How to get the absolute very best program the Navy can offer you.

This message is aimed at those readers who have not yet 'done the deed' and joined the Navy, but are seriously considering joining. The intent is to give you some pointers on 'working the system' to get into the best available program which suits your interests and qualifications.

Two points I want to make right up front.

Point #1) Remember always that up until you raise your right hand in front of the flag and 'solemnly swear', YOU hold all the power in the enlistment process.

Point #1) Remember always that up until you raise your right hand in front of the flag and 'solemnly swear', YOU hold all the power in the enlistment process. (I wrote that twice, in case you missed it the first time.)

Point #2) Your recruiter is an important person in the process, but he/she has no power to promise you any program or training.

Before I scare you off with that last statement, there is such a person (who can make promises) but you haven't met them yet. More on this later.

But OK, first things first. Unless you have a brother, cousin, sister, parent, or other person close to you in the Navy, or have been in Sea Scouts, NJROTC, or some other similar program, you probably only have a vague idea about what sort of occupational programs might be available to you. (In fact, you may only have a vague idea of what sort of occupation you'd like to be involved in, whether you joined the Navy or not!)

So the first part of the process ought to be 'information gathering'.

Fortunately for you, the internet is loaded with reliable descriptions of what Sailors do, where they do it, and what it takes to qualify for the various occupations. One of the best I've found is Navy Occupations at . Before you even talk to a recruiter, browse there and other similar sites, and get some very general overall feel for the kinds of jobs that might interest you. At this point in the game, don't get too locked in on any specific job but just get familiar in general terms with the kinds of things out there.

Next, get ready to go see a recruiter. Just like when you're buying a car, now is the time for you to just "do some tire kicking", and you want to have in mind a general idea of your interests as well as what you're NOT interested in (you don't want him showing you mini-vans if your interest is in SUV's). Be open and share information with the recruiter --- he'll want to know about your educational background, your general occupational interests, your level of "adventuresome quotient", and your general "timetable". The recruiter will also want you to take a preliminary multiple-choice written examination to gain a general idea of your academic qualifications. This test doesn't carry any real weight when it comes time to enlist, but try to do well on it anyhow because it will tend to guide the recruiters into what programs you'll likely qualify for. The recruiter will also ask you to fill out a form asking medical screening form. (Be truthful in this form and any other forms you're asked to fill out without hiding any information, so that any "bumps in the road" are known ahead of time and they can be dealt with in a non-urgent manner.)

OK, so based on all of this, you can now "kick the tires a little harder, and pop the hood for a look", and start exploring with the recruiter the possible options which are likely to be available to you. While you're doing this, keep in mind my Point #2) Your recruiter is an important person in the process, but he/she has no power to promise you any program or training.

Now then, you've asked a lot of questions, maybe opened some new areas of interest and asked more questions, and your recruiter is urging you to take the next steps. At this point, pause and rethink what you've learned about the Navy and about your interests and see if they really seem to match up.

If you're still interested, it's time to get yourself some offers. You do this by going to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). (At this point, remember again my Point #1) Remember always that up until you raise your right hand in front of the flag and 'solemnly swear', YOU hold all the power in the enlistment process. Going to MEPS does not mean you are obligated in any way to join the Navy!

At MEPS three (or maybe four) things will happen to you.

Thing #1) You'll take a computerized test called the ASVAB. This test COUNTS, so don't come tired from an all-nighter with your buddies, under the weather from the flu, or any other thing which prevents you from doing your very best work. The results of this test will determine the types of occupational programs that you can be offered. (Published study guides and online practice tests (some free) are available if you feel a need to get a leg up on this. Just google ASVAB.)

Thing #2) You'll be given a thorough medical/physical examination.

Thing #3) (Presuming you passed the physical) Remember way back when I told you you'd meet someone who can make you some promises? You'll now meet with a Navy "Classifier" or job counselor. Right now he/she is the most-absolutely-important-person-in-the-Navy as far as you're concerned. This person, based on your ASVAB scores and physical exam, will determine what Navy programs are available to you. Be open and aggressive with this person! Make sure you understand what they're offering you (and remember Point #1). Don't jump on the first offer (unless it's really really incredibly drop-dead great) --- the classifier will be trying to fill the soonest seats first, and quite frankly the near-future school openings are often pretty 'picked over like the clearance table at Wal-Mart. If the 'perfect fit' doesn't pop up, on the first or second try, don't dispair. The further into the future you guys look (within reason), the more varied the options will be. Keep looking!

OK, it may happen that no really 'perfect' option pops out of the classifiers computer, or a couple come up that seem pretty good but you need to examine a little more. Feel free at any time end the search, go home and 'sleep on it'. You haven't done anything yet which obligates you to enlist in the Navy. Don't do anything you're not convinced is an excellent deal for you. Your tests don't expire right away, so nothing is lost by taking your time to gather more information or ponder a decision. Go home.

Maybe Thing #4) Hey, it happens. In fact it happens a LOT! You and the classifier (#3 above) find a program that's an excellent fit to your qualifications, you have a long-time interest in that type of work, and the active duty date is right in line with your needs. It's time to enlist. Take a deep breath, count to 7,000, take another deep breath, make SURE you understand everything you've been offered, and sign the paperwork, getting an explanation about any foggy thing you see. Congratulations --- you're (almost) in the Navy! Until you actually raise your hand, Point #1 at the start of this posting still applies.

If you're still with me here (sorry for being so long winded) my message is this. A good Sailor in the right job will be a huge success, for themself and for the Navy. A good Sailor in not the right job will be less successful, for themself and for the Navy. Do everything you can to put yourself in the right job. Hopefully I've given you some useful pointers in that direction.