View Full Version : Enlisting with a degree
bigadam5
11-25-2009, 01:02 PM
I take a lot of slack because I have enlisted with a degree(especially engineering I am told). Just wondering how common it is to see people with a bachelor's degree enlist? I have witnessed at least one other on this board, and I know there is another in my DEP group who has his degree. Just wondering how common it is out in the fleet(I know there are a lot who obtain degrees while in the Navy, but I am wondering how many enlisted come in with one?)
And Happy Thanksgiving to all.
sweetmtn
11-27-2009, 01:07 AM
Depends on the degree..are you talking about an Associates or a Bachelors?
jkitchen09
11-27-2009, 12:39 PM
I will be applying for OCS soon, once you have a 4 year definitely should try for officer, and enlist after if you dont get accepted to OCS
bigadam5
11-27-2009, 11:29 PM
Bachelor's is what i have
sweetmtn
11-28-2009, 07:32 PM
Well, it is done, but having a Bachelors degree wont get you any higher in rank than an Associates..both go in as E-3. Having a Bachelors you could be eligable to go in an officers program..just not sure on that. I would check out OCS, but it depends on how many years you want to spend in the navy. Officers generally go in for a longer enlistment time. You should talk to an Officer's Recruiter, that is the person who would have the correct answers for you.
bigadam5
11-29-2009, 02:15 PM
I have looked into the officer side already. My GPA was above a 3.0 but not high enough for what I wanted to get into(Nuke or bust was my motto). So I enlisted. My father was also an officer in the Army and retired after 25 years or so. I know what he went through(I know apples and oranges) but if I would have to go in similar methods of stress to him, no thank you.
...but if I would have to go in similar methods of stress to him, no thank you.
But you do understand that the enlisted community is not in anyway stress free?
sweetmtn
11-29-2009, 07:18 PM
So you enlisted as a nuke..talk about STRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!! My son is a nuke..and I can tell you some real horror stories from school to fleet!
MacSteve
11-29-2009, 08:30 PM
did he just say officers are more stressed then enlisted??
LOL
StarShade
12-12-2009, 10:05 AM
Unless you are very good at memorizing, you are going to hate nuclear training.
Well, it is done, but having a Bachelors degree wont get you any higher in rank than an Associates..both go in as E-3. Having a Bachelors you could be eligable to go in an officers program..just not sure on that. I would check out OCS, but it depends on how many years you want to spend in the navy. Officers generally go in for a longer enlistment time. You should talk to an Officer's Recruiter, that is the person who would have the correct answers for you.
Officers get a higher first enlistment from what I understand, then after that they can walk away when they want too.. no more enlistments.... thats why E1-E9 is enlisted.
Retired Navy Chief
12-12-2009, 09:54 PM
Not sure who you are talking to that is giving you slack for going enlisted with a degree ... there are a lot of people who let pride get in the way of a good life.
"I have a degree so I couldn't possibly stoop to the level of being an enlisted person" seems to be a common misconception.
Some people seem to think that going officer is everything and that you get some kind of a better life because of it. I'm one person who disagrees with that.
The pay is better ... ok, I give you that ... but noone joins the military to make money, so you might as well join to have fun and get the most out of it.
Now that I have bashed the officer community ... let me say that we need them to fight wars. That is their purpose ... leading us to battle and providing the leadership needed to win. And the Navy makes damn good officers. (of course it is the enlisted Chief's that provide the kick in the pants they need to become leaders ... hehehe).
What job did you get ?? Is it something that you will be able to use your degree in ?? I can tell you, the Navy is now geared up towards ALL enlisted Sailors needing degrees in order to advance. They are already requiring this from the Chiefs in the Navy. You, my friend, have a head start that will serve you well.
Be happy with your path ... you can always go officer later on and will have a head start for that as well. You are in the cat's seat, bud !!
Cheers,
PISTOL
sweetmtn
12-12-2009, 10:25 PM
Officers get a higher first enlistment from what I understand, then after that they can walk away when they want too.. no more enlistments.... thats why E1-E9 is enlisted.
Point was that he was going ENLISTED not the Officer track..so as I said, wether you have an AA or BA degree, going enlisted wont get you started any higher than E3. But will help you down the line.
and I'm telling you when your an officer you dont reenlist.
MacSteve
12-14-2009, 06:41 AM
Not sure who you are talking to that is giving you slack for going enlisted with a degree ... there are a lot of people who let pride get in the way of a good life.
"I have a degree so I couldn't possibly stoop to the level of being an enlisted person" seems to be a common misconception.
Some people seem to think that going officer is everything and that you get some kind of a better life because of it. I'm one person who disagrees with that.
The pay is better ... ok, I give you that ... but noone joins the military to make money, so you might as well join to have fun and get the most out of it.
Now that I have bashed the officer community ... let me say that we need them to fight wars. That is their purpose ... leading us to battle and providing the leadership needed to win. And the Navy makes damn good officers. (of course it is the enlisted Chief's that provide the kick in the pants they need to become leaders ... hehehe).
What job did you get ?? Is it something that you will be able to use your degree in ?? I can tell you, the Navy is now geared up towards ALL enlisted Sailors needing degrees in order to advance. They are already requiring this from the Chiefs in the Navy. You, my friend, have a head start that will serve you well.
Be happy with your path ... you can always go officer later on and will have a head start for that as well. You are in the cat's seat, bud !!
Cheers,
PISTOL
who said the officer community isn't fun? :angel:
Retired Navy Chief
12-14-2009, 05:17 PM
Those of us who don't drink with our pinky extended !!
Har-de-har-har
Cheers,
PISTOL
MacSteve
12-14-2009, 09:07 PM
:undecided:.....
sailor_pianist
12-23-2009, 03:34 PM
Hey Adam,
Remember me? I'm in the same boat as you.
As for me, I'm definitely enlisting with a Bachelor's. I think your basis for whether or not to apply to OCS should be centered around long-term goals. Personally--as of right now--I don't intend on retiring from the Navy. If I did, I would probably have applied as an Officer. Secondly, I love the idea of having my student loans repaid while I serve my country. I know officers make more which is why they are ineligible, but even on an officer's salary, it would take me three times as long to pay off my loans on my own, than if the Navy paid them off. Having this huge debt covered is of great importance to me. I also opted for more hands-on experience. From what I hear from family members in the military, officers handle more of the administrative duties. They have more of a leadership role, but I'm looking for more pragmatic, hands-on experience from the Navy. The career I would like to have when I get out (Air Traffic Control) values the hands-on control experience the Navy offers its sailors. It's a choice of "doing" or "dictating". Personally, I prefer "doing".
I noticed people are quick to perfunctorily ***ume that if you have a bachelor's you should unquestionably apply as an officer. They don't choose to examine the personal context that would reflect your decision (ironically, I've also experienced the same problem when deciding not to go Nuke). I've had to defend my decision countless times, so I understand where you're coming from.
Do what you think is best...
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