Any advise for us. Josh is getting ready for the ASVAB in 2 weeks. What should I do to get ready?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by KR - little one's proud mom on November 13, 2008 at 10:47am

I know that when my 17 year old daughter first took the ASVAB she didn't score high enough to get the rating that she wanted (MA). Instead of signing for something else she left. We bought her the book and she studied every night for a month and then went back and got the score she needed. For us, the two most important things were being well prepared for the test and willing to leave without signing if your son isn't happy with the jobs offered to him (that means really researching and understanding what all of the jobs are so when the classifier hands you the list of options you know what each job entails). Good luck!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura on November 13, 2008 at 10:52am

I am concerned you think the military forces other than Navy simply kill people. How sad,. All of our military has a job to do. Protect our country and if we are in a time of war then yes people lose their lives. The Navy has corpsman on the front lines taking care of the Marines and yes they too have a weapon. There is also engineers in the Navy on the front lines building facilities All military personnel are protectors not killers. My son is a Navy Corpsman,19 yrs old in a foreign country.. at the moment not in a war zone.., and I could not be prouder., no matter what branch of the service he may otherwise have chosen. GOD BLESS THE USA AND ALL MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARMY,NAVY,MARINES AIR FORCE, COAST GUARD...Thankyou each and everyone for your personal sacrifices.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debby on November 13, 2008 at 10:59am

To add a bit to what Laura said... My son is one of those "killers" he's a Navy Riverine he's currently on his second deployment to Iraq.. He doesnt really look at it as killing but protecting those of us who are at home.. and protecting our way of life.. I personally look at him as a Hero.. because he could have simply stayed in his rate where he'd be safe but he chose to become a Riverine... he chose to put himself in harms way for the good of our country!!! No one chooses to kill no one wants to kill another, but some choose to put themselves in that position so I can be at home safe.. Their sacrifice is why we live in the best damn country in the world...

As far as the asvab goes.. here are a few websites and books available to get your son ready.. there's not anything you can do other than support him.. he needs to study and be ready for it...

Debby PROUD RIVERINE MOM!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debbie (Stephen's mom) on November 13, 2008 at 11:09am

Hi,

My son is leaving on the 18th of November and he is going in with his Firemen3, he loves being a firemen, it is something to be proud of, I joke with him what's wrong with you, you are running into a fire while eveyone else is running out HA! HA!, I am sure your son will also love it. Best of luck to your son!

Debbie

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anti M on November 13, 2008 at 11:37am

Ah, being a Fireman doesn't mean he'll fight fires ... means he's going to be a "snipe", a sailor who works in structural mechanics or propulsion. The only rate which specifically fights fires is DC or Damage Control. Ask him!

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/fn.htm

General Info:

This enlistment program option enables men and women to qualify for one of several Navy engineering or mechanical skill specialties (ratings) through on-the-job apprentice training. The training received as a Fireman or in the related engineering skill specialties is equivalent to that received as an electrician, electrical or power plant/co-generation plant operator or supervisor, diesel mechanic, or electronics repair technician. Equipment associated with Fireman training includes propulsion and electrical generation gas turbines, and diesel engines; electronic machinery plant control systems and networks; and intricate electrical wiring and distribution systems.

The name Fireman enjoys a proud and storied history. The name originated in the days when the Fireman was responsible for keeping the fires burning in the ship’s boilers which were used to make steam. The steam powered large turbines then produced the ship’s electricity and turned the ship’s propellers.

After completion of recruit training, enlistees in the Fireman Apprenticeship Training program attend a three-week course on naval engineering fundamental skills in shipboard operations and evolutions.

After successful completion of this training, Firemen are usually assigned to shipboard duties where the Navy needs them the most.

Firemen can request and may receive on-the-job training in a rating that they are interested in, qualify for, and that is available at their first command by completing correspondence courses and personal advancement requirements. They must also be recommended by their Commanding Officer for the Navy rating they desire.

Firemen may also attend special Navy schools to learn about general damage control, shipboard fire fighting, preventive maintenance of special equipment, and the use of special tools used in the rating they are working in or seeking.

What They Do:

The duties performed by a Fireman include:

• standing underway engineering watches and operating analog, digital and plasmatic display units.
• using hand and power tools while working with complex machinery
• repairing, maintaining, and preserving engineering and associated equipment in preparation for underway operations
• keeping accurate electronic and written records
• observing safety standards associated with engineering machinery
• standing power plant and ship security watches while in port and underway
• operating electrical and sound-powered communication systems
• serving as a member of damage control, emergency, and rescue and assistance teams
• taking part in underway replenishment (transferring fuel and supplies from ship to ship at sea)
• working with qualified personnel to gain on the job training and experience, which will qualify for college credits.



Although technically, all sailors are taught to fight fires; you can't call 911 while you're out to sea.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Melony L. on November 16, 2008 at 11:20am

Hi Debbie my son also loves being a fireman, first thing he had to do when he turned 14 was get his work permit so he could become a Jr volunteer fireman, then on his 18th birthday when he was allowed to enter a burning building there was a structure fire, got alot of razzing from the other firemen because they never got a present like that LOL . He's been doing it ever since and he even got to put that knowledge to work when he fought the fire aboard the USS George Washington where he's stationed. He even found a picture of him in his tirnout gear that was taken by someone aboard the ship. check out my page to see it.
Best of luck to your son!!!!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura on November 13, 2008 at 11:26am

Amen..all military personnel are HEROES ..for they are the forces that keep us at home safe. Be proud to have your son choose the Navy or whichever branch he chooses..SUPPORT as a parent...thats all your job is and all you have to do ..God Bless your son and hopefully if he joins he goes in with the attitude that he too is a protector not a killer of our great land.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura on November 13, 2008 at 11:28am

God Bless you and your sailor

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kim on March 11, 2009 at 9:59am

HI My son is finishing up his EN school, and just got his orders. He said he is going to Little Creek to be a Riverine. I have been trying to do my research to gain as much knowledge as I could about the Riverine team only there doesnt seem to be much, or I am just not looking in the right places. Is there any info you can share with me. I know they are a special group of individuals doing very important dangerous work. Other than that I do not know much more. I guess I am looking for more info on what happens once he gets out of school and then goes to Little Creek. What is the next step? Any info you can provide me would be a wonderful help. Thanks!
Kim

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Damaris on November 13, 2008 at 11:21am

First, be proud of him and let him know how you feel. Encourage him and tell him not to put restrictions on his future. There is a whole new world that awaits him, you will see it in him as he experiences it. Tell him to be safe and be careful from those who would try to trap him because he wears a uniform. Encourage and support what he does. Life and the military will set a new stage for him and he needs to be open to new challenges and experiences. He will only pass this way once, go for it!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Achseh on November 13, 2008 at 12:00pm

My goodness, that's the most offensive thing I've heard in a while. The Navy has "killed people"--how many do you think can lose their lives with a single missle? A lot more than you can with a single shot from a sidearm. It's just that it's all sanitary and you don't usually have to see it happen or watch the people die from your perch at sea. Makes it easier for people to rationalize that they aren't really like those "killers" in the Army and Marines.

As for what YOU should do to get ready? Please, learn a bit about all that our military heroes do. They aren't just killing machines and the Navy isn't a trade school. Service to your country and sacrifice to protect your fellow citizen's rights is a high and honorable calling.

As for your son, he can take practice ASVABS at http://www.military.com/ASVAB

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura on November 13, 2008 at 12:39pm

Thankyou.you said it all. Our military is the PRIDE of our country

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last