Is the NAVY the right choice for my son??
Hi, I am new in this forum. My baby just enlisted a couple of weeks ago in the U.S. NAVY and he signed up a profile for myself. I would like to share a few of his concerns and hope you can be a little of a help. But for that I will have to tell you a little bit of his story.
We are from Brazil. I am still living here in Rio de Janeiro with my husband and my young kid. My oldest son( Rafael) is now 25 and he went to U.S. when he was 20 (in 2002). The main purpose of his trip was to learn the English language, since he was a pilot back here in Brazil, he needed to domain the language in order to get a job in a airline( is pretty much a requirement). He decided that 2 years would be more than enough to learn it. So he was conciliating his time between a part-time job and school so he could bay for his own bills.
So that was his plan in the beginning, but half way through the second year he started dating a girl from the town ( San Diego - California) and the relationship got serious. He was supposed to be back at the end of summer of 2005 but decided to stay because of the girl. Making long story short, they moved in together in December of 2005 and got married on Summer 2006. So his plans to come back to Brazil were over. Meanwhile he was moving up position on the restaurant he was working and made up to management position. At this time he was fluent in English so he could work full time for the company( the company's name is Taco Bell, I don't know if you ever heard about it). After the wedding he started his process to become an U.S. permanent resident. That took another year and half and he finally got it last February.
In November of 2007 he got hired by another company for a manager position. It is where his working now, but it's not fast-food anymore, is more like a buffet style with more employees to manager. He takes care of all HR and finances of the restaurant.
At this point he started to get frustrated of how his life has turned around to be in the food industry instead of aviation. That's when the NAVY comes in. He started his flight lessons again to convert his pilots license from Brazil to U.S. He will be done in a couple of months. But he wanted do something different. He has been working in the last 5 years in the food industry and just had enough of it, so he decided to join the NAVY to try to do something related to aviation. He was very happy in the beginning but now he's wondering if he did the right choice. He has lots of experience in managing business, leading employees, plus he speaks fluently English, Spanish and Portuguese(read,write,speak in all three). Here in Brazil he worked as a computer technician, plus he has the pilot license. He doesn't know what to expect from the NAVY since he is going to start way from the bottom as an E-1 as he said. He said he got a guarantee "A" school as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, but then after he signed the contract he got to know about an "C" school that nobody told him about and it seems it's harder than the "A" school but it would give him more knowledge to perform his task. His upset about it because nobody gave him the option and he knows he can do it. Is there still anyway for him to get into one of those "C" schools?
Another thing is about a college degree. He really wants to get a Bachelor's in something related to aviation but hows is he going to find the time for it?? They told him they take professor's to the ship, which at first he thought it would be great, but how would be possible for him to attend a class if in the average he would be working 16 hours a day. Will he ever get a "day off" while on the ship to attend a class, either with those professors or do some on-line course?
Another thing that upsets him is the lack of information from his recruiter. What would be a typical day for him as an Aviation Structural Mechanic in land or on a ship? What you think about this job? Is it something good for him?? He cannot find any good information about this particular job on the internet either.
He really wants to do it, but he's afraid the next four years he will be just moping the floor or peeling potatoes and when he get out he will be already on his 30's and will be harder to get an education or a better job to support the family. Last time I saw him was 2 years ago on his wedding and he was so happy and now It just breaks my heart to see him like that because I've been seeing from distance how hard he's working to put his life and now his wife's life together and he maybe not getting what his really whised and fought for. He will come to visit us in December for Christmas before he heads out to boot camp in January and I was hoping to collect some information for him before he gets here.
Sorry for the long letter, but I really had to take that out of my chest.
We are from Brazil. I am still living here in Rio de Janeiro with my husband and my young kid. My oldest son( Rafael) is now 25 and he went to U.S. when he was 20 (in 2002). The main purpose of his trip was to learn the English language, since he was a pilot back here in Brazil, he needed to domain the language in order to get a job in a airline( is pretty much a requirement). He decided that 2 years would be more than enough to learn it. So he was conciliating his time between a part-time job and school so he could bay for his own bills.
So that was his plan in the beginning, but half way through the second year he started dating a girl from the town ( San Diego - California) and the relationship got serious. He was supposed to be back at the end of summer of 2005 but decided to stay because of the girl. Making long story short, they moved in together in December of 2005 and got married on Summer 2006. So his plans to come back to Brazil were over. Meanwhile he was moving up position on the restaurant he was working and made up to management position. At this time he was fluent in English so he could work full time for the company( the company's name is Taco Bell, I don't know if you ever heard about it). After the wedding he started his process to become an U.S. permanent resident. That took another year and half and he finally got it last February.
