Freaking Out!

[chrisghs15]

So I just got back from MEPS Thurs. night and as soon as I walked in the door to my house it hit me like a ton of bricks. Thoughts began racing through my head. I just signed a 6yr contract. I will be 24 when I ship to boot camp...30when I can get out of the Navy. I did get Corpsman though, and I did get a total of $12,000 is signing bonuses ($6,000 for going corpsman, $6,000 for college credit). I was told it would be a 4yr contract by my recruiter which for some reason sits with me way better that 6yrs. I dont know what happened, I thought I was so sure about wanting to do this, now I am practically having a panic attacks, literally. I know this my sound like I am a wimp or whatever, but I was hoping someone would be able to help me, with some advice, motivation, personal experince, a few words of encouragement, anything. Thanks and sorry.

[Wild.Irish.Rose]

The contract for HM is 5 years long and adding another year to get the bonus isn't all that bad. Think about how quickly these last couple years have gone by. :] So, again, just take a deep breath in.... and out. You'll be just fine. Write down the reasons that you joined and go through them in your head when you start panicing. I was the same way after I signed the contract, but I mostly kept it to myself and confided in only one person [I don't have very much support going in]. After about a month or so, my panicing went away and was instead replaced with nervous butterflies [like the kind you get on a first date, hahaha!]. I think what really helps is going to the weekly DEP meetings and thinking with such pride of what I'm going into and what I'll be doing. I so badly want a leadership position whenever I go into boot and I really want to stand out in the positive shining way. I want to be top of my class through Corpsman training and hit HM3 ASAP. And I'm darn well determined to make E-3 before I leave. I think I transferred all that nervous energy I had into goals and a strive-for-the-best attitude. Know what I mean? Just think that 12,000 is going to look reeeeal nice in your bank account. ;]

Anyway, my point is-- don't fret so much. You're giong to be doing something great with your life! Now that you've made the big step, start preparing yourself by running, doing push-ups and sit ups, as well as memorizing your general orders, sailors creed, and all that good stuff! Then you'll be set to go once the time comes.

When is your ship date?

[illinois doc]

Just remember. All military members are obligated to an 8 year military service obligation (MSO). With that being said, the 4-6 years that were mentioned are your Active Duty Obligation. Afterward, you still have 2-4 years in the individual ready reserve. Sorry to burst anybody's bubble here. I am enjoying my time in so much that I stayed drilling after my obligations. I didn't re-enlist, just changed my IRR time. However you choose to serve, I bid you good luck and hope to see you in the Fleet.

Illinois Doc.

[8404]

Chris:

A large part of your anxiety is more in likely due to fear of the unknown. You probably have never been away from home before and are young.

This is by far one of the most important decisions you have ever made and certainly one of the most difficult.

It can be scary at first, but once you ship, the unknown will quickly be revealed to you by your RDC's. oorah!

[Corpsman_Billy]

Chris:

A large part of your anxiety is more in likely due to fear of the unknown. You probably have never been away from home before and are young.

This is by far one of the most important decisions you have ever made and certainly one of the most difficult.

It can be scary at first, but once you ship, the unknown will quickly be revealed to you by your RDC's. oorah!

Haha, I'm not sure if the mention of RDC's is much encouragement 8404.

But, the other morning when I woke up it kind of hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm going to be gone away from my family for 5 years. So far I haven't been away from them for more than a week at a time. Hell, I'm going on a trip in November and I will be gone for 3 weeks which will be the longest and furthest that I have been from my home. Either way, the Navy will take care of you. Don't worry, 5 years is not that bad in the whole scope of things. Think of EVERYTHING that you will see and do in that amount of time, the people you will meet and the friends you will make. Not only that, but think of the life lessons you will walk away with. All of these things, you wouldn't experience unless you signed that contract.

[8404]

Haha, I'm not sure if the mention of RDC's is much encouragement 8404.

True that, but I couldn't resist, as I reflect back to my days at bootcamp.

:D

BTW: Excellent advice Billy.