexible.


Thanks for any information you can lend me.

P.S. - Chief Crone: My recruiter told me that another HMC up at Great Lakes pushes for Recon HM's. I think his last name was Bayless(?) I can't remember what he said and now he is on leave. Will I be able to talk with him at A School to get in on a Recon INDOC? Thanks.
Yes I work with HMC Dave Bayless, and yes you will talk to him. If you do decide to go RECON, you will be a part of his and HMC Delarocca's Dive motivator program. They will PT the crap out of you. Remember you have to pass the screening process to go RECON.

Hope this helps ya..

Da-Chief

[bsmith35]

Sorry, double post.

[bsmith35]

Chief,

Thanks for the fast reply. In reguards to #3, my wife and I are both aware that HM's are usually deployed alot. We can work through it. However, will the Navy make you switch units and do back to back deployments or anything like that?

A few more questions:

1. If I choose to go Recon will my final duty station be after all of the pipeling and schools? I added them up and it was well over a year. Or will they assign me to a MARDIV then send me through the pipeline?

2. Do I get to choose, or at least request, which division I would like to be assigned to? I.e.: 1st, 2nd or 3rd? It doesn't matter to me but my wife would rather stay stateside.

3. Do I need to ask for anything specific in an Active Duty contract to request Greenside? I know all males go FMSS but should I get it put in writting?



Thanks again I appreciate all your help.