In November of 2007 he got hired by another company for a manager position. It is where his working now, but it's not fast-food anymore, is more like a buffet style with more employees to manager. He takes care of all HR and finances of the restaurant.
At this point he started to get frustrated of how his life has turned around to be in the food industry instead of aviation. That's when the NAVY comes in. He started his flight lessons again to convert his pilots license from Brazil to U.S. He will be done in a couple of months. But he wanted do something different. He has been working in the last 5 years in the food industry and just had enough of it, so he decided to join the NAVY to try to do something related to aviation. He was very happy in the beginning but now he's wondering if he did the right choice. He has lots of experience in managing business, leading employees, plus he speaks fluently English, Spanish and Portuguese(read,write,speak in all three). Here in Brazil he worked as a computer technician, plus he has the pilot license. He doesn't know what to expect from the NAVY since he is going to start way from the bottom as an E-1 as he said. He said he got a guarantee "A" school as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, but then after he signed the contract he got to know about an "C" school that nobody told him about and it seems it's harder than the "A" school but it would give him more knowledge to perform his task. His upset about it because nobody gave him the option and he knows he can do it. Is there still anyway for him to get into one of those "C" schools?
Another thing is about a college degree. He really wants to get a Bachelor's in something related to aviation but hows is he going to find the time for it?? They told him they take professor's to the ship, which at first he thought it would be great, but how would be possible for him to attend a class if in the average he would be working 16 hours a day. Will he ever get a "day off" while on the ship to attend a class, either with those professors or do some on-line course?
Another thing that upsets him is the lack of information from his recruiter. What would be a typical day for him as an Aviation Structural Mechanic in land or on a ship? What you think about this job? Is it something good for him?? He cannot find any good information about this particular job on the internet either.
He really wants to do it, but he's afraid the next four years he will be just moping the floor or peeling potatoes and when he get out he will be already on his 30's and will be harder to get an education or a better job to support the family. Last time I saw him was 2 years ago on his wedding and he was so happy and now It just breaks my heart to see him like that because I've been seeing from distance how hard he's working to put his life and now his wife's life together and he maybe not getting what his really whised and fought for. He will come to visit us in December for Christmas before he heads out to boot camp in January and I was hoping to collect some information for him before he gets here.
Sorry for the long letter, but I really had to take that out of my chest.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brenda Sue on -
Wow - pretty awesome story!!! I bet you are proud - but missing that boy. You seem to have a good command of the English language!!
I don't know much, but there are a few recruiters on this site that might be able to better answer any questions.
Sounds to me like a pretty good deal - a lot of jobs in the Navy require both "A" and "C" schools, especially with high tech jobs like aviation. Also, a lot of kids enter boot camp as an E-1.
As far as getting college credit on ships, I am not at all sure about. I think they do get credit for some of the things they learn in A and C schools.
Good luck to both you and your son (and his family)!!!
We are glad you found this website - stick around and I am sure your questions will get answered.
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Permalink Reply by Achseh on
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Yes, there will be days that he will be mopping floors and cleaning toilets--all enlisted do that when they first start out. We call it "paying your dues" but it basically means you start out with the smaller stuff and work your way up--just as he did with his civilian job.
As for the education--he can do anything he puts his mind to. Educational opportunities abound in the military. While his workload may limit the number of classes he's able to take at any given time, he still has that opportunity. There are still times when he'll be on shore duty and his schedule is less hectic.
My husband retired as a Master Chief (E9) with 23 years in a couple of years ago. He retired with his MBA which he earned during his active duty service. It can be done as long as the will and determination to work hard are there. It sounds like your son has both the will and determination and will do well.
He would do best to seek out some sailors (plenty in his area) and talk to as many as he can to get a better idea of what his life will entail. It's not an easy life, but it sure is exciting at times and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
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Permalink Reply by Mary, Proud Mom of Nick on -
It sounds like your son has a lot to offer to the Navy. Management background, multi languages, pilot experience, computer technician.
He will have the opportunity to get many college credits and attend classes both in person and on line depending on where he is stationed. My husband completed two degrees while in the Navy.
Although I have no experience in Aviation Mechanics, I would think with his background as a pilot, he will have a good understand of the job and do well with it. I will get the job description for you and post it so you can understand the job better.
