I want to join the NAVY and have a lot of questions...

[emdewa01]

I want to join up and I am planning on going to see a recruiter this next week, but I have some questions that I am itching to find the answers to before I go.

I am currently a senior in college and I graduate finally in December. I was planning on going into a career in education and I was wondering what my career options in the NAVY would be when it comes to the education field and/or getting my Masters degree in education while enlisted. I most definetely want to get my Federal Direct College Loans paid back and I have gotten some wonderful info about that, but if I want to join right after I graduate should I go into the (DEP) now? I haven't talked to a recruiter yet, but right now I am about 99% sure that I want to enlist as soon as possible. How long does the whole process take though? I know I will have to be medically cleared, take tests, be physically fit enough, and everything, but whole long does this process normally take? Any answers from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I know that when it comes to joining up, pay grade, and choosing a potential NAVY career it is going to take a NAVY recruiter to answer most of my questions, but this forum seems to be the only way right now that I can get any answers right now. Thank you all for your time!

[sweetmtn]

First let me ask what degree in college are you graduatig with? An AA or a BA? With a college degree you will not start at the bottom, and depending on the level of degree can greatly broaden your options. Yes, the military will help pay off your loans, and yes you can continue your eduacation while in the navy. You can be in DEP now, as it is just that Delayed Entry Program. Being in DEP can help you be more prepared for boot camp with what you can learn while waiting to ship. I have seen some that just want to get to boot in a hurry, it can and has been done in as little as 30 days. I dont recommend that how ever! You would be better off being in DEp and having a set departure date.

[emdewa01]

Thank you for your response. I am graduating in December with a bachelors degree in History. I really do think I want to go the DEP route and prepare the next 6 months before I go. I am excited to go talk to a recruiter, but I feel like I am walking in there blind when it comes to a potential navy career. I just want to know all of my options and I hope that I will get all of the info I need when I meet with a recruiter.

[KYmom]

Welcome,
Dep is the way to go, and your time will count at the end of your enlistment on your reserve time. (If I remember correctly)
Do A search on post's by Pistol - He has answered some other questions basically like yours with some very good answers. They are worth doing a search and reading, and I am sure he will be along soon to answer your questions.

[MacGruff]

I would also suggest that you not confine your research to this board - as good as it may be!!

There is very good information about the kinds of jobs, and the process of enlisting, and serving, in other locations like usmilitary.about.com and military.com There are also other boards supporting the Navy.

However, do your research BEFORE you speak with the recruiter. Not trying to cast aspersions on the people who do that job, but there is a tendency to want to believe anything they say since they are "official" and all. It is best to do your own reading and studying - just like you leared during your years at college!!!

The Navy's web sites are also full of information on the benefits and job opportunities. Read, read, and read some more, and only then talk with the recruiter.

Oh! do not forget to post your questions here as you will find a bunch of very knowledgeable people online!

[cousinIT]

I would suggest you look at taking the Officer route having a bachelor's degree. I have a lot of friends with their degrees and wish they would have went Officer. I'm trying to do the same myself at the moment!

[emdewa01]

Thank you all for input and generous info. I talked to a recruiter today over the phone and my first order of business is getting my medical records from my ACL surgery I guess. I had the surgery 2 years ago and have totally rehabed it, but still have some pain from time to time. Will this be something I should worry about? I'm still unsure about a career/job though. I have been doing a lot of research and I am really liking the idea of being a Gunners Mate. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge about this job? Or any advice?

[MacGruff]

The medical standards that the Navy uses are on line. Search for them on google and go to the navy bureau of medicine area - that way you can see what they say about ACL surgery etc.

My son was considering becoming a GM and we looked it up. It really depends on you and what you are trying to accomplish - with a degree in Education, are you sure you want to not pursue anything that approaches your degree?

Also, CousinIT touched on another good point - many of those who enter the Navy with degrees go the officer route. Is there a reason you would NOT want to pursue that?

[AnteaterEMT]

Thank you all for input and generous info. I talked to a recruiter today over the phone and my first order of business is getting my medical records from my ACL surgery I guess. I had the surgery 2 years ago and have totally rehabed it, but still have some pain from time to time. Will this be something I should worry about? I'm still unsure about a career/job though. I have been doing a lot of research and I am really liking the idea of being a Gunners Mate. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge about this job? Or any advice?

I had the same surgery about 5 years ago any luck finding info?