View Full Version : What is so bad about the U.S. NAVY???
BabyBlue_19
08-17-2008, 10:47
So currently I am in DEP for becoming a Corpsman in the U.S. NAVY. I have been pretty excited about getting ready to begin my NAVY career when I ship out in Feb. 2009, but of course I am nervous at the same time due to not really knowing what to expect. I plan to complete one more semester of my college career and then finish my degree with online courses while on active duty, if or when I have the time.
The issue that I am having while in DEP is that everyone I am around sees how much I am trying to prepare and want to do my best so I can be in a leadership type position, but for some reason I keep running into random people around town who have been former NAVY personnel but not recruiters and they tell me that I should try my best to get out of being in the U.S. NAVY. So I ask each individual why they say this and they tell me that it sucks. I mean obviously with all new things comes trial and tribulations throughout life that we as individuals have to go through but I am just trying to figure out why or what is it that makes people think the NAVY is so bad compared to other military branches? Is there something I am missing? Eventually as a person we all reach points where we have to decifer for ourselves what is just random talk and why people whould say what they are saying and I have been great at just staying focused on getting myself through bootcamp but I keep running into people here and there that just ruin everything I am preparing for.
Has anyone else went through phases of questioning their NAVY career? I mean I am still excited but since I keep finding people who tell me to get out of going into the U.S. NAVY, I can't help but question what it is that has made their experience in serving their country such a bad one. There are a few people that have told me that the NAVY is a great pathway to take in my life though and they think it will help me so it's not all bad things I am hearing about NAVY life. I just plan to stay in contact with the recruiters at the office and do my best to ask them what they think but since they are recruiters the chances are that they are just going to tell me the positives because it is their job to get me to join. So if you have any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it or if you can tell me a few things that seem to be not so great great about the NAVy then i would appreciate that as well?
Yo Blue!
We have two Navy Recruiters online, who are also Corpsman, who are upfront and honest with their responses. There user names on here are:
1.) Doc_D
2.) bigalsd (http://www.corpsman.com/forum/member.php?u=2034)
I admire you getting yourself prepared, I wish all Deppers would follow your example. Also, I would like to direct you to an article regarding RTC Recruit Leadership positions (http://www.corpsman.com/category/military-information/recruiting-information/).
On our main page, under "are you thinking of joining", there is the DEP-PQS booklet, which can be viewed online or downloaded. Lot's of stuff that will required knowledge at RTC.
Now, for my rant. Military service is NOT for everybody. You, more in likely, have met a few of these individuals. They are probably those, who have either had some bad experiences or ones who chose to do nothing with their time in the military. Another words, they were not proactive and chose not to better themselves professionally during their stint while in. Some of these people may have gotten themselves in trouble (UCMJ) due to NOT following the rules! Hmmm, even the civilian world has rules, yet there are individuals who are non-conformists and will buck the system every chance they get.
I believe if you look hard enough, you will find negative people, regardless if they are military or not! You will find that 10 percent who just doesn't fit in, ones who are never happy, ones who constantly get into trouble and those who never amount to nothing or complain incessantly.
Military service is what YOU make of it. Opportunities abound, regardless of the branch you are in! Don't listen to negativism.
Perhaps some of these people are just jealous of how well you're planning your career and the opportunities that they failed to pursue.
Food for thought!
Our very best to you.
mm3toHM3
08-17-2008, 12:01
Welcome to the Navy, congrats on joining! That said let me answer your questions/concerns...
Basically, the Navy doesnt "suck". The US Navy is only as good as it sailors, we are the backbone of the Navy, so if the Navy "sucks" then the sailors "suck".... terrible way to think.
Let me tell you the truth, being in the Military is only as good as you make. If you come in with the attitude of " F**k this, blah blah blah.. then yes it will suck. You have to have a good attitude and stay motivated. The people that say the Navy sucks are people who had a bad attitude, had a single bad experience, or were slackers.
On the other hand, you are in the military. It has its ups and downs. People are always complaining about deploymens and stuff. But I had a great time on Deployment... again, its all about your own PERSONAL atitude, and what you make of it.