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Permalink Reply by Mary, Proud Mom of Nick on
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Helga, here is the job description for an AM -
Navy Enlisted Rating (Job) Descriptions and Qualification Factors
Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM)
By Rod Powers, About.com
General Info:
The Aviation Structural Mechanic - Hydraulics (AM), maintains all aircraft main and auxiliary hydraulic power systems, actuating subsystems and landing gear. Responsible for maintenance on the aircraft fuselage (mainframe) wings airfoils, and associated fixed and moveable surfaces and flight controls. Aircrew volunteers from this rating perform in-flight duties in various types of aircraft. These technicians may also volunteer to fly as Naval aircrew. Aircrew performs numerous in-flight duties and operates aircraft systems in turbojet, helicopter, or propeller aircraft. Aircrew earns additional pay for flying. (See the Aircrew Program for details.)
What They Do:
Remove, repair and replace hydraulic system pumps, auxiliary power systems and unit actuating subsystems; Maintain aircraft landing gear system, brakes and related pneumatic systems, reservoir pressurization, emergency actuating devices, pumps, valves, regulators, cylinders, lines and fittings; Service pressure accumulators, emergency air bottles, oleo struts, reservoirs and master brake cylinders; Inspect, removes and replace components of hydraulic systems; Replace gaskets, packing, and wipers in hydraulic components; Remove, repair and replace aircraft fuselage, wings, fixed and movable surfaces, airfoils, regular seats, wheels and tires, controls and mechanisms; Remove, install and rig aircraft flight control surfaces; Fabricate and assemble metal components and make minor repairs to aircraft skin; Install rivets and metal fasteners; Paint; Weld; Fabricate repairs for composite components; Perform non-destructive dye penetrant inspections (NDI), Perform daily, preflight, postflight and other periodic aircraft inspections.
ASVAB Score:
VE+AR+MK+AS=210 or VE+AR+MK+MC=210
Other Requirements:
Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing.
High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must be able to type 40 words per minute. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.
Technical Training Information:
Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.
Pensacola -- 43 calendar days
Pensacola -- 11 caldendar days (only some recruits will attend this course)
Basic Aviation Structural Mechanic course, basic aviation theory course, and skills required for specialized AMS rating Group instruction, classroom and shop. After completion of Core "A" school, AMSs may attend an additional two week organizational maintenance training school. AMSs may be assigned to aviation squadrons, aircraft carriers or to other Navy ships carrying aircraft, to Naval Air Stations or other aviation shore facilities in the United States or overseas. You will have opportunities to attend formal schoolhouse advanced technical training throughout your career. During a 20-year period, AMSs spend about 50 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 50 percent to shore stations.
Working Environment:
Aviation structural mechanics may be assigned to sea or shore duty any place in the world, so their working environment varies considerably. They may work in hangars or hangar decks, or outside on flight decks or flight lines at air stations. A high noise level is a normal part of their work environment. AM's work closely with others, do mostly physical work and require little supervision. AM's may also serve as
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Permalink Reply by Tamie (mom of Michael) on -
I believe Mary came up with the answers to your questions, tell your son to hang in there, it is a tuff start, but he will be very happy with the discision, he has made.
stay in touch with the moms and dads ect. ect on this site and you will feel so much better. Take a deep breath, than let it out. God Bless. Tamie
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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Smart on -
Good Morning Helga,
Thank you for trusting us to help you! I know you feel so removed from this situation, being so far away...Honestly, I sent your letter on to my daughter who's in A school in Florida with the Navy, because she has a great grasp of what and where and who to speak to about these questions. She should be writing you soon, with those answers. As for me, the Mom, I wish to tell you that joining the Navy will give your son opportunities out of this world. He will have time to go to classes aboard ship or on base, they have regular working days (8 hours); not 16! The only time he'd have hours like that are once in a while, a "watch" where they stay on duty protecting their ship. He will also be able to take online classes as well, and our government pays $80,000 to them to attend college here. He has made the right decision, although it will take him a little longer, he will succeed very rapidly due to his experience. Have faith in he and his wife, give them your blessing, he will have a wonderful career ahead of him! All my best, Cheryl Smart
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Permalink Reply by Amanda on -
Helga, his A school is the first school after boot camp where he'll focus on his specialty. There is no B school, they go from A to C school. It's not a bad thing, it's just a progression. My own son will go to A school in California, then head to North Carolina for his C school which in his case, is Marine Combat school because he's a Seabee. It's all normal so don't worry! The Navy makes sure they're all as educated and prepared as possible in their jobs as lives depend on it.
As to whether or not we've heard of Taco Bell....they're on every corner and sometimes they're pretty tasty! Welcome Aboard and I hope we can all help you find your way and ease your mind.
