Wanting to join (enlistment to officer)

[palmerca]

I'm currently in my freshman year at the University of South Carolina and being just another student here isn't really cuttin' it. I feel like the world's just passing me by and I want to get out there and do something big, but I want to start now. I grew up as a Navy kid and have wanted to join, but I was the one in the family that was "college bound" (so my parents including my Navy retired dad said no). I've recently been goin through the steps of joining the Navy (MEPS in a few days) and am wanting to finish up my freshman year; then, I'm wanting to leave the "full-time student" deal behind and go on in the Navy. I've heard many people's opinions on the matter (mostly negative) and am just wanting to hear people of the naval community's opinions on if I'm making an "o.k." - "good" decision.

And, what kind of timing (and difficulty) would it take to be able to take advantage of the STA-21 program (I know, that type of thing would be FAR off from now, but just looking down the long road) and getting my B.S.E. while enlisted to move on to becoming an officer?

[NavyMomx2]

First of all - welcome to our site and our Navy family.

As far as making the right or a good decision - I think that is something that has to come from within - no one can tell you if it is right or wrong for you. From reading your post it sounds like you have an idea of what it will take down the road to accomplish your goals and you must have some Navy knowledge from your dad and living the Navy kid life, so you know what can be in store for you.

Do your research, ask a lot of questions and then follow your heart. Maybe you can ask your dad why he is such a strong NO at this point. Listen to what he has to say - discuss your options with him - just keep that communication open.

Best of luck to you and please keep us informed on your progress.

[palmerca]

Well I really do want to join, but even friends of mine that are going in to the Navy after they graduate and get their degrees are saying I'm making a big mistake if I enlist now.

I know that everyone hears a lot of negative and positive feedback when it comes to the decision of joining the military (and that I'm supposed to ignore it), but a lot of these people giving me the negative advice are people that actually HAVE made something of their lives.

As far as my dad goes, he's the kind of person that ignores someone for a few months or more if they don't do something to his liking (including family; main reason why I haven't told him about it yet)

[Kristie]

Welcome to the cafe.....we are glad that you are here and that you want to serve your county....thank you for that.....ultimately you will have to do what you want to do and what will make your life happy for you.....personally I think it is a great decision.....our daughter decided that college was not for her after a year also and joined the navy....but she does have instructions to complete a degree before she gets out or her dad will kick her butt.....lol

You will find a bunch of info here about STA-21 program https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/ keep us posted on how it is going.....your family will come around when they see how happy you are....

[NCMEDIC]

I totally agree with the 2 above, it has to be totally your call. While it's not fresh in my head I did some reading and the Sta-21 program would be a GREAT thing to get into...sure wish I could have.

[palmerca]

I appreciate the advice. I decided that I'm going to go through with it. I just won't tell my dad about it until right before I'd ship out for basic.

[Kristie]

I wish you the best and I will be praying for the time that you tell your family....let us know how it goes and please encourage your mom and dad to join us here so that we can encourage them.....

[KYmom]

I appreciate the advice. I decided that I'm going to go through with it. I just won't tell my dad about it until right before I'd ship out for basic.

LOL. . . . Sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do.
Good Luck.

[Tyler's Dad]

Since your ultmate goal is to be an officer, finish the next three years of undergrad and join as an O. Believe me, completing school on very limited free time as an enlisted rate would be ten times more difficult.

[Retired Navy Chief]

I applaud you for stepping up and making your own decisions. Your dad has your best interests in mind and has witnessed first-hand how difficult it can often be to finish a degree while working a full time Navy job. Don't hold it against him. Best thing you can do is to sit him down, man to man and tell him what your goals are and why you have chosen the path that you have. He may still disagree with your choice but he will respect you for being your own man and standing up for yourself.

My opinion is that if the school thing isn't making it for you right now .... do what your heart tells you the right thing to do is. Believe me, there are far worse things that you could be doing with your life than joining the Navy !!!

You only get to go through this life once (as far as I know) so you need to do what is right for you. Welcome to adulthood !!

Good luck in your decision,
PISTOL

[NavyMomx2]

I so enjoy reading your replys and posts PISTOL - you explain things so well...guess that's why you made Chief. We are lucky to have you on this site!

[eruptklot]

I agree with everyone here. You have to make the choice that is right for you and what you feel would be in your best interests. The Navy and College are both excellent choices and each have their positives and negatives. When I started out college I always kept looking at the Navy as something I wanted to go into but for me it just was not the right time. I ended up finishing both my Bachelors and Masters before joining and am glad that I did join. Each of us are very different with what we want for our lives and we have to search and do what we feel will be the best for ourselves.

I would suggest to do a lot of research on what it is you want to do in the Navy and weigh the positives and the negatives with your collge options. Education can be good but at times I have seen experience and ttime in a career pay off just as well. IF you ahve further questions I am here to help.

[SeaBeeMom]

I am going to chime in and give my opinion, my favorite thing to do!::angel:
I think you should follow Tylers dad's advice and finish college first. I am sure that is what your dad is thinking too.

If you don't need the money, then let the folks pay your way. It will make them way more happier in the long run.

Imagine if you drop out of school now and enlist then you will be with all your buddies and pals, working full time and trying to go to school at night while they are out partying and having fun. You think it is hard to stay in school now with all your friends who are in the same boat as you, out partying and having fun and knowing you have to go to class in the morning, well try it when you are the only one home studying and they are all out having fun.

Good luck with whatever you choose but statistics are against you for getting a full time job and finishing school.

[palmerca]

Well another problem (not at all part of my incentive for the Navy) is the money. I'm having enough problems as it is with funding college at the moment.

[Retired Navy Chief]

Well another problem (not at all part of my incentive for the Navy) is the money. I'm having enough problems as it is with funding college at the moment.


There are several financial programs offered in the Navy to help defray those costs .... I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do with my GI Bill.

Kinda nice to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it :biggrin:.

Cheers,
PISTOL