Get to boot, get a leadership position, be squared away and have a good attittude and you will go far. I am about to hit my 2 year mark in the Navy, Im an E-3, fully qualified, and I really enjoy it. I might not exactly like where I am stationed, but I am getting everything I can out of it. I work on an aircraft carrier, I recieved 2 major qualifications, ESWS and EAWS.
Dont worry about the people out in town, worry about how you can make yourself better, worry about how you can make your self shine!!!! By doing that, you will have a good time, learn alot, get promoted, and make more and more money!!!!
~MM3
...People are always complaining about deploymens...
Stay out of the military if deploying is an issue with you. Knowing up front that we are at war and the possibility exists will lesson the chance of any enlistment surprises. Doh!
MM3;
Excellent response and congratulations on your full qualifications. oorah!
psencik1950
08-17-2008, 14:31
The old saying was (and I'm sure still is) - "A bitching sailor is a happy sailor."
BabyBlue_19
08-17-2008, 15:29
I just wanted to say thanks, that helped me out a lot with the leadership roles so I plan to look over them. I am already currently working on the DEP PQS but it really won't apply since I will have enough college credits but I am going to go ahead and do it anyways that away it looks good for later on on my file. Last week I actually lead the DEP meeting that we are required to attend once a month. My recruiter told me that I was the first to ever actually really volunteer to lead it; I plan to see if I can help out again sometime while in DEP. If you have any other advice on becoming a stronger leader or things that will help me to be better at leading before I leave for boot camp then please let me know:) I would greatly appreciate it.
...I am already currently working on the DEP PQS but it really won't apply...
It really won't apply as far as your rank of E-3, however it WILL apply as it contains 'required' knowledge for all Recruits at RTC. Keep that in mind.
Digest all of it prior to shipping out and incorporate that information at your DEP meetings.
For me, the worst part of the Navy was the last day I wore the uniform, 03 July 2007. I started my house/job hunting TAD the next day and retired on 31 July 2007.
If asked I would go back in a heart beat.
So currently I am in DEP for becoming a Corpsman in the U.S. NAVY. I have been pretty excited about getting ready to begin my NAVY career when I ship out in Feb. 2009, but of course I am nervous at the same time due to not really knowing what to expect. I plan to complete one more semester of my college career and then finish my degree with online courses while on active duty, if or when I have the time.
The issue that I am having while in DEP is that everyone I am around sees how much I am trying to prepare and want to do my best so I can be in a leadership type position, but for some reason I keep running into random people around town who have been former NAVY personnel but not recruiters and they tell me that I should try my best to get out of being in the U.S. NAVY. So I ask each individual why they say this and they tell me that it sucks. I mean obviously with all new things comes trial and tribulations throughout life that we as individuals have to go through but I am just trying to figure out why or what is it that makes people think the NAVY is so bad compared to other military branches? Is there something I am missing? Eventually as a person we all reach points where we have to decifer for ourselves what is just random talk and why people whould say what they are saying and I have been great at just staying focused on getting myself through bootcamp but I keep running into people here and there that just ruin everything I am preparing for.
Has anyone else went through phases of questioning their NAVY career? I mean I am still excited but since I keep finding people who tell me to get out of going into the U.S. NAVY, I can't help but question what it is that has made their experience in serving their country such a bad one. There are a few people that have told me that the NAVY is a great pathway to take in my life though and they think it will help me so it's not all bad things I am hearing about NAVY life. I just plan to stay in contact with the recruiters at the office and do my best to ask them what they think but since they are recruiters the chances are that they are just going to tell me the positives because it is their job to get me to join. So if you have any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it or if you can tell me a few things that seem to be not so great great about the NAVy then i would appreciate that as well?
Blue,
This is going to seem random but I once had a Command Master Chief, CMDCM Lee Larson, tell me that it isn't a career until it is over.
On a VERY positive note, I found your post to be well thought out and direct, with respects to your questions and concerns.