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Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on -
Helga, first let me say how much I admire and applaud you, a Mom from another country willing to send her precious 20 year old Son to another country to pursue his dreams! Did you have any family or friends here or did he come all alone? My son is 20, went to college and has lived out of our house for 2 years. Yet, still, we have had an adjustment just sending him to Boot Camp and preparing for possible deployment overseas in the next few years! I can't imagine if he had started out so far away to begin with. Being as supportive of him as you are will go a long ways towards his success as an American citizen and especially as a US Navy Sailor! By the way, yes, almost everyone here in the US has heard of Taco Bell, they are a national chain. =) "Yo quiero Taco Bell!" LOL
You will find that the older recruits often have more confidence and rise to encourage, mentor and provide leadership for the younger recruits. I suspect your son has the right character traits. His people management skills will come into play as he rises in the ranks (I suspect he will not stay an E-1 for long. It usually takes around 9 months to add your stripes, give or take, my son did it in 9 weeks, BUT he had college credits that qualified him for a higher rank to start) Leadership skills, a good attitude and good performance will get him noticed by his RDC (Recruit Divison Commander) and other higher ups. His multitude of marketable skills, including his command of three languages, I'm sure will also be noted and hopefully put to good use. There is a phrase "Needs of the Navy", they will send him and use him where ever they need him most, but I think they'd be crazy not to apply all his skills!!!
Do you know if his contract gives him any kind of bonus? That is extra $ he can use for school, many Reservists get it, not sure what he would get as an Active Duty member. Also, as a brand new US citizen, I would think he now qualifies for the newly amended GI Bill, passed by Congress. This will provide him a housing allowance, money for his dependents and school, many of the details are still being worked out. You can Google it for more info. Others here know more than I on that. My son received 12 elective college credits just for Boot Camp and is on his way to earning more, just doing his required training. He should be able to finish up his Bachelors degree in the next few years. I'm realizing that in the Navy, there are many opportunities to learn, get an education, build on your marketable skills and get off to a great start and a bright future! :-)
Finally, all recruits have to go to an "A" school after Boot Camp to my understanding, and they only go to a "C" school after they have completed the prerequisite "A" school. Yes, he should have a chance to attend one, whether of his choice depends on his contract and where they decide he should go next for further training. My son is going through his "A" school training as a Hospital Corpsman at Great Lakes right now (same base as Boot Camp, different side), he was getting a Criminal Justice degree at college before and thought he wanted to go into the Navy as an MA -Military Police. Life sometimes takes an unexpected turn. Either it is not going as hoped and planned as with your son and they have to make a course correction (good for him for doing it now while he's still young. I know many older men working a job that provides adequately for their families, but was never what they intended to do) or like mine, they discover what they are meant to do. We have to adjust now to the idea of our son possibly being a combat medic. His "C" school would either be in North Carolina or San Diego. Sounds like Rafael's would be in Pensacola Florida?
So glad you are going to get to see him one time before he goes! Treasure that time. :) Use the time now to do exactly what you are doing, for him AND you... make connections and new friends, build your support system and gather as much info as you can!
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Permalink Reply by Angie F.- WA: HM mom on
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How funny, it cut off the end, guess I hit my limit! Ironically, I was going to say, please do not apologize for the length of your post (it is I who now apologizes for the wordiness of mine! I just hope I've helped you in some way) you told your story well. The Moms, ex- Navy personell, the few recruiters and even some Dads will do everything they can to get you through and give you correct info. N4M's is a great community! Welcome aboard Navy Mom!! Oh, and tell your son he is quite an inspiration. =) God Bless you all.
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Permalink Reply by NavyRecruiter Air on -
Hola Helga,
To start I am an aviation electronics technician and have been for eleven years. AM as Mary told you about has now merged both hydraulics and structural. Meaning an AM works on all aircraft surfaces, skin panels, painting, and hydraulic landing gear system and flight control surfaces. AMs are a vital component to Naval Aviation; they keep the aircraft in top shape during the stresses our pilots put on them and keep thier service life up.
In regard to C school, 90% of all aviation students attend a C school to learn what aircraft they will work on if they are O level, or what aircraft system they will work on if they are I level. O level work directly on the aircraft troubleshooting failed components and sending repairable items into the I level technicians who then repair the failed component.
Now you also said he would like to complete his bachelor's, does he have an associates? There is a commissioning program for flying chief warrant officer. Which with an associates degree he can apply to this program and become a pilot with the US Navy. His experience and license with Brazil will carry more weight than most applicants.
