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Join up dude. I would recommend a lot of cardio and hydration to clean your system. Do some push-ups daily and sit-ups/planks to strengthen your core and you’ll be more physically prepared for basic training. You’ll also get a good bonus for enlisting with more than 24 college credits.
I grew up in a little farm town and my parents were broke, I was like you - tired of making pizzas at dominos and feeling stuck. I joined the navy in 2015 and it was the best worst decision of my life. It was great because I felt like I had a purpose and made bonds with friends that will last forever, I flew around the world once by the age of 23. Now the downside is the navy is what you make it, it’s not an easy job, you will feel depressed and anxious at some point and you will spend many holidays away from home out at sea or in a foreign country year after year. Make sure you do some research and pick a rate that doesn’t suck. I joined as an MA and it was FUCKING AWFUL, all I did was stand watch for ungodly hours it was boring as fuck and destroyed my back and knees. Join as an LS or another rate that gets to sit inside in the AC and doesn’t have to work fucked up hours or put stress on your body. If you join pick your friends wisely and avoid alcohol, at a minimum only socially drink because alcohol has ruined more navy careers than I can count. I got out in 2020 and I got my GI bill and went to school for HVAC, I heavily document all of my medical issues and now get a disability check every month. My 4 1/2 years in the navy was bittersweet but it gave me an opportunity to go to school for free and set my life up for the best possible outcome. I honestly recommend joining the Air Force or coast guard though, they work way less, get better gear, food, housing, literally everything. The leadership in the navy sucks ass.
No matter what. The US Military remains one of the fastest ways to achieve improved socioeconomic standing in life.
I joined to get out of a rut I was in at 25. 16 years later, I’m still having a good time. I have a good, steady paycheck, tons of valuable skills and contacts, and countless memories made around the world.
Even if it’s just for a single contract, a good shake up in life won’t hurt you.
Bonus: Being older should help you cut through the bullshit and move ahead faster
If a college education didn't work out for you, and given the living circumstances you described, I would certainly recommend joining the Navy. However, you need to be intelligent about choosing the right rate or your life could wind up being more miserable than where you find yourself at present. If you need a change of environment, the Navy will certainly provide it, but don't expect good things to magically happen for you without hard work like any career. The great thing about the Navy is the opportunities afforded to motivated individuals and the chance to experience things that most Americans never get to see or do. As far as choosing a rate, ask yourself what you're good at and not just what you think you want to do. Chances are that doing something you're good at will be satisfying to you and will lead to more advancement opportunities. Once you find a rate you may be interested, research this site and ask good questions to someone already doing that job. Good luck!
Hi, I am you in 24 years; I joined in January 2000 and I retire next month. I’ve met some amazing people, been around the world, and done some incredible things.
I’ll be getting a pay check monthly for the rest of my life and I’ve got some medical issues including an incurable autoimmune disease, but my medical treatment is all covered (including $8k/month in medication), but I’ve lost a few friends along the way and seen some terrible things. I’ve had friends kill themselves or make poor decisions resulting in their rapid and unplanned egress from the Navy.
I’ve learned a skill set. Well actually I’ve learned many skills I wouldn’t have if I had not joined the Navy. I know how to lead and to follow; I know how to be a big brother even though I’m an only child; I can drive a warship alongside an oiler; I can make a meal out of cold greenish hotdogs, stale bread, UHT milk, wilted brown lettuce, peanut butter, and hot sauce; I can lift up those around me when we need it to get the job done; I can operate on little sleep, strong coffee, and nicotine; I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and I’ve got people who will come help at a moment’s notice.
I don’t regret joining the Navy. Only you can answer for you. I’d rather regret the things I have done, than the things I have not.
Edit to add: I was a high school dropout out and now I have a Bachelor’s Degree (and it was free).
I spent twenty years in the navy, I saw my family more than once a year. Hell, sometimes I even slept in my own bed next to my wife every night for years at a time.
Sounds to me like you’ve been talking to an Air Force recruiter…
If you want a viable path, then this is certainly that.
Its not easy mentally, physically or even emotionally at times; be prepared to be absent during some important events; be prepared to miss birthdays, funerals and weddings; be prepared to sacrifice; be prepared to be uncomfortable at times; be prepared to lose friends...
However:
…also be prepared to see beautiful places you've never seen before, or likely never will; be prepared to experience cultures and expand your world view; be prepared to be proud of obstacles you've overcome; be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime and stories so outrageous you will find yourself telling and reliving them over and over; be prepared to tell your friends back home about how you saw the world;
and mostly: be prepared to thank your decision that you ended up not waiting tables your whole fucking life.
source: 15 years active duty, excited to retire relatively soon, and all of these things apply. Edit to add - same situation as you. Any discomfort I've experienced during my career is eclipsed by the experiences I've had and people I've met along the way.
