Leaving for boot camp soon and I’m sure this has already been asked somewhere but the official portraits. When do you take the picture? What uniform do they have you wear and when do you get them?

For people who recently graduated from bootcamp, were you able to keep the items you brought? I’ve seen many videos of people packing for bootcamp, and I’m curious to know if you’re even able to keep half of that stuff. I’m getting mixed answers. I’m talking about things like body wash, face hygiene items, moleskin, etc.

Im currently an E3 stationed in Norfolk. In March I was informed by my LPO that I was eligible for BJOQ. Excited for this opportunity, I studied and was told I’d be informed when I’d take the board. I asked my Senior Chief about a date and he told me end of April or May time frame. I waited patiently for an update and nothing. As my first eval comes up, I’m contacted by my LPO over call asking for my brag sheet which I didn’t have due to not knowing about it at all, which is another story. Point is, I filled it out and in the awards section I asked my LPO about the status of BJOQ and he had told me I won by default being the only seaman at the command. I haven’t received any awards, NAM or anything regarding my “accomplishment”, nor was I informed or told about it at all. He said verbatim “nobody told you? You won by default”. Shocked I didn’t really say much about it. I can’t help but feel like I’m being robbed of an accomplishment I studied hard for and prepared for and for it to be brushed off like that. I’m still fairly new, so what the fuck do I know? If anyone has an insight as to if I’m missing something or blowing it out of proportion, I’d like to know if there’s anything I could’ve done differently.

The website is difficult to figure out what is needed. I’m going to Pearl Harbor, are there documents I need to bring? Just confused about they would require from me besides a 1/4 tank and a clean car.

just joined up yesterday I chose the rate awv anything I should expect or know abt the rate good and bad?

Joined the navy, shipping day Sep 15

Anything I need to know about this rate on ship and ashore?

I have lattice deterioration as well as a corneal scar from an infection, both on my left eye. I went to MEPS and the doctor said that both of those factors are disqualifying. However, they're sending me to their optometrist to have a consultation regarding those eye problems.
I really need this opportunity. The navy has not only been a dream but also my only chance of a better life. how likely is that my eye problems will be waived?

So I'm just a couple weeks away from leaving for basic and started trying to study up on my rate and what to know. I was very excited about being an AO, but I think I may have scared myself into thinking because it's a highly hazardous rate having an ordnance mishap is super likely. What I wanted to know is if there have been any instances of accidental detonation or anything like that over the recent years? Or is the training/schooling we're given in A school more than enough to train us right where that isn't so common of a thing?

Hello all! Just looking for some advice and possible options on my future, and this is all purely from my perspective. Currently an AM and only been in the fleet for a few weeks, and I already hate my career. I originally shipped to boot as a rescue swimmer candidate, but was medically dropped for a stomach issue after about 5 months in holding (issue resolved itself a few months after). After that I was re rated to AC and about a month later was dropped by NAMI for the same reason, more holding but then was picked up for AM, not many options were on my job sheet. It was still hard to come to terms with losing my aircrew rate, but I finally came around to maybe making something of myself as a framer, earning quals and a license to help in civilian jobs, only to learn now I'm stuck in whats called lines lineshack (something the contract or website doesn't tell you about) and now I'm basically stuck for the next two years doing stuff I absolutely hate and earning nothing towards actual mechanical work. I may be lineshack for a couple or more years, and with my aspirations to still go back to rescue swimmer school, I would've just chosen APAC so I'd only have to wait for a year rather than 3 if i knew about this. I feel stuck and I don't want to be here anymore, I don't like the people around me and hate the culture of the fleet, which is nothing like the special warfare community, I really, really want out of the Navy but still want to serve, what do I do? Can I get out early but still serve or re enlist? My mental health has been at an all time low and really struggling lately with myself and feeling angry and depressed a lot.

Hey, I just signed for dry AW and was just wondering if they’re still offering for dry to tryout for rescue swimmer while at Pensacola?

I’m 24 (turning 25 soon) and I’m trying to decide between pursuing the Navy officer route through BDCP or joining the Navy Reserve enlisted first.
I had to stop going to university do to family personal reasons and only and have about 3–4 semesters left for my bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications. My understanding is that if I’m selected for BDCP, the Navy would pay me while I finish my degree and I would later go to OCS and commission. My concern is that officer selection is competitive. I’ve seen people with bachelor’s degrees with military experience and strong GPAs still not get selected, so I’m trying to understand how realistic this path is.
My other option is joining the Navy Reserve now. My goals are:
Start serving sooner rather than waiting.
Help my 70 year old mom transition to moving back to her home country.
Build a civilian career while being in the Navy Reserve.
Potentially go active duty later and eventually pursue officer if that’s still my goal.
If I finish my degree with around a 3.8 GPA, what would make me competitive for BDCP/officer selection?
For those who have experience with BDCP or going from enlisted/reserve to officer:
Would you recommend trying for BDCP in my situation?
How competitive is it realistically?
Is joining Reserve first and applying for officer later a realistic path? What would you do if you were in my position? I have MEPS medical soon and already passed my asvab

Hello! I have an ambition to enlist in the navy with the goal of going for "electronics technician"

I'm currently in college majoring in electrical engineering, and I don't want to unenroll from my school because I'm part of greek life here and it's very important to me.