The college professor you mentioned is part of PACE which stands for program for afloat college education. We do send a college professor out to sea during cruises to give our sailors an education. The only thing he would pay for is his books.
As for the hours you work on deployment, the air wing works a standard 10-12 hour day. Any time spent over that is need based, such as an aircraft is broken and it needs to fly soon. As to mopping and peeling potatoes, we have TAD time, this is where you serve 3-6 months working in First Lieutenant (janitorial services) or the Coffee Mess which is the squadron store to help raise money for MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) events such as a christmas party or summer picnic. once that time is over you begin working in your job rating.
If your son has any more questions, I will send you a message with me email and phone number so he may contact me.
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Permalink Reply by Helga Appe on -
Uau, I can't describe how amazed I am from the support I'm receiving from all of you. It really makes my heart beat stronger. I'm really happy my son found me this website. Now just to answer some of your question regarding my son that some of you brought up and raise some new questions:
Angie F. 15 hours ago
"Helga, first let me say how much I admire and applaud you, a Mom from another country willing to send her precious 20 year old Son to another country to pursue his dreams! Did you have any family or friends here or did he come all alone?"
R: He has a half-sister (from my husband's first marriage) living in San Diego. She agreed to help him out and gave him a good support but after a couple of weeks, he decided to move out, since she's married and had two little kids. He didn't want to bother her much. It's funny that a lot of things that happened to him I found out just on his wedding day. Like, when he left his sister house he went to live with some friends of him. On the 3rd day when he got home after work his roommates were using drugs, so he took all stuff and left the house right away because he didn't want to get involved and was sleeping on his car for about a week until he finds another place. This is just one example, if I start writing everything, I'll be righting for a while and the text will be a few pages long. So yeah, he's a road warrior type of guy.
"Do you know if his contract gives him any kind of bonus? That is extra $ he can use for school, many Reservists get it, not sure what he would get as an Active Duty member"
His job didn't qualified for any direct bonus. What seems he got on his contract was a extra $450 per month on his GI Bill when start using it. He wasn't too much worried with a bonus. The thing that worries him most was to get a job related to aviation. So far everything is going according to his plan.
"So glad you are going to get to see him one time before he goes! Treasure that time. :) Use the time now to do exactly what you are doing, for him AND you... make connections and new friends, build your support system and gather as much info as you can!
I can't wait either. Today (July 30) he celebrates 2 years of marriage. It's been 2 years without seen him. They said they'll be coming early in December and spend the rest of the month. And his wife celebrates her birthday on December 26. We're planing to have a nice new years party by the Copacabana beach.
AM as Mary told you about has now merged both hydraulics and structural. Meaning an AM works on all aircraft surfaces, skin panels, painting, and hydraulic landing gear system and flight control surfaces. AMs are a vital component to Naval Aviation; they keep the aircraft in top shape during the stresses our pilots put on them and keep their service life up.
Yep, seems like the perfect job for my boy. I remember since he was a kid he was always opening his radio controlled toys, fixing and puting back together. That transfered well when he started to work as a computer technician. I had his boss calling over here at the house for a good year and half asking if he was back yet because he wanted back to work on shop + I remember he was doing service for some other marketing company that had a lot of computers working 24/7 so he had to keep those machines running all the time. And he was 18 at that time. From the four kids, he his far the most responsible.
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Permalink Reply by Helga Appe on
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Now you also said he would like to complete his bachelor's, does he have an associates? There is a commissioning program for flying chief warrant officer. Which with an associates degree he can apply to this program and become a pilot with the US Navy. His experience and license with Brazil will carry more weight than most applicants.
Here is a interesting thing. We don't have an Associates degree in Brazil as well you don't take general education while in college. All general education classes you take while in High School, so, when you go to the college, you just work on your major. On his case, he went for 2 years on a Psychology major before he went to U.S.(he didnt get any degree)because my husband pushed him into it. But for some reason the NAVY didn't accepted any of his units. That's why he's start as an E-1 instead of E-3 like his recruiter told him it could happen.
The question I have for you "NavyRecruiter Air" is regarding the Tuition Assistance for college: is there any limitation on type of major my son will be able to choose? Does it have to be directly involved with the field he will be working with? Because he want's to get his degree in Aerospace Engineering and I am not sure if this would something acceptable for this program? So, what he's going to do this semester is to take some general education classes before he goes to boot camp in January. He knows he will be able just to take a few of the general education classes, but at least he will be little bit ahead of the game, and then, when get stationed and find out what he will be authorized to do, he starts the classes for whatever major he decides. Would you have any thought about that? Again thank you very much for everyone.
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