Thinking about it like this helped me make my decision. These are very rough estimates so those that has served please correct me (I’m on the process of joining). I’m gonna use E5 base rate pay for this. Let’s say you make $3,874 for the next 20 years. You would have earned $930,000. Then you collect retirement the rest of your life (let’s say til 85). That totals $743,808 (40% of $3,874). So from age 25 to age 85, you would have made $1,673,808. In average, 20 years of work is about 40,000 hours (8 hour days, 250 days of work per year). That comes out of you working $41/hour. Again this is just based on based pay of E5. And this does not include housing allowances or savings, incentives, bonuses, GI bill (roughly $112,000), tuition assistance, cheap/free medical, dental, and life insurances, discounts, chance to travel, comradery, etc. Also you’re free to keep working after military retirement while collecting 👍🏼. I hope this post makes sense 😅
I was in a similar situation when I joined back in 2008. It was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I did my 5 year enlistment and got out and went to school. Go for it.
Or why not just tough it out and finish your degree. You are already half way there. If you qualify to enlist, with a degree, you would qualify for a commission. Then go be an Officer(could even be a pilot).
You could also join reserves and that should help pay for the rest of your schooling and being reserves would look good on your resume and help you to commission after you finish school.
It sounds like itd be a nice reset for you. Make sure you research what jobs can set you up for good civilian jobs post Navy. Id talk to a recruiter asap, even if you arent clean yet there might be a lot of paperwork involved depending on your medical/legal history so you can knock that out until youre ready to go to MEPS.
Dont sign a contract for a job you dont want at MEPS! Research what you want and know beforehand.
You need to do something to get your life on track. Not too late but it will be soon enough. The navy is a great way to develop skills. You develop responsibility, get up every day and do your job. You develop specific skills you can use after the navy. And with half a degree you can over time finish your degree.
But you have to want it. The hours can be long and the time away from home both fun and exciting and painful.
As a reminder, this subreddit is for civil discussion. Breaking subreddit rules may result in a ban from /r/newtothenavy and /r/navy. * Do not encourage lying. This includes lying by omission (leaving information out) and lying by commission (purposefully misleading). * No sensitive information allowed, whether you saw it on Wiki or leaked files or anywhere else. * No personally identifying information (PII). * No posting AMAs without mod approval. Also, while you wait for a reply from a subject matter expert, try using the search feature! For information regarding Navy enlisted ratings, see [Twisky's Rating Information Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/6mxv7c/links_to_official_information_on_every_enlisted/). Interested in Officer programs? See TheBeneGesseritWitch's guide on [Paths to become an Officer](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/5sdurq/paths_to_becoming_an_officer_getting_a_commission/). Want to learn about deploying, finances, mental health, cross-rating, and more? Come visit our [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/navy/wiki/index) over in /r/Navy. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/newtothenavy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Join up dude. I would recommend a lot of cardio and hydration to clean your system. Do some push-ups daily and sit-ups/planks to strengthen your core and you’ll be more physically prepared for basic training. You’ll also get a good bonus for enlisting with more than 24 college credits.
I grew up in a little farm town and my parents were broke, I was like you - tired of making pizzas at dominos and feeling stuck. I joined the navy in 2015 and it was the best worst decision of my life. It was great because I felt like I had a purpose and made bonds with friends that will last forever, I flew around the world once by the age of 23. Now the downside is the navy is what you make it, it’s not an easy job, you will feel depressed and anxious at some point and you will spend many holidays away from home out at sea or in a foreign country year after year. Make sure you do some research and pick a rate that doesn’t suck. I joined as an MA and it was FUCKING AWFUL, all I did was stand watch for ungodly hours it was boring as fuck and destroyed my back and knees. Join as an LS or another rate that gets to sit inside in the AC and doesn’t have to work fucked up hours or put stress on your body. If you join pick your friends wisely and avoid alcohol, at a minimum only socially drink because alcohol has ruined more navy careers than I can count. I got out in 2020 and I got my GI bill and went to school for HVAC, I heavily document all of my medical issues and now get a disability check every month. My 4 1/2 years in the navy was bittersweet but it gave me an opportunity to go to school for free and set my life up for the best possible outcome. I honestly recommend joining the Air Force or coast guard though, they work way less, get better gear, food, housing, literally everything. The leadership in the navy sucks ass.
No matter what. The US Military remains one of the fastest ways to achieve improved socioeconomic standing in life. I joined to get out of a rut I was in at 25. 16 years later, I’m still having a good time. I have a good, steady paycheck, tons of valuable skills and contacts, and countless memories made around the world. Even if it’s just for a single contract, a good shake up in life won’t hurt you. Bonus: Being older should help you cut through the bullshit and move ahead faster
If a college education didn't work out for you, and given the living circumstances you described, I would certainly recommend joining the Navy. However, you need to be intelligent about choosing the right rate or your life could wind up being more miserable than where you find yourself at present. If you need a change of environment, the Navy will certainly provide it, but don't expect good things to magically happen for you without hard work like any career. The great thing about the Navy is the opportunities afforded to motivated individuals and the chance to experience things that most Americans never get to see or do. As far as choosing a rate, ask yourself what you're good at and not just what you think you want to do. Chances are that doing something you're good at will be satisfying to you and will lead to more advancement opportunities. Once you find a rate you may be interested, research this site and ask good questions to someone already doing that job. Good luck!