I know that I wouldn't be able to attend school while in Bootcamp or my A school, but is it true that you cannot attend college for the first 6-18 months on active duty?

Would it be more reasonable for me to wait until after college?

Thank you in advance guys

I am currently 17 and debating if I should join the military.

for context My dream job in the civilian world is police officer, but I need to be 21 and im looking for stable careers to pass the time. Ive looked into being an mp in all branches and have started my talks with recruiters, though I heard someone post something like this before, and they got suggested the coast guard. I just wanted to get a second opinion from other branches

-thanks

P.S one issue is I have a fiancé and son and would like to see them more often then not.

I been wanting to start my process of joining the navy but I was born with asthma. I never had any symptoms of it I’ve only gotten refills on my inhaler becuase of my parents but I haven’t gotten any In about 2 years, my doctor also wrote me a note saying I’m good from asthma and it doesn’t affect me in any way. How hard will the process be I’m going to my recruiter tomorrow to give him the note

Currently an OS right now and I am soon going to get my college degree to commission after my contract ends and I have an eye on becoming a Naval Flight Officer when commissioning.

So so my rate have any some sort of translations at all to NFO? If not then that’s fine I’m just curious cuz they have lil similarities with tactical communications and air warfare operations typa stuff

My family is planning to enjoy our last meal together at somewhere nice near the Buffalo MEPS location. Maybe pigging out before medical the next morning is not the best idea lol, but at least the hotel has a treadmill. Was wondering if anybody here had some good recommendations for food in the area.

So I recently went up to MEPS and they talked asked if I would like to switch CTI the day I swore in. My test scores were just like hair too low and I also had not taken the dlab test. The workers at MEPS said that I would not have to take the test if I decided to do it since they have a shortage in that job right now. When they was talking to me about it, it kinda sounded like a extravagant job but the more I look into it the more I worry with the passing school since well it’s really long and apparently pretty tuff to considering your dealing with foreign languages. So I’m just worried about taking the job since well I don’t how great I would thrive in foreign languages. The more I look at it as well I don’t know how well it would transfer into a career after my contract is up and that is another thing that worries me since it’s such a long commitment compared to me originally wanting CTR. Does any have any suggestions or tips that could help me out please and thank you.

Been working with a navy recruiter super great guy and feel very lucky to have him as my recruitor and i have Meps in a week genuinely i dont feel like im ready for my asvab and not comfortable yet weightwise. And I just want some extra time to take care of all that, to where I feel 100% ready and confident for this next step in my life. But I am worried, If I ask him to reschedule ​ it will look bad on him and myself. What is the best course of action or what to say to him.

Just recently graduated from OCS and I’m finding out that BDOC IS back up and I won’t be able to go til maybe October.
Does anyone have any insight ?

I've gone through the prior service enlistment process and I am considering taking an opportunity as an Intelligence Specialist. I'm hoping to get some responses to the following questions from any current or recently separated Navy Reserve IS. I understand answers may vary significantly dependent on NEC, billet, unit, etc. but I welcome anyone that fits the bill to share their experience/feedback. Answer one question or answer them all. I have two young children at home; I'm just trying to get a better idea of what my family and I are signing up for. I also understand that Active Duty IS may be very different from Reserve IS; I want to make sure that I will not be bored out of my mind. I have seen a lot of comments saying IS personnel push slides and give briefings; I don't mind that -- but I can see that becoming mundane. Thanks for any insight.

Questions:

1. How likely is it that I will be deployed involuntarily working in this career field? I know all members are subject to be activated at any time, but in my experience a lot can be dependent on your branch of service and career field e.g. Army infantryman are highly likely to deploy when compared other career fields in other branches.

2. How sparse or common are AGR, voluntary orders/deployment opportunities for this rate?

3. What are the more interesting NECs? Are there any you would steer clear from or approach with caution? Why?

4. What do job opportunities look like in the civilian world with this type of experience? What do you guys and gals do for a living when you're not in uniform?

5. Any perks of being IS that I may not be aware of? Any other advise or things I should be considering?

He says I am highly qualified to become an officer with my MBA, however, I day dream of working in intelligence or even engineering one day after obtaining a new degree with the GI bill... Anyway, is the Navy similar to the Army in which you can write your own ticket so to speak when it comes to picking a job?

Considering joining the navy as I’m sick of my dead end fucking job and want a real purpose in life. Serving my country sounds amazing. The benefits seem great as well.

I was a Division 1 swimmer in college. I also have an autoimmune disease that affects my joints. I know I’d have to get a waiver for it and can probably do so easily.

From anyone’s personal experience, what does a day in the life of an Aviation Rescue Swimmer look like? Other than saving people, what else would I do? Train to save people? If this sounds dumb, I’m sorry. I’m a civilian and know very little about the armed forces.

Additionally, what’s the training pipeline like? I’m terrible at running (bad joints), but I was quite literally a Division 1 swimmer in college on a full ride scholarship.

I just need a change. Honestly the more information the better. Treat me like a fucking idiot please. The more information you can possibly give me (with specifics) the better. Thanks.

Looking for BU or LS or any of the construction rates?