Advice??

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anna on May 10, 2012 at 3:10pm

plum121,

Does she know what job (rating) she wants to choose?  If she does, she should ask if that rating is available or if there is a wait period for it.  Then she should look into her plan B or plan C.  The military has several overmanned ratings right now and that will make advancements a bit more difficult.  Is she looking for travel, opportunities for higher education, or just a steady career?  If she's not sure of anything yet then let the recruiter give her the speal.

Permalink Reply by Liz'smom ship 14 div 179 on May 13, 2012 at 9:35pm

Hey, I was in the same situation not too long ago. Have her start looking at the possible job ratings she would want. Make sure she picks 4-5 of them though as it varies on what is available when she goes to swear in. Has she taken the ASVAB? If not, I would try to find a local place ( I took mine at my high school) where she can take them. Have her study for them though. She needs a 50 to get into the Navy (Or so my recuiter tells me..) I hear the ASVAB for dummies book is really good, I wouldn't know personally because I didnt study for it. Her job ratings that she could choose from are affected by how well/poor she does on the test. The test itself isnt that hard.. ex.

1. Freezing most clearly means...
a. hot
b. windy
c.cold

Its really stupid actually and she could laugh at the questions. I know I did. The paperwork, it seems is never ending. It just goes on and on and on. Now have her join navydep.com. It should be accpeted in schools if shes in high school yet, at least I know I can get online during school. But anyways, you wouldnt believe the information you can find on there. Craig, the guy who runs it, can answer about any question you ask. Oh, tell her to not be afraid to ask questions. Someone will answer. Now her next step after all the paperwork is done at the recruiters office will be to go to MEPS.

MEPS... oh how awkward it is. When she goes down, she will probably stay in a hotel room the night before. Have her try to make acquaintences with the other girls (pray that she isnt the only one) It helps makes things less awkward.. (such as when they are all in only underware and bras doing excersises so the doctor can see if everything works properly) Make sure she brings regular panties (no thongs or boxers) Make sure she also doesn't wear any jewelery down. Have her take it all off. Tell her to get some good sleep, it is a very long day and she'll be dead tired by the end of it especially with having to be up at 4 in the morning.

Another thing.. have her start studying!! She'll need to learn everything by bootcamp anyways so it just helps to start studying now. Have her start with the Sailor's Creed, then move on to the 11 General Orders of a Sentry. Thats the hardest in my opinion to learn. She will get a START book when she swears in at MEPS and she'll have to know everything in that book.

And for you mom, the best advice i can give you is to read everything oyu can on here and it wouldnt be a bad idea to join navydep.com. The recruiter then cant play you for a fool.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Proudmama's daughter :)

Permalink Reply by plum121 on May 14, 2012 at 1:29pm

Thank you so much for the advice...it is very helpful since I am finally meeting the recruiter with my daughter tomorrow; last week he just met with her alone...Just to make sure she was certain this is what she wanted to do; so now it's my turn. I did learn she will be going in as a E3 not sure what that means yet but I will find that out as well. Thank you again and keep the advice coming....:-) I appreciate it!!

Permalink Reply by Anna on May 14, 2012 at 3:11pm

plum121,

E3 is her pay rate.  She must have some college background to start off at a higher rate than others.  But in bootcamp she will still be referred to as a recruit just like all the others.  Could help her though if she wants to get a leadership role while in bc.  Her rating is her job she gets.  Always a two, sometimes three letter abbreviation.  That will determine what A school she gets.  Please keep us posted - we are here to help you all we can.

And thanks proudmama's daughter for jumping in here and giving some really good insight!!!  I hear you are going UT??  Wishing you all the best in your future!!!!

Permalink Reply by plum121 on May 14, 2012 at 3:35pm

Thank you Anna and I will definitely keep you posted..this site is a great tool and I am thankful for it!!

Permalink Reply by Liz'smom ship 14 div 179 on May 14, 2012 at 6:43pm

Yea it is UT, to be honest though I'm trying to switch it to MA. I wanted that one when they offered it but I couldnt have it due to not having my drivers liscence. I go tomorrow to hopefully get it. Its funny actually, I'm on here more than my mom is. lol

-Proudmama's daughter

Permalink Reply by 2 in the service on May 14, 2012 at 3:31pm

Plum121 - thanks for asking this question.  My sister is starting the process with her daughter who is still in high school.  I'm not sure they have one of the "good" recruiters that will give her the straight scoop.  The advise of the Moms here will help me talk to my sister.  

Permalink Reply by plum121 on May 14, 2012 at 3:36pm

Well I wish her all the best and this site is a great tool to find out the real scoop :-)!! Take care!

Permalink Reply by 2 in the service on May 14, 2012 at 3:41pm

Thanks for the support.  I have a daughter who is a LTjg but her journey was so different.  We are all rallying around my sister to make sure that the decision her daughter makes is an informed one.  The Navy has been a wonderful experience for my two and hopefully it will help my niece launch her life too.  Best wishes to your daughter as she starts her new career!

Permalink Reply by plum121 on May 14, 2012 at 4:20pm

Thank you so much!

Permalink Reply by Liz'smom ship 14 div 179 on May 14, 2012 at 6:45pm

tell her to read everything she can. I'm lucky and i have one of the good recruiters who will tell it to me straight mostly because he cant get anything past my mom due to her always reading on this site and Navydep.com. I tell you, it really does come in handy.

-proudmama's daughter :)

Permalink Reply by 2 in the service on May 15, 2012 at 4:51pm

Thanks, I will hound her to get on N4M and read, read, read!  I agree that there is a wealth of information here and lots of support too...:)

Good luck to you as you start your career as part of the Global Force for Good!