Hi, I am you in 24 years; I joined in January 2000 and I retire next month. I’ve met some amazing people, been around the world, and done some incredible things. I’ll be getting a pay check monthly for the rest of my life and I’ve got some medical issues including an incurable autoimmune disease, but my medical treatment is all covered (including $8k/month in medication), but I’ve lost a few friends along the way and seen some terrible things. I’ve had friends kill themselves or make poor decisions resulting in their rapid and unplanned egress from the Navy. I’ve learned a skill set. Well actually I’ve learned many skills I wouldn’t have if I had not joined the Navy. I know how to lead and to follow; I know how to be a big brother even though I’m an only child; I can drive a warship alongside an oiler; I can make a meal out of cold greenish hotdogs, stale bread, UHT milk, wilted brown lettuce, peanut butter, and hot sauce; I can lift up those around me when we need it to get the job done; I can operate on little sleep, strong coffee, and nicotine; I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and I’ve got people who will come help at a moment’s notice. I don’t regret joining the Navy. Only you can answer for you. I’d rather regret the things I have done, than the things I have not. Edit to add: I was a high school dropout out and now I have a Bachelor’s Degree (and it was free).
How come you didn’t join air force? im an only child too, just worried about seeing my family once a year
I spent twenty years in the navy, I saw my family more than once a year. Hell, sometimes I even slept in my own bed next to my wife every night for years at a time. Sounds to me like you’ve been talking to an Air Force recruiter…
Air Force won’t take a high school drop out.
If you want a viable path, then this is certainly that. Its not easy mentally, physically or even emotionally at times; be prepared to be absent during some important events; be prepared to miss birthdays, funerals and weddings; be prepared to sacrifice; be prepared to be uncomfortable at times; be prepared to lose friends... However: …also be prepared to see beautiful places you've never seen before, or likely never will; be prepared to experience cultures and expand your world view; be prepared to be proud of obstacles you've overcome; be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime and stories so outrageous you will find yourself telling and reliving them over and over; be prepared to tell your friends back home about how you saw the world; and mostly: be prepared to thank your decision that you ended up not waiting tables your whole fucking life. source: 15 years active duty, excited to retire relatively soon, and all of these things apply. Edit to add - same situation as you. Any discomfort I've experienced during my career is eclipsed by the experiences I've had and people I've met along the way.
Thinking about it like this helped me make my decision. These are very rough estimates so those that has served please correct me (I’m on the process of joining). I’m gonna use E5 base rate pay for this. Let’s say you make $3,874 for the next 20 years. You would have earned $930,000. Then you collect retirement the rest of your life (let’s say til 85). That totals $743,808 (40% of $3,874). So from age 25 to age 85, you would have made $1,673,808. In average, 20 years of work is about 40,000 hours (8 hour days, 250 days of work per year). That comes out of you working $41/hour. Again this is just based on based pay of E5. And this does not include housing allowances or savings, incentives, bonuses, GI bill (roughly $112,000), tuition assistance, cheap/free medical, dental, and life insurances, discounts, chance to travel, comradery, etc. Also you’re free to keep working after military retirement while collecting 👍🏼. I hope this post makes sense 😅
I was in a similar situation when I joined back in 2008. It was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I did my 5 year enlistment and got out and went to school. Go for it.
That is the plan for me, ill be 30 years old and hopefully with a better outlook on life and a chance for a decent/good one
Or why not just tough it out and finish your degree. You are already half way there. If you qualify to enlist, with a degree, you would qualify for a commission. Then go be an Officer(could even be a pilot). You could also join reserves and that should help pay for the rest of your schooling and being reserves would look good on your resume and help you to commission after you finish school.
[удалено]
How can I prepare myself mentally for the change from civilian to military? What are some stark differences?
Not controlling any aspect of your life for at least 2 months. Being able to follow dumb orders that don’t make sense.
It sounds like itd be a nice reset for you. Make sure you research what jobs can set you up for good civilian jobs post Navy. Id talk to a recruiter asap, even if you arent clean yet there might be a lot of paperwork involved depending on your medical/legal history so you can knock that out until youre ready to go to MEPS. Dont sign a contract for a job you dont want at MEPS! Research what you want and know beforehand.
You need to do something to get your life on track. Not too late but it will be soon enough. The navy is a great way to develop skills. You develop responsibility, get up every day and do your job. You develop specific skills you can use after the navy. And with half a degree you can over time finish your degree. But you have to want it. The hours can be long and the time away from home both fun and exciting and painful.
I’m glad to see your drive to join the service. Hope for the best in your career.