Newly sworn in

[ccouch2880]

Hi my name is Chrissy and I just joined the Navy yesterday and I have some questions about my job. I was wondering what are the pros and cons of the Seaman Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Program. I have read what the Navy has said about it but the only post the good stuff. Has anyone been through this so I can get a real persons point of view. I would greatly appreciate any information yall have. Thanks in advance.

[MacSteve]

are you going undesignated? from what I understand this program is only for the undes crowd.

[Retired Navy Chief]

Chrissy ... CONGRATULATIONS !!!

As you no doubt realize ... it's not easy to get in the Navy these days. You found a way to get your foot in the door and with a bonus of being able to gain On-the-Job-Training while you find the job that suits you the best.

The Navy has used apprenticeship training for many years ... commonly referred to as "going in undesignated". Many highly decorated and successful Sailors came in the Navy as undesignated.

This recent change to the apprentice program "Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Program" (PACT) is available for people entering into the aviation (APACT), engineering (EPACT) and surface aka basic seamanship (SPACT) job fields.

The main difference that I can see to the program from what it used to be ... is the fact that it has been streamlined to getting you settled into Apprentice level formal training and on the job training that will lead to a viable career field within two years on board their first Permanent Duty Station.
It used to be ... you could join the Navy as an apprentice and serve your entire first 4 years without having an actual rate. Not that many people did that because the Navy leadership doesn't like Sailors to become stagnant in their careers .... but it could happen.

Through the PACT program that you signed up for ... the Navy will be able to better assist in your personal and professional development. The Career Information Management System (CIMS) will be used to monitor your Career Development Boards and rating eligibility screening will continue to be mandated to ensure that you are placed into a career path they you are eligible for.

Bottom line ... you won't get lost in the crowd ... you wil be guided towards success !!

Again ... congratulations .... make the most of the opportunity, OK ??

Cheers,
PISTOL

[Navyboy19]

congrats what is your rate

[MacSteve]

congrats what is your rate

shes going undesignated

[Jakenash]

From what I saw at classifications in boot camp, There was a lot of miscommunication about this program with the people that were in it in my division. It seemed to amount to them telling you what rate you were going to get when you processed through at great lakes. depending on which of the three main fields you chose, you will become an apprentice in one of those categories rates. If your Surface(white stripes), think bosuns mate, Gunners mates, Yeoman, Engineering(Red Stripes) think Damage control, Hull Technician (if you don't know the pleasures of this rate, look into it, because you could be like my rack mate that was assigned it) And aviation(Green stripes) has AV Bosuns mate Fuel, Aviation Ordinance etc. It's pretty much like they said, Undes with a career track.