It is human nature to question decisions that have been made, especially when you encounter other individuals that seemingly had negative experiences with our beloved Navy.
Every once in a while, I encounter people who voice their negative opinions about their Navy experience and I always ask them, " What are the positive things you got out of the Navy?"
More times than not, I hear, "not a thing." SO I counter with: You didn't meet any friends that your still keep in contact with? What about the opportunity to attend college? Did you learn any skills, trade or otherwise while in?
I hear a myriad of responses, from " Yeah, I still have friends from when i was on active duty to "well, I do have the GI Bill."
To end this, I would say to you, Every decision has positive and negative consequences. You have already shown that YOU have something inside of you that most Americans do not outwardly express, their patriotism and their innate ability to see something greater than themselves.
NO ONE, other than yourself, will ever be able to tell you that you have made the right decision. I would be honored to serve with you.
Respectfully,
Doc_D
U.S. Navy Representative
A.R. Gomez
08-29-2008, 23:59
I got some of the same comments when i was in your shoes, and all i can say is consider the sources of such negative feed back.
Everyone has a different experience in the Navy and we all react to what we encounter differently. As the saying goes, "Choose your rate, you choose your fate." By this I mean that maybe the job some of these people had when they served wasn't best fitted for them. I love being a corpsman, but when i think about the idea of being in another line of work in the Navy i think it could take the enjoyment out of serving my country. If you make all the money in the world but hate your job is it really worth it?
Another thought is that if the Navy was easy, everyone would do it. Not to be mean, but there are a lot of people that i see in this uniform, who in my opinion, don't rate to wear it. The Navy doesn't ask too much from those who serve, and it is laid out in black and white what will be tollerated and expected. However, some people seem to feel like everyone owes them something in life. For individuals who are afraid of hard work and cannot stay out of trouble, the Navy will eventually show them the door.
You sound like a very goal oriented, self motivated person. Someone with these qualities should do just fine in the Navy. Good luck in all your endevours and let us know if you need anything, this is a great place to learn.
neofreud
09-05-2008, 20:35
Blue,
This is going to seem random but I once had a Command Master Chief, CMDCM Lee Larson, tell me that it isn't a career until it is over.
On a VERY positive note, I found your post to be well thought out and direct, with respects to your questions and concerns.
It is human nature to question decisions that have been made, especially when you encounter other individuals that seemingly had negative experiences with our beloved Navy.
Every once in a while, I encounter people who voice their negative opinions about their Navy experience and I always ask them, " What are the positive things you got out of the Navy?"
More times than not, I hear, "not a thing." SO I counter with: You didn't meet any friends that your still keep in contact with? What about the opportunity to attend college? Did you learn any skills, trade or otherwise while in?
I hear a myriad of responses, from " Yeah, I still have friends from when i was on active duty to "well, I do have the GI Bill."
To end this, I would say to you, Every decision has positive and negative consequences. You have already shown that YOU have something inside of you that most Americans do not outwardly express, their patriotism and their innate ability to see something greater than themselves.
NO ONE, other than yourself, will ever be able to tell you that you have made the right decision. I would be honored to serve with you.
Respectfully,
Doc_D
U.S. Navy Representative
This is random and off topic, but Master CHief Larson is awesome. He was a patient of mine and in the short time we spent together he motivated me so much. He is the type of person that really makes you proud to be in the navy and makes you want to strive to excell!
He even gave me and the doctor a tour of the place he works at in Washington DC! It was awesome!
So just to stay on topic in response to the inital post. I have been in the navy for two years and by no means am an expert. But this short journey so far has been the best time of my life. I have no regrets at all, and if i knew then what i know now I would have joined the navy even faster! :D
There are people who are in and out of the navy who complain bitch and moan and make it seem like its the worst thing to ever happen to them. I know people say this all the time but it really is what you make of it. Your time in the navy is 10 % Your command, your shipmates, your leadership and 90% what you do to make the best of it.
Everyone has a shitty boss, a bad day, or dumb co workers. Its life. Its up to you to make the best of it ! Do not listen to the negativity and stay on track! I am sure you will make a fine sailor!
neofreud
09-06-2008, 17:16
You speak Russian? How awesome!
Специальные Операции
Tony, I want to remind you to keep OPSEC in mind!
DISCLAIMER: The following post may be offensive to people with a different opinion.
Let me tell you this. You are young, inexperienced, and naive.
If people are warning you about the Navy, then why not heed it, after all it is you who will face the consequences of your choice. There are some things wrong with the Navy. The Navy is not perfect, and I will tell you some of what I know. You have to make the decision that is right for you.
First off, I never deployed on a ship, but I was deployed Okinawa Japan and to the Philippines on a marine expeditionary unit (MEU). When I just got out of boot camp the entire battalion was over there in Iraq, except for Bravo company. I deployed to Oki with them, and then left for the 'Peens for the rest of the deployment.
The Navy is not that good if you want to get a college degree. When you do pursue it, you are faced with opposition in the form of working hours, obligations, maybe some jealous HM1s, and yes deployments. The Navy is not big on education as what it claims, although it mostly depends on the command that your at.
Those people that spoke to you might be negative, but they are telling you as how they see it and experienced it. Not everyone likes the Navy; some people love it to death while others want to get out ASAP. It all depends on the person. These corpsman here on Corpsman.com are very optimistic about the Navy and the Corpsman circle, but it is a personal choice. I know these veteran corpsman on here do not want a corpsman who is UNHAPPY to be a corpsman - trust me. There are more negative things about the Navy, but I'll leave it at that. If you want more insight on the Navy without the sugar coated pill that the recruiters give you, then you need to private message me.
If the recruiter called your house and you answered and joined the Navy, then it's probably best that you truly analyze that the Navy is about.
Not everyone is capable of being a corpsman. You have been warned.
True that! I've been to Okinawa, what's your point?
All, remember one thing, the fricken military hasn't drafted anyone in a long time! So that tells me y'all asked to join and the Navy was nice enough to let you play with them. And now, you're upset.
As a former infantry Marine (1974) I want to say just one thing. Aw heck, I can't say it here. ha ha ha I'd break my own rules! Dayum.
Whoa guy I was just saying that the military life is not for everyone you know. There's no need to get aggressive. I was just warning this kid that he might want to consider spending 4 years of his life in the military as the military is an obligation after you join and must be taken seriously.
No one ever gets those 4 years back.
I went to Okinawa for 1 month and then to the Philippines for a 6 month MEU. Let's all be mature and have a big cup of coffee!!!
ok im probably not going to say anything new in here because you have already been given some great advise. but im going to put in my own two cents anyway.
I know everyone has been in your shoes before. you have freedom loving pacifist hippies out there that hate the military even though they soldiers and sailors died for that freedom they love. and some who have had bad experience. I know even while you are in the navy you will face this. (your buddys will be like i should of joined the army). trust me i did it when i was in the army. but trust me the grass isnt always greener on the other side
but it is up to you to make the right decision. first off the best thing i can tell you to do is do not try to get out of the navy. You signed a contract and raised your right hand. no the military might not be for you. If your alot like my generation the military personality is dieing. for example You are expected to do your best work 24/7 for less pay then you would receive as a civi. and even the whole being told what to do alot of teens and young adults have trouble following a simple order just because they were told and not asked.
heed the warning people give you but always remember people have their own thoughts and thats always going to be that way. if i told you cherry cheesecake is the worst thing you will ever eat is that going to stop you from devouring that delicious gift from god? its up to you are you going lead and live your life to the best standards you can or are you going to let the lows and hardship of life keep you from it
Da-Chief
09-12-2008, 22:36
I will be honest with you shipmate.. The "1" big thing about being Navy and having our Job..
"BEING ASSIGNED TO THE MARINE CORPS"
Now this does not mean the way it sounds, What I mean is the Navy, the BIG NAVY, has "NO CLUE" as to what the FMF Doc does, the sacrifices we make.. NO ONE in another rate in the Navy with the exception of the RP understands what we go through, and because of this, quite a few times decisions are made that totally leave us in the lurch.
1. Sea Pay (How do you call it ardous duty to sit on your ass and sleep in a bed each night on a ship and get "SEA PAY", when most FMF Doc's are sleeping in Fox holes moving around etc.. )... This is a ongoing battle.. Hopefully MCPON Campa will get this long needed change.
2. When you come off a FMF Deployment with the Marine Corps and go to shore duty. There are folks who have never, ever done a tour like we do and don't understand the rigors a doc has and the time they need to adjust. HINT FOR ALL YOU "O's" out there.. "WE DON"T NEED TO BE MICRO MANAGED!!" If the fricken work is done at 1430 or 1500, why are we sitting looking at walls???
Now this is not to say the Marine Corps does not take care of it's folks (I.e Us). My BN bent over backwards for the "DOC's" who wanted to be a part of the 1/14 team. If you didn't We expedited you to another locale with the name "SHIT BAG" promintely attached to your last eval and in your record..
So you can understand those who complain.. They probably had a eval written by me when I sent them on their merry way..
;-)
Life is like a box of Chocolates.. you never know what your going to get..
Later..
D/C
Wild.Irish.Rose
09-18-2008, 13:51
Stay out of the military if deploying is an issue with you. Knowing up front that we are at war and the possibility exists will lesson the chance of any enlistment surprises. Doh!
MM3;
Excellent response and congratulations on your full qualifications. oorah!
There's a kid at work who's planning on joining the Marines, and then said that he doesn't want to deploy. I just walked away laughing. Hope he gets an admin job, because that's about as least likely as a deployment gets for those boys[and gals] [My friend who's admin had to BEG for his deployment, ha!]. Idiot. He tries to act all tough, though, and talks big, but then doesn't want to get his hands dirty. I wish I liked him enough to hear about his suffering through boot camp, but I can't stand the kid. Get tough and suck it up.
bobby knoxville
09-18-2008, 19:08
"Sucks" is such a general term, I say it probably a half dozen times a day and I am no longer in the military. There are aspects of all jobs civ and military that just plain "suck" and there is no gettting around it. It's how you deal with the "suck" that makes the difference, we all have different ways with coping. I have always felt that the good times outweighed the "suck" but it always seems that the "suck" sticks in your head the most. Just a few random thoughts from your semi-friendly neighborhood bartender.....
Doc_Stevens
09-25-2008, 09:32
I look at it this way.......what was my motivation for enlisting? At the time, we [the USA] were just coming out of Vietnam. I graduated high school and had only been in my little corner of Ohio at the time, venturing over the state line into Pennsylvania (my home town bordered the line) and into West Virginia because my aunt lived there and we visited once a year. Also, the economics of the area necessitated me finding work.....there were absolutely no jobs in the Northeast Ohio region.
I joined to get out of the small town I was in, receive an education and to travel.
Have I accomplished these? The answer is an affirmative YES !!!
There were some bad times:
The Hours
The Waiting (but the military teaches us to hurry and wait)
The Uncertainty of circumstances (we didn't know why we did things)
Field Day
Frequent duty days away from the family
The Good times:
New Friends
New Places
New Cultures
New Challenges
Wouldn't trade a thing regarding my experiences in the Navy. Glad I did it.....YES. Glad it's over, YES. Would I do it again? Another resounding YES
fourten_1995
09-25-2008, 15:32
from my experience ive been for about ten months now most of the people that are bitter are the ones that just chose the military to run away or forget about someone ... or they didnt understand there contract or let someone else chose their job for them my advice to you is to get a job you know you ll love and take that first step believe me its a big drop from wat you maybe used to but in the end youll look back and know that its worth it for me one of the greatest moments was when the ball capping ceremony after battle stations .... im not going to lie either that night i think everyone cried a little and relized they just did something that not everyone can do ! im proud to say that IM A UNITED STATES SAILOR ! hoo ya and good luck to you .... winters are horrible in chicago just a pre